Excellent food and great menu. We had counter seats watching them prepare all the food....a beautiful setting in the Presidio. We will definitely return on a future trip here.
Ella W.
Located in the Presidio, Dalida has THE BEST pita bread ever! Trust me, you'll want to order an extra to enjoy with the hummus that comes with the dish "breaking bread". Dalida expertly cooks their lamb, I highly recommend ordering the lamb shoulder. Another dish that I also enjoyed was the octopus, which is plated artfully. One dish that didn't meet my expectations was the chicken. I was hard to cut and wasn't cooked throughly. Our waitress was super gracious and took the chicken back and had the kitchen fire up a new one, which was also just meh. Give this place a try, I'd just not order the chicken. Parking is fairly easy and there's outdoor dining for those rare non freezing cold SF days.
Mary B.
Just ok. I think everything needed salt. To me, the dishes were rather bland. The cabbage dish was to sweet. The lamb dumpling was a stuffed pasta tube and was very el dente. The rice pudding needed more rice. It was really just a custard with a few grains of rice. We never even had our small water refilled and never ask if I wanted another cocktail. Would have asked but are server was only around to bring us our 2 small appetizers, our two small entree's and one dessert. For 150.00 (not including tip or "fee") should have left full. I'm still hungry. I know I won't be going back. There are to many restaurants I would rather go to.
Denise L.
Came for a private party that started on the patio with sparkling wine and yummy hors d'oeuvres. My favorites included a butternut squash bite with goat cheese inside and blini with cream and trout roe. We then moved inside and had their breaking bread which was very tasty and I was very excited they had muhammara as that is a treat for me. The hummus and yogurt dip were very good too. Pita perfectly fluffy. Had a version of a Mediterranean samosa and the outside was perfectly crunchy and the inside had a very savory ground meat. I did feel mine was a little undercooked but very good. Our main server was Nayeli and she was amazing! She kept my glass of sparkling wine always full and attentive to all the guests! Very spacious restaurant, nice patio area, and plenty of parking outside.
Amirah Syrah
The service at Dalida is abhorrent and so so rude. I had the displeasure of speaking to the most condescending and unprofessional hostess ever.My assistant made an error for the reservation time and I stopped by early inquiring if we could be sat earlier. One hostess in particular seems so angry and negative towards me, I just couldn’t believe it. I was having a phenomenal day with my family and she ruined the vibe completely.Energy and interactions so toxic that I just cancelled my reservation completely and we went to Kokkari instead. A place where I am welcomed with loving and open arms instead of being treated like the restaurant is doing me a favor by existing and accepting my reservation.I was treated so poorly and will not return. This place is purely hype and instagram marketing, nothing special. The location is the best asset.
Jason M.
Best new restaurant! I enjoyed every bite and our waitress Shay was so attentive and helpful. The meat was so tender and the dips delicious.
Sara R.
Dalida is nice but very overhyped. The food is good, nothing creative or memorable. A few dishes were out of balance (stuffed cabbage overwhelmed by cherry, rice pudding the caramel poured on top was very sweet). The service was bad - our server described the wines based on location, which is the only description on the menu. The check was brought while we were still eating and before we even asked for it. The decor and vibes are also just fine. Wouldn't visit again - nothing particularly memorable and a few disappointing moments with both food and service
Haven D.
Dalida had been on our list of new SF restaurants to try for some time. After we watched the first episode of this season's Top Chef and saw Laura was a contestant, we realized we better go now before it's impossible to get a reservation and/or the prices go through the roof! We came for Sunday brunch before a Presidio hike. I can't remember the last time I was this impressed with a new restaurant in the city (or at least new to us :-) The food exceeded expectations and was also unique and innovative. Every dish felt like something new and exciting. We started with the soujuk flatbread, similar to an elevated Georgian cheese boat, if you've ever had one of those. Best thing I've eaten for some time! Bread had a perfect chew and I'm still thinking of the the spicy pork in it. The su borek puff pastry came after that. Thought it would be traditional, but it was more like a light lasagna. Also delicious! Finally, for a dessert, we finished with the black currant blintzes which was a great ending to our meal. We'll definitely be back for dinner...and rooting for Laura on Top Chef now that we've experienced her amazing cuisine!
ursamajorsf
It is always interesting to sit at the Chef's Counter as a couple (more than two and conversation is challenged). We love watching the prep stations and how the food is prepared and plated. The service was attentive and the food excellent. Starting with the "breaking bread" is a must. We will be back.
catherinedee
Delicious, creative items on menu. We sat at the chef's counter and enjoyed seeing the flow of the kitchen. We enjoyed everything that we ordered! Will definitely return again soon.
