Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Washington

An unforgettable evening of Italian brilliance, made all the more special by Amanda whose warmth and attentiveness elevated the entire experience. From the first toasted bruschetta bursting with roasted eggplant, olives, and tomato basil sauce to the last forkful of airy tiramisu, Matera DC delivered bold flavors, polished service, and a dining journey that felt both intimate and celebratory.

The evening began with the Toscani Eggplant Bruschetta, a perfect balance of roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and crisp bread layered with rich tomato basil sauce. Alongside it, the Watermelon Salad was refreshing and vibrant, with juicy melon cubes, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses that provided a sweet and savory harmony.

The Smoked Salmon Alfredo followed with silky linguini in a creamy parmesan sauce, accented by fresh broccoli and topped with smoked salmon and a garlic crostini. It was indulgent yet balanced, a dish that felt both comforting and refined.

For the main course, the Chicken Parmesan impressed with lightly breaded chicken breasts baked under mozzarella and coated with flavorful tomato sauce, paired with linguini and crisp seasonal vegetables. Generous and satisfying, it was beautifully plated and full of flavor.

Cocktails added sparkle to the evening. The Limoncello cocktail with prosecco, limoncello, and lime juice was bright and refreshing, while the Ginger martini with Ketel One Citron and French ginger liqueur brought a vibrant, zesty kick that paired perfectly with the bold dishes.

Dessert was the highlight of tradition and finesse. The tiramisu was airy and elegant, its espresso-soaked layers blending with mascarpone cream and cocoa, finished with chocolate drizzle and whipped cream for a sweet finale.

Amanda’s thoughtful care throughout the evening made the service seamless. She anticipated every need, timed courses perfectly, and made the evening feel effortless. Combined with Matera DC’s intimate atmosphere and refined menu, it was a dining experience that celebrated both tradition and modern flair.

Matera DC shines as a destination for anyone seeking exceptional Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients, refined execution, and heartfelt hospitality come together in...

A very small and cute restaurant nestled in the lobby of a hotel and just a few minutes from the Kennedy Center. Our visit however, fell short of expectations with the highlight being it's convenient location. The ambiance was great and appealing, the overall experience didn't leave us eager to return.

Environment It's a very lovely place located just a few minutes from the Kennedy Center which made it a convenient stop before our show. The ambiance was lovely, with an inviting aesthetic. Given it's small size, reservations are recommended as seating is limited although it wasn't too busy when we were there. They offer table dining and a small bar for a cozy atmosphere.

Service The service was okay. and left something to be desired. We ordered bread for our table, only to notice that other tables were receiving complimentary bread. After bringing this to our server's attention, he neither apologized nor offered to address the oversight leaving us feeling dissatisfied. Tip: be sure to confirm your free bread with your server to avoid a similar issue.

Food and drinks The food was okay. The stand was surprisingly the tomato soup which was both comforting and flavorful especially on a rainy day. I ordered the "Tour of Italy" and my friend tried the chicken parmesan, though neither dish stood out in taste. The cheesecake dessert was similarly just okay. The cocktails were on the sweeter side.

Overall My experience at Matera was a bit underwhelming and didn't quite meet expectations, particularly given the mix-up with the bread service. The best thing is it's proximity to the Kennedy Center making it a convenient choice for a pre-show meal or drink. I hope to return to give it another try, hoping for a...

This could have been a really nice restaurant, as the room has a nice, cosy atmosphere. I was however uninspired by the food, which I found very American takes on Italian classics: too much grease, too much melted cheese, and too much going on at my plate in general. The tiramisu was a far cry from actual tiramisu - just sponge cake with a lot of chocolate sauce. I also found the waiting staff not very engaged. They did not once asked me if I enjoyed the food, as if they kind of expected my answer already. In my view a missed opportunity. With a few improvements to the menu, and waiting staff that is a little bit more proud to serve out what is on it, this could be a so much...