Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Italian Fine Dining in Melbourne
Established in 1994, Matteo's has evolved into a cornerstone of Melbourne's dining scene, renowned for its seamless blend of quality, comfort, and community. Our culinary philosophy embraces seasonal ingredients and modern interpretations of classical Italian cuisine, infused with bold Asian influences. Under the leadership of visionary owner Matteo Pignatelli and award-winning chefs like Brendan McQueen and Kah-wai 'Buddha' Lo, we've redefined fine dining through innovative dishes such as miso-marinated black cod, General Tso's quail, and duck neck sausage creations. The restaurant's elegant heritage setting in North Fitzroy combines old-world charm with contemporary flair, offering an unparalleled dining experience that has earned two hats in the Age Good Food Guide and accolades from Gourmet Traveller.Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate, with a meticulously curated wine list featuring over two decades of cellared vintages and approachable options under $50. The team's collective expertise, honed through Michelin-starred training and global culinary adventures, ensures every guest receives meticulous attention. From intimate dinners to corporate events, Matteo's maintains its reputation as a dynamic yet timeless destination where European technique meets Asian innovation. The restaurant's enduring success reflects our dedication to evolving with the times while preserving the fundamentals of hospitality that have delighted diners for generations.
Services
Italian Fine Dining
Asian Fusion Cuisine
Seasonal Menus
Corporate Event Hosting
Special Occasion Dining
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience redefining Melbourne's fine dining scene
- Our chefs combine European techniques with bold Asian flavour profiles
- Winner of multiple Age Good Food Guide and Gourmet Traveller awards
- Extensive wine list featuring two decades of curated vintages
- Heritage building offering elegant spaces for private events
What people say
Exquisite dishes
Innovative fusion
Award-winning chefs
Elegant setting
Exceptional service
Services
Italian Fine Dining
Experience our signature Italian fine dining offering, where classical techniques meet modern innovation. Our three-course menu features meticulously crafted dishes using seasonal ingredients, presented with artistic flair. Guests enjoy white-glove service in an opulent setting adorned with velvet furnishings and heritage architectural details. The experience combines European culinary traditions with contemporary presentation, offering both familiar favourites and adventurous new creations.
Asian Fusion Cuisine
Discover our acclaimed Asian fusion cuisine that reimagines traditional dishes through an innovative lens. The menu showcases bold flavour combinations like miso-marinated black cod with prawn cracker noodles and General Tso's quail with jasmine rice parcels. Our chefs blend Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences with European techniques, creating unique dishes that have earned recognition in Australia's top food guides.
Seasonal Menus
Our ever-evolving seasonal menus reflect the freshest local produce and culinary trends. Each dish is carefully designed to highlight the best ingredients of the current season, from autumnal mushroom medleys to vibrant spring seafood platters. The kitchen team works closely with regional suppliers to ensure optimal freshness and sustainability, with menu changes announced through our newsletter and social media channels.
Corporate Event Hosting
Host your next corporate event in our elegant private dining spaces that combine historic charm with modern amenities. The venue accommodates business lunches, product launches, and networking events with tailored menus and dedicated service. Our event coordinators provide full support from initial planning to execution, ensuring seamless experiences for groups ranging from intimate board meetings to large celebrations.
Special Occasion Dining
Celebrate life's special moments in our romantic and sophisticated dining environment. We offer curated tasting menus, champagne service, and personalized touches for engagements, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. The restaurant's heritage setting with draped velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers provides a memorable backdrop for important occasions, with optional private dining options available.
People
Matteo Pignatelli
Owner
Founder and visionary behind Matteo's, Matteo Pignatelli has shaped the restaurant's identity since its 1994 opening. With a background in family-run pizzerias, he brings decades of hospitality experience to Melbourne's dining scene. His leadership has maintained the restaurant's relevance through changing culinary trends while preserving its core values of quality and service.
