The Cliff House renews 140 years of dining history
The Cliff House renews 140 years of dining history with the grand re-opening
of the restored 1909 structure. Perched on spectacular cliffs overlooking the
Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House is one of the crown jewels of San Francisco's Golden
Gate National Recreation Area.
The new Sutro Wing opened September 10, and is attached to the 1909 building, which
opened October 4, and has been extensively renovated to restore the original
neo-classical architecture. The Cliff House boasts a dramatic new look and expanded
access to the breathtaking views that have been a magnet for locals and visitors
from around the world since 1863. The re-opening will mark the end of a dedicated
effort and $19 million renovation begun in January 2003. The renovation of the
Cliff House has been a joint undertaking of the restaurant owners and the
National Park Service.
The new Sutro Wing houses an amazing two-story main dining room called Sutro's
with stunning panoramic ocean views. An expanded menu by chef de cuisine, Patrick
Clark, features a strong emphasis on seafood and organically grown products.
Architect C. David Robinson of San Francisco has been responsible for the design and
renovation. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are emphasized in both the
neo-classical design and restored 1909 structure and the soaring modernist space of
the new wing. Skylights and grand picture windows accentuate natural light in all
public places. Robinson primarily used natural materials - concrete, copper, slate
and glass - to blend the new building and the scenic coastline.
