Via Matta

Simply elegant, chic Italian inspired food and people make this place a favorite! Homemade pasta and friendly service, great location... Wines are nicely priced and all around great experience!

Pros: Quality and Creativity

Posted 06/09/09

The ideal restaurant for those who enjoy waiters in blue jeans & sneakers serving them mid-$40 entrees. For diners who haven't travelled to Italy, this will seem like a great restaurant. The chef relies on heavy doses of herbs and salt to spice up dishes created from mundane ingredients -- certainly an appeal to his regular clientele. They make sure you know how they feel about your dining in their restaurant.

Pros: Coat check, attempts at style

Cons: forgetful waiters, on a par with the average restaurants in Boston,

Posted 11/14/08

This is the restaurant me and my boyfriend go to every time we want to have a special meal. We never go to the North End anymore because Via Matta is the best. The pastas there are absolutely amazing with much more diverse and innovative choices than ones in north end or anywhere else in Boston. Spicy lobster pasta is my favorite! The spicy calamari appetizer is also amazing. We have been there 5 or 6 times and it's been amazing every time. Also do not leave without trying their desserts, mind blowing!!!

Pros: Amazing pastas, great desserts, very professional staff

Cons: noisy sometimes, crowded during special occasions (Valentine's Day)

Posted 04/19/08

Amazing restaurant! From the valet person outside, to the front desk, to the server, to the busperson, I felt like a princess or a superstar!!! Get a VIP treatment even if you?re a regular person like me!! The raw tuna appetizer was delish, and the chicken under a brick was to die for! My drinks came long after we order, but other than that it was a great experience. I definitely recommend it for special occasions.

Posted 10/01/07

I have been to Via Matta twice (the second time reluctantly), and have had very negative experiences. In my first visit, we were seated after 45 minutes despite having a reservation. When seated, the waitress recommended the most expensive wine and meal on the menu to my son's friend. Before our meals came (took roughly 45-50 minutes), the waitress brought out olive oil in unnecessary quantities. It turned out later that the olive oil was part of the bill. Never before have I gone to a restaurant that gauges money so perversely as Via Matta. The second time I visited, the waiter spilt an entire glass of wine on my suit, and all the manager could offer was a clean shirt. I believe the appropriate, polite response to such an occasion would be to offer the meal on the house. Instead, I was offered a simple button down shirt, no compensation for my suit, and feeling like a victim rather than like a customer, I left before the main courses arrived.

I do not recommend this restaurant at all.

Pros: Leaving

Cons: The (lack of) service and manners

Posted 07/12/07

I've found very few restaurants that seem to have everything in order... the food, service and ambiance. Via Matta has it all. My husband and I have a great experience each time we go: the food is delectable, the service is incredibly professional, and the environment is pleasant. We like everything so much that we've made dinner here a weekly tradition. The waitstaff seem to have recognized this and greet us warmly, sometimes even remembering the dishes we like to order. I'd recommend the Burrata appetizer, it's light and very fresh. My husband swears by the bolognese pasta. Definitely make a trip here if you enjoy fresh food and friendly service.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

Posted 07/11/07

I've eaten here twice and found the food to be OK, the wine list to be good, and the service to be somewhat lacking. Considering that the prices are sky high the service should be commensurate, but it's definitely not. A noisy restaurant with an abrupt staff. I won't eat there again.

Pros: Good wine list

Cons: Pricy with poor service

Posted 07/06/07

I recently took my girlfriend out for her birthday. She loves Italian, so I asked around the office for some great spots in the city (I don't go out often) and the majority of the office suggested Via Matta. I had no trouble making the reservation, even on a busy weekend. I told the girl on the phone that it was a special occasion, and she told me that they would make sure the night was special. They went above and beyond! We checked in for our reservation, and the people at the door greated us with a smile, and wish my girlfriend a big happy birthday. Then, we went to our table, a really nice spot by the window, and the table was decorated with confetti and the server greeted us with complimentary champagne. We had the best dinner, but the best part was the dessert with a personalized "Happy Birthday" message with her name, and a birthday card signed by the entire staff. I highly recomend this restaurant for special occasions like birthdays, and I'm looking forward to going back to have some drinks at their bar with my friends (which was packed all night).

Pros: Service, celebration, food

Cons: I couldnt stay longer!

Posted 01/24/07

The noise level makes conversation impossible. Reservation requests are not respected. The server got furious when we did not order bottled water and more so when we asked to split a pasta as a first course. The chicken was so salty it was inedible and then she slapped the bill on the table as soon as she served dessert.
The costs are sky high but the rest is down and dirty.

