Matteo’s exceeded all expectations!
Ok- I’ve been in boca for 9 years. I’ve heard good things about this restaurant but, for whatever reason, every time I tried to get a reservation - no go. I’ll admit I’m not much of a planner so it’s partly my fault. Calling the day before or the day of.
This weekend was my girlfriend’s birthday. Sort of. It’s actually mid week so This is the weekend before. We have big plans next weekend to celebrate. But tonight we were, as usual, flying by the seat of our pants.
To get to the point- it’s Saturday night- mid August in boca raton florida. SLOW season. We were driving by Matteo’s and we both go “ hold on- what about Matteo’s?”
So we call, basically as we are passing by:
“ ring, ring….. hey Mateo’s, any chance we could get a table for two tonight? Like in 20 minutes?”
……..Remember …….this is mid August. South Florida. SlOW season.
“Matteo’s: says: ahhhhhhhh, gee I don’t think we have room tonight. Did you want to be inside or outside”?
“Me- yeah it’s 92 degrees out ( at 6pm) - probably inside”.
“Mateo’s: so sorry. We are booked solid. If you are willing to be outside. I’ll fit you in. My name is Lucas- ask for me.
We look at each other and say” ok let’s try it. “
Two minutes later we arrive and get a sweet parking spot right out front. Lucky. We walk over to Lucas and say hello. He greets us with a big smile and shows us to our table on the patio. The patio is beautiful. And there actually a decent breeze. That surprised me but they are only a couple blocks from the ocean…… could be an ocean thing.
The we meet Hugo— he is a manager. Been there 19 years and it’s easy to see why. This guy was so nice. Really made us feel like regulars. And it was our first time there! My girlfriend is A brazillian- Hugo is from Uruguay and they hit it off. Speaking Spanish ( all good stuff I’m sure) lol.
Between Hugo and Lucas - we felt special. They kept checking on us. We were talking to them like old friends. We really liked this place. The staff is exceptional.
As we sat there - customers were flowing in the place in droves. Like they were giving something away. In the middle of summer. Now I understand how I could never get in last minute. Unreal.
And the food? Wow. We started with a cocktail. It was called Matteo’s mule. Fantastic. The we had the stuffed Artichoke. Unreal. Seriously the best I ever had. After that we shared a jumbo shrimp dish sautéed in spinach and light tomato sauce. With homemade cavetelli pasta in a crème sauce on the side. Spectacular. We ate about half. The portions are huge. They say it’s family style. Each entree comes small ( serves two) or large ( serves 4)
At the end of a perfect night Lucas and Hugo bring over a huge dessert ( a napoleon) with a huge candle on it and sing happy birthday.
I cannot end this review without a shoutout to that dessert. I sound like a broken record but…… best we ever had. Again, we are about half this thing. Huge.
So do I reccomended Mateo’s? Absolutely.
Do I think Hugo may be the best restaurant manager in the city? The State? Absolutely.
Will we be back? Absolutely.
Do yourself a solid. Call tonight and make a reservation. Bring a group. Have fun. And say hello to Hugo...
Read moreI've been a regular at Matteo’s of Boca Raton for over two decades, and in that time, I’ve seen this beloved restaurant evolve, but lately, it seems like it’s reached a new pinnacle of excellence. Each visit leaves me more impressed than the last, and it’s clear that Matteo’s has mastered the art of delivering consistently exceptional dining experiences.
Located conveniently on Federal Highway, Matteo’s has long been a fixture in Boca Raton’s dining scene. But there’s something about the recent visits that has made me fall in love with this place all over again. The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both upscale and comfortable—a rare combination that makes it the perfect spot for any occasion.
We always kick off our meal with their signature salad, loaded with chopped salami and cheese. It’s a dish that never disappoints, offering the perfect blend of flavors and textures that whets your appetite for the meal to come. It’s a simple yet elegant start that sets the tone for the rest of the dining experience.
And the baked clams are the best in Florida.
But the dish that has truly blown me away recently is the veal chop parm on the bone. It’s a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship, cooked to absolute perfection. The veal is tender and juicy, bursting with flavor in every bite, and the presentation is nothing short of stunning. This dish alone is a testament to the skill and care that the chefs at Matteo’s put into every plate they serve.
As much as the food stands out, the ambiance and service are equally remarkable. Matteo’s has done an incredible job of creating a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming. The new art pieces adorning the walls add a fresh, contemporary touch that complements the restaurant’s classic charm. The staff is always attentive and friendly, ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP from the moment they arrive.
And then there’s dessert—an experience unto itself. Matteo’s doesn’t just serve dessert; they present it. Each dessert is a visual and culinary delight, beautifully crafted and just as delicious as it looks. Whether you’re a fan of rich, decadent sweets or prefer something lighter, there’s something on the menu that will satisfy your cravings and leave you with a lasting impression.
In all my years of dining at Matteo’s, I can confidently say that it’s never been better than it is now. If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining here, you’re missing out on one of Boca Raton’s true culinary gems. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Matteo’s of Boca Raton promises an unforgettable dining experience that will have you coming back for more. — enjoying dinner at Matteo's Trattoria...
Read moreMy husband and I dined at Matteo’s in Boca Raton on May 8, 2024. We sat outside and the evening was just beautiful! We had a nice waiter and we ordered our appetizers and main courses. Food was delicious!!! When the waiter was clearing our table he accidentally dropped the utensils filled with tomato sauce on my cardigan that was laying on the empty seat next to me. Since the knit cardigan was made out of silk yarn it could not be cleaned with just water or seltzer. I told the server that it had to dry cleaned. The server said “no problem “ that Matteo would send it out to their dry cleaner. I checked in with the restaurant at the beginning of June to follow up on my cardigan. When I called at about 4::30 pm the receptionist knew nothing about a cardigan that had been dry cleaned. She told me she would call me back. I waited over a week and no call back!! The second week of June I drove to Matteo’s at about 4:00 pm and spoke to the receptionist face to face and still she had no idea. Told me I had to wait to talk to the manager. Manager finally appeared 40 minutes later and told me he had to go to the dry cleaner to pick up my cardigan. I waited another 15 minutes when the manager returned back from the dry cleaner only to see that the dry cleaner was not able to remove the tomato staines. The manager had nothing else to say to me. He did not offer to reimburse me for the cardigan nor did he offer any other solution. Absolutely disgusting!!! It’s now been 7 months and I have not heard from this restaurant. They still have my cardigan!! My advice, if you decide to eat at Matteo’s in Boca Raton, don’t wear anything you really care about, try to wear a pair of PJ’s . They have no regard for your personal property! Not a place that I would ever...
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