A standout San Francisco restaurant that highlights Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern while using farm-fresh ingredients from around the Bay Area. This is a fabulous meal, with ingenuity throughout the menu. Highlights included the table bread, a delicious pita accompanied by some of the best spreads I've ever tried. Also fantastic was a perfect pork cheek, a lamb skewer wrapped in a different type of lamb, and an octopus dish with pork drizzled on it. The tasting menu is a steal, but some of the best dishes aren't on that menu, which is somewhat frustrating. Service is overwhelmed by just how popular this place is (they forgot to bring a fork they promised to bring, or one of the two drinks we ordered arrived 15 minutes and some prompting after the first). But the food is the star, and the food deserves all the accolades it's been getting.
JudithW
The location is charming, the interior spacious and open, which makes the noise level on a busy day impossible to talk. A common problem with almost all eateries. The food and presentation were unusual, most of our dishes fell into the spicy category, which we like, but if you don't like spicy, be careful to ask for milder dishes. It's a unique menu with interesting flavorings in a charming setting.
kathyp
Inventive food and beautiful surroundings, unfortunately service was poor and disorganized. Normally I'm not someone to ding on service bc everyone has an off day, but there were multiple service errors right from the beginning to the end.
Ken G.
Overall, this is a nice spot for tasty Mediterranean food. I was here with a couple of other people and able to try a variety of dishes: -Breaking Bread (housemade pita with spreads) -Fattoush Salad -Kibbe -Su Borek -Lamb Shoulder Tandoor Most dishes had very good flavor and I could tell that quality ingredients were used. The Su Borek was probably the most memorable dish for me - I enjoyed the texture and flavor. I also appreciated the tenderness of the lamb. Located in the Presidio, this restaurant is far from everything, so it's a destination. It has an elegant atmosphere and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and offerings. I'd recommend this place if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Seema G.
I enjoyed our dinner at this restaurant except for the fact that it was too loud. The noise level at the restaurant does not support and good conversation at the table. Otherwise the food is creatively presented and very interesting dishes that I have never had before were delicious and captivating.
Excellent food and great menu. We had counter seats watching them prepare all the food....a beautiful setting in the Presidio. We will definitely return on a future trip here.
Located in the Presidio, Dalida has THE BEST pita bread ever! Trust me, you'll want to order an extra to enjoy with the hummus that comes with the dish "breaking bread". Dalida expertly cooks their lamb, I highly recommend ordering the lamb shoulder. Another dish that I also enjoyed was the octopus, which is plated artfully. One dish that didn't meet my expectations was the chicken. I was hard to cut and wasn't cooked throughly. Our waitress was super gracious and took the chicken back and had the kitchen fire up a new one, which was also just meh. Give this place a try, I'd just not order the chicken. Parking is fairly easy and there's outdoor dining for those rare non freezing cold SF days.
Just ok. I think everything needed salt. To me, the dishes were rather bland. The cabbage dish was to sweet. The lamb dumpling was a stuffed pasta tube and was very el dente. The rice pudding needed more rice. It was really just a custard with a few grains of rice. We never even had our small water refilled and never ask if I wanted another cocktail. Would have asked but are server was only around to bring us our 2 small appetizers, our two small entree's and one dessert. For 150.00 (not including tip or "fee") should have left full. I'm still hungry. I know I won't be going back. There are to many restaurants I would rather go to.
Came for a private party that started on the patio with sparkling wine and yummy hors d'oeuvres. My favorites included a butternut squash bite with goat cheese inside and blini with cream and trout roe. We then moved inside and had their breaking bread which was very tasty and I was very excited they had muhammara as that is a treat for me. The hummus and yogurt dip were very good too. Pita perfectly fluffy. Had a version of a Mediterranean samosa and the outside was perfectly crunchy and the inside had a very savory ground meat. I did feel mine was a little undercooked but very good. Our main server was Nayeli and she was amazing! She kept my glass of sparkling wine always full and attentive to all the guests! Very spacious restaurant, nice patio area, and plenty of parking outside.