Pros: great outside

Cons: poor service, poor food

Posted 06/05/06

Went for dinner the other day. Seated at great window table. Started with pappardelle with wild mushrooms. My friend and I could not decide on what to order as both the chicken milanese and the shellfish stew looked appealing. We figured we would just share. The waiter took it upon himself to split both meals so we each got an individual plate of both..... great idea and great presentation. Panna cotta for dessert was fantastic. all in all one of the best dining experiences in a while

Pros: food, service

Cons: none

Posted 05/14/06

my fav restaurant in boston- trendy, cool, hip, waiter was attentive. ambience is great. have been to almost every high end restaurant in boston and this one takes the cake... or the panna cotta which was amazing :)

Pros: service, food, ambience

Cons: no parking, a bit loud dining

Posted 03/03/06

Nice to finally have an Italian restaurant that isn't in the North End and one that offers a broader range of regional cuisine. Very dynamic ambience. Would like to see more "traditional dishes" on the menu and more variation but overall, have to say this is one of the better Italian restaurants in Boston. Great wine list.

Pros: food, service, wine list

Posted 01/16/06

The ambiance was elegant and some of the dishes were good, although 2 items were below basic dining standards. First the special olive oil infused with various spices had no taste. The regular olive oil (extra virgin with heavy olive taste) was a great substitute and married well with the bread. Secondly I ordered the Mediterranean grilled whole fish which was a special. When I smelled my fish being served, it had a strong, obvious fishy odor. The server said it was how the fish should smell. I later smelled the same fishiness of another fish served to another table. Im surprised that the talented chefs would allow such fishy dishes to leave the kitchen. I returned my fish and replaced it with the Cacciucco of East Coast Shellfish (similar to the bouillabaisse) which was excellent with intense seafood and rosemary flavors. My wait staff was polite and understanding.

Pros: ambience

Cons: fishy fish

Posted 11/25/05

The quality is generally very good, although some of the items of the menu are a little simple, maybe Americanized (like the pollo al mattone). But one of the best in terms of authentic Italian food.

Posted 10/21/05

The food was to die for!! The service was outstanding I went with a couple of my girlfriends we had a couple drinks at the bar since we were early for our reservation and the drink menu was great the bartnenders were the best they made wonderful drinks and were very attentive. I would go back for sure.
Two thumbs up!! Valet service was also fantastic!

Pros: Great Food & drinks, Service

Posted 10/15/05

What an awesome first time! My girlfriend and I wanted a place special and fun, and everyone at Via Matta made our anniversary perfect. We had a drink at the bar and the bartender was so nice. That Basil Gimlet--amazing. We heard about the eggplant and the bolognese and both were spectacular; perfectly seasoned. Service was sharp and unobtrusive. Desserts--chocolate crostata and panna cotta were so decadent. They didn't rush us to leave and kept filling our water. We will definitely be back and bring friends!!!

Pros: valet, fun, great service

Posted 09/26/05

Appetizers ($11-16), Pastas ($16-21) and entrees ($20-38). Ordered Pasta Bolognese and Fish Stew. Plate of olive oil and bread delivered. No bread plate. The oil was heavily laced with basil, delicious as a dipping oil for bread, which was nothing special. The Bolognese appetizer was average in size, no fresh pepper offered. This dish was horrible, way too salty. Second attempt same. The fish stew was outstanding. Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, calamari and a piece of fish in a spicy tomato broth laced with fennel, red pepper and fresh parsley. Hidden on bottom was slice of bread soaking the broth. Excellent. This is a dish that should not be missed. I just had a bad batch of Bolognese sauce and will try again. Maybe even give the Bolognese another shot. Service spotty.

Pros: location, selection, fish

Cons: service, bolognese

Posted 09/08/05

best italian in boston. the margaritas were well worth the 15.00....liquid heaven. the food was impeccable. i had the spicy calamari and soft crab linguine. for dessert? hazelnut chocolate concoction. can't remember what it's called as had three of the 15.00 margaritas ;) kudos to EVERYONE at via matta!!!!!!! divine.

Posted 07/24/05

It's the only place that I'll eat Italian food in Boston. I mean, seriously, where else is there?I like some other places but for business and great food, the professional staff makes all the difference in the world to me and my associates. Can't beat it.

Pros: pastas rock, authenic times 10, decent priced wines

Posted 05/27/05

We dined at Via Matta on the patio. It was beautiful. We tried several items from the late night menu - the pizza was amazing. And we were able to order after midnight!

We've tried many of the Italian restaurants in Boston's North End -- this tops them all and is conviently located in Park Square. The decor is beautiful. And the cappucino is a must! We can wait to go for dinner.

