Great food, super cute and chic ambiance, and easy, prompt service. The menu has all the classics of an upscale Italian restaurant and the flavors + portions don't disappoint! I had the Burrata, the mushroom pasta, and the broccolini - all were well prepared and delicious. The price point is certainly on the higher side but nonetheless it's a cute and cosy spot that I hope to be back to soon. Glad to have this option in the neighborhood!
Tori Dema
I have so many good things to say about this place!! My fiancé and I ate here last night to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and our expectations were exceeded. My fiancé is from Italy and said this places is exactly like home. Incredible homemade pastas. It’s so delicious I am still thinking about it today and cannot wait to go back. The prosciutto actually looks how it is supposed to look have not seen that anywhere else in DC. The decor is also gorgeous and it’s a wonderful quaint date spot. Also the service was wonderful everyone is so nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna
Nikki
Everything was excellent! Our server was amazing and they were very accommodating and welcoming considering we had no reservations. This made up for the fact we had a bad experience trying to dine across the street. Would definitely recommend San Matteo!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryan Newbold
Nestled in the heart of Petworth on Upshur, San Matteo, is a delightful Italian restaurant that exceeded all expectations. The wife and I have walked by here for a while and finally found time to do an impromptu date night. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The attentive wait staff made us feel right at home, offering recommendations and ensuring that every detail of our meal was perfect. Unfortunately I didn’t the waitress’s name, but she was so nice!The menu boasted a variety of classic Italian dishes, and we opted for the funghi pasta and bolognese, both of which were bursting with flavor and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The house red wine complemented our meal beautifully, and we couldn't resist indulging in the decadent tiramisu for dessert. I do have to warn you…their bread is dangerous. It’s so addictive and fluffy. I couldn’t stop eating it.San Matteo is a must-visit for anyone craving some great Italian food in a cozy local family vibe. We really hope they take off and more people frequent this spot. I love seeing local joints that offer great food so well. We’ll most definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charlotte Lewis
Such a lovely experience! Had dinner for two on Monday evening. Ordered the bolognese and funghi pastas, tiramisu, and wine. Everything was delish and affordable! Waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. Waiter also shared they have M-F happy hour and morning coffee and bacon, so I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh
Great food, great staff, great drinks — a neighborhood gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew John
I was so excited to try what I thought would be a great new Italian restaurant in DC. From the beginning to the end, everything was subpar- and this restaurant for being new has a LOT of room for improvement. The food itself tasted good. We ordered the following dishes: Beef Carpaccio, Salumi and Cheese, Angliotti, Seafood Mancotti and the Zuppa de Pesce. First of all, every dish arrived room temperature or cold. I am not sure if this is because they had the overhead fans in the dining room at full blast in a completely windowed room in 35 degree weather, or because the service and expo are so behind that they just can’t get food out in time. Either way, everything was cold. We sent the Angliotti back because the cream sauce had firmed due to the temperature. The Zuppa de Pesce was also cold. Honestly, lets be honest - a soup should be hot, and for $32 for a soup, it should be HOT. Totally unacceptable! Continuing on- the Beef Carpaccio and Salumi Antipasti were both great- but probably because they didnt require cooking. Service-wise: extremely slow. For 2 people we spent over 2 hours in the restaurant and were surprised we were not ushered out as we witnessed the host pressuring servers to turn tables. Honestly- not a good look. Atmosphere- the place is well decorated, but the temperature control is completely lacking and the staff had the overhead fans running at full blast the entire time we sat. I had to wear my jacket the entire time- totally uncomfortable. We felt that because of this the entire meal was cold due to the lack of adequate temperature control in the restaurant. Finally- it was totally obvious that whoever manages this restaurant is completely unqualified and unfit to run this restaurant. When we actually spoke to a manager about the issues we experienced it was the first and only time we saw this person on the floor in the entire 2+ hours we dined, someone who claimed to be a manager. Not sure what he was up to the entire time the restaurant was roaring with displeased customers- but as an owner I would be questioning that. The last thing I will say is our server wasn’t bad. He obviously was trying. Unfortunately, it seemed like he was overwhelmed and forgot that we asked for a candle for a birthday. He made up for it with comped lemon drop shots- so all good. Honestly, for what ended up being a $400 meal, It felt like from start to finish, this restaurant is “trying” to be a “nice Italian place” but cares more about profits than their customers. Quite honestly, in this day and age, restaurants need to actually try, and this place fails. It is very obvious they need to get back to basics and fix fundamental issues like service, food quality, temperature control, and basic customer friendliness. Basics in my opinion this restaurant cannot achieve. I will not be returning, ever. There are much better places on the map and until this spot fixes basic problems, I would be surprised if they remained in business.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Beef Carpaccio, Affogato, Espresso Martini & Tiramisu
Karima L.
