Prato

Regulars at Prato describe it as the kind of neighborhood restaurant that is hard to find anywhere -- one where the food remains genuinely exciting through dozens of visits. The meatball appetizer, Diavola pizza, and pasta dishes like the cacio e pepe generate the most passionate enthusiasm. The chocolate gelato, often served with a drizzle of olive oil per the server's recommendation, has earned cult status among dessert-forward guests. The open, airy dining room is praised for its energy, though the noise level during peak hours can make conversation challenging. Reservations are strongly recommended, and walk-in guests typically wait at the bar.

Prato's Michelin Guide recognition is well earned. Chef Brandon McGlamery brings a fine-dining sensibility to a format that is intentionally casual and accessible, and the result is a restaurant that consistently performs above its price point. The wood-burning oven, daily pasta program, and rotating seasonal menu reflect a kitchen that takes its craft seriously. On a street where restaurants must compete for a discerning, well-traveled clientele, Prato has held its ground for over a decade.

Prato is one of Winter Park's most celebrated dining institutions, a rustic-chic Italian restaurant and bar on the iconic stretch of Park Avenue that blends simplicity, seasonal cooking, and genuine craft into one of Central Florida's most consistently compelling dining experiences. Operated by Park Lights Hospitality and led by celebrated chef Brandon McGlamery, Prato draws on the full depth of Italy's regional culinary traditions while embracing fresh Florida produce and responsibly sourced proteins. At the heart of the kitchen are two Acunto wood-burning ovens imported from Naples, which touch the majority of menu preparations and produce Prato's celebrated Neapolitan-style pizzas -- including the Diavola and rotating seasonal pies. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, and its combination of inventive small plates, housemade pastas like the spaghetti cacio e pepe, and thoughtfully prepared entrees ensures that the menu rewards exploration. A long central bar creates a lively social hub, and the retractable storefront doors bring Park Avenue's breezy energy inside. Cocktails, a Spanish and Italian wine program, and a soft-serve gelato station complete the picture. Prato is nearly always busy and reservations are essential.