Matteo's Italian Restaurant

The Scene – Nancy Reagan look-alikes in St. John knits and hipster couples fill the lipstick-red and leopard-print booths lining this big, loungelike room. The big round tables are either surrounded by young Industry folk or expensively dressed families with well-behaved children in tow. Conversation buzzes at a pleasant volume, barely drowning out the Sinatra tunes humming softly in the background. – – The Food – Start with cocktails, scampi (worth ordering for the bread-dipping potential of its garlicky sauce), and fried mozzarella with marinara, then dive into…

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Editor's Tips

Save Money:: The less-expensive spinoff restaurant next door to Matteo's, called "Matteo's: A Little Taste of Hoboken" is aptly named. It's a casual and authentic alternative.
Fun Fact:: Frank Sinatra was a frequent diner here back in the day and even had his own table. Ask for Sinatra's booth if you're hoping a bit of his stylish nonchalance might be lingering.
Happy Hour:: From Tuesday through Friday 5:30pm-6:30pm and 9pm-11pm

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User Reviews (20)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Great ambiance and food quality” “The decor is incredible - very old school Hollywood.” “The ambience is classy, the service great (provided you're a tipper - otherwise don't expect much), and the food is some of the best Italian to be found in Los Angeles.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“They also had the BEST desserts ever!” “Creative desserts got a writeup in the Times, and the Nutella cake that Dickman bright from Rocca still hits home.”
drinks	66.66999816894531% positive	“matteo's does not have an extensive wine or cocktail list.” “Everything from the food and drinks to the host and waiter were fantastic.” “The wine list had a great variety of Italian wines and the bartender who has worked there for 30 years will regaile you with tails of the old hollywood greats who onced dined there.” “The room had a skylight, candles all over, full bar and an outdoor patio all lit up that was to die for (no pun intended).” “Service was excellent even though we dont drink.” “from great drinks and even better stories you'll always want to come back just for the bar.”
food quality	100.0% positive	“Everything from the food and drinks to the host and waiter were fantastic.” “The food was so incredible, and the service was incredibly friendly and very fast paced (especially for the number of people that were in attendance, which I think was 90).” “best italian food in LA” “We thought the food was good too - try the lasagna with artichoke!” “The ambience is classy, the service great (provided you're a tipper - otherwise don't expect much), and the food is some of the best Italian to be found in Los Angeles.” “Bring an empty stomach, you will need some place to put all of that great Italian food.” “Sunday nights are special dinners and the restaruant just brought the big roaster over from Rocca to do some even more inventive pork and game dishes.” “the roast pig is juicy -- you have to have it with the salsa verde.” “Simply the best Italian food in LA.” “it also comes with some pretty yummy salsa verde.” “The appearance of the food is nice but the taste is superb.” “Great ambiance and food quality” “The stuffed veal chop with proscuitto and asagio wowed in a savory, sauce, flavorful but not heavy, and the salmon was similarly expertly prepared, with a light lemon butter and fresh corn and mushrooms.” “The food was soooo good.” “Matteos is a favorite for a yummy Italian dinner on the West side.” “overally, a good meal.” “The service is always great as is the food!”
menu variety	66.66999816894531% positive	“The wine list had a great variety of Italian wines and the bartender who has worked there for 30 years will regaile you with tails of the old hollywood greats who onced dined there.” “matteo's does not have an extensive wine or cocktail list.” “This place has an amazing variety on the menu.”
overall	100.0% positive	“Hands down the best restaurant experience in metro LA” “Matteo's is a great Italian restaurant.” “Everything about the Murder Mystery event was a blast, and Matteo's was a great place to go to.”
return potential	100.0% positive	“from great drinks and even better stories you'll always want to come back just for the bar.”
service	100.0% positive	“Everything from the food and drinks to the host and waiter were fantastic.” “Management was extremely attentive and made our experience really enjoyable.” “the staff is awesome.” “Leo, the venerable bartender is great.” “The food was so incredible, and the service was incredibly friendly and very fast paced (especially for the number of people that were in attendance, which I think was 90).” “Staff is friendly and plentiful as they are there to please.” “The service is excellent and the new management makes you feel like you're at home.” “Dress like you wish to be treated, tip to show you appreciate the service, and be respectful.” “The service is always great as is the food!” “The wine list had a great variety of Italian wines and the bartender who has worked there for 30 years will regaile you with tails of the old hollywood greats who onced dined there.” “The ambience is classy, the service great (provided you're a tipper - otherwise don't expect much), and the food is some of the best Italian to be found in Los Angeles.”
value	100.0% positive	“Osso Bucco besides being huge Fantastic.” “The portions were big.”

