Matteo's Italian Restaurant
310-475-4521
2321 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064
Unforgettable Southern Italian dishes at Matteo's in West Los Angeles
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Message from Matteo's Italian Restaurant
In a Southern California landscape where so much is changing, and in a town where restaurants come and go, Matteo's is a veritable Los Angeles institution. For more than forty years, Matteo's of Los Angeles has been the Italian restaurant of choice for people from all walks of life-from local residents and businesspeople to celebrities and U.S. presidents. On the second floor, Matteo's Townhouse features a dramatic skylight, a second bar, a piano, and indoor and outdoor dining areas which can accommodate 80 seated guests or groups of up to 140 for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres...an ideal setting for special events Come see why Matteo's is everybody's favorite Italian restaurant.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneNancy Reagan look-alikes in St. John knits and hipster couples fill the lipstick-red and leopard-print booths lining this big, loungelike room. The big round tables are either surrounded by young Industry folk or expensively dressed families with well-behaved children in tow. Conversation buzzes at a pleasant volume, barely drowning out the Sinatra tunes humming softly in the background.
The Food
Start with cocktails, scampi (worth ordering for the bread-dipping potential of its garlicky sauce), and fried mozzarella with marinara, then dive into chopped salads or Caesars tingling with anchovy and garlic. Rich fettuccine Alfredo, veal Marsala, chicken Parmesan, and an oddly dry osso buco dominate the menu, but lighter choices include flavorful pasta with chicken, tomato and artichoke; seafood pasta in clear tomato broth; and broccoli salad (broccoli spears drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and garlic). Coffee and an ultra-fresh cannoli--a crisp shell filled with cinnamon-scented cream, chocolate, and pistachios--will fly you to the moon.
Key Points
- Antonio Orlando - Exec. Chef
- Ideal For Special Events
- Historic Restaurant
The Inside Scoop
- Fun Fact - Frank Sinatra was a frequent diner here back in the day and even had his own table. Ask for Sinatra's booth if you're hoping a bit of his stylish nonchalance might be lingering.
- When to Go - The Martini Lounge is open Monday from 9pm to 1am and If you want to enjoy some live music, head there Wednesday through Sunday.
- When to Go - If you want to enjoy some live music, head there Wednesday through Sunday.
- Save Money - The less-expensive spinoff restaurant next door to Matteo's, called "Matteo's: A Little Taste of Hoboken" is aptly named. It's a casual and authentic alternative.
Insider Pages Reviews for Matteo's Italian Restaurant
Matteos is a favorite for a yummy Italian dinner on the West side. The service is always great as is the food! I have been several times with large groups and always feel very well taken care of - and for the West side the prices are reasonable,
Posted 01/15/09 | Report Abuse
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Matteo's is a great Italian restaurant. We have been to several Matteo's in L.A., and they all seem to be very consistent -- ambiance, service, food. Would recommend this restaurant as a good place to celebrate a special occasion.
Posted 12/15/08 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Great Murder Mystery Events!!!!!
by FoodLUVAH
I commented on the Murder Mystery Citysearch page, so I will do the same for Matteo's. Went to the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater they have every Saturday Night. I went on Valentines Day. Walked in to a really retro restaurant with leopard carpet and red booths. Looked really cool! I was directed upstairs to a TOTALLY different venue. Their upstairs (as their bartender explained to me) was styled after a New York Townhouse and is used for all their private parties. It was gorgeous. The room had a skylight, candles all over, full bar and an outdoor patio all lit up that was to die for (no pun intended).
The food was so incredible, and the service was incredibly friendly and very fast paced (especially for the number of people that were in attendance, which I think was 90).
The show was really funny and I did not have a clue who the murderer was. Everything about the Murder Mystery event was a blast, and Matteo's was a great place to go to. I had never been before, and cannot wait to try more of their food.
P.S. If you are ever upstairs for an event or the murder mystery thing, and have no idea what cocktail you'd like to order, just ask Jason (I think thats his name) to create something for you, and he will make you a delicious drink you have probably never heard of, or one he made up based on what you like!!!!!
Pros: Food, Drinks, Staff and Show
Cons: NONE!!!!!
Posted 03/11/09
Best Italian - Most Romantic!
by HermosaGirl2008
My boyfriend and I recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary here. It was amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant. The atmosophere is upscale but relaxed, Our server was quick but not pushy. Delicious wine and food and great date spot.
Pros: Great Food, Beautiful atmosphere
Cons: make a reservation!!!!
Posted 01/05/09
Honestly (in more ways than one), a great dining experience you will have in L.A. area
by i8ricecake
Went here for a friends birthday a couple of Fridays ago, & we all agreed that this was one of the best places we have been to since we moved out here. I personally never heard of the restaurant but an out of town friend wanted to have his birthday specifically where Frank Sinatra dined. Not only were we treated to his booth, the food (Matteo's marinated olives, selection of cured meats called 'Affettati Misti', NY sirloin Sinatra steak, pastas, salads, desserts) was amazing, the drinks kept coming, & the one thing that made this so exceptional was the service. Truth be told, I don't think any of them were under the age of 35, but that is what it made it so much more so; you knew none of them were wanna-be actors, there was no attitude, just genuine service which is quite rare (or maybe I eat in the Hollywood area too much). We also left something behind by accident which we called later to see if it was found (& it was; cash laying under the table!) & they actually held onto this for us to pick up the following week. I would recommend this for a special occasion of any kind.
Pros: Fantastic service, including Kevin B. the manager, good portions sizes, great background on the history of the place
Posted 06/15/08
Wonderful old Hollywood feel to the charming Italian restaurant!
by hotdonuts
Went to Matteo's Saturday night for our friend's birthday. We asked for special seating and were treated to Frank Sinatra's booth. The service was impeccable from the Maitre D' to the wait staff. We didn't wait for anything, and nothing was forced or rushed. The food was excellent. We loved what we ate, from the tortellini to the halibut it was all great. We will go back and encourage others who are looking for lovely old school Italian with the feel of vintage Hollywood. Thank you to the staff at Matteo's for a wonderful evening.
Pros: Professional staff, wonderful food, great atmosphere
Cons: Not a thing negative to say
Posted 03/17/08
A fun place to eat!
by noodle1923
We were informed that Matteo's is under new management, and, wow - what a difference that's made. The decor is incredible - very old school Hollywood. Red leather booths and leopard-print carpet...it looks amazing! The booths are very private and comfortable. Management was extremely attentive and made our experience really enjoyable. Service was decent. We thought the food was good too - try the lasagna with artichoke! Never seen anything like it and is was so delicious! My one and only concern: The prices and portion sizes. The lasagna was quite small and left my husband hungry when he finished it. Luckily I had a gigantic bowl of pasta sitting in front of me, so he was able to eat half of my dinner to fill up. I had pasta with chopped tomato, basil, and garlic. That dish cost $21 - way too high for something that simple, I don't care how big the portion size was! It didn't even have any meat in it, why was it so much money? My dish also turned out to be the most expensive one on the menu, which is silly seeing as how basic it was. The kinks in the prices and portion sizes need to be altered a bit. Be patient with management - they just got there 5 weeks ago and need a bit of time to tweak the restaurant to perfection. We'll go back, but hoping they fix the pricing and portion sizes. The booths and ambience are worth it.
Pros: private booths, ambience, decor
Cons: portion sizes; prices for some items way too high
Posted 11/18/07