This is a rarity in Pittsburgh and I'm glad it exists. We dined at Spork before they switched to the tasting menu and wasn't too fond of it-my opinion has changed! There is a hard start time as the tasting menu is done in a large group setting-serving everyone at once. So, we found ourselves wandering around the neighborhood and then standing in front of the door waiting for 6pm to strike, I felt like a creep. The area itself is an open floor plan so when they welcome you in, it's confusing to see the table we will be seated around but also see little stations for the canapés. Little awkward. We found a two-seater, and as a plus size woman I felt a bit cramped. My husband and I are both tall (5'11" and 6'3" so we were both fighting over who got the bench seat vs the little stool. There's always that awkwardness when you're looking around trying to figure out what the heck is about to happen and wondering..when is it time to EAT. We did 3 or 4 canapés which were all enjoyable-one that stands out to me had goat cheese and beets-yum! We are asked to take our seats at the large table and ...awkward again bc we are just kind of all looking around waiting. I have a sensitivity to alcohol so I did the N.A. pairing and I didn't feel like I missed out on much. The sommelier did a great job at explaining the notes and why each pairing happened. I really enjoyed the tasting menu. The chef kept us abreast of what we were trying and looped in other accompanying staff which gave us some of their backstory which was nice. I love that the restaurant has an urban garden and tries to reduce waste-that's so important. Minus 1 star because of the clunkiness of the bench area vs the large table where we ate and the cost. $275/pp plus tip isn't something that many can swing in a blue collar city. read more

Everyone was warm and welcoming at One by Spork, and I really wanted to love it--especially after seeing so many glowing reviews. I've pondered for about two weeks whether I wanted to post this review, but it is my honest experience. I've experienced a lot of tasting menus, including a ridiculous number of James Beard and Michelin-level restaurants, so I had high expectations. The atmosphere felt more casual than anticipated, and the space--surrounded by fermenting and dehydrating equipment--wasn't the elevated setting I associate with a $275 tasting. The noise from the machines during the first part of the meal was also distracting. It still felt like a place that was recently converted from a different concept. I know they are showcasing different was of preparation but the setup was cluttering. Service and pacing never quite clicked. Guests start in a lounge and are served about five canapés with an awkward pace and sequence. The lounge area isn't unique and doesn't feel distinctly set apart from the dining room, and the entire 6 p.m. seating hinges on everyone arriving on time. When several diners showed up late, the evening's rhythm stalled before the first course even landed--an unfortunate distraction for a format that relies on flow. The food showcases some thoughtful ideas, but the execution struggled, with some dishes having way too many ideas and/or elements. Very little was memorable, and many dishes arrived lukewarm, if not cool. Unlike most chef's counters and/or tasting menus where the kitchen and assembly are combined, Spork carries all the plates and cooked ingredients from the kitchen to a cold stainless steel counter, then assembles for guests. The result is a disjointed service and errors in food quality. The required drink pairing added a significant cost, and while a few pours worked well, others overshadowed the dishes instead of lifting them (cocktails specifically). But they actually grow many of their own herbs and vegetables right next door and most of dishes looked great. The Maine scallop with calamari was the standout. I have no issue spending hundreds for a great dining experience, but for $275 + tax + tip...I expected a more polished and cohesive experience, and much better execution with the food--temperature and flavor. With some adjustments around the dishes, service, and the mandatory pairing, it could come closer to matching the price point. read more

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The folks at Spork have done it again! One By Spork is a chef's tasting counter that seats around fifteen people give or take. Folks, this is a true fine-dining experience and I'd expect nothing less from this James Beard nominated crew. The set up is an experience in itself because you have a view straight into the open kitchen. It's always so cool to see chefs and kitchen staff passionately preparing meals for guests. Literally almost everything is house-made, and of course, they've still got an extensive and thriving garden right outside. Doesn't get any better than fresh veg from a well-tended garden. This experience will cost around $250 per person which includes two beverages, house-made bread & butter, and the ten-course tasting menu. The menu changes often. Absolutely the perfect way to celebrate a big-life moment with someone special. read more

Absolutely loved our One By Spork experience from start to finish. Every bite and every sip just hit. Really enjoyed the interactive opportunities to learn from the chefs and beverage director as well as ask questions about their process. Fave dishes were the tuna tartar, fagottini, venison and the pastry chef just slayed everything she touched. Pairings were perfection. What an opportunity to be surrounded by such high level talent and passion. We can't wait to come back! read more

