Dalida Restaurant

When approached to design this restaurant, the mission was clear: create a space that celebrates the natural beauty of the Presidio landscape while also reflecting the Mediterranean & Latin Cultures that inspire the restaurant’s cuisine and adhere to the strict historic rules of the Presidio architectural review board. In addition to these design influences, we were also confined to a $200,000 budget, inclusive of all labor, design hours, FF&E and materials. What was available to us was all existing furniture within the restaurant and the Presidio archives along with a clear brand vision and endless amounts of trust from the clients. With these elements, we were able to make magic happen in the Presidio.

We collaborated with artist Emily Parkinson who created a stunning mural, celebrating the flora and fauna of the Presidio. Our vision was to make this mural a focal point, bringing the outdoors in to soften what was a very masculine and cold interior. We used

furniture rather than architecture to delineate zones. We re-used many existing elements of the previous space, including dining tables, bar surfaces and case goods. To update them, we refinished these pieces, re-imagined surfaces and re-organized them, creating a space that was reflective of the warmth and textures indicative of Mediterranean and Latin culture. We blended organic elements, natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning to create a visually stunning and warm environment. Finding commonality between the Mediterranean and the Presidio’s lush surroundings, Dalida’s color palette incorporates cool greens, ecru, and mustards. Natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone, leather, and ceramics are used throughout to introduce a feminine quality which balances the masculine architecture. This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when resources are limited and a priority is made to preserving history and re-purposing what is available.