A Bold Beginning in 1974 at Granite Run
In 1974 Margaret Kuo opened Peking, located in of all places a mall (Granite Run Mall in Media PA.) While many people openly questioned whether the area was ready for an authentic Chinese Restaurant, Margaret believed once the people of Delaware County sampled authentic Mandarin and Schezuan cooking they would come back on a repeated basis.
Critical Acclaim & The Rise of Peking
One of the first diners was Elaine Tate – the venerable food critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As it turns out, Tate, by shear serendipity walked into Peking to sample the first nouveau Chinese cuisine in the entire Delaware Valley.
Thanks to her review, and Margaret’s food, Peking started to gain a reputation as a “hot spot.” That reputation continued to grow when Philadelphia Magazine awarded Peking “Best Asian Restaurant” in 1978.
Expanding the Vision, Mandarin in Malvern
After 10 years of devoted service, Margaret recognized the need to make her cuisine available to a greater audience, and hence opened Mandarin in Malvern.
The next five years bought more awards and more happy diners, and by now most people who were interested in fine Chinese food knew about Peking and Mandarin.
Bringing Culinary Innovation to Media, PA
In 1992, Margaret opened a third restaurant, the location being in the town of Media. Her third location was at the forefront of Media’s restaurant renaissance.
Five years later Margaret saw an opportunity to provide the area with another unique dinning experience, the incorporation of Japanese cuisine, allowing her diners to taste authentic dishes, never before served in this area.
Establishing the Main Line Flagship
Margaret made an ambitious in move 2002 into the Main Line, and there established her flagship location in Wayne.
A pair of Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD) dragon reliefs dressed the facade of the Kuo building greeting passersby and diners. Margaret Kuo commissioned these reliefs to Lung-kuang Yang, a renowned sculptor from Hangchow, to honor the Chinese name of her new eatery on the Main Line, which translates into English as the “Dragon’s Lair.” She chose the simple majesty of an ancient version of a Tang dragon devoid of modern embellishment to memorialize one of the Golden Ages of Chinese culture, known for its literature and arts.
The Dragon’s Lair, her first floor dining room continued this theme, the bas-reliefs of horses on the wall are sculpted replicas of two of six reliefs ordered by Emporer Tai-tsung, founder of the Tang Dynasty. These figures portray favorite mounts that Tai-tsung rode into battle to secure his rule and the empires borders. The priceless originals are part of the collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum, in Philadelphia.
To give her second floor Japanese room a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese architecture, Margaret Kuo commisioned a young architect Teruo Sakata of Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Sakata was chosen for his ingenious use of soft lighting as well as his mastery of Japanese architectural theory and practice.
Then, in 2015 Margaret added an outpost at the oldest and most successful farmers market just down the road; Lancaster County Farmers Market on Route 30 in Stratford, PA.
Four Decades of Legacy & Looking Ahead
Following 41 years of success serving the community and foodies in the Philadelphia region, her beloved Peking Restaurant closed with full-page coverage by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
When the redevelopment and construction of the Granite Run Mall was completed, Margaret reopened Peking in 2018 with a new name, Margaret Kuo’s Kitchen.
A Tradition of Acclaim
For over five decades, Margaret Kuo’s restaurants have set the standard for Asian fine dining in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Recognized by regional and national critics alike, our accolades reflect a commitment to culinary authenticity, exceptional hospitality, and wine leadership.
19-Time Wine Spectator Award Winner
Recognized continuously for an extraordinary wine and sake program.
Top National Honors
Named among Zagat’s “America’s Top Sushi Spots” and US Airways Magazine’s “Best Sushi in Pennsylvania.”
Craig LaBan 3 Bell Excellence
Highlighted by the Philadelphia Inquirer as an enduring local favorite.
4-Time Best of Philly Winner
Honored for pioneering authentic Asian fine dining across the Delaware Valley.
The Panache Award
Awarded by the Delaware Valley Restaurant Association for Margaret Kuo’s seminal role in sparking Philadelphia’s culinary renaissance.
