Matteo’s Restaurant (Boca Raton, Hallandale)
Boca Raton
***** Matteo’s Restaurant, 233 South Federal Highway, Boca Raton Florida 33432, (561) 392-0773—&—1825 East Hallandale Boulevard, Hallandale, Florida 33009, (954) 455-4050.
Certain things in life bear repeating…
Matteo’s with locations in Boca Raton, Hallandale is one of the best Italian restaurants in South Florida.
If you check…Back on March 19, 2008, I did a writeup on Matteo’s. I absolutely love this joint.You can check Matteo’s menu/prices at www.matteosristorante.com.
Matteo’s has 2 South Florida locations…Boca Raton, Hallandale…on average, I am probably in either the Boca or Hallandale joints at least once a month.
Matteo’s food is delicious. Matteo’s service is outstanding. Matteo’s prices are not-exactly “cheap,” but if you’re sensible when ordering, you won’t need a second job to pay the bill…Matteo’s features both family-style and individual portions. Matteo’s is a “white-tablecloth” joint, but your tee shirt/shorts ensemble will work.
Matteo’s started out as a Long Island joint…check the website for NY locations etc…Not exactly sure when its first S. Florida location (Boca Raton) opened, but from day-one Matteo’s has been a “homerun”…its enormous NY following, translated into an enormous South Florida following.
Look…I could go on and on about this joint…
I am telling you, that if you want terrific Italian food, served by a professional staff…with a management team that makes you feel like you are family…then you want to absolutely positively eat at Matteo’s.
You now know “again” about a sensational Italian joint that is not to be missed.
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Matteo’s Restaurant (Boca Raton & Hallandale)
Posted on March 19th, 2008 · Boca Raton Hallandale Beach Italian · [edit]
matt
***** Matteo’s Restaurant, 233 South Federal Highway, Boca Raton Florida 33432, (561) 392-0773—&—1825 East Hallandale Boulevard, Hallandale, Florida 33009, (954) 455-4050.
Matteo’s is a Southern Italian Restaurant. Matteo’s has 2 South Florida locations. Matteo’s is not cheap, but you won’t go to the poor-house, if you order sensibly. Matteo’s serves both family-style and individual sized portions. Matteo’s food is absolutely sensational. Matteo’s wait-staff is probably the best in all of South Florida. Matteo’s is always jammed.
Check Matteo’s website www.matteosrestaurants.com for menu/pricing/details.
Matteo’s is one of my favorite Italian Restaurants.
End of story.
Jeff, I was recently in Orlando and low and behold, Matteo’s now has a restaurant on International Drive. Couldn’t resist going there and it’s right up there with the three ofther Florida locations. Just thought you’d like to know.
I love this restaurant.
Excellent food.
I’ve been to the Hallandale and Boca locations countless times.
Haven’t gotten to Jupiter or Orlando yet.
Matteo’s baked clams are worth the price of admission alone.
One my all time favorite dishes is penne alla vodka. Matteo’s penne alla vodka is right up there with the best that I have ever eaten.
My wife and I have lived in Delray Beach for over 40 years. We are originally from Mineola, New York. Literally, we have probably have eaten in every Italian restaurant in Palm-Broward counties. Our favorite to this day is Matteo’s. We like both Hallandale and Boca equally. For sure there are plenty of good restaurants but Matteo’s has never let us down. The food and service are always terrific. A lot of people think that because Matteo’s is basically a family style restaurant that you need to have a big group to make the outing worthwhile. Not true, they have 1/2 portions of most things and you really don’t have to order more food than you really need.
If you haven’t eaten in Matteo’s you got to give it a try. It really is that good.
If you want terrific Italian food Matteo’s is the choice here in Boca.
Great selection and some amazingly delicious food. One great dish is grilled pork chops topped with sauteed onions and garlic. The best I’ve had anywhere. Like others have said excellent penne ala vodka. They also make a gnocchi meatball dish that is sensational.
Jeff,
I had dinner Saturday night in the Boca Matteo’s.
Our party of 6 got there around 8pm and the restaurant was extremely busy. There was about a 30 minute wait which we did at the bar.
As many have commented, we found the food and service to be topnotch.
We recently moved from Baltimore to Boca and found Matteo’s on your site.
Looking forward to trying many more of your recommendations.
By the way, love the no nonsense style of writing.
My wife and I were born and bred in Queens, NY. We have had a place in Boynton Beach since 1993. We are very familar with Matteo’s on LI and in Boca and Hallandale. We haven’t been to the Jupiter restaurant but last week were in Orlando and tried the newest store.
What makes Matteo’s a very special restaurant is the fact that the food and service are consistently good. We can’t remember when we didn’t have a great meal, great service and a very good time.
This restaurant has a very cool vibe to it. Everyone on staff is relaxed and knows what to do.
There are a load of other very good Italian restaurants in Florida. Same goes for LI.
Just wanted to add our 2 cents about a wonderful restaurant business that gets the job done all of the time.
Recently had a dinner for 15 people at Boca’s Matteo’s. To say that managers Peter and Vinny went out of their way to make sure that everything was perfect would be an understatement. These guys know how to run a restaurant and take good care of their customers.
