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Dalida Restaurant
Historic Charm, Modern Elegance
Chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz | JAK W Designs
San Francisco, California
RESTAURANT REMODEL
Project Manager | Industrial Designer
2023
Reimagining Dining Spaces with Purpose and Connection
Dalida Restaurant, located in the historic Presidio of San Francisco, is a Mediterranean dining destination that seamlessly blends architectural heritage with contemporary elegance. As a Project Manager, Jamaica Jones played a pivotal role in transforming this national park site into a 120+ seat restaurant, navigating the complexities of historic preservation while introducing modern functionality.
Banquette Design Rendering
SketchUp rendering created by Jamaica to illustrate the design intent and dimensions of the custom leather and velvet banquette seating for Dalida Restaurant in San Francisco’s Presidio. The rendering includes the integrated cane screen that separates the bar from the dining area, maintaining both airflow and the Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic.
Back Screen Concept Rendering
A detailed rendering of the rear elevation of the custom banquette and screen feature, highlighting the plywood and cane construction designed to provide texture, transparency, and visual continuity between dining and bar zones.
Banquette Construction in Progress
Upholstery phase of the Dalida Restaurant banquette, showing the velvet channel back sections being fitted and proportionally reviewed. The benches were constructed with replaceable upholstery components, allowing for future maintenance and longevity in a high-use dining environment.
Completed Banquette Inspection
Final approval of the completed banquette seating, featuring rich leather seats and velvet channel backs. The finished pieces embody Dalida’s refined Mediterranean character and were inspected for quality and detailing prior to delivery and installation on site.
Sustainable Table Installation
Installation of custom square natural stone tabletops for Dalida Restaurant in San Francisco’s Presidio. The new stone surfaces were paired with refinished pedestal bases salvaged from the previous restaurant to maintain sustainability and reduce material waste. Jamaica directed on-site placement, coordinating layout and alignment across the dining and open kitchen areas.
Dining Room Table Staging
Newly fabricated stone and refinished wood tabletops installed on repurposed pedestals within Dalida’s main dining area. Captured during floor protection and final staging, the image reflects the sustainable reuse of existing elements and the precision required to coordinate furniture installation across distinct dining zones.
Pendant Light Installation
Four large pendant lights newly installed above the main dining area at Dalida Restaurant. Carefully selected to complement the space’s Mediterranean palette and scale, the fixtures establish a warm, inviting ambiance and serve as key focal points within the layered lighting design.
Open Kitchen Tile Installation
Progress photo of the open kitchen bar area at Dalida Restaurant, showing newly installed square tiles replacing the original subway tile. The updated finish elevates the bar’s aesthetic while aligning with the restaurant’s refined Mediterranean design language.
Protected Work Zone
Installation in progress at the Dalida open kitchen, with protective plastic sheeting and equipment in place to safeguard appliances and surfaces during tile cutting. The image captures the precision and coordination required to execute upgrades within an active construction environment.
Post-Installation Cleanup
The open kitchen bar area following completion of the new tile installation and removal of protective coverings. The refreshed surface and clean lines around the counter base create a cohesive transition between the kitchen and dining spaces, setting the stage for final furnishings and finishes.
Bar Foot Rail Installation
Newly fabricated and installed metal foot rails at Dalida Restaurant’s bar. The first image highlights the precision of the mitered corner joint, showcasing craftsmanship and attention to detail that complements the bar’s refined aesthetic.
Finished Endcap Detail
Close-up of the completed bar foot rail endcap, illustrating the seamless integration of custom metalwork within Dalida’s elegant bar design. The installation enhances both functionality and visual cohesion in the restaurant’s gathering space.
Back Kitchen Wall Preparation
Freshly painted wall in the open kitchen dining area at Dalida Restaurant, with electrical wiring in place for upcoming sconce installation. The protected flooring and visible prep work capture the transition between construction and final detailing in the restaurant’s finishing phase.
Main Bar Pendant Lighting
Newly installed pendant lighting above the main bar counter at Dalida Restaurant. The fixtures were selected to balance warmth and sophistication, enhancing the bar’s ambiance and defining its visual rhythm within the larger dining room.
Mirror Back Bar Upgrade
Installation of a vintage-style antique mirror behind the main bar shelving, a design enhancement proposed by Jamaica to replace the original dark cabinetry. The reflective surface opens the space, adds depth, and highlights the curated liquor display, elevating both function and atmosphere.
Bar Area Wallcovering and Ceiling Finish
Final installation of the custom wallcovering above Dalida’s main bar, complemented by a newly painted gold-leaf ceiling. The combination infuses the space with warmth and luminosity, transforming the bar into a radiant focal point that completes the restaurant’s layered aesthetic.
Concept Development: Bird and Eucalyptus Study
Detail of a hand-painted bird and eucalyptus design by artist Emily Parkinson, created as part of the color and composition studies for Dalida Restaurant’s custom wallcoverings. This concept established the palette and tone for the bespoke artwork throughout the space.
Concept Study: Birds and Florals
Early design concept featuring birds and floral elements, developed for client approval prior to fabrication. The pattern informed multiple custom wallcovering applications across Dalida’s dining and bar spaces.
Concept Development: Eucalyptus Variations
Additional eucalyptus-themed design studies by artist Emily Parkinson, refined for palette, scale, and placement prior to full fabrication. These concepts guided the cohesive botanical narrative seen throughout Dalida’s interiors.
Installed Wallcovering: Mimosa Detail
Newly installed custom wallcovering featuring a mimosa tree motif positioned behind shelving and refrigeration units in Dalida’s open main bar area. The mural wraps seamlessly around exposed ventilation, balancing the industrial elements with warmth and artistry.
Private Dining Room Wallcovering Concept
Installed custom wallcovering in Dalida’s dining room, featuring vivid gold and yellow floral motifs with delicate birds. The hand-painted design enlivens the space, enhancing light and texture within the restaurant’s private dining area.
Private Dining Room Installation
Custom wallcovering installed in Dalida’s private dining room prior to final lighting and furniture installation. Protective floor coverings and visible table bases mark the transition from construction to final staging within this intimate dining space.
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