The service at Dalida is abhorrent and so so rude. I had the displeasure of speaking to the most condescending and unprofessional hostess ever.My assistant made an error for the reservation time and I stopped by early inquiring if we could be sat earlier. One hostess in particular seems so angry and negative towards me, I just couldn’t believe it. I was having a phenomenal day with my family and she ruined the vibe completely.Energy and interactions so toxic that I just cancelled my reservation completely and we went to Kokkari instead. A place where I am welcomed with loving and open arms instead of being treated like the restaurant is doing me a favor by existing and accepting my reservation.I was treated so poorly and will not return. This place is purely hype and instagram marketing, nothing special. The location is the best asset.
Best new restaurant! I enjoyed every bite and our waitress Shay was so attentive and helpful. The meat was so tender and the dips delicious.
Dalida is nice but very overhyped. The food is good, nothing creative or memorable. A few dishes were out of balance (stuffed cabbage overwhelmed by cherry, rice pudding the caramel poured on top was very sweet). The service was bad - our server described the wines based on location, which is the only description on the menu. The check was brought while we were still eating and before we even asked for it. The decor and vibes are also just fine. Wouldn't visit again - nothing particularly memorable and a few disappointing moments with both food and service
Dalida had been on our list of new SF restaurants to try for some time. After we watched the first episode of this season's Top Chef and saw Laura was a contestant, we realized we better go now before it's impossible to get a reservation and/or the prices go through the roof! We came for Sunday brunch before a Presidio hike. I can't remember the last time I was this impressed with a new restaurant in the city (or at least new to us :-) The food exceeded expectations and was also unique and innovative. Every dish felt like something new and exciting. We started with the soujuk flatbread, similar to an elevated Georgian cheese boat, if you've ever had one of those. Best thing I've eaten for some time! Bread had a perfect chew and I'm still thinking of the the spicy pork in it. The su borek puff pastry came after that. Thought it would be traditional, but it was more like a light lasagna. Also delicious! Finally, for a dessert, we finished with the black currant blintzes which was a great ending to our meal. We'll definitely be back for dinner...and rooting for Laura on Top Chef now that we've experienced her amazing cuisine!
It is always interesting to sit at the Chef's Counter as a couple (more than two and conversation is challenged). We love watching the prep stations and how the food is prepared and plated. The service was attentive and the food excellent. Starting with the "breaking bread" is a must. We will be back.
Delicious, creative items on menu. We sat at the chef's counter and enjoyed seeing the flow of the kitchen. We enjoyed everything that we ordered! Will definitely return again soon.
Restaurantji Recommends
A standout San Francisco restaurant that highlights Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern while using farm-fresh ingredients from around the Bay Area. This is a fabulous meal, with ingenuity throughout the menu. Highlights included the table bread, a delicious pita accompanied by some of the best spreads I've ever tried. Also fantastic was a perfect pork cheek, a lamb skewer wrapped in a different type of lamb, and an octopus dish with pork drizzled on it. The tasting menu is a steal, but some of the best dishes aren't on that menu, which is somewhat frustrating. Service is overwhelmed by just how popular this place is (they forgot to bring a fork they promised to bring, or one of the two drinks we ordered arrived 15 minutes and some prompting after the first). But the food is the star, and the food deserves all the accolades it's been getting.
The location is charming, the interior spacious and open, which makes the noise level on a busy day impossible to talk. A common problem with almost all eateries. The food and presentation were unusual, most of our dishes fell into the spicy category, which we like, but if you don't like spicy, be careful to ask for milder dishes. It's a unique menu with interesting flavorings in a charming setting.
Inventive food and beautiful surroundings, unfortunately service was poor and disorganized. Normally I'm not someone to ding on service bc everyone has an off day, but there were multiple service errors right from the beginning to the end.
Overall, this is a nice spot for tasty Mediterranean food. I was here with a couple of other people and able to try a variety of dishes: -Breaking Bread (housemade pita with spreads) -Fattoush Salad -Kibbe -Su Borek -Lamb Shoulder Tandoor Most dishes had very good flavor and I could tell that quality ingredients were used. The Su Borek was probably the most memorable dish for me - I enjoyed the texture and flavor. I also appreciated the tenderness of the lamb. Located in the Presidio, this restaurant is far from everything, so it's a destination. It has an elegant atmosphere and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and offerings. I'd recommend this place if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
I enjoyed our dinner at this restaurant except for the fact that it was too loud. The noise level at the restaurant does not support and good conversation at the table. Otherwise the food is creatively presented and very interesting dishes that I have never had before were delicious and captivating.