Matteo's Brings Old World Italian to Long Beach

Part of a larger chain with locations in Florida, Connecticut, and throughout Long Island, Matteos’s specializes in family style Italian cuisine with a focus on keeping traditions alive through food.

The Long Beach location has been open for more than five years and has earned a place of distinction among city residents for its consistent and elegant old world menu. Their party room host events of all types and holds up to 150 guests.

Décor: The general atmosphere at Matteo’s is open and inviting with lots of warm colors to help patrons relax before their meal is served. The tables are evenly spaced, so as to give each table personal space while still invoking a cozy feeling. There are also separate dining areas to enhance the sense of privacy diners can enjoy.

Drinks: In addition to all the standard drinks patrons can expect at fine restaurants, Matteo’s recently updated drink menu includes an extensive wine list and several options for their signature cocktails including the Skinnygirl margarita. Among their wines are a Ruffino Chianti Super 88 ($12/bottle), a Santa Margherita pinot grigio ($17/bottle).

Appetizers: Depending on how large you want your meal, appetizers at Matteo’s go from small, like the mozzarella sticks ($9.95 half/ $13.95 full) to the generous, like the calamari arrabbiata ($15.95 half/ $22.95 full). Another option is the lighter fresh mozzarella and tomato platter which also comes in half ($11.95) and full ($15.95) sizes.

Entrees: Matteo’s is especially known for their seafood. As General Manager Matthew Trainor explains: “All our seafood, like red snapper and Chilean sea bass, are delivered fresh every day.” Most meals come in half and full sizes to suit each diners’ preference. Favorites include their chicken milanese ($18.95 half/$22.95 full) and the veal sorrento ($20.95 half/ $27.95 full). In addition, Matteo’s offers a lighter menu with lower carb offers like their shrimp alla wendy, served with Dijon mustard, lemon, and white wine ($20.95 half/ $30.95 full).

Sides: There are several vegetable options at Matteo’s like their string beans, broccoli, and cauliflower all of which are available either sautéed ($13.95) or burnt ($15.95). In addition, patrons can also get broccoli di rabe seasonally, as Matteos’s strives for freshness and authenticity.

Salads: In keeping with the Italian tradition, the standout salad at Matteo’s is their antipasto platter ($13.95 half/ $20.95 full). A popular choice with regulars is the seafood salad ($19.95 half/$25.95 full). They also offer a traditional Caesar salad ($9.95 half/ $15.95 full).

Service: One of the first things you’ll notice is the abundance of staff milling around, ready to help patrons. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable and can answer any questions diners might have. Because the restaurant can be quite busy, wait times can vary, but the quality of the service is consistently excellent.