Fork RestaurantCharming Brunch SpotI've been to their next-door neighbor, Fork Etc. more times than I can count, but this was my first time at the sit-down restaurant.
We started with the ginger yogurt, which came topped with pistachios, cardamom-infused honey and blood oranges -- a delightful and not-too-filling starter. Our entrees -- a broccoli rabe sausage and grits, a frittata with stinging nettles and a "gnudi" pasta -- all offered surprising punches of flavor.
On the down side, our refill of coffee was only lukewarm and the hostess didn't seem prepared to seat us when we arrived, despite having reservations and the restaurant being nearly empty. But, none of that detracted from our experience.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFork never disappoints!Great food, impeccable service, even my 8 year old boy was happy! Love fork. Thanks again.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb.Great in every way. My girlfriend and I enjoyed the occasional surprises from the kitchen.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMTasty foodThe food was tasty and delicious. Portions are somewhat small but still reasonable. Could be more vegetarian options. Nice beer selections5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were celebrating a collegeWe were celebrating a college graduation and the wonderful food and service really added to our celebration.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMthe bestgreat food...great service...great restaurant...need i say more...go see for yourself5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Service. Food?Maybe an off day. Food ok but did not shine. Egg dishes ok but not extraordinary. Food tasted like had been sitting as was not very warm. Mimosa was well prepared. We were told their donuts were very good. Had not had before. Not close to federal donut standards. Overall, was quite surprised at sub par food at brunch. Service outstanding. It was a collaborative effort that was highly attentive. Even the sound track seemed a little off. Hadn't thought of Beatles music as great brunch music even though I enjoy their music immensely. Not an overcrowded time for restaurant so that did not factor into the average food.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful evening.We had a table by the window which was very quiet. It was a memorable evening.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Best Food in PhiladelphiaThis restaurant is fantastic. I have used it 3 occasions now, sometimes for dinner entertaining and sometimes just for social pleasure and it has never once failed to impress.
I've eaten in top restaurants across Philadelphia and around the world and I honestly believe that Fork has the best food I've eaten anywhere!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFriendly, knowledgeable andFriendly, knowledgeable and most competent service. Very pleasant atmosphere. Excellent food selection and quality. Asparagus with ham "special" appetizer was particularly outstanding. The pici pasta was superb and the "pastrami lamb" a very tasty and imaginative dish. Overall, very enjoyable time and better than anticipated despite high expectations based upon reviews and reputation. We will be back, for sure.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMI appreciate the capable waitersI appreciate the capable waiters and waitresses - yes that is old fashioned language, but good solid, non-invasive service is also out-of-date in many places,but not at Fork. I had a business dinner with five people and the wait staff (no not the distaff) served without interfering. Fork's menu is inventive and original enough and the food is consistently well prepared. Keep up the good work and Fork will be around for many more years.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMA little rushedThe food is creative, many layered, and quite delicious. The three of us had the house 4course dinners which were well worth the $65.00per person charge. We shared our dishes ,thus had the opportunity to experience an amazing array of tastes.
The waitstaff was very attentive and informative.
However, and this is a big however, we were rushed through the first few courses. While we were still eating the amuse bouché
the next course was served and that continued for the next two servings. It was annoying and did not give us an opportunity to savor each dish.as we had wanted to do. We dined at 6:00p.m. And perhaps they needed the table but that is no excuse.
We will return for the sublime food but will caution the servers TO SLOW DOWN.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMnew menu...While Fork continues to be an wonderful atmosphere the relatively new menu and food pairings are interesting, but not always plaeasing to the taste. On two separate occasions our party of five and six thought the food was trying to hard to be unique and not as pleasurable to eat as the former fork menu. At that expense we were disappointed in the food.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Brunch ExperienceSo much has changed since my last visit from the dining room art to the food presentation and menu. Amazing zesty foraged green salad that makes regular spring greens seem blah. The brunch smoked salmon and bagels are my recommendation best salmon I had in a while and presentation was stunning. I would of overlooked it if the server hadn't pointed it out.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Food, wonderful house menuWe ordered the house menu-what an amazing decision! The food was perfectly prepared; the pasta with pistachio sauce and rabbit could not have been done better. The skate was amazing, the caviar was to-die for, and the dessert was something that could not be matched.