The food is really delicious!! Started with complimentary focaccia and it was so tender and flavorful. They were very generous with refills as well! Everything looked delicious and the portions were reasonable enough to be full and not so large that you will have leftovers. The branzino was really well done; incredibly flavorful and meaty. The pasta was perfectly al dente and tasted homemade and fresh. The service was slightly confused and not as smooth as it could've been but there were no errors and everything worked out well. At one point there was a question of which of the three coffees we ordered was decaf, but everyone managed to sleep that night so we assume they got it right! The front and back rooms have a slightly different vibe but both are nice and lively. Overall would definitely come back for a solid Italian meal.
Erin Bakst
Great cocktails and food, excellent service! Try the pappardelle funghi pasta if you’re a mushroom fan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto Misto Calamari
Erin W.
My husband and I live in the neighborhood and stopped by for a drink one evening. The service was great as were the cocktails, so we went back for dinner a different night. It did not disappoint! The food was excellent and the service and ambiance were amazing. I recommend the fritto misto appetizer and the pappardelle funghi pasta!
I’ve been here a few times and the pasta is amazing! The branzino is amazing. Back in the fall I had the best ravioli I have ever had in my life. Consisted of pumpkin ravioli pork sausage and apple. I still dream about it months later. Don’t miss the Tiramisu when you stop in. Great mixed drinks as well. A wonderful place to have a date or enjoy a solitary meal at the bar. I cannot recommend this place enoughVegetarian options: Cheesy pasta
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carbonara Pasta, Espresso Martini & Tiramisu
Husband and I decided on an impromptu date night to check out the newish local spot. Host was pleasant and decor was beautiful. We were promptly seated at a table that made us feel like children because the seats were not tall enough and the table hit us at chest height. Very uncomfortable. I think they are the same tables from the previous bar which had built raised booths so they were proper height.Service was quick. House white tasted cheap but meh it’s the house white. Husband ordered a peroni that tasted a little odd - thinking maybe it was detergent smell still left in the glass?Our server came over and was great we asked his recommendation between a couple of options. My husband asked whether the lasagna or carbonara was better and he told us he thought the carbonara could be a little too salty sometimes. My husband wasn’t worried he said and loves salt and pancetta so much he went with it anyway. I asked for his opinion between the mushroom pasta dish and the spinach and ricotta ravioli and went with the latter on his recommendation.Shortly after, they brought out my ravioli and the lasagna (wrong dish). They apologized and quickly brought my husband another beer on the house. I slowly started to pick at the ravioli while we waited for his correct meal. The ravioli had the consistency of being pan fried in oil that was too hot and was very undercooked (and I love me some al dente but this was something else). I could’ve gotten around all that but the spinach inside tasted like fishy frozen spinach and I saw no ricotta to be had anywhere. The sauce was heavy but fine. I couldn’t get more than a few bites down.My husband’s carbonara comes out and the pancetta looked like an undercooked half rendered pork belly. The whole plate was basically an off white mush. My husband said the server was right: It was so salty it was inedible and again the pasta was rock hard in the center. Should’ve listened. He coaxed me into trying one noodle and I almost vomited at the table the pork just tasted so off.The service staff seemed to notice we weren’t enjoying our food and promptly dropped off a complimentary tiramisu which was a nice gesture but we don’t really eat dessert. I ate a few bites to be polite then we paid and left. They also took the carbonara off the bill which was appreciated.We left and my husband puked on the sidewalk outside. I had to pull over several times for him because he kept getting sick. We’re back home and I don’t know if it’s food poisoning but it sure seems that way.TLDR: service was great, food was the worst I’ve had in a long time and we might be sick now.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Patrick Swift
Such a great addition to the neighborhood... I so hope that they thrive, stay consistent with food quality and service, and become a long-standing fixture on Upshur Street.The transformation of the space was very well done and the back dining room is such a great addition! Personally, I can't wait for the weather to turn in a few months, to enjoy a spring or summer dinner back there.I think the front dining room/bar area can be a little too loud... some limited soundproofing measures should really help.But to the food - we've been a handful of times by now and I can say that San Matteo does NOT disappoint. Lasagna? Check! Cacio e pepe? Check! Gnocchi bolognese? Check! The table bread (a light focaccia) is light and tasty.To the San Matteo team - please please keep up the great work!To the Petworth and nearby residents - please please visit and I hope you enjoy. And come back. And help San Matteo thrive here in our neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen Z.
