A new restaurant has staked a claim in the scenic Presidio. Dalida, a chic Mediterranean restaurant, was opened earlier this summer by the former chefs at Noosh. The culinary couple Laura Ozyilmaz and Sayat Ozyilmaz both have years of experience going into this new venture.
Laura trained at Centro Culinario Ambrosia in Mexico City and New York’s Culinary Institute of America. She then worked in San Sebastian, Spain, New York City, and Saisons in San Francisco. Sayat is originally from Istanbul and graduated from Dartmouth College before studying at the Culinary Institute of America. Dalida also has a wine Director on staff, Ruth Fey, who brings experience as a sommelier for a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Dalida features Mediterranean cuisine that blends Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Arabic, and Persian influences. The menu is best appreciated as shared plates, perfect for a large group. Guests can choose between various plates, divided between ocean, land, and garden. Plus, large entree options, including a 12-hour Lamb Tandoor and indulgent pasta, are available. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose the chef’s menu and receive a curated selection for your table.
The restaurant has already made a splash, gaining national recognition. It’s been listed among the top 50 best new restaurants in America by Esquire. One other SF restaurant was included in the list, an upscale multi-course restaurant named Kiln.
Dalida is also available to host events, with 6 different dining spaces to accommodate various occasions, including private dining, large parties, and catered events. Dalida opens reservations 30 days in advance, and you can book through OpenTable. If you have a large party of 8 or more people, reach out for information on a private event. For those feeling spontaneous, Dalida reserves the bar and lounge for walk-ins, serving 35-40 walk-in guests a night.
The restaurant is the newest addition to the Presidio, a former military post-turned-park funded by the Presidio Trust. The historic post, dating back to 1776, was turned into a park in 1996. Since then, the park has been home to diverse organizations and people, frequently drawing many visitors. You can find everything from a yoga studio to a hotel in the historic park. After your meal, you can explore the park or walk to the Golden Gate Bridge for a scenic view.
Dalida is located at 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 100, and is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays.