One by Spork

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 atmosphere, service, and the mandatory pairing, it could come closer to matching the price point.

One By Spork is a dinning experience like no other in Pittsburgh!! They have taken a step above from the typical restaurant scene and have created an elevated and interactive space comparable a high end dinner at a friend's home. When we arrived, we started off with some light bites on the sofas. Then, we were escorted to a round table with a chef's table in the center. Here the chef and his team explained the dishes they had prepared while assembling them! With each dish, a glass of wine or cocktail was skillfully paired with the dish to elevate the flavors even more! I am so excited a unique experience like this exists in Pittsburgh. It really is the perfect spot for a celebration or business dinner!

Really impressive showing. We tried the vegetarian tasting menu which is all sourced by their urban farm. The food is fresh and grouped by flavor palette. Lots of creativity in the dishes too. The service is great. We tried the alcohol pairing but the non alcoholic pairing actually sounded quite good too - lots of florals from the garden

When we arrived, we were presented the bites immediately one after another - to the point that they were stacking up in front of me while the chefs described each one. The bites were good - I just feel like they were heavily rushed which made me feel awkward. We were then taken to the table for the dining experience. The décor was beautiful, and the ambience pleasant. Ratatouille - nothing special. It was good, but not amazing. Maine Scallop - super small scallop. Presented on a scallop shell on a folded napkin. While it was really tasty, the plate felt unsteady and wobbly, and really just too cumbersome to eat from happily. Black cod - amazing, no notes. The dry age was sublime on the fish. Very smart. Tomato salad - It was a salad with fresh ingredients. Lamb agnolotti - 2 agnolotti atop a rich demi-glace. The demi was amazing, but too much. It was like soup. The lamb in the pasta seemed a little overcooked and mealy, and tasted very basic. This dish would have been amazing with some fresh bread to dip in the demi. (Also, no bread course was provided throughout the entire service) Goat - one of the highlights of the experience. Everything on the plate was absolutely delicious. Duck two-ways - The pizza was good, but very oily from the duck confit. Flavor was good. Advised to save the crust for the dry-aged duck course (which I did, but there wasn’t enough sauce for dipping the crust into). The dry-aged duck plate was good, though the duck still had a pretty thick fat cap on it. Desserts: Squash Semifreddo - this dish was foul. I don’t use this term lightly either. I will pretty much eat and finish anything that is given to me, but I haven’t had something this awful in so long. The best way to explain their semifreddo is like putting a nice dessert in a fridge full of onions and garlic, uncovered, overnight - then serving it. Why does the semifreddo taste like alliums? I did not finish it; it was that bad. Basil Panna Cotta - delicious. I would have preferred 2 servings of that over the previous dessert. Drinks: This is also rare for me, but there was too much alcohol. The ‘One Experience’ alternates between glasses of wine and cocktails, and it’s just too much. By the end of service, I was uncomfortably tipsy. Not mildly tipsy, not drunk. Just the weird feeling in between. The wines were good though, and most of the cocktails were tasty. The Maree Noir though - it was strange. Not bad per se, but not really that good either. Here are my concerns for this service: it is not worth the price at all. In addition to the above, there were other flaws that bring down the value. For example, the general manager wore shorts, while a lot of the other staff who were presenting the food were in casually stained outfits. I would expect this at any other restaurant - but for an experience like this, I would expect a little more detail in the attire. Additionally, Cecil sounded sick. While he stood behind us in the kitchen, he continued to sniff (mucous filled sniffs) through the entire service, which was so off-putting. The cutlery presented for some of the dishes made no sense to me. Sometimes I was longing for a knife to help push food onto my fork, another time I was trying to determine why we had a very small teaspoon for a pasta dish. The explanations of the courses were also incredibly too long. It was en explanation of the food, followed by a dissertation about the wine/cocktail, as well as the NA option. It was weird as everyone just sat and listened for so long, while we all had plates of food in front of us getting cold. No coffee/tea service was offered, the homemade chocolates were not good, and the back of the take-home menu is full of comments about the establishment, and a prompt to leave a review. It just doesn’t feel naturally classy - more like forced pretentiousness. Which is how I feel like the experience went. I’m glad I came here to try One by Spork, but I would not return. The cost is just not worth it. Maybe if they refine the experience or reduce the price, but not as it currently is.

nothing to explain more you just need to experience it. Im a happy kid! finally! A Prix Fixe Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Curated by a very talented Chef, plus his team and art in mind mixicologist. If you plan to dine in, you need a good amount of time, our dinner lasted about 3 plus hours for the whole course. This is expected so you can savor and enjoy the art of the meal. I would love to see a cleansing pallet part incorporated within the course in the future visit. service is 4.8 star as there are some tiny hiccups. I would assumed to start with a warm towels for amuse bouche, and also the sommelier somehow felt short that night. ambiance is very chic, minimalist and open lm In love with the Tom Dixon Melt chandelier which just sets the mood right. music background is very playful but pleasant to listen to, overall, Im looking forward to go back pretty soon (esp for rye bread and koji butter and creative cocktails pairing )

Creative and delicious meal focused on service and sustainability. Love the concept and the food. Will definitely return. They change over one menu item each week so plenty to explore.

It was good. I’m glad I experienced it, but it was not spectacular like the price point would suggest. I hope they are able to refine it. I miss the old Spork. Overall favorite: Gin genmaicha cocktail Favorite dish: Sweetbreads Least overall favorite: Sounds strange but…too much of everything? Really would like to see a more curated best-of-the-best menu. When it’s crafted and well presented, you want to eat it there, not bring it home. I want to feel full and satisfied, not wasting any food. 3 dessert courses felt unnecessary. Other notes: - Fantastic bartender. I wish I had gotten the non-alcoholic cocktails. They sounded unique and complex. - Love a dinner and a show. To see the plating and hear the story behind each dish/drink - Interesting ramen noodles. Instead of your typical long and chewy noodle, these were short and soba-like. - Lots of tuiles!

Wow. Three hours of a vibrant, unforgettable tasting experience. As someone who appreciates food that tells a story, One by Spork delivered a fully immersive journey that truly lived up to, and exceeded, my expectations. Every course felt like a carefully crafted chapter in a larger narrative. The food and alcohol pairings were perfectly curated, thoughtful, and intentional. Each bite invited curiosity, delight, and reflection, making the experience feel like a true gustatory journey rather than just a meal. The atmosphere and ambiance only deepened the experience, beautifully accenting and complementing the food. This is not simply dining, it’s storytelling through flavor, texture, and technique. I celebrated my birthday here, and it was genuinely the best gift I could have given myself. For food lovers like me, dining out is an adventure, an opportunity to explore new flavors, textures, and cultures. At One by Spork, every dish spoke to the artistry of the chef and the traditions and regions that inspired it. There’s magic in the unknown, in trying something new, and in experiencing something familiar reimagined and elevated. Beyond the food, One by Spork creates a lasting memory. The service, the setting, the shared table, and the sensory layers of taste, sound, sight, and touch come together to create a true full-body experience. One menu. One table. Infinite possibilities. Highly recommend for anyone seeking more than just a meal, this is an experience.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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+

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!

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.

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