Midtown Raleigh’s culinary scene is adding a fresh destination. Building on the local success of Bongiorno & Son in Lafayette Village and RDU, Chef Michael Bongiorno is officially launching his newest dining concept, Pranzo, on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Located on the ground floor of the 1000 Social tower at The Exchange Raleigh, Pranzo delivers a stylish, relaxed approach to modern Italian dining designed to transition seamlessly from quick weekday lunches to vibrant evening gatherings.
The Experience
Aperitivo & Boutique Wines
Central to Pranzo’s ethos is the authentic Italian tradition of aperitivo—the ritual of gathering for pre-dinner drinks and small plates to unwind and savor the evening. Complementing the kitchen’s ingredient-driven menu is a hand-picked wine program highlighting small, organic, and women-owned vineyards, bringing rare labels to Raleigh that aren’t available anywhere else in the region.
First Look
Menu Highlights
Under the direction of Chef AJ Papineau, Pranzo focuses on imported specialty goods, fresh textures, and rich Italian comfort. Preview highlights include:
- Barolo Braised Short Rib served over soft Parmigiana Reggiano polenta
- Smoked Burrata with sweet & sour red onions, baked tomatoes, arugula, and first-press olive oil
- Spicy Prawns paired with pesto-marinated zucchini, balsamic, radicchio, and saffron mayonnaise
- Beef Carpaccio topped with roasted red peppers, Parmigiana Reggiano, capers, and black pepper dressing
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Ground Floor of 1000 Social at The Exchange Raleigh
- Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Website & Social: Explore menu details at pranzoraleigh.com or follow @pranzo_raleigh on Instagram.
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