The world-class restaurant which shocked the world in 2021 by going completely vegan.

I was delighted to get a reservation here, so soon after shocking the world that they were to become a vegan restaurant. The burning question is: how does a restaurant provide a food quality that  3 Michelin diners have come to expect without using any animal-based products? Can that even be done??

I should say upfront that I applaud EMP for their vision and commitment here. Whatever one may think of the decision on its face, we all must acknowledge that they have put their entire business on the line to forge a new path, with the goal of shaping a more sustainable future ahead. Gutsy. They also provide 5 meals for the food-insecure for every 1 they serve - something more and more high-end restaurants are doing these days. Bravo.

So did they succeed? I would say...not quite yet. But they are certainly farther along than I anticipated. A few dishes in there are definitely 3-star. The pea lettuce wraps and bread/butter were absolute standouts. Others were clear misses to me. Many relied too heavily on acid (in attempt to pack flavor, I imagine). Others simply seemed to need more refinement. Not surprising for such an early delivery of a brand new menu and vision.

I will be interested to return in a few year and see how the meal has progressed here. I would encourage you to go - if for no other reason than to open your mind to what vegan cuisine can be.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be public or shared.

Replying to

Aquavit New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Aska New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Atera New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Atomix New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare New York City, New York
Claro New York City, New York
Clover Hill Brooklyn, New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Daniel New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Family Meal at Blue Hill New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin  Green Star
Frevo New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Gramercy Tavern New York City, New York
Michelin Star
HUSO New York City, New York
Jean-Georges New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Jua New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Jungsik New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Kaiseki Room by Yamada New York City, New York
Ko New York City, New York
le Bernadin New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin StarMichelin Star
Le Pavillon New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Momofuku Noodle Bar Uptown New York City, New York
odo New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Per Se New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin StarMichelin Star
Rezdora New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Saga New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Sushi Ginza Onodera New York City, New York
Sushi Nakazawa New York City, New York
Michelin Star
Sushi Noz New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star
Sushi Zo New York City, New York
The Modern New York City, New York
Michelin StarMichelin Star

Get an email when a new review is posted. Click here.

Email Notifications

Receive an email when I post a new review! Your information will always be kept private and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Thank you!
You have been added to the list.