Matteo’s is the handiwork of Matteo Finotto, Andrew DiMattina and Marlon Pirie, who are no strangers to Italian cuisine. Between them, the trio boasts an incredible amount of experience across a number of the city’s most-loved Italian eateries including the longstanding Mario’s institution in Broadbeach. Regulars at Miami Marketta may also recognise a familiar face in Matteo as he’s been slinging pizzas there for years. The venue was originally planned as a takeaway space with the potential for something more and thankfully, the pizza-loving populace made their voices heard and that ‘something more’ has come to fruition. It’s still a bit of a work-in-progress however the eye-catching black-and-white tiles, stunning marble bar, warm timber accents and ambient lighting set the scene for romantic dinners, with a few tables scattered around the intimate dining space. The deck, on the other hand, is made for spirited, wine-filled get-togethers with friends and family with a selection of high and low tables.
When it comes to the food, whilst it’s traditional, it’s not quite Nonna’s homecooking. What you will find, however, is a selection of Antipasti including house-made garlic focaccia and kingfish crudo (raw kingfish, orange zest, pomegranate and dill) that will ready your tastebuds for the bounty they are about to receive. The Primi section offers a selection of slightly more substantial bites such as Spaghetti Vongole, which is loaded with Coffin Bay pippies, and Ravioli Zucca Amaretto (plump pillows stuffed with saffron and ricotta, slathered in pumpkin sauce and topped with crisp sage and Amaretto crumb – yum!). As you may have guessed, pizza is the hero here with the Marana pizza oven (the Ferrari of pizza ovens) smouldering away from the side room churning out Matteo’s Neapolitan-style pizza with its signature Roman crunch, which in pizza circles is basically the holy grail of pizza boasting the the perfect mix of lightness and crispness. As easy as it would be to get carried away on the carbs and forgo dessert, that would be a real travesty as you’ll miss out on Matteo’s mum’s traditional tiramisu. Thirsty? It’s a fact that pizza’s best accompaniment is wine, so you’ll be delighted to learn that just as much effort has gone into the cellar list with a stunning selection of Italian drops alongside classic cocktails such as five kinds of spritzes and Peroni beers.
Got your stretchy pants on and ready to feast? Roll over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
