Photo by Francesco Tonelli
Dining room of Eleven Madison Park in NYC.
Hours: Lunch: Th.-Sa. noon-1 p.m.; Dinner: M-Su. 5:30-10 p.m.
Open Table: Reserve A Table
Price: $$$$ = Entrees $60 and up
Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Type: French
Housed in the historic MetLife building’s original meeting hall, Eleven Madison Park secured itself a culinary destination in a city full of them. Expect a modernist take on French cuisine, catered to your individual tastes. Here’s how it works: Diners receive a grid listing 16 words that represent every dish’s principle ingredient. Select four words from the menu that resonate with you, then discuss preferences and any food allergies with your server. The kitchen tailors the menu to the desires of each individual guest. Trust these guys, they know what they’re doing. Proof? The restaurant won the James Beard Award for the country’s most outstanding restaurant in 2011.