San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar

- 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine slice of Italy, San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar on the Upper East Side stands as a beacon of authenticity. More than just a pizzeria, this establishment is a culinary journey to Southern Italy, specifically the regions of Campania and Salerno. The moment you step inside, the warmth from the wood-fired oven and the cozy, casual atmosphere transport you away from the hustle of the city. San Matteo is known for its commitment to tradition, using high-quality ingredients to craft every dish, from the iconic pizzas to the rich, homemade pastas. It’s a place where you can relax with friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and feel the genuine passion for Italian cuisine that the owners, Fabio and Ciro Casella, have brought to Manhattan.

The menu at San Matteo is a celebration of Italian staples and regional specialties. The heart of the restaurant is its pizza, which is crafted in the true Neapolitan style. The pizza dough is baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a slightly charred, soft, and chewy crust. The Rosse (red) and Bianche (white) pizza sections offer a wide range of options. Classics like the Margherita, with its simple perfection of tomato sauce, homemade mozzarella, and fresh basil, stand alongside more complex creations like the Diavola with spicy salami and the Prosciutto E Bufala, which features buffalo mozzarella and Prosciutto di Parma. The menu also includes unique offerings like the Panuozzi, a specialty from Salerno that is essentially a sandwich made with pizza dough, and the Calzoni, a folded pizza bursting with fillings.

Beyond the pizzas, San Matteo offers a full dining experience. The Antipasti selection is robust, with crowd-pleasers such as Burrata E Prosciutto, Polpette Al Sugo (meatballs), and Fritto Misto (fried calamari and shrimp). The homemade pasta dishes are a major highlight and include classics like Rigatoni Alla Bolognese and Penne Alla Vodka. For a truly authentic experience, try the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, soft potato dumplings in a rich tomato sauce with mozzarella. The dessert menu is also a treat, featuring Italian favorites like Cannoli and Homemade Italian Tiramisu, perfect for finishing off a memorable meal. The coffee is also highly regarded, as befits a restaurant with "Espresso Bar" in its name, offering a great final touch. This is a place where every part of the meal is crafted with care and a commitment to tradition, making it a great choice for a full Italian feast or a simple, satisfying slice.

## Location and Accessibility

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar is conveniently located at 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA, in a popular area of the Upper East Side. This location is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including the Q and 6 subway lines, which are just a short walk away, as well as several bus routes along 2nd Avenue. This makes it a great dining destination regardless of where you are in the city. The restaurant’s street-level presence and welcoming facade make it easy to find and enter.

For those arriving by car, there is paid street parking available, though it can be a challenge to find in this busy area. The restaurant also has amenities like restrooms and is noted as being good for kids, with high chairs available. Its casual and cozy atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for families, couples, or solo diners. The establishment also offers outdoor seating, which is a popular feature in New York City, especially for those who wish to dine with their pets, as dogs are allowed in the outdoor area.

## Services Offered

San Matteo offers a comprehensive range of services to suit different dining preferences.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere inside the restaurant with full table service.
• Outdoor Seating: A great option for a more al fresco dining experience.
• Takeout: Perfect for a delicious meal on the go.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers no-contact delivery and curbside pickup for convenience.
• Catering: For events and gatherings, San Matteo provides catering services to bring its authentic Italian flavors to your special occasion.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it a great choice for planning ahead, especially for dinner.

## Features / Highlights

Several key features make San Matteo a standout destination in New York City.

• Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: The use of a wood-fired oven and traditional techniques ensures a truly authentic and delicious pizza experience.
• Great Coffee and Wine: As the name suggests, the espresso bar serves excellent coffee, and the restaurant has a great wine list to complement any meal.
• Late-night Food: San Matteo caters to the late-night dining crowd, a crucial feature in a city that never sleeps.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes numerous vegetarian dishes, from pizzas and pastas to appetizers and salads.
• Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant provides a warm and inviting setting that is perfect for a relaxed meal.
• Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, a great benefit for pet owners.

## Contact Information

For reservations or more information, you can contact San Matteo using the details below.

Address: 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Phone: (212) 426-6943

Mobile Phone: +1 212-426-6943

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing San Matteo is choosing a piece of genuine Italian tradition in the heart of New York. What makes this restaurant truly worth it is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. From the ingredients sourced to the traditional cooking methods, every detail is aimed at providing a true Neapolitan experience. The pizzas, in particular, are a highlight, with customers praising the fluffy, flavorful crust and fresh toppings. One reviewer's experience with the PIZZA BURRATA and Penne con prosciutto showcases the restaurant's ability to excel at both its star pizzas and its homemade pasta dishes.

While one customer noted an issue with the mozzarella on their takeout pizza, the positive reviews for the dine-in experience highlight the importance of enjoying Neapolitan pizza fresh from the oven, as it is traditionally intended. The overall consensus is that the food is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming. The friendly and quick service, as mentioned by a satisfied customer, adds to the positive experience. Beyond the food, the diverse beverage offerings, including a great wine list and excellent espresso, make San Matteo a perfect spot for any occasion, from a casual coffee break to a full, celebratory dinner. The combination of its cozy, trendy atmosphere, fantastic food, and dedication to authentic flavors makes San Matteo a must-visit destination for anyone in New York seeking a taste of Italy.

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar

1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA