Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar

Small, intimate atmosphere, attentive service, excellent food and drinks. The lamb shank was phenomenal. Great spot before Kennedy Center!

Friendly, expedient service with excellent Italian food, spanning the whole range of cuisines from north to south. Small, but well curated wine list, modestly priced, and good quality.

An unforgettable evening of Italian brilliance, made even more special by Amanda whose warmth and attentiveness elevated the 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, gracious service, and a dining journey that felt both intimate and celebratory. The evening began with the Toscani Eggplant Bruschetta, a flavorful mix of roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and crisp bread layered with tomato basil sauce. Alongside it, the Watermelon Salad brought refreshing balance with juicy melon cubes, feta, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. The Smoked Salmon Alfredo followed with silky linguini in creamy parmesan sauce, accented by broccoli and topped with smoked salmon and a garlic crostini. It was indulgent yet refined. For the main course, the Chicken Parmesan impressed with lightly breaded chicken baked under mozzarella and sauce, paired with linguini and crisp seasonal vegetables. Generous and satisfying, it combined comfort with elegance. Cocktails added sparkle. 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 offered a zesty counterpoint. The tiramisu provided a perfect finale, airy and elegant with espresso-soaked layers, mascarpone cream, cocoa, and chocolate drizzle. Amanda's thoughtful care made the service seamless, her timing perfect and her warmth genuine. Combined with Matera DC's intimate atmosphere and refined menu, it was a dining experience that celebrated both tradition and flair in perfect harmony.

Very nice place ! Good food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No greeter, no one staffing the bar. Prices on menu did not match what the computer charged! Check your check!

Server could barely speak English and had no idea where the bathrooms were, just said “i don’t know sorry ask someone else”, it’s a complete maze to find them. Abysmal

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

Very nice place. Tables somewhat cramped. Very good food, service, and experience. Thank you

Great Italian restaurant tucked into boutique hotel. Convenient to GWUand Kennedy Center.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing Waiter and friendly staff at this restaurant. Loved their Carbonara and Tiramisu!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was a really nice place to eat especially right before having tickets to the Kennedy center.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Table wasn’t ready 15’ after reservation time.
Food was mediocre. Wouldn’t recommend

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

We really enjoyed our visit to this great little neighborhood spot. Matera was based in the bottom of The River Inn hotel. The dining area was small, decorated, and cozy. We sat at a small high top table by the window. I wish I had gotten pictures of the food to post because it was plated very well, looked appetizing and tasted amazing. Our service was on point, was very friendly and gave great reccomendations. It was so good we may go back for breakfast today. Thank you for the great experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Must eat!!!
If you are at the area you must enter this amazing restaurant.
It’s very nice and neat.
The service is great and most important is the dishes are delicious.
Recommended to reserve a table.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very pleasantly surprised! Really small spot and in a hotel so I was a bit worried but the food was phenomenal! The space was cozy and inviting. It is a tight spot so make a reservation ahead of time. It may also not be wheelchair accessible as most tables at bar tops, limited regular tables and tight spaces. In all I would definitely come back for a quick bite before or after a show at the Kennedy center

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The servers Fabrizio and Sukeyna always manage to make our dinner experience very pleasant. The noise level sometimes is a problem. Perhaps some thick wall hangings could help to lower the decibels.