Our Story
The Golden Spoon began with a simple dream: to create a dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Philadelphia while embracing innovation and creativity. Founded in 2010 by Chef Eleanor Vance, a Philadelphia native with years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, The Golden Spoon has become a beloved institution in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
Chef Vance's vision was to establish a restaurant that not only offered exceptional food but also fostered a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests could feel truly welcomed and appreciated. From the beginning, The Golden Spoon has been committed to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, working closely with nearby farms and producers to ensure that every dish is a testament to the region's bounty.
Our early days were filled with challenges, from navigating the competitive Philadelphia restaurant scene to perfecting our signature dishes. However, through dedication, hard work, and a unwavering commitment to quality, The Golden Spoon quickly gained recognition for its innovative menu, impeccable service, and elegant ambiance. We've had the honor of receiving several awards and accolades, including being named one of Philadelphia's top restaurants by "Philadelphia Magazine" and "The Philadelphia Inquirer."
Over the years, The Golden Spoon has evolved and grown, but our core values have remained the same: a passion for culinary excellence, a commitment to sustainability, and a dedication to providing an unforgettable dining experience for every guest. We are proud to be a part of the Philadelphia community, and we look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors and visitors for many years to come.
We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary, and we're using this milestone to reflect on our journey and recommit ourselves to the principles that have guided us from the beginning. As we look towards the future, we are excited to explore new culinary horizons, expand our partnerships with local farmers and producers, and continue to provide our guests with the exceptional dining experiences they have come to expect from The Golden Spoon. Thank you for being a part of our story.
Our Team
Meet the talented individuals who make The Golden Spoon a truly special place. From our passionate chefs to our dedicated service staff, each member of our team is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience for our guests.
Eleanor Vance
Executive Chef
Chef Vance is the heart and soul of The Golden Spoon. With over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, she brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for creating innovative and delicious dishes. Eleanor believes in sourcing the freshest local ingredients and crafting each dish with precision and care. Her signature dishes are a testament to her creativity and dedication to culinary excellence.
James O'Malley
General Manager
James is responsible for ensuring that every guest has a memorable dining experience at The Golden Spoon. With his warm personality and attention to detail, he creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. James oversees all aspects of the restaurant's operations, from managing the service staff to ensuring that the dining room is always impeccably maintained. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service and making every guest feel like a valued member of The Golden Spoon family.
Sofia Garcia
Sommelier
Sofia is our resident wine expert. She has a deep knowledge of wines from around the world and a passion for pairing them perfectly with our menu. Sofia works closely with Chef Vance to create a wine list that complements the restaurant's innovative cuisine. She is always happy to help guests select the perfect wine to enhance their dining experience. Sofia is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and is constantly expanding her knowledge of the world of wine.
David Chen
Head Bartender
David is the creative force behind our innovative cocktail program. He is a skilled mixologist with a passion for crafting unique and delicious drinks. David uses only the freshest ingredients and infuses his cocktails with unexpected flavors and textures. He is also an expert at classic cocktails and is always happy to create a custom drink for our guests. His cocktails are as much a work of art as they are a delicious beverage.
Our Values
At The Golden Spoon, we are guided by a set of core values that reflect our commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and exceptional service. These values are the foundation of everything we do, and they shape the way we interact with our guests, our team, and our community.
- Culinary Excellence: We are passionate about creating innovative and delicious dishes that showcase the best of Philadelphia's culinary heritage.
- Sustainability: We are committed to using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and minimizing our environmental impact.
- Exceptional Service: We strive to provide every guest with a warm, welcoming, and unforgettable dining experience.
- Community Engagement: We are proud to be a part of the Philadelphia community and are committed to supporting local charities and organizations.
- Teamwork: We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where every member of our team can thrive.
- Innovation: We are constantly exploring new culinary techniques and flavors to push the boundaries of modern gastronomy.
What Our Guests Are Saying
"The Golden Spoon is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. The attention to detail, from the exquisite dishes to the impeccable service, is truly remarkable. Chef Vance's culinary vision is evident in every bite. I highly recommend the seared diver scallops!"
"We celebrated our anniversary at The Golden Spoon, and it was the perfect choice. The ambiance was romantic, the staff was incredibly attentive, and the food was out of this world. The lobster ravioli was the best I've ever had. We'll definitely be back!"
"As a frequent business traveler, I've dined at many fine restaurants, but The Golden Spoon stands out as one of the best. The food is consistently excellent, and the service is top-notch. The wine list is also impressive. I always make a point of visiting when I'm in Philadelphia."