The food was exquisite! We dined in the back part of the restaurant which has a different vibe than the front, but it was all around lovely. If you're on a romantic date, ask to be seated in the front part. Pasta is fresh and prices are reasonable. Hit up room 808 across the street to finish off the date :)
Great food, super cute and chic ambiance, and easy, prompt service. The menu has all the classics of an upscale Italian restaurant and the flavors + portions don't disappoint! I had the Burrata, the mushroom pasta, and the broccolini - all were well prepared and delicious. The price point is certainly on the higher side but nonetheless it's a cute and cosy spot that I hope to be back to soon. Glad to have this option in the neighborhood!
I have so many good things to say about this place!! My fiancé and I ate here last night to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and our expectations were exceeded. My fiancé is from Italy and said this places is exactly like home. Incredible homemade pastas. It’s so delicious I am still thinking about it today and cannot wait to go back. The prosciutto actually looks how it is supposed to look have not seen that anywhere else in DC. The decor is also gorgeous and it’s a wonderful quaint date spot. Also the service was wonderful everyone is so nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna
Everything was excellent! Our server was amazing and they were very accommodating and welcoming considering we had no reservations. This made up for the fact we had a bad experience trying to dine across the street. Would definitely recommend San Matteo!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nestled in the heart of Petworth on Upshur, San Matteo, is a delightful Italian restaurant that exceeded all expectations. The wife and I have walked by here for a while and finally found time to do an impromptu date night. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The attentive wait staff made us feel right at home, offering recommendations and ensuring that every detail of our meal was perfect. Unfortunately I didn’t the waitress’s name, but she was so nice!The menu boasted a variety of classic Italian dishes, and we opted for the funghi pasta and bolognese, both of which were bursting with flavor and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The house red wine complemented our meal beautifully, and we couldn't resist indulging in the decadent tiramisu for dessert. I do have to warn you…their bread is dangerous. It’s so addictive and fluffy. I couldn’t stop eating it.San Matteo is a must-visit for anyone craving some great Italian food in a cozy local family vibe. We really hope they take off and more people frequent this spot. I love seeing local joints that offer great food so well. We’ll most definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a lovely experience! Had dinner for two on Monday evening. Ordered the bolognese and funghi pastas, tiramisu, and wine. Everything was delish and affordable! Waiter was super friendly and knowledgeable. Waiter also shared they have M-F happy hour and morning coffee and bacon, so I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great staff, great drinks — a neighborhood gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was so excited to try what I thought would be a great new Italian restaurant in DC. From the beginning to the end, everything was subpar- and this restaurant for being new has a LOT of room for improvement. The food itself tasted good. We ordered the following dishes: Beef Carpaccio, Salumi and Cheese, Angliotti, Seafood Mancotti and the Zuppa de Pesce. First of all, every dish arrived room temperature or cold. I am not sure if this is because they had the overhead fans in the dining room at full blast in a completely windowed room in 35 degree weather, or because the service and expo are so behind that they just can’t get food out in time. Either way, everything was cold. We sent the Angliotti back because the cream sauce had firmed due to the temperature. The Zuppa de Pesce was also cold. Honestly, lets be honest - a soup should be hot, and for $32 for a soup, it should be HOT. Totally unacceptable! Continuing on- the Beef Carpaccio and Salumi Antipasti were both great- but probably because they didnt require cooking. Service-wise: extremely slow. For 2 people we spent over 2 hours in the restaurant and were surprised we were not ushered out as we witnessed the host pressuring servers to turn tables. Honestly- not a good look. Atmosphere- the place is well decorated, but the temperature control is completely lacking and the staff had the overhead fans running at full blast the entire time we sat. I had to wear my jacket the entire time- totally uncomfortable. We felt that because of this the entire meal was cold due to the lack of adequate temperature control in the restaurant. Finally- it was totally obvious that whoever manages this restaurant is completely unqualified and unfit to run this restaurant. When we actually spoke to a manager about the issues we experienced it was the first and only time we saw this person on the floor in the entire 2+ hours we dined, someone who claimed to be a manager. Not sure what he was up to the entire time the restaurant was roaring with displeased customers- but as an owner I would be questioning that. The last thing I will say is our server wasn’t bad. He obviously was trying. Unfortunately, it seemed like he was overwhelmed and forgot that we asked for a candle for a birthday. He made up for it with comped lemon drop shots- so all good. Honestly, for what ended up being a $400 meal, It felt like from start to finish, this restaurant is “trying” to be a “nice Italian place” but cares more about profits than their customers. Quite honestly, in this day and age, restaurants need to actually try, and this place fails. It is very obvious they need to get back to basics and fix fundamental issues like service, food quality, temperature control, and basic customer friendliness. Basics in my opinion this restaurant cannot achieve. I will not be returning, ever. There are much better places on the map and until this spot fixes basic problems, I would be surprised if they remained in business.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Beef Carpaccio, Affogato, Espresso Martini & Tiramisu
The food is really delicious!! Started with complimentary focaccia and it was so tender and flavorful. They were very generous with refills as well! Everything looked delicious and the portions were reasonable enough to be full and not so large that you will have leftovers. The branzino was really well done; incredibly flavorful and meaty. The pasta was perfectly al dente and tasted homemade and fresh. The service was slightly confused and not as smooth as it could've been but there were no errors and everything worked out well. At one point there was a question of which of the three coffees we ordered was decaf, but everyone managed to sleep that night so we assume they got it right! The front and back rooms have a slightly different vibe but both are nice and lively. Overall would definitely come back for a solid Italian meal.