Brendan McQueen
Former Head Chef
Longtime head chef Brendan McQueen established the restaurant's reputation for innovative fusion cuisine over a decade of culinary leadership. His French-Japanese creations set industry standards before passing the baton to the next generation. His influence remains evident in the restaurant's approach to blending European techniques with Asian flavours.
Kah-wai 'Buddha' Lo
Head Chef
Award-winning chef Kah-wai 'Buddha' Lo brings fresh energy to Matteo's kitchen with his bold Asian-inspired creations. After training under McQueen and working in London's Michelin-starred restaurants, he returned to Melbourne to lead the culinary direction. His innovative approach has earned critical acclaim while maintaining the restaurant's high standards.
Questions
How do I make a reservation at Matteo's?
Bookings can be made through our online reservation system or by calling +61 3 9481 1177. We recommend booking in advance for weekend dinners and special occasions.
What type of cuisine does Matteo's serve?
We specialise in modern Italian cuisine with bold Asian influences, creating innovative fusion dishes that combine European techniques with Asian flavours.
Does Matteo's offer private dining options?
Yes, we provide elegant private dining spaces suitable for corporate events and special celebrations, with tailored menus available upon request.
What are Matteo's opening hours?
We serve lunch Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, with dinner available Wednesday-Saturday. Please check our website for current seasonal hours.
Is there a dress code at Matteo's?
Smart casual attire is recommended to complement our sophisticated dining environment, though formal wear is not required.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Our kitchen team can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. Please inform us of any allergies or special needs when making your reservation.
Reviews (7)
Andrew B.
Jan 09, 2022
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This may be the very pinnacle of fine dining. So much so I look forward to coming back to this place because my experience there was truly amazing. My partner and I went as we have heard nothing but great things and we were prepared for an amazing night of fine dining. What a time to come because they had their 25th anniversary menu which consisted of the chef's favourite dishes over the last 25 years. Seemed as if the universe had aligned for ourselves or we just struck gold. So let's get into it. Matteo's is such a popular place but what makes it even better is the ease of finding parking
Louisa TheLittleBigCompany
Dec 24, 2021
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Really Delicious food and amazing service and atmosphere -thank you for making our day so enjoyable -Will definitely be back
Hannah
Nov 16, 2021
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This has got to be one of the best restaurants in Melbourne! The food is absolutely outstanding! The service is impeccable! I had the vegetarian tasting menu and my partner had the meat tasting menu and we could not fault anything. Every single dish was absolutely delicious and flawless. I will definitely be back and highly recommend anyone and everyone to come and try this spectacular dining experience.
Liria Stratus
Nov 06, 2021
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There is no doubt that when a restaurant exists and flourishes for the last 27 years as Matteo's has, then there is a winning formula at play here. Last Wednesday night I had an evening of unsurpassable excellence. The attentiveness and subtlety of the lovely staff, the magnificence of the culinary expertise and delightful tastes of this contemporary cuisine, as well as the warm and inviting disposition of the owner Matteo himself, certainly explains why people continue to frequent and be impressed by this highly esteemed eatery. To dine at Matteo's is a night of joy as you experience food and
Jan Lawson
Nov 05, 2021
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I attended MATTEOS with 8 friends to celebrate belated birthdays. The food was , delicious and the presentation was amazing. The wait staff were very professional and helpful. One of the best meals ever!!
Jennifer You
Jul 26, 2021
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We had dinner here and the food was tasty. Standouts were probably the kingfish crudo, saffron spaghettini and parfait cigar that came with the duck. The 6 year old kid loved his pasta and theres a kids menu with plenty of options available. They also give you generous amounts of warm bread at the start. Food came promptly and the ambience of the restaurant was good.
Sunny Days Melbourne
Jul 23, 2021
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We missed out on our workplace Christmas dinner last year due to covid restrictions so we had to make up for it. Matteos in Fitzroy is where we go every year and it was really nice to be able to visit again and pretend like its Christmas. The 3 course meal was deliciously delicate. I had the crab pasta for entree, the steak for main and a caramel