New York City is filled with endless options for Italian cuisine. There are too many to choose from. Well, look no further, San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina is churning out some of the best Italian food in Manhattan. This neighborhood restaurant is better than the top institutions like Carbone or Rezdôra. It’s a bold statement, but we stand by it. The quality and deliciousness of San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina’s food are simply outstanding.
Located in New York’s Upper East Side at 1559 2nd Ave and East 81st Street, San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina is a casual, unfussy, and cozy dining establishment that caters to all guests for any dining occasion. The restaurant’s setting is rustic—dark woods and bricks—and at the center of attention is their open area wood-fired oven, allowing guests a view of the pizza-making process. This allows diners to watch as their pizza is crafted and baked, adding to the dining experience.
The main attraction is their formidable wood-fired pizzas. The results are beyond delicious, and there’s a reason why San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina was named one of the Top 50 Pizzerias in the World. Their pies are faithful to the tradition of a true Neapolitan pizza. Though their crusts are slightly thicker and softer with a puffy edge. It was chewy, making the pizza taste even better. As for sauces and toppings, they offer a wide variety of 13 red sauce pizzas. From Italian standards like Margherita and Marinara to Diavola and Capricciosa, there is something for everyone. They even have 14 white sauce pizzas as well, including the creamy Cacio e Pepe, sausage and broccoli rabe, and a smoked mozzarella and pancetta pizza.
The pizza at San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina isn’t the only winner; their pasta goes above and beyond. There are 10 pasta dishes to choose from, such as cavatelli with smoked prosciutto, ravioli, spaghetti pomodoro, and tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, but the standout is the rigatoni alla bolognese. This dish was perfect. I wouldn’t change anything about it. The pasta was perfectly cooked—al dente—and seamlessly complemented the rich beef sauce. The bolognese was not sweet and impeccably seasoned. Lastly, the ratio of sauce and pasta was well balanced, making the dish flawless.
As the main entrée, they offer dry-aged meats, including a selection of American meats chosen by Pat Lafrieda. But a unique item on their menu is the San Matteo Burger, which consists of Piemonte Beef, caramelized onions, radicchio, and smoked bacon. All the ingredients are packed inside a pizza bun. This Italian-inspired take on the classic burger was a huge surprise and offered unexpected and delectable flavor combinations. A side of thick potato wedges comes with the burger, and it’s not to be missed.
Don’t even think about skipping dessert. No meal is complete without some sweets, and at San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina, the best option is the tiramisu. It is utterly divine, and every bite is heavenly. The tiramisu is homemade and very light, not overly sweet, even though it’s covered with cocoa powder. The sheer indulgence of this deliciously airy tiramisu offered a complete sense of satisfaction and really enhanced the overall meal.
The prices here are very reasonable, and the portion size of every dish is generous. There’s great value. As for the service? It was first-rate. Carmella, a server who has been working at San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina for eight years, was personable, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about every item on the menu. She made each guest feel welcomed and answered questions about menu items and provided informed recommendations based on customer preferences. She even anticipated needs such as drink refills or extra napkins without being asked. She is the true star at San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina.
If you want the very best Italian and tiramisu this city has to offer, make sure to visit San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina. There isn’t a bad dish on the menu. Since 2010, they have been making some of the city’s best pies, and their pasta is exceptional. And with incredible service, this neighborhood gem is everything you want in an Italian restaurant in New York. Make sure to book a reservation soon at either one of their two locations on the Upper East Side. San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina’s other outpost is at 1716 2nd Avenue (between 89th and 90th Streets). You won’t regret it!
