Imagine a beloved time capsule from the 1960s, a place where the aroma of homemade pasta and the glow of golden chandeliers transport you to a bygone era. That’s exactly what’s happening in San Francisco’s Sunset District, where the iconic Gold Mirror, a 56-year-old Italian restaurant, is finally reopening after a nearly two-year hiatus. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an age of fast-casual dining and trendy pop-ups, does a meticulously restored, old-school gem like this still have a place? Let’s dive in.
The DiGrande family, who’ve owned Gold Mirror since 1969, has poured their heart and soul into this revival. After closing its doors in January 2024 for what was supposed to be a quick facelift, the project snowballed into a full-scale renovation. What started as fixing cracked pipes and updating equipment turned into a labor of love, with every nail, every sconce, and every velvet booth meticulously reimagined. The result? A stunning blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, complete with giant chandeliers, marbled gold mirrors, and shell-shaped sconces that nod to the family’s Sicilian heritage.
But this isn’t just about aesthetics. And this is the part most people miss: the DiGrandes have preserved the essence of what made Gold Mirror a neighborhood staple—its commitment to old-school craftsmanship. Every dish, from the pasta to the salad dressings, is still made in-house, just as Giuseppe DiGrande, now 86, taught his sons Domenico and Roberto decades ago. ‘Don’t buy. You make,’ he’d say. ‘There’s no shortcuts.’ This philosophy is the heartbeat of the restaurant, and it’s what sets it apart in a city where convenience often trumps tradition.
The reopening is a celebration, starting with two days of invitation-only parties for city officials, family, and friends. But the real magic begins next Wednesday when the doors swing open to the public. Customers, who’ve been anxiously awaiting their return—one Instagram commenter even declared, ‘We are desperate for your pizza’—will finally get their fix. Reservations are already filling up fast, and it’s easy to see why. From the dark green velvet booths on the second floor (a nod to its speakeasy jazz club origins) to the warm, golden glow of the dining room, every detail tells a story.
Here’s the controversial question: In a city that’s constantly evolving, is there still room for a restaurant that feels like a time machine? Domenico DiGrande thinks so. ‘No one is building a restaurant like this anymore,’ he says. ‘But San Francisco needs establishments like this.’ Whether you agree or think it’s a relic of the past, one thing’s for sure: Gold Mirror is more than a restaurant—it’s a testament to family, tradition, and the enduring power of good food made the old-school way.
So, what do you think? Is Gold Mirror a welcome throwback, or is it out of step with modern dining trends? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re in San Francisco, make sure to snag a reservation at 800 Taraval St., open from 4 to 10 p.m. starting next Wednesday. You can book your spot on OpenTable or by emailing reservations@thegoldmirrorsf.com. Buon appetito!
