Matteo Italian Restaurant – Karen Occasion: 🎂 Birthday vibes for me & my sister Squad: 👨👩👧👦 Wife, sisters, their hubbies, mom & dad – full house!
From the moment we walked in, Matteo delivered that signature Karen charm – cozy, elegant, and welcoming. Ambience? ✔️ Classy. Lighting? ✔️ Perfect glow. Service? ✔️ Attentive but not clingy.✔️
Wine time? 🍷 Absolutely. The selection wasn’t massive but the bottle we had? Smooth, bold & celebratory.
Starters: I went with a Caprese salad 🧀🍅🌿 – fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil – light and lovely.
Mains: I ordered the aged ribeye 🥩 – medium rare… or so I hoped. Came out a bit more medium than rare, and yes, it was a little cold (Karen’s chilly air playing tricks maybe?). But flavor-wise, it was still a win.
The veggies though? WHOA. 🥕🥦🔥 Grilled to perfection – literally on steroids. 10/10. The fam went all out – ribeyes, T-bones, even a tomahawk! Sides were generous – creamy spinach, sautéed potatoes, and killer sauces to match.
Is it the best steak I’ve had? Nah, but it held its own. If you’re coming just for steak, manage expectations. But for a full experience? Matteo hits the mark.
Surprise Moment: The staff pulled off a cake surprise 🍰 with a hearty birthday singalong 🎉 – made the night unforgettable.
Extras I Loved: • Spotless restrooms 🚻 • Ample parking 🚗 • Great safety vibes ✅ • We stayed dry & cozy even with unexpected rain ☔
Final Verdict: Would I return? YES – especially for another celebration, family night out or a cozy Italian dinner. Not your hardcore steakhouse, but a beautiful Italian spot that delivers on vibe, wine, and warmth.
Next time, Matteo… let that ribeye bleed a little
⭐ 4.6/10 #MatteoKaren #BirthdayDinner #ItalianEats #FamilyVibes #SteakNight #WineAndDine #KarenRestaurants...
Read moreMatteo's: A Taste of Italy in Karen Matteo's Italian Restaurant in Karen, Nairobi, offers a delightful dining experience that blends authentic Italian flavours with a Kenyan charm. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the restaurant's ambience is elegant and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. The menu boasts many Italian classics, from wood-fired pizzas to delectable pasta dishes. The pizzas, in particular, stand out with their perfectly crisp crust and generous toppings. Seafood lovers will appreciate the fresh and flavorful options, while meat enthusiasts can indulge in succulent steaks and other grilled specialities. The service at Matteo's is attentive and efficient, ensuring a seamless dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. While the food and service are generally excellent, some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies in the quality of certain dishes. However, these instances seem rare; overall, the restaurant maintains a high standard. In conclusion, Matteo's Italian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Italy in Nairobi. With its delicious food, pleasant atmosphere, and attentive service, it's no wonder that it remains a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Tips for Your Visit: Reservations: Making a reservation is advisable, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Dress Code: There's no strict dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended. Kids-Friendly: The restaurant is family-friendly, with outdoor seating and a children's play area. Parking: Ample parking is...
Read moreI haven't been back since last year when we had a terrible service-related issue on a Sunday at Lunch time. We unfortunately had to walk out because our drinks alone took an hour and we had given up on the food part!
I decided to give them another chance and went for a business dinner last night. Big mistake! The service was appalling. From the onset, we had to keep trying to get the waiters attention. Once we ordered the drinks and starters, they wouldn't come back to check on us and whether we needed any drink top ups or clear the remaing starters from the table to allow for the mains.
I had to prompt them to get them to take our order for the mains which was an effort. There was one waiter standing right behind us against the wall and it took quite a lot of hand waving to get his attention to come over to take our order for the mains, which he did so in an unintersted manner.
All this happened whilst I watched tables around us get served with lots of enthusiasm and amicably.
At the end I asked to speak to the manager. Once I started to speak with him, one of the waiters - Joseph, who has probably the worst table-side attitude of any waiter I have ever come across, came and stood next to us and started to listen to our conversation. The audacity! I had to ask the manager if he was okay having this waiter listen to us and Joesph just sniggered! He was then told to walk away by his manager which he did so begrudgingly.
In summary, the food was good but the service is terrible. And sadly it seems we may have been victims of racial profiling.
Not...
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