03/17/11

Poor experience with Mediocre food

by foody mike

was a guest at a dinner for 30 people on MArch 1, 2011 in the private upstairs room. The service was terrible and the food, mediocre, at best. However, my real complaint is that I sent an email to both managers telling them of my experience and did not get the courtesy of a response. I will never recommend this place again.

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10/19/10

Eat Pig at Matteo's

by NickRomanov

Matteo's is a foul restaurant, if you can call it that. The waiters are all gay swine as is the chef. The food is not italian but is garbage american. The red sauce is disgusting and has no taste. The veal and chicken are horrible and leave a swiney aftertaste. Do not take your wife, girlfriend or date here. The waiters, owners and patrons have no respect for married people and people in love who want a good meal. They will try and pick your woman up right in front of you. This is no way to eat.

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03/11/09

Great Murder Mystery Events!!!!!

by FoodLUVAH

I commented on the Murder Mystery Citysearch page, so I will do the same for Matteo's. Went to the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater they have every Saturday Night. I went on Valentines Day. Walked in to a really retro restaurant with leopard carpet and red booths. Looked really cool! I was directed upstairs to a TOTALLY different venue. Their upstairs (as their bartender explained to me) was styled after a New York Townhouse and is used for all their private parties. It was gorgeous. The room had a skylight, candles all over, full bar and an outdoor patio all lit up that was to die for (no pun intended).

The food was so incredible, and the service was incredibly friendly and very fast paced (especially for the number of people that were in attendance, which I think was 90).

The show was really funny and I did not have a clue who the murderer was. Everything about the Murder Mystery event was a blast, and Matteo's was a great place to go to. I had never been before, and cannot wait to try more of their food.

P.S. If you are ever upstairs for an event or the murder mystery thing, and have no idea what cocktail you'd like to order, just ask Jason (I think thats his name) to create something for you, and he will make you a delicious drink you have probably never heard of, or one he made up based on what you like!!!!!

Pros: Food, Drinks, Staff and Show
Cons: NONE!!!!!

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01/05/09

Best Italian - Most Romantic!

by HermosaGirl2008

My boyfriend and I recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary here. It was amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant. The atmosophere is upscale but relaxed, Our server was quick but not pushy. Delicious wine and food and great date spot.

Pros: Great Food, Beautiful atmosphere
Cons: make a reservation!!!!

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06/15/08

Honestly (in more ways than one), a great dining experience you will have in L.A. area

by i8ricecake

Went here for a friends birthday a couple of Fridays ago, & we all agreed that this was one of the best places we have been to since we moved out here. I personally never heard of the restaurant but an out of town friend wanted to have his birthday specifically where Frank Sinatra dined. Not only were we treated to his booth, the food (Matteo's marinated olives, selection of cured meats called 'Affettati Misti', NY sirloin Sinatra steak, pastas, salads, desserts) was amazing, the drinks kept coming, & the one thing that made this so exceptional was the service. Truth be told, I don't think any of them were under the age of 35, but that is what it made it so much more so; you knew none of them were wanna-be actors, there was no attitude, just genuine service which is quite rare (or maybe I eat in the Hollywood area too much). We also left something behind by accident which we called later to see if it was found (& it was; cash laying under the table!) & they actually held onto this for us to pick up the following week. I would recommend this for a special occasion of any kind.

Pros: Fantastic service, including Kevin B. the manager, good portions sizes, great background on the history of the place

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Editor's Tips

03/17/11

Poor experience with Mediocre food

by foody mike

10/19/10

Eat Pig at Matteo's

by NickRomanov

03/11/09

Great Murder Mystery Events!!!!!

by FoodLUVAH

01/05/09

Best Italian - Most Romantic!

by HermosaGirl2008

06/15/08

Honestly (in more ways than one), a great dining experience you will have in L.A. area

by i8ricecake

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