Italian restaurant Prato to debut at Bethesda Row this fall

Italian restaurant Prato, a Florida-based eatery listed in the Michelin Guide, is planning to open a location this fall on Bethesda Row in downtown Bethesda, according to parent company Park Lights Hospitality.

The new location at 7278 Woodmont Ave. will mark the first expansion of the 14-year-old Winter Park eatery, the company said Tuesday in a statement. Prato will replace Matchbox at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street.

“We’re a very busy restaurant, and that long-term success has allowed us to explore expansion opportunities in multiple markets,” said Scott Bowman, CEO of Park Lights Hospitality. We couldn’t think of a better or more vibrant community than Bethesda to open our second Prato.”

Prato’s Winter Park location is known for a menu that balances rustic Italian tradition with a modern flair. Signature dishes include wood-fired Margherita pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, as well as house-made rigatoni with pork ragu. To start, small plates like burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wood-grilled octopus highlight the kitchen’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The new Bethesda restaurant will undergo a significant renovation, incorporating signature elements from the Winter Park flagship that include a warm, textured interior featuring brick and wood accents and carefully curated lighting, according to the Park Lights Hospitality Company.

“Our goal is to recreate that feeling in Bethesda and become a place where the community gathers and returns again and again,” Bowman said.

The Bethesda location is part of a series of planned expansions for the brand. According to Bowman, a location in Nashville is slated to open in early 2027, with additional deals currently under negotiation in other major U.S. markets.