My favorite upscale Italian food.
This place has gone down hill since Sbarro bought the chain. Its a shame because Matteos was once a great restaurant. The locations on Long Island are still pretty consistent but Im sorry to say that the South Florida locations have took a hit. The service was terrible. Our waiter couldnt care less about serving us. The manager, Vinny, was very obnoxious and seemed like he was hitting the bottle a little earlier in the night. Even before hand when we sat and had a drink at the bar we were treated like garbage by this short portly guy with an attitude. Im from NY and I get it with the attitudes but this was over the top. If you didnt know the guy you didnt get a drink. As far as the food goes it was not good at all. The fried calamari was tough, the vodka sauce was very bland and our chicken matteos was dry and overcooked. We will go to Matteos on the Island but unfortunately with so many choices in the surrounding area the South Florida Matteos is off my list.
RP, been eating by Matteo’s for 20 years here and on Long Island. Bet you anything in the whole wide world that Matteo’s won’t miss your business for even one second. Vinny is terrific and Peter is the best GM. They make sure everything is running like clockwork.
My wife and I and four other couples were in Boca just last week and the chicken matteo and penne ala vodka we had was delicious. As a matter of fact, the chopped salad, baked clams, chicken francase, pork chops, veal valdastano were also delicious.
Glad you won’t be coming back because this way the line will be just a bit shorter to get in.
Im sorry you feel that way. I dont know about Peter but Vinny was terrible when I was there and so was the food. As I said the bartender was obnoxious. This is my experience. Dont take it personal unless you are the owner and in a position to change something about the restaurant. The place has gone down hill after they were sold and Im not the only one with this opinion. Obviously it is not yours so keep enjoying what you like. Also, the line is getting shorter at Matteos without any of my help. It is losing business by the week because all of the better local competition.
rp, just curious, who in boca has better food?
The concept has definitely went down. Take from me I owned the place up until June 2011.
I will refrain from saying anything personal about staff as everyone has bad days, but when salaries cut, overtime not paid to your kitchen guys, don’t pay your suppliers for months, go COD on all deliveries, reduce selection, decrease quality, you cant say nothing has changed. Corporate monsters strike again…….
Go to “Luca Bella” in Aventura, former chef allen’s Opening in late August.
We have been eating at matteos multiple times a week for years and have always been treated with respect and fairness. Rp needs to get a new life and an improved palate. Matteos has consistent food…….always delicious. Peter, Vinny and Timmy know how to treat their guests and more importantly we know how to appreciate them, Dining is not only about good food but it is about feeling comfortable and relaxed………these three guys deserve a zillion accolades. Thank you Peter, Timmy and Vinny for making my nights out enjoyable.
Boots, I’m with you. These 3 guys run a great ship. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants.
I think that Matteo’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Florida. Not familar with them in NY.
I eat out at least 4 times a week. My favorite is Italian food.
I know good Italian food and Matteo’s food is always good. Same for the service.
I eat most of the time in Hallandale but every so often do the Boca restaurant.
No question there are better restaurants but most Italian restaurants don’t even come close to Matteo’s food.
This has to be one of the best Italian restaurants in S. Florida. I have been to the one in Hallandale Beach and the one in Boca Raton. Same menu and prices. Service is also very competent. Prices are pretty good, but keep in mind that the family style dishes are usually enormous, so figure out what you really need before your order. I found that both times our waiter was right on what to order.
Jeff,
We live in Utica N.Y.
We are on a 3 month visit in Florida.
Your blog got me and my wife to Matteo’s.
We can honestly say that nothing in Utica compares to the delicious food served by Matteo’s.
We ate in the Boca Raton one and the energy and service were also terrific.
We are looking forward to trying the Orlando store as we will be heading to the parks next week.
Dinner for 4 last night in Boca.
What a great restaurant.
Best pork chops I’ve had in 30 years.
The penne ala vodka phenomenal.
The baked clams, can’t remember ever having had better.
hallandale food is a homerun. they also have an outdoor patio for dining.
I have to agree with Jeff, one of the best Italian restaurants in Florida.
fantastic food.
loved the baked clams.
Your glowing recommendation got our party of 10 from Ithaca to Matteo’s last night. The Boca Raton location is great looking. Our 6:15 pm reservation was honored although every table was taken and there was a huge line waiting to get in.
Terrific service and food.
Wonderful menu selection.
Excellent GM Peter made several visits to table to make sure things were just right.
Great pick.
Recently had dinner at Boca Matteo’s. Talk about a great business.
This is one of the most professionally run restaurants that I have ever seen.
Huge amounts of delicious food delivered in a timely manner.
Great service.
Reasonable prices with waiters who recommend not over ordering.
Just loved the entire vibe.
agree with you 1000 percent.
boca restaurant is terrific.
I have eaten in Matteo’s in Boca and in Hallandale. Really enjoy both of them. I have also eaten in Acquolina’s in Weston and in Hallandale. I know the story about the business relationship and it’s obvious that Acquolina’s copied a great number of dishes from Matteo’s. Personally, I think that although Matteo’s is a bit more expensive, its food is better.
