The Gilded Spoon was born from a lifelong dream of Chef Eleanor Ainsworth, a Charleston native deeply rooted in the city's rich culinary traditions. Growing up in a family of passionate cooks, Eleanor learned the secrets of Southern cuisine from her grandmother, whose recipes have been passed down through generations.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Eleanor returned to Charleston with a desire to blend her classical training with her Southern heritage. She envisioned a restaurant that would celebrate the region's bounty, showcase local ingredients, and offer an unparalleled dining experience. In 2018, that vision became a reality when The Gilded Spoon opened its doors in the heart of Charleston's historic French Quarter.
From its humble beginnings, The Gilded Spoon has quickly gained recognition for its innovative dishes, elegant ambiance, and unwavering commitment to quality. The restaurant's name pays homage to the gilded age of Charleston's culinary history, a time when fine dining and Southern hospitality were at their peak. Today, The Gilded Spoon continues to honor that legacy by providing a modern twist on classic Southern cuisine.
