Mattone Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Campbell River

Culinary Heaven: A Love Letter to Mattone Italian Kitchen | Mattone Market + Gelato and Chef Ryan**

As a chef myself, I have a profound appreciation for the art and passion that goes into creating unforgettable dishes. This is why I am beyond thrilled to share my raving experience at Mattone Italian Kitchen | Mattone Market + Gelato, helmed by the culinary genius, Chef Ryan.

From the moment you step into Mattone, you're enveloped in an ambiance that perfectly balances elegance and warmth. The inviting decor, paired with the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen, sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.

But let's talk about the star of the show—Chef Ryan. This maestro of Italian cuisine doesn't just prepare food; he crafts edible masterpieces that transcend the ordinary. Every dish is a testament to his dedication, skill, and unrelenting pursuit of culinary perfection.

The menu at Mattone is a symphony of flavors, showcasing both traditional Italian recipes and innovative creations that surprise and delight the palate. From the heavenly burrata and heirloom tomato salad to the exquisitely tender osso buco, each bite is a revelation. The pasta, made fresh daily, is a highlight unto itself—each strand and piece cooked to al dente perfection and sauced with an expert hand.

One can't miss the signature dishes that have earned Mattone its stellar reputation. The truffle risotto, rich and creamy with just the right hint of earthiness, is a dish that dreams are made of. And the tiramisu? An ethereal experience that leaves you floating on a cloud of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

What truly sets Mattone apart, however, is Chef Ryan's unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. His passion for sourcing the finest ingredients and his meticulous attention to detail shine through in every plate. It's no wonder that dining at Mattone feels less like eating out and more like being welcomed into Chef Ryan's own kitchen, where every guest is treated to a culinary experience of a lifetime.

In a world where dining experiences can often feel rushed or impersonal, Mattone Italian Kitchen | Mattone Market + Gelato stands out as a beacon of excellence. It's a place where food is revered, guests are cherished, and every meal is a celebration of the incredible artistry of Chef Ryan.

As a fellow chef, I can say without hesitation that Mattone Italian Kitchen | Mattone Market + Gelato is the best place to go for an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Ryan, you have my utmost respect and...

*UPDATE: THE OWNER/CHEF PROMISED ME A FREE MEAL DUE TO MY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE, BUT THEN NEVER RETURNED MY MULTIPLE EMAILS

I'm new in town and had heard great things about this restaurant. This was my first time there, trying out brunch. All I can say is "what a shitshow of lack of coordination". First, they only open at noon which is rather late for brunch. I arrived a few minutes after noon to find at least 30 people packed outside of the doors waiting to get in, and an equal number inside that had already been seated. The brunch menu consists of only five options. That's it.

The hostess told us that we had to go to the front cash to order our food, so again we wait in line.

The three of us ordered our food one after the other, each having to pay up front. (They also want you to tip up front when you haven't received any service yet. And the tips start at 18%!)

We go back to our table and waited a very long time for our food. Eventually a busboy comes out and gives a meal to one of us. Then 5 minutes later comes back with a second person's meal. And then I waited and watched a table next to me containing 8 people ALL get their meals while I still waited for mine! I mentioned it to the hostess and she said that they must have ordered before me. I let her know that we all ordered at the same time, one after the other and she said they must have ordered using the QR code on the table. We were not told we could order that way, or surely we would not have chosen to wait in line to order. I mentioned that and she said that they had a staff meeting about it, but I guess there was confusion. Everyone at my table had finished their food by the time mine arrived. I was looking forward to a quality or unique meal, but really it was pretty ordinary. Poached eggs with some smoked meat on top of a whole giant pile of cubed potatoes that contained a couple of slivers of sweet peppers. Nothing remarkable about it. The most exciting thing I tasted there was the garlic butter they give with the bread. That was absolutely fantastic! However, considering my brunch meal by itself approached $30 when you added in tax and tip, I will definitely never...

Awful. So disappointing considering what I know to be a talented chef and beautiful location. I just loathe these counter service places that make you line up to order, charge prices comparable to 3 & 4 ⭐️ restaurants, make you pay upfront and put patrons on the spot to tip before any service has been rendered. It leaves a really bad taste in a diner’s mouth (pun intended). My daughter and I ordered a Caesar salad and spaghetti and meatballs to share. The bill was astronomical for what we received. Not only was everything lackluster, but the spaghetti pasta was way overcooked and waterlogged, the meatballs were ridiculous- cartoon-sized boulders with filler, the sauce was watery and had no redeeming qualities. The best part was the garlic toast and that is not saying much. Caesar dressing had no zip…everything was just meh. I wanted to say something to our “server“, however, after our plates were laid, nobody came to check on us for the entire hour that we were there. We had to go to the counter and get the drinks that we paid for, and hadn’t been delivered. We left most of the food untouched. I felt professionally obligated to follow up with a phone call and when I spoke to the manager, I was rebuffed in a very impolite manner. I thought from one professional in the industry to another, the chef would like to know what happened and what our experienc ewas as I have a fairly extensive background in culinary and this area desperately needs a good restaurant. I was given multiple excuses as being shortstaffed, inexperienced staff, hard to find staff, they’re very busy, etc. etc. sure, she would pass on my concerns. Mmmhmm… I’ll give it one more try if they’re still around in a year, hopefully things have improved. But honestly, if you’re looking for a nice restaurant for a special event, if the meal quality and service is important to you and you want value for your money, spend the time and drive into town...