Jeff, which do you like better?
Last Monday fourteen of us ate at Boca.Food and service were excellent. Highly recommend.
once you have eaten its veal valdastano you;ll know why people rave about this restaurant.
My wife and I ate at Matteo’s in Boca this evening. It was very busy. Despite a line waiting to get in, the food was excellent, same for the service. Peter the GM really knows how to handle things.
i live in boca. best food and best service, really just that simple.
we were there for easter. every table was taken and for the 1 1/2 hrs we we were there matteo’s was busy like crazy. the food and service were terrific. we have been there before but i was amazed at how well things went with a huge easter crowd.
Put me on record:
Matteo’s is the best all around Italian Restaurant.
Great food.
Great service.
Reasonable prices.
I have eaten in loads of restaurants all over the world. One of my all time favorites is Matteo’s in Boca Raton. Always great food with pleasant service. I have been eating at the Boca location for years and know about the change in ownership. Nothing has been lost and under GM Peter, everything is as good as it’s ever been. By the way, Hallanadale is also top notch with GM Mike doing a great job there too.
A friend of mine just called from Miami and asked me to pick between Anthony’s Runway 84 or Matteo’s in Halandale or Aquolina’s in Hallandale. I told him no contest hands down, Matteo’s Hallandale. Better food, better service.
Matteo’s is a terrific restaurant. Great food and great service. I have eaten in all four Florida locations, Boca, Hallandale, Oralando and Jupiter. They all have the basically the same menu and prices. If you want to have great meal with your family without any hassle give this small chain a shot.
one of the best penne ala vodkas i’ve had. the veal valdastano was incredibly delicious.
We have not been here in about a year until last night. Waitress and management are great but something happened to the once great food. Stuffed clams were bitter. Veal Italian sausage was cold and tasteless. Calimari not good. Very disappointing. Will not be back.
mother’s day 2011 in boca. dinner for 12, tax and tp included 600. huge doggy bag. food was delicious, service was excellent. great time had by all.
Consistently good food and service.
Love the Boca Raton vibe.
best baked clams going.
Last nigt had one of the best meals in a long time. Great food and service. Tons of food for the money.
I love Matteo’s in Hallandale. Cozy and great GM Mike makes everyone feel right at home.
Ate there yesterday. This is now one of my favorite restaurants in Hallandale.
Visiting from Long Beach, NY. Eat in Matteo’s in our neck of the woods all of the time. Food is always good. Tried the Boca restaurant. Same good food and service.
For those of you who have never tried Matteo’s TRY IT! You won’t be disappointed. I have eaten in Hallandale and Boca many times and every time the food was delicious.
one of the best in fl.
love both hallandale and boca.
they know how to make great food, have great service and treat people nice.
right up there with the best.
Jeff,
Good call here.
My wife and I thoroghly enjoyed the Hallandale outpost.
My wife and I and another couple had dinner at the Boca Matteo’s this evening. The food, service were excellent. Amazingly on a july 4th weekend when many businesses are closed or very quiet, Matteo’s was busy from when we arrived at 7;30 until we left at 10pm. This is a terrific restaurant that is superbly run.
Best grilled pork chops I’ve had in a very long time.
The fried zucchinni is delicious.
Dinner last night at Matteo’s Boca outpost. As a former snow bird, I am very familar with Matteo’s having eaten in their LI outposts many times.
Food in Boca is as good as its northern counterparts. Same terrific service.
This is Mickey, former Owner at “Matteo’s of Hallandale”.
I had to sell as the corporate monsters have taken over the concept……… Sad but True,
Hey wait,… dry those tears, I will have a new place open in Late August 2011, in Aventura, Named after my children, “Luca Bella”. Better food as we cut no corners, better service as we really care, better location as we are in Aventura, Better concept as we are modern family style. Do I sound cocky? Good!
See you there!
All the Best
Chao
Mickey
I love the Boca Matteo’s.
Peter the GM runs a great ship there.
If you want terrific food and really professional service, you got to try Matteo’s.
steve, i echo your comments. boca’s matteo’s food and service are topshelf. gm peter does a great job in running a huge operation.
My wife and I have eaten in the Hallanadle and Boca Matteo’s numerous times. Always good food and good service. I think that both are well run and I give kudos to both Mickey who ran Hallandale and Peter who runs Boca. Both guys definitely know how to keep a well oiled clock running.
I see that Mickey has left Hallandale and is opening a new restaurant in Aventura. I suspect that it will be similar to his Matteo’s operation. I also suspect that his new restaurant will have good food, good service and that he will run it as competently as he did Matteo’s.
My wife and I will try Mickey’s new venture after it opens.
I would mention that a fellow named Julio who use to be with Matteo’s opened two restaurants named Aqualino. One in Weston and another in Aventura. They were good copies but not as good. I noticed the other day that they now changed their name to A One and was told Julio is no longer with them.
On Mickey, I think he will successfully open and have a really popular restaurant. Hopefully unlike Julio he doesn’t try to make an almsot exact clone of Matteo’s because I find that originals always do better than the copies.
if you want terrific food and great service try matteo’s in boca.