Eleven Madison Park

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 11 Madison Avenue, (@ 24th St), New York City, New York, 10010, United States
Tel: +1 212 889 0905
Website: view Eleven Madison Park’s website
Door: Go early
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 1998

Review

Set in the theatrically scaled hall of a 1920s Art Deco building, this is quite simply one of New York's most impressive restaurants - impressive in every way: décor, food, wine, service, and dear discerning drinkers, cocktails.

The old Metropolitan Life Building is grandiose in the extreme and the restaurant boasts grand windows overlooking Madison Square Park rising to the fabulous ceiling high above, so high as to accommodate two 'sky-box' dining suites overlook the main dining hall. Terrazzo floors, original light fixtures, marble and nickel glad walls add to this extravagance of this setting. Beyond all of this, too the far side, lies the restaurants' discreet and relatively modestly sized bar. This is the place to be.

Be sure to go early to ensure a seat at the bar. Start with one of the apéritif cocktails whilst you peruse the full food menu which is also served at the bar. Settle in for a night of fabulous food and drink.

You will find yourself in the company of Mad Man and other business types so think Don Draper when deciding what to wear.