The explorative nature of the bakery is a little too much for me (squid bread?), but that doesn't make it degrade the overall quality of the restaurant.
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFrequent dinner at ForkWe live in NJ, but vist and stay in Philly quite often. Every time we are in Philly we dine at the Fork Restaurant.
In our estimation this is one of the finest restaurants .... food, ambience and seemless, professional service.
As one dines at Fork, it is amazing to watch Ellen (the owner) keep her finger on the pulse of what's happening5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMCharming waitress, promptCharming waitress, prompt service
Imaginative appetizer/great oysters, expensive wine by the glass5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWowed by ForkI chose Fork for a business dinner on a Tuesday, when it was not busy. From the get go, I sensed this was going to be an excellent to outstanding dinner. The service was very balanced in terms of formality and familiarity. We took our server's recommendation and went with the four-course set menu for $65. Overall, the menu reflects the chef's whimsical approach and works deliciously. Every dish from starter to dessert applies a "play on words" in its make up and presentation. The bread courses and starters in particular reflect this "play on words". The Dining Room has an understated and calm decor and nicely complements the food. The wine list is probably the one area to improve, hence the four vs five stars.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second visit inThis was my second visit in four months, the previous one being prior to CLB'S review in the Inky. I'm happy to say that nothing has changed, and everything he said in his review is true. The food and the service remain first-rate. It was the first visit for my guests, and they raved over everything.
A personal comment: I rarely eat fried foods, but the pickled onion rings that accompanied the lamb burger had me wanting to ask for seconds.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the BestFood , service and ambiance all perfect. Pasta's aree special as is the bread. Never got to an entree . Wine selection was appreciated.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMa gournet's treat. We thoroughlya gournet's treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The wine list was predominantly french with excellent options to pair with the food. We will return.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFork continues its greatnessHave loved fork and owner Ellen since it opened. Now with new chef makes it a very special place to dine. Waiters are great the lobster dish is absolutely wonderful. Dont think I've had anything that wasn't great since chef arrived. Will definitely recommend to friends and continue to celebrate there.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMNice gem on a busy street.Nice gem on a busy street. Delicious and fit perfectly for a long leisurely lunch.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome time but make sureAwesome time but make sure you have time before other plans as the draw out the dining experience which is awesome4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the best food thatSome of the best food that I have ever eaten! The delicacies of the blends of tastes truly created a sensuous eating experience!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA Philly FindAdventurous and elegant food. We were served too quickly, however, not enough time to savor the different tastes. It felt as if we were being moved on so another group of 4 could be seated, Over all, it's an excellent restaurant.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was very good. MyThe food was very good. My only complaint is that there were NO options for vegetarians - even the pastas all had meat.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always a outstanding foodAs always a outstanding food and service we've never been disappointed in any of our visit.
When evr we have visitors it's were we take them and they love it!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful meal andWe had a wonderful meal and the price-fix option made it so affordable.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMKnowledgable, friendly, andKnowledgable, friendly, and helpful staff and very unpretentious. Great atmosphere. And the freshest pasta I've ever had. Don't miss out on the paparadelle.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is amazing. HiringThis place is amazing. Hiring a new head chef and not missing a beat is an incredible feat. Ms. Yen just keeps getting better and better with every year. If the Charred Octopus is on the menu,try it, it's heaven.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMfantastic food. knowledgeable,fantastic food. knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Girlfriends steak ended up over cooked which they remedied. However I was finished my dinner before sje had the chance to enjoy her food. instead of me just sitting there and watching her eat I was sent out a lovely cheese plate to pick at while the girlfriend finished her entree.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMMy favorite restaurant inMy favorite restaurant in Philadelphia, for years. In addition to the many dinners we've enjoyed there, we come to Fork for special occasions. We've had birthday and graduation celebrations in the main room and their private room, and the chef's tasting held at Fork Etc. What I love about Fork is that it continues to evolve. Ellen's experience, taste and style give her te latitude to take chances that contiunue to take Fork to a new level. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and seem invested in the success of the restaurant: many have been with her for years.
