The Lark in West Bloomfield to close this year

The Lark, an acclaimed fine dining restaurant in West Bloomfield, will close at the end of this year.

Known for eclectic cuisine and a European-style atmosphere, the Lark opened in June 1981 and has appeared on several national and local best-of lists since then.

General manager Adrian Lark says the reason for closing is the owners, her parents, Jim and Mary Lark, are getting older.

“They just want to relax and enjoy the rest of their retirement,” Adrian Lark said from the restaurant Wednesday where phones were ringing nonstop after the word got out that the restaurant would close Dec. 23.

The Larks decided to close at the end of the year to give diners a chance to visit one last time and use up any gift certificates. Lark says it’s best to call for a reservation during the day at (248) 661-4466 or email bookings@thelark.com.

The upscale spot, at 6430 Farmington Road, is known for its five-course meals that include appetizer, soup, salad, house-made sorbet and choice of entree, such as Maine lobster, grilled swordfish or rack of lamb. The multicourse dinners start around $75.

“Our plan is to stay open until Dec. 23, but if the staff needs to leave early to take other positions, we may end up closing sooner,” Adrian Lark said. “We hope not, but that’s a possibility. People shouldn’t wait.”

Lark says her parents are still very active in the restaurant they opened 35 years ago. Mary Lark does the gardening and decorating and both help plan menus and host each night the restaurant is open.

“It’s a lot of work for a 77- and 84-year-old,” said Lark.

The Lark is open 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with special themed dinners on the last Monday and Tuesday of each month. The Sept. 28-29 theme is the Andes mountain range in South America. There will also be Old English Holiday themed dinners Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 21-23.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/melodybaetens