A veteran chef in the D.C. area appears to be breathing new life into the Green Pig Bistro’s former Clarendon address.
A work permit application for a new “Cafe Dalmatia” by chef Ivan Zivkovic was filed last week at 1025 N. Fillmore Street. It’s unclear what the new restaurant plans to offer, but the name Dalmatia, a coastal region of Croatia, suggests Mediterranean cuisine.
Zivkovic did not respond to a request for comment. His culinary career spans two decades in kitchens across Serbia and the D.C. region, including former executive chef roles at modern Mediterranean restaurant Alhambra at the St. Regis Hotel in D.C. and at the Balkan brunch spot Ambar.
His resume also includes the Michelin-starred Maydān, “inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus,” along with nearly a decade at Street Guys Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Ambar, Mexican restaurant Buena Vida and other restaurants abroad in Serbia.
Cafe Dalmatia’s permit application calls for “interior non-structural demolition of elements related to a commercial restaurant space.” The space has remained vacant since Green Pig Bistro relocated to nearby 2900 Wilson Blvd in fall 2024.
“Includes demolition of a bar area, capping off sink plumbing elements, and removing part of a drop ceiling grid and bulkhead,” the application reads. “Also removing part of interior partition walls. All demolished elements are non-structural.”