One By Spork - New American Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Truly amazing experience! I have heard accolades for Chef Christian Frangiatis' cuisine for many years. We live a little ways away from the restaurant space, so I'd put a Spork reservation off for years, despite driving by it often on my way to work. The garden next to the restaurant is the first sign of excellence. There are so many beautiful vegetables and herbs growing there! When I heard that they were closing Spork, my heart just DROPPED... until I read about the new concept for the establishment. I'm a huge fan of tasting menus, and an even bigger fan of places with highly creative, talented staff using fresh ingredients and imagination! Sign me up! (Made a reservation for my wife's birthday!) One is a "prix fixe" establishment, and it isn't inexpensive, but that is only because Chef is uncompromising in his selection of ingredients, culinary techniques (molecular, house-made koji / miso, and the sheer number of courses!!! It also includes a wine / cocktail or handcrafted NA beverage pairing, and I can tell you that it's a great value. This isn't a place for everyday dining, but it IS the ideal place for an exceptionally high quality tasting menu that changes with the seasons. There is only one seating for the evening, and the meal lasts from 6pm to around 9:30pm. During that time, your enjoyment is the central focus of the entire crew's attention. The staff are incredible - very friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. The courses are elevated but not pretentious - the ingredients all come together to make you swoon with delight at each and every bite! Cocktails pair perfectly with the food, and overall, this was definitely in my top tier of tasting experiences. What I loved THE MOST about One is that while it's got haute cuisine as its goal, the experience is relaxed and comfortable, not stuffy and pretentious. I congratulate Chef and his team on the top culinary experience I've had in this amazing city, and look forward to MANY more reservations to see where they take things next! Bravissimo! Umai design! read more

One By Spork - New American Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Came here on a Monday for their vegetarian summer series! The food was delicious!! I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to finish all the food given it was a 5 course meal + dessert + appetizers but I was able to finish it all! The wines paired well with each dish that was presented. It was great to understand how the foods were made and I like the science the chefs put into the foods. I enjoyed how they also explained the drinks being paired with the foods. This was quite a unique dining experience! read more

One By Spork - New American Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I made reservations for One by Spork's first day on 12/26/24 because we loved the old Spork. While the experience itself was pricey, my skeptical self was completely won over! It's $275 per person plus tax and tip and this is the most expensive meal I've ever had ever. I walked in ready to be really critical and was shocked that not only did I love it but realized that I would come back and pay for it again (but maybe for special occasions only in the future, we still have student loans here). Because this wasn't just dinner - it was a whole experience that you can't find anywhere else in Pittsburgh. They prepared and played our dishes in front of us and I enjoyed learning about the dishes and wine/cocktail pairings. The intimate setting lended itself to conversation and making new friends - there's only 12 seats and one time slot for each night. read more

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One by Spork isn't just a restaurant, it's an immersive, chef driven performance where food becomes theater. From the moment you step in, you're drawn into an intimate dining space where the boundaries between kitchen and table disappear. I was greeted by the kind staff who showed me to the couch area for small bites (55 our heritage chicharrón, duck rillete empanada, smoked bass, charcoal tartlette, & smoked cauliflower tuile) and a welcome cocktail (guava spritz). As I enjoyed these bites, the chef greeted each party. After the welcome bites, the staff guided me to my seat at the dining table to begin the dining experience. The experience centers around a single chef who not only prepares every dish right in front of you but narrates the story behind each creation. Ingredients, technique, origin, and inspiration are all shared with passion and precision, making you feel like part of the culinary journey rather than just a diner. I absolutely loved hearing about the local farms where the ingredients were from if they weren't already from the restaurant's garden itself. We were guided through 7 courses of the most extravagant and delicious items I have ever had each paired perfectly with a beverage. Each course is a showstopper in its own right, meticulously plated and paired with a thoughtfully selected beverage ranging from rare wines to craft cocktails and even creative non-alcoholic options. After the 7 courses, we were given 2 more additional courses for dessert. The chef's presence and storytelling elevate the meal into something personal and memorable. Every flavor has intention, every pour has purpose. The was the most unique dining experience I have ever had in Pittsburgh and was truly an unforgettable night. This is a MUST TRY place on my list for Pittsburgh food recommendations. read more

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I have been waiting anxiously to try the new One by Spork dining experience since it was announced last year, and it lived up to every expectation. Each of the 16 courses (!!) was interesting and unique, yet they flowed & worked together deliciously. We started off in the lounge area for a series of welcome bites (my favorite was the smoked sea bass), then we moved to the main round table for the entree courses. The variety ranged from lamb tartare to crab & scallop ramen and finished with wagyu & caviar...just wow. At first I was nervous I wouldn't be able to try everything due to getting full, but the portions are actually laid out & paced out perfectly. Additionally, each course comes with a drink pairing. The wines were amazing (as was the sommelier explaining them) and learning about all of the hours of work that go into the cocktails was so impressive. Finally, we tried three desserts (also paired with some sparkling wine!), of which the maple ice cream was my favorite. To top it all off, the chef was extremely interactive & made sure to set time to not only talk through each dish as it was prepared in front of us but also talk to each individual at the table. We already have our spring reservation set to go back & try the next tasting menu - and I can't wait! We are so lucky to have this caliber of restaurant here in Pittsburgh. Go get your reservation today!! Food: A Drinks: A Service: A+ Ambiance: A+ read more

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Amazing!!! The Food, the service and the atmosphere were outstanding. This is true foodie experience for sure.

Absolutely incredible! Every dish was better than the rest. the drinks were phenomenal. Great mix of cocktails and wine. It was so fun to chat with the staff. So much more than dinner- true experience like no other in the area. Will absolutely be back! read more

Great night out to celebrate my birthday. Overwhelmed by the amount and quality of food. Must have been about 12 separate food items. Drink pairings are equally as phenomenal and hearing the work that goes into each food and beverage item was mind blowing. Food pacing was perfect and the night flowed smoothly without seeming like an excessive time commitment. Highly recommended for a special night out in Pittsburgh. read more