Italian Eatery Picks MoCo For Its First Expansion

BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE, MD — A Michelin-recognized Italian restaurant will be opening its doors in the county later this year.

Marking its first expansion location, Prato is digging its roots into Bethesda Row. A release on the development notes an opening is slated for the fall.

Prato will be replacing 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. We couldn’t think of a better or more vibrant community than Bethesda to open our second Prato," said Scott Bowman, CEO of Park Lights Hospitality.

Bowman partnered with Prato in 2024 to grow the brand.

Prato, according to Bowman, promotes a welcoming environment where guests can settle in with ease. It's a restaurant that can meet the demands of a date night or friendly gatherings.

"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 space is expected to undergo serious renovation as organizers are looking to implement signature elements from Prato's Winter Park base in Florida.

Items included on Prato's menu include a mix of wood-fired pizzas, octopus, cobia crudo, and carne carpaccio, among other dishes.

The recent opening announcement marks a push by the restaurant to largely expand its footprint outside of the Sunshine State. An opening is also expected in 2027 in Nashville.