Daniel Humm is a Swiss born Chef celebrated for his precise, modern French cuisine and for transforming Eleven Madison Park into a global icon. His cooking emphasizes clarity, seasonality, and a refined sense of restraint that highlights ingredient quality.
In recent years he has pushed sustainability forward with Eleven Madison Park going plant based in 2021 and by co founding Rethink Food. Humm pairs culinary excellence with social purpose in his restaurants and publications.
Daniel Humm's Formal Culinary Training
Born September 21, 1976, in Strengelbach, Switzerland, Daniel Humm began his culinary journey as a teenager, starting formal kitchen apprenticeships at 14 in Swiss hotels and restaurants. His early training emphasized classical technique, precision, and a deep respect for seasonality.
By age 24 he earned his first Michelin recognition as Executive Chef at Gasthaus zum Gupf in St. Gallen. That early success set the stage for an international career that combined European rigor with a modern, pared back aesthetic.
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Daniel Humm Restaurants & Businesses
Daniel Humm is the Chef and Owner of Daniel Humm Hospitality, overseeing flagship and satellite projects that range from fine dining to more casual and hospitality driven concepts.
| Restaurant | Humm Affiliation | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleven Madison Park | Joined kitchen 2006; Purchased 2011 | New York City | Flagship fine dining restaurant; three Michelin stars and #1 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2017 |
| The NoMad | Partner and Chef | New York City | Hotel restaurant concept expanded Humm's reach and earned critical acclaim |
| Eleven Madison Home | Founder | New York City | A delivery and retail offshoot focused on bringing Eleven Madison Park cooking to home dining |
| Clemente Bar | Concept Partner | New York City | A more casual bar and hospitality concept within Humm's portfolio |
Across these ventures Humm has combined meticulous technique with strong service standards and design forward dining environments. Some projects emphasize sustainability and community impact alongside culinary innovation.
Daniel Humm's Other Ventures
Beyond restaurants, Humm has diversified into publishing, philanthropy, and food system work.
- Rethink Food: Co Founder of a nonprofit focused on creating a more equitable and sustainable food system and redirecting food to communities in need.
- Hospitality Brand: Daniel Humm Hospitality manages the operations, design, and growth of his restaurant and hospitality concepts.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Humm has integrated waste reduction, sourcing transparency, and plant based innovation into menu development and kitchen operations.
Daniel Humm Publications
Humm has authored and co authored several influential cookbooks that reflect his culinary philosophy and the evolution of his restaurants.
- Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbook
- I Love New York: Ingredients and Recipes
- The NoMad Cookbook
- Eleven Madison Park: The Next Chapter
- Eat More Plants
Daniel Humm Awards and Accolades
Humm's work has been widely recognized by industry peers and critics alike.
- Michelin: Eleven Madison Park has held three Michelin stars during Humm's tenure.
- The World's 50 Best Restaurants: Eleven Madison Park was ranked number one in 2017.
- James Beard Foundation: Best Chef New York City (2010) and Outstanding Chef (2012).
- UNESCO: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for food education in 2024 for his advocacy in sustainable food systems.
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Daniel Humm Career Highlights and Transitions
Humm moved to the United States in 2003 to become Executive Chef at Campton Place in San Francisco where he earned wide critical praise. He later relocated to New York to lead Eleven Madison Park, transforming it into a global benchmark for modern fine dining.
In May 2021 Humm made a high profile decision to shift Eleven Madison Park to a fully plant based menu as a statement on environmental sustainability. The restaurant retained its three Michelin stars during this period. In August 2025 he announced the reintroduction of select animal proteins to the menu to broaden inclusivity while maintaining a strong emphasis on plant forward cooking.
Daniel Humm Personal Life
Humm is married to actress Annabelle Dexter Jones and they have three children. He has often spoken about how family life and his Swiss upbringing shaped his sense of simplicity, seasonality, and respect for ingredients.
During the COVID 19 pandemic Humm partnered closely with Rethink Food to provide meals to first responders and food insecure communities across New York City, combining his kitchens' capacity with nonprofit distribution networks.
Daniel Humm Family and Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a central part of Humm's public profile. Through fundraising, partnerships, and direct meal distribution he has worked to reduce food waste and support those in need. Rethink Food remains a core vehicle for this work.
Humm's public appointments, including his UNESCO role, reflect his commitment to food education and sustainable practices that extend beyond his restaurants.
Daniel Humm Chef Profile: Conclusion
Daniel Humm has reshaped contemporary fine dining by combining classical technique with a minimalist, ingredient driven approach and a clear focus on sustainability. His leadership at Eleven Madison Park and his philanthropic work have influenced how many chefs and restaurateurs think about the role of restaurants in society.
Whether through cookbooks, hospitality projects, or nonprofit initiatives, Humm continues to push boundaries around taste, design, and social impact while maintaining rigorous standards in the kitchen.
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