Midtown Raleigh is getting a new taste of Italy this week.
Pranzo, a modern Italian restaurant from Michael Bongiorno, officially opens Friday, Aug. 14, on the ground floor of 1000 Social, the 12-story office tower at The Exchange Raleigh.
The restaurant expands Bongiorno’s presence in the Triangle following the success of Bongiorno & Son, the Italian deli and market he founded at Lafayette Village in 2020, as well as the brand’s more recent location at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
But Pranzo is designed to be more than another Italian market.
The new concept centers on relaxed, social dining inspired by the rhythm of Italian life, moving from lunch into afternoon drinks and dinner while combining ingredient-driven dishes, imported Italian products and a carefully selected wine program.
“Pranzo is about embracing the rhythm of Italian life—gathering over exceptional ingredients, discovering unexpected wines, and taking time to unwind,” Bongiorno says. “Whether dropping in for lunch, meeting colleagues for an aperitivo after work, or joining us for dinner, we want our guests to feel connected through great food and genuine hospitality.”
One of the restaurant’s distinguishing features will be its emphasis on aperitivo, the Italian tradition of gathering before dinner for drinks and light bites.
That could make Pranzo particularly well-suited to its new home at The Exchange, giving those working nearby another option for transitioning from the workday into an evening out without immediately committing to a full dinner.
Wine will also play a significant role in the experience.
Rather than building a list around familiar labels, Pranzo is focusing on small vineyards, organic producers, and women-owned wineries, with an emphasis on wines that are difficult—or, in some cases, impossible—to find elsewhere in the region.
For diners looking to take some of Italy home, Pranzo will also include a small market featuring a selection of specialty products.
Chef AJ Papineau joins Bongiorno and manager Jovan Moss in bringing the new concept to life.
While Pranzo’s complete menu will be unveiled with the opening, early dishes offer a good idea of where the kitchen is headed.
Look for Barolo-braised short rib served over soft Parmigiano Reggiano polenta; smoked burrata with sweet-and-sour red onions, baked tomatoes, arugula and first-press olive oil; and spicy prawns paired with pesto-marinated zucchini, balsamic, radicchio and saffron mayonnaise.
There’s also a beef carpaccio dressed with roasted red peppers, Parmigiano Reggiano, capers and black pepper dressing.
And beginning Friday, Raleigh diners finally get their first chance to see what’s been cooking.
Opening: Friday, Aug. 14
Location: 1000 Social at The Exchange Raleigh
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Website: pranzoraleigh.com
Instagram: @pranzo_raleigh
