The Iranian brothers behind decades-old Georgetown darling Peacock Cafe are expanding into Dupont Circle and Persian cuisine with the opening of Vintage78 this spring.
Vintage78 — named for the year chef Maziar and co-owner Shahab Farivar moved to the U.S. from Iran — will offer updated spins on traditional dishes like dolme (stuffed vegetables), kufteh (meatballs), and Persian-style stews served with rice.
Last fall the owners announced plans to take over the former Scion restaurant space at 2100 P Street NW. Capitol Hill’s fusion eatery Chiko recently expanded to the same street.
Peacock Cafe entered Georgetown’s dining scene in 1991, around the same time Cafe Milano debuted in the neighborhood. Both are consistently packed with ladies who lunch, politicos, and suits closing deals. The brothers planted another Peacock Cafe along the law firm-heavy K Street NW corridor in 2008, but the crashing economy caused that location to close about a year later.
Inspiration to finally do a restaurant based on their Iranian heritage came, in part, from past invites to cook Persian New Year dinners at the James Beard House.
Alcohol is still considered a no-no in some Iranian circles, but Vintage78 plans to embrace modern times via a full-service wine and bar program.
The 3,000-square-foot venue will seat 75 guests in the dining room (including 25 in the private dining room) and about 28 in the bar area. Glass, chrome, and repurposed wood sourced from a house built in the 1900s aim to create a lived-in vibe.
Vintage78 will be open Monday to Sunday for weekday lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.