Great cocktails and food, excellent service! Try the pappardelle funghi pasta if you’re a mushroom fan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto Misto Calamari
My husband and I live in the neighborhood and stopped by for a drink one evening. The service was great as were the cocktails, so we went back for dinner a different night. It did not disappoint! The food was excellent and the service and ambiance were amazing. I recommend the fritto misto appetizer and the pappardelle funghi pasta!
Restaurantji Recommends
I’ve been here a few times and the pasta is amazing! The branzino is amazing. Back in the fall I had the best ravioli I have ever had in my life. Consisted of pumpkin ravioli pork sausage and apple. I still dream about it months later. Don’t miss the Tiramisu when you stop in. Great mixed drinks as well. A wonderful place to have a date or enjoy a solitary meal at the bar. I cannot recommend this place enoughVegetarian options: Cheesy pasta
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carbonara Pasta, Espresso Martini & Tiramisu
Fritto misto, octopus, seafood pasta, mushroom pasta, steak, duck, tiramisu - all superb!
Husband and I decided on an impromptu date night to check out the newish local spot. Host was pleasant and decor was beautiful. We were promptly seated at a table that made us feel like children because the seats were not tall enough and the table hit us at chest height. Very uncomfortable. I think they are the same tables from the previous bar which had built raised booths so they were proper height.Service was quick. House white tasted cheap but meh it’s the house white. Husband ordered a peroni that tasted a little odd - thinking maybe it was detergent smell still left in the glass?Our server came over and was great we asked his recommendation between a couple of options. My husband asked whether the lasagna or carbonara was better and he told us he thought the carbonara could be a little too salty sometimes. My husband wasn’t worried he said and loves salt and pancetta so much he went with it anyway. I asked for his opinion between the mushroom pasta dish and the spinach and ricotta ravioli and went with the latter on his recommendation.Shortly after, they brought out my ravioli and the lasagna (wrong dish). They apologized and quickly brought my husband another beer on the house. I slowly started to pick at the ravioli while we waited for his correct meal. The ravioli had the consistency of being pan fried in oil that was too hot and was very undercooked (and I love me some al dente but this was something else). I could’ve gotten around all that but the spinach inside tasted like fishy frozen spinach and I saw no ricotta to be had anywhere. The sauce was heavy but fine. I couldn’t get more than a few bites down.My husband’s carbonara comes out and the pancetta looked like an undercooked half rendered pork belly. The whole plate was basically an off white mush. My husband said the server was right: It was so salty it was inedible and again the pasta was rock hard in the center. Should’ve listened. He coaxed me into trying one noodle and I almost vomited at the table the pork just tasted so off.The service staff seemed to notice we weren’t enjoying our food and promptly dropped off a complimentary tiramisu which was a nice gesture but we don’t really eat dessert. I ate a few bites to be polite then we paid and left. They also took the carbonara off the bill which was appreciated.We left and my husband puked on the sidewalk outside. I had to pull over several times for him because he kept getting sick. We’re back home and I don’t know if it’s food poisoning but it sure seems that way.TLDR: service was great, food was the worst I’ve had in a long time and we might be sick now.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Such a great addition to the neighborhood... I so hope that they thrive, stay consistent with food quality and service, and become a long-standing fixture on Upshur Street.The transformation of the space was very well done and the back dining room is such a great addition! Personally, I can't wait for the weather to turn in a few months, to enjoy a spring or summer dinner back there.I think the front dining room/bar area can be a little too loud... some limited soundproofing measures should really help.But to the food - we've been a handful of times by now and I can say that San Matteo does NOT disappoint. Lasagna? Check! Cacio e pepe? Check! Gnocchi bolognese? Check! The table bread (a light focaccia) is light and tasty.To the San Matteo team - please please keep up the great work!To the Petworth and nearby residents - please please visit and I hope you enjoy. And come back. And help San Matteo thrive here in our neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was exquisite! We dined in the back part of the restaurant which has a different vibe than the front, but it was all around lovely. If you're on a romantic date, ask to be seated in the front part. Pasta is fresh and prices are reasonable. Hit up room 808 across the street to finish off the date :)