In some ways, the pandemic served as a kind of litmus test, identifying which businesses had the ability and imagination to pivot in the face of adversity and which did not.
Among those in the former category is Prati Italia, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Jacksonville’s Town Center. At a time when people wanted to get out of the house and enjoy a good meal but were unable or reluctant to dine in enclosed areas, Prati Italia offered — created — a solution: an outdoor pavilion where the air was clear and healthy and patrons could socialize with confidence.
The pavilion’s growth in popularity, post-pandemic, might be attributed to serendipity, but it also demonstrates foresight. It has become yet another reason patrons are drawn to this restaurant.
“Everybody was focused on a lot of different things through the COVID time period,” said co-owner Sarah Marie Johnston. “A lot of the elements that were born out of the stresses of how to adapt became things that people really enjoyed in the long run. The response has been amazing.”
Not that Prati Italia didn’t already have outdoor seating. It’s always had a sizable patio and outside lounge, but Johnston and husband Chef Tom Gray realized they needed more of it.
The pavilion seats 70 for dining but can be configured for 100 if needed for groups or events. The raised deck features new furniture and shade screens and overlooks a small lake and fountain.
“It’s a lovely addition,” said Johnston. “We’re really proud of it, just like we are of the whole building, the whole business.”
The restaurant’s interior is divided into numerous areas distributed over two floors. In addition to dining rooms on both levels, there is an upstairs lounge, private dining and meeting areas, bar areas, an open kitchen and temperature-controlled wine cellar.
Designed by the owners and Atlanta-based design firm ai3, the restaurant won the People’s Choice Award in 2016 from the American Institute for Architecture Florida for its unique, “eco-aware” and efficient use of space.
Gray and Johnston built and opened the restaurant in 2013 as Moxie Kitchen and Cocktails. They rebranded it Prati Italia in 2020. The name means Italian meadows, a nod to the meadowland that formerly occupied the property.
The menu changed with the name and is focused on handmade pastas and pizzas, though Prati Italia also serves steak, fish and poultry. In addition, it maintains a vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu.
“We make all of our pastas in-house,” said Johnston. “We have flat, rolled pastas. We have cut pastas with different shapes. We do an amazing 13-layer lasagna. We have a really incredible pizza; it’s a blend of Old World and New World styles. So, it’s a little bit of Roman style, and a little bit of Detroit style. We have our own unique take on the fluffy crust with the cheesy baked edges.”
Prati Italia is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, brunch 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Happy hour is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, and patrons will find craft cocktails and local beers among the offerings.
“We’re always trying to focus on the local, and handmade, handcrafted as much as possible,” Johnston said.
Prati Italia is located at 4972 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville. To learn more, see the menu or make reservations, go to pratiitalia.com.
