Fork

Fork’s functional, chic ambiance holds a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia restaurant-goers. The brainchild of Meg Rodgers and hospitality entrepreneurs Ellen Yin and Roberto Sella, Marguerite Rodgers has regularly refreshed the restaurant since it opened in 1997 but has always retained the centrally located bar for conviviality and happenstance meetings. Currently, the soaring space features an open kitchen that is like a proscenium, framing the action of food preparation. A forest of life-size birch trees shimmers from the wall murals painted by Tony Demelas, a mesmerizing landscape for patrons. The handwrought light fixtures, designed by Marguerite Rodgers, were fabricated in collaboration with Robert Phillips Metalwork and Dennis Haugh. The oversized shades made from Klimt-inspired watercolor paintings by Dennis Haugh render the height of the space intimate. The fixtures remain as quintessential to the restaurant as the weekly chef’s table and cast a comfortable glow. 

  • Lighting Design: Sean O'Connor Lighting
  • Photography: Trevor Dixon and Halkin | Mason Photography
A cozy, dimly lit bar with a wooden counter surrounded by high chairs, decorative lamps above, a large vase with flowers on the bar, and shelves filled with bottles in the background. Framed art hangs on dark-paneled walls, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A round wooden table set for four with wine glasses, white napkins, and a small flower vase sits by a window. Four wooden chairs surround the table. A large candle-style chandelier hangs above, and wooden paneling lines the wall, decorated with art.
Elegant restaurant booths with dark wood paneling, glass dividers, and soft wall lighting. Each table is set for four with wine glasses, plates, cutlery, and napkins. Framed artwork decorates the walls, creating a warm, intimate dining atmosphere.
Elegant restaurant interior with dim lighting, a large red chandelier, dark wood tables set with glassware and napkins, upholstered chairs, a backlit forest mural on the wall, and shelves filled with bottles, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Elegant restaurant interior with round tables set for dining, warm lighting from red and gold pendant lamps, a backlit bar with bottles on shelves, patterned chairs, and a large abstract mural of trees on the wall; branches with white blossoms add decor.
A warmly lit, elegant restaurant interior with tables set for dining, cushioned chairs, large hanging lamps, candles, glassware, and a birch tree mural on the back wall. Bottles are displayed on shelves. White blossoms fill a vase at the center.
Chic restaurant interior with round tables, dark chairs, a tall potted palm, warm lighting, modern chandeliers, and a mural of trees on a backlit wall; open kitchen visible in the background. Tables are neatly set with plates, glasses, and silverware.
Photography: Trevor Dixon
Chic restaurant interior with dark tables and chairs, set with plates and wine glasses. A colorful mural of abstract birch trees decorates the back wall. A large round light fixture with a rustic design hangs from the ceiling. Warm, inviting atmosphere.
Photography: Trevor Dixon
Elegant dining room with round tables set for a meal, each adorned with flower centerpieces. The ceiling features rectangular lights, and the wall displays a colorful, abstract mural. Tall green plants add to the upscale, warm ambiance.
Photography: Halkin | Mason
A dimly lit, narrow hallway with tan walls and wooden floors leads to a door with a circular window. To the right, a window reveals a warmly-lit dining area with set tables and decorative branches. Ceiling lights evenly illuminate the corridor.
Photography: Halkin | Mason
Elegant dining room with wooden walls, a palm plant, and warm lighting. Table set with wine glasses, napkins, candles, and pink flowers. Sideboard in the background holds a vase with colorful flowers and two lit candles, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Photography: Halkin | Mason
A round table with a white cloth is set for five in an elegant room with a painted wall, tall green plant, plush chairs, lit candles, and flower centerpieces. Soft, warm lighting comes from rectangular ceiling panels. Door is partially open.
Photography: Halkin Mason