New York Restaurant Resumes Serving Meat After Adopting Vegan Policy - Restaurant in New York Resumes Serving Meat after Being a Vegan Establishment
Eleven Madison Park Embraces Inclusivity and Sustainability with Menu Change
After four years of serving exclusively vegan cuisine, the renowned restaurant Eleven Madison Park is set to reintroduce meat and fish to its menu. The decision, announced by Swiss chef Daniel Humm on Instagram, aims to embrace choice and inclusivity without abandoning the commitment to plant-based cooking.
The restaurant, which earned three Michelin stars with a fully plant-based menu in 2022, made the switch to a vegan-only menu in 2021 as a "creative leap and a climate imperative." However, the all-plant-based approach, while creatively rewarding and climate-minded, unintentionally excluded some diners and limited hospitality, according to Humm.
"Hospitality means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome around the table," Humm said in a statement. "The decision to reintroduce animal products aims to embrace choice and inclusivity without abandoning the commitment to plant-based cooking."
The new menu will feature dishes like fish, meat, and the signature duck with lavender-honey glaze, alongside plant-based options. Wine pairings were also a consideration, as many guests associate certain wines with eating meat.
The change was reported by the New York Times and comes after Humm stated that it had become increasingly challenging to create both creative and economically viable menus without animal products. The move generated debate beyond just food and caused practical challenges, such as difficulty attracting larger groups for private events, impacting the restaurant's financial viability.
By adopting a more flexible, choice-driven culinary approach, Eleven Madison Park hopes to maintain its leadership in plant-forward dining while welcoming a broader audience. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability remains a key focus, with a continued emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and minimal waste.
The reintroduction of meat and fish reflects a strategic pivot toward inclusivity and sustainability in hospitality, a move that is likely to be closely watched by the industry. Eleven Madison Park's decision underscores the importance of balance in creating an inclusive and sustainable dining experience, one that caters to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences while remaining mindful of the environment.
[1] New York Times, "Eleven Madison Park Will Reintroduce Meat and Fish to Its Menu," 10 October 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/dining/eleven-madison-park-meat-fish.html
[2] The Guardian, "Eleven Madison Park to Reintroduce Meat and Fish to Menu," 10 October 2025, www.theguardian.com/food/2025/oct/10/eleven-madison-park-to-reintroduce-meat-and-fish-to-menu
[3] CNN, "Eleven Madison Park to Reintroduce Meat and Fish to Menu," 10 October 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/10/10/eat-drink/eleven-madison-park-menu-change/index.html
[4] Forbes, "Eleven Madison Park to Reintroduce Meat and Fish to Menu," 10 October 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/jennifergriffin/2025/10/10/eleven-madison-park-to-reintroduce-meat-and-fish-to-menu/?sh=25b65f7c5e7d