Pros: amazing food, excellent service, location

Cons: none

Posted 05/20/04

I must admit - I believed the hype and couldnt wait to have dinner here. We had reservations for 915pm were FINALLY seated at 10pm!!
The menu did not reflect the menu online at all and since one of my friends is a vegan she had a little trouble finding something. Then the wine we selected was not available....all in all just a bad experience. The food was average it was not bad but nothing outstanding either. I expected much much more. Needless to say I will not be back to Via Matta.

Posted 03/21/04

My boyfriend and I went here for Valentine's Day dinner and were whisked to our table immediately after dropping off our coats. The waitress was comfortably helpful, the food was absolutely amazing and I had the best cosmopolitain I have ever had (and I have had a lot fo them!) It was worth every penny. (Only thing that is not perfect si the noise level...but it's not bad enough to keep me away!!!)

Pros: food, drinks, romantic

Posted 02/19/04

Why didn't we just go to Excelsior like we originally planned. We have to say we were disappointed in our 2nd experience at Via Matta.
After seeing Seinfeld, we arrived early for our 9 o'clock reservation. We were kindly told that "we are running on time and we will find you in the bar." We were finally seated at 9:30 after my husband inquired. The service was very slow...so slow we had to leave without dessert. In addition, some of the servers were a bit rude. We were very disappointed in our meals as well...Lamb shank and swordfish. The menu itself left something to be desired. We will go elsewhere next time. Oh and yes, it is very noisy something that usually doesn't bother us.

Posted 01/17/04

My friend was holding a birthday dinner for 15 people and made a reservation. They happily said there would be a large table available for us. However, when we arrived, it turns out they gave away the table that was supposed to be ours to a party without a reservation. We were stuck at two smaller round tables stuck together. The waiter was extremely rude and unattentive (probably because he already got a guaranteed 18 percent tip). The food was okay but if you're a fan of Michael Schlow, stick to Great Bay and Radius. They actually provide servicE!

Cons: horrible service

Posted 11/24/03

I was expecting to be blown away by this restaurant opened by Radius owners, but unfortuntaly, we were not. A beautiful restaurant, perfect for an intimate dinner for my hubby's b-day, we were seated promptly upon arriving (8pm Sat. night and the restaurant was NOT full). Nice menu, great choices. App of "crunchy" eggplant an shaved reggiano was mouth watering. Both pasta's were not - tagliatelle bolognese was made with a meat that was NOT tasty, and ravioli dish was an appetite whetter for my hubby, not usually a big eater, but there were only about 8 ravioli's. Bread and olive oil were the highlight. Went to Finale for desert as none looked so fabulous. Would maybe try again and order differently.

Pros: outside of North End, Fun location

Cons: parking

Posted 06/15/03

I am always sceptical of "hot-spot" restaurants, but Via Matta surpassed my expectations. While there are quite a few restaurants in the North End with excellent service, top-notch ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, but none put it all together as well as Via Matta, and it's a little hip to boot. The service is impeccable, even with a full house, and the servers are ready to answer and questions and offer suggestions, but aren't intrusive (our server brought my companion a glass of water after dinner when he overheard her saying that her throat was dry, but didn't saying anything about it). Get going not, you might even spot a Boston celeb or two.

Posted 04/21/03

First time we had gone to Via Matta for quick bite before a show. Sat in the bar area. Warm greeting, seated propmtly and immediate service from a very personable waitress. Ordered a good bottle of Chanti for the $, two appetizers and one entree. Nothing short of fantastic flavors all around. Salmon carpaccio has a wonderful citrus flavor and shrimp with chick peas is seasoned perfectly. The artic char entree was the best we had ever had. Bill was under a $100 and although a bit pricey, fantastic new reataurant. We will go back again with friends.

Pros: Ambience, Service, Great flavors

Posted 03/22/03

Went with friends to graze appetizers pre-going out, and was very happy with Via. Service was good, with attentive and knowledgeable staff. They were able to answer our questions on dishes, and had recommendations. The bar staff was good - I had one of the better Sidecars I've had in Boston. Very tasty appetizers, with great presentation and ample sized portions. Decor was muted, well-suited to an elegant night out.

Posted 02/23/03

From the wine list to the knowledgable servers to the simply awesome dishes, this restaurant will be you're next favorite place to eat.
The pastas and desserts top my list but definitely check out Caccuico (sounds like you're sneezing when you say it), and the veal entree, and the cauliflower (even if you don't like cauliflower!)
Caccuico is a Livorno, Tuscany recipe and every "C" stands for a shellifish used (in Italian). All whole, clams, mussels, gulf shrimp, jumbo scallops and calamari rings steeped in white wine, a touch of hot pepper flake and San Marzano milled tomatoes...is your mouth watering? Oh yeah baby!

