Antique photos and books grace the bookshelf at Pillar, an American bistro in the Bishop Arts District. Chef-owner Peja Krstic aims to infuse the place with soul. His wife Silvana's choice of antiques complements the 98-year-old building's charm and history in Oak Cliff, now a neighborhood bustling with restaurants. One of the standout cocktails at Pillar is the Lofty Idea, made with Irish whiskey, apple brandy, and fig. This restaurant space previously housed French bistro Boulevardier and Spanish eatery Cafe Madrid. Under Krstic's watch, Pillar is a bright and airy bistro with no culinary boundaries.
Uncover the Story Behind Pillar's Culinary Fusion
Antique Decor and Building History
The building that houses Pillar is nearly a century old. The new restaurant design features checkered booths and dainty wallpaper, with exposed brick showing its age and charm. It adds to the overall allure of the place.Peja Krstic immigrated to Dallas 20 years ago after visiting a family member. He initially planned to become an attorney but worked in restaurants part-time to make ends meet. His diverse chef jobs over the years include Italian at Arcodoro Pomodoro, American at Jasper's, Asian fusion at Fuse, steak at Chamberlain's, and upscale bar food at Standard Pour.Unique Dishes and Culinary Combinations
An early favorite at Pillar is the beef tartare ($20), which looks like a stuffed mushroom rather than raw meat. Krstic stuffs crispy hashbrown cups with beef, kimchi mayo, and chives. It's rich and small, just perfect.Tuna carpaccio ($22) on the menu might seem like the expected beef tartare but is actually a "sheet" of raw tuna with lump crab remoulade beneath.Roasted beets ($16) are braised in hibiscus tea and served with ricotta, toasted hazelnuts, and dill. The leeks ($19) come with butter-poached crab, adding a seasonal touch.The rest of the menu includes familiar dishes like a double-patty cheeseburger with brisket pastrami ($19), pork rib cassoulet ($29), shrimp and grits ($27), and a delicious-looking duck, leek, and bacon pot pie ($28). The agnolotti filled with ricotta and caramelized onions and grilled short rib ($28) is another of Krstic's favorites.Signature Cocktails and Themed Menu
The cocktail menu keeps up the "pillar" theme. The Prima Donna is a "spiced and spicy" mezcal drink with a house-made hibiscus-beet mixer, named for fiery redhead Lucille Ball.The Zero Degrees, a classic gin martini served extra cold, is named for Nikola Tesla, the scientist who never got a college degree.The only menu item repeated from Krstic's other restaurant, Mot Hai Ba, is the chocolate cake. It's a tall slice, a play on red velvet with mascarpone, chocolate mousse, and more. Krstic claims it's the best chocolate cake in Dallas.Pillar is at 408 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas. It opened on December 8, 2024. Reservations are recommended, and it is closed on Mondays.For more food news, follow Sarah Blaskovich on X at @sblaskovich.