It is delicious and beautiful: I love Fork!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOnly Go For Special OccasionsVery expensive, amazing food, small portions, only go for special occasions.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe whole meal was excellent,The whole meal was excellent, but it was that pumpkin pasta that I will never forget!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMReally enjoyed our meal evenReally enjoyed our meal even though the sea-food feast was no longer available (which we thought a little early at 5:30). We had an excellent server, Tony. Would def. recommend Fork.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Meal at ForkGreat meal. Chef has taken Fork to a whole new level.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMdesserts were a little toodesserts were a little too unusual for us, and the prices are a bit steep for the quantity.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a business lunch.We had a business lunch. The server was very attentive but not intrusive. Our food was delicious, nice proportions, and beautifully presented. Fork has always been great for dinner but lunch is now our top choice. Thank you.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFork has elevated itself fromFork has elevated itself from a very good restaurant to truly exceptional. The food was delicious, inventive and refined, and the service was attentive and knowledgeable. The dessert was a bit too excentric for my taste and there was a bit of a push for the pricier items in the menu, but overall it was as good as it gets in Philly.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my first time toThis was my first time to Fork and I found the food and service inventive and impeccable. The restaurant was warm, comfortable and inviting and somehow chic as well. The server offered suggestions from the menu and did not steer us wrong. My sister and I shared a combination seafood platter that was a special for two which included a roasted fish, clams casino, mussels and clams in a tomato broth with a seaweed salad alongside. Each element was more delicious than the one before. Our appetizers and desserts were blissful as well. My sister and I were there for hours chatting for long periods and we never felt rushed or unattended, the service read us very well. We left the restaurant having felt that we had indulged, but not stuffed.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for brunch and reallyWent for brunch and really enjoyed the interesting and very tasteful menu.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOn my top 10 favorites listI felt the seating along the RH wall back towards the kitchen (where we were seated) was a little close to adjacent tables. Despite this issue, my wife enjoyed the experience immensely!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was great. TheEverything was great. The only minor complaint is that we had a party of 5. We were put at a round table that is normally for four people. As such, it was tight and claustrophobic.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOur experience was incredibleOur experience was incredible as was the food. We ordered one of their seafood "feast" menu which was excellent! Getting to chat with the owner on multiple occasions was the highlight. Also our server (tall girl with Afro) was very knowledgable and friendly. She really made our experience great!.We will be back!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBest foodie place in PhillyOne of the most creative meal I've ever had. Hard to describe the dishes; the squab was excellent, a pasta dish with seafood was out of this world. The main dishes were interesting; an excellent branzino and a very satisfying pork dish. The only minus was mediocre desserts. The portions were surprisingly large. You won't regret it.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have had quite a few dinnersWe have had quite a few dinners at Fork since the arrival of Chef Kulp - but our most recent was truly outstanding. Two of us had the Roast Peking Duck (it is only served for two). The flavors and diversity of presentation could not have been better. The other "ducker" said it was the very best he ever had. For me it was equal to the very best - and that was during an extended stay in Asia. The fish du jour - I believe Branzino - was beautifully prepared and delicious as well. All in all, Fork is now at the very highest level of cuisine anywhere. Philadelphia is very lucky that Fork is in our City.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMRecommended Destination RestaurantOne of my favorite restaurants. I'll make if simple...if you are a foodie or a casual diner, this is a destination restaurant. The menu gives you options for a tasting menu or a la carte ordering, the chef sends treats to amuse your palate between courses, the wine selection is creative and good, and this is food you cannot "try this at home". Service is professional and proactive. Highly recommended.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWow! The food was intenselyWow! The food was intensely good. Incredibly vibrant flavors, and all cooked to perfection. The pork was moist, the fish juicy with a crispy skin, and that beet/root vegetable salad flavorful with a little cruch built in! The pastas -- we fought over who would get the greater share of the pumpkin tortelloni (mouthwateringly buttery) and the rabbit/pistachio agnolotti. Oh, my! All paired with a great bottle of Nebbiolo -- fruity but lighter-bodied to complement the food. An overall fantastic meal!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMIt is always a pleasure toIt is always a pleasure to see an excellent restaurant get even better. The new chef is evolving the kitchen and the menu and it is an exciting journey. You can't ask for much more than that from a serious restaurant.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AM