BOCA RATON – What’s the key to long-term success at Matteo’s family-style Italian ristorante?
Good food, hefty portions, affordable prices and a comfortable atmosphere designed for family dining are among the many inviting touches, said General Manager Peter Kramer.
“Nobody leaves without taking some of their meal with them,” said Kramer, watching as people with take-home containers walked out the door of the eatery at 233 South Federal Highway, Boca Raton.
Head Chef Ervin Lazo, left, with General Manager Peter Kramer in front of Matteo’s “menu board.”
There are nine family-owned Matteo’s in all, said Kramer – five in New York, one in Connecticut and three in Florida – Boca, Jupiter and Hallendale. Three others are in the works, in Orlando, Westchester, N.Y. and Manhattan.
“We serve Italian food family style,” he said. “Everything is made to order.” Matteo’s also makes its own ingredients, adding to the authentic Italian flavor of its many meal offerings.
Patrons can enjoy half-order and full orders of chicken, eggplant and veal dishes (Limone, Marsala, Sorrentino, Pizzaiola and Parmigiana, to name a few). Seafood is another staple at Matteo’s. It’s always fresh – and everything can be ordered with a variety of sides, said Kramer. Choices of Italian favorites include linguini, capellini, rigatoni, fettucine, penne or whole wheat pasta.
Kramer noted that Matteo’s menu also features a “healthy corner,” with low-carbohydrate dishes such as Zucchini Linguini, Shrimp Alla Wendy, Grilled Chicken Paillard, Grilled Shrimp Matteo’s, Veal Chop Paillard and Chicken Mona.
The Boca Matteo’s has a 270-seat dining area, and by the time dinner hour arrives, it’s usually bustling with customers enjoying the fare. The restaurant’s motif is friendly and inviting, comfortable for intimate parties of two or groups of six, eight or more.
Founder Salvatore Sorrentino, with his two son’s Andrew and Matthew, opened their first location in New York 22 years ago, serving delicious platters of Italian comfort food. Meals are prepared by professional chefs. In fact, the head chef at Matteo’s in Boca – Ervin Lazo – is also corporate chef for all the Matteo’s.
The family-run operation came to Boca 10 years ago. It was located across the street from its current location for more than six years. It is now in a newly constructed building with valet parking in a garage at the rear of the building.
Not only does Matteo’s have longevity, but so does the staff. Kramer said many have worked for the company for 10, 15, even 20 years. He joined Matteo’s in Boca nine years ago after operating his own restaurant, and has been general manager for two years. Lazo has been with the operation more than 20 years, and was the first chef at the first eatery.
Those who dine at Matteo’s can choose from a wide variety of wines, mixed drinks from the bar or a soft drink to accompany their meal.
Catering on-site and off-premises is also available.