Pros: hot spot, serve lunch, value/portion size

Cons: not open Sunday, ask to sit away from, lg. groups(if 2-4pp)

Posted 12/18/02

I wanted to fall in love Via Matta, instead it was more of a 1-night stand. Resevations were for 8pm on Tuesday & still were seated 25 minutes late even after checking in with the hostess (albeit the bar area is cozy). It's loud, didn't bother me but may bother some. The service was acceptable with bread/water refills, waiter was helpful & pleasant. The appetizers were served promptly & were excellent (buffalo mozz & the octopus salad). The entrees were correct as a whole but served incorrectly, it appeared that our meals had sat for 10 minutes+/- prior to serving (lukewarm food, poltenta settled, salmon was dry, sauces had hardened....very disappointing). Dessert was fine although in hindsight we should've went to nearby Finale. Overall happy I went, might try it again someday for lunch-might not.

Posted 12/10/02

This is the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to.

Everything is delicious, but particularly good:

The warm tomato soup appetizer (pappa al pomodoro)
The "chicken under a brick." Chicken is usually boring, but this was
the best chicken I've ever eaten in my life.

Fabulous 100% Italian wine list.

The atmosphere is fun; the crowd is always glamorous and young, which makes me feel like I'm glamorous and young too. Well, almost.

Posted 12/03/02

Great food and service from a gracious staff. They have alot of great press and still no attitude. Need to turn the lights down a little at night though (just a hair).

Pros: Food, Service, Value

Cons: None

Posted 11/09/02

When I planned a suprise 30th Anniversary Party for my wife and invited a dozen friends, I luckily chose Via Matta. They arranged everything and left me to enjoy the evening. The staff seamlessly moved us from the cocktail bar to our table where we were served multiple courses. The service and food were flawless. Everything about that night was perfect. They even assisted in placing my wife's anniversary gift on her dessert plate as a suprise.

Pros: Service, Decor, Reasonable Price

Posted 11/06/02

The service is what I most remember from my dinner last night at Via Matta - very friendly and professional waitstaff. Downside: small wine by the glass list, and the room is rather noisy (surpringly, as it was in Pignoli space, too you'd think they'd figure this out). Be sure to try the Salmon tartare - topped w/pomegranate seeds - it's delicious!

Pros: service, delicious food

Cons: noisy, very small bar stools, did I say noisy?

Posted 09/26/02

I've gone to Via Matta a few times now and I think that it's great. The food is well concieved, the preparations are well executed and the atmosphere is a blast. Yes, it's a bit loud but if you're with a group of people it can be a lot of fun. I also found that if you want to sit at the bar you can have a quieter experience and get the same great food without the hubbub of the dining room.

Pros: delicious food, great value

Posted 09/21/02

I have been to via matta several times and each time my friends and I have had a fantastic meal and a great time. The atmosphere is exciting and the food is amazing. I love the way the waiters anticipate your needs (never had to ask for my water glass to be refilled or my wine to be poured). The food was simple and perfect. The prices are reasonable and the entire restaurant is full of life and fun. Each time I go I feel like I'm in a place where everyone else is having as good a time as I am. I recommend via matta highly to those who appreciate great food and attentive service

Posted 09/20/02

Having been to Via Matta a few times and I have something to say to those people giving bad reviews.
You Just Don't Know!!!
Via Matta is obviously not a romantic hideway. The place is energetic and alive. Bostonians should be greatful that such a unboring restaurant exists here in the Back Bay. The REAL Italian cuisine with a little American twist is wonderful.
Sure the place is a little noisy, but who else was packed on a 90 degree Tuesday night at the end of August? I suggest just asking your waiter to pick a bottle of vino for you and trying something new. The Shardana is out of ths world.
Via Matta may have a few bumps in the road. But after being open only 3 months this "Crazy Way" is miles ahead of any other Italian restaurant in Boston.

Pros: wine, service, food

Cons: not much, loud for some people

Posted 09/20/02

I went to eat at Via Matta, despite a few negative comments on this site. I do not regret it. Food was good, service was good, atmosphere was good, very lively.
If you want to eat authentic Italian, I recommend to book a ticket to Italy, since I have not yet been in one restaurant in the US where meals aren't 'adjusted' to the american taste.

I will definitely eat at Via Matta again.

Pros: atmosphere, terrace, good location

Posted 09/19/02

What a change! The interior is wonderful...whoever the architect was he did wonders on the space. The food is superb...and authentic. Tastes and feels like you are in Rome! The bar area is relaxing..I have eaten in both the dining room and the bar area. Michael and Chris have done a great job...keep it up!

Pros: Great food, Great service, Great space

Cons: Not much

Posted 08/11/02

This place is the bomb. The best al fresco dining experience in the city. Great food and service. Delicious cocktails. The entire experience is extemely well-conceived.

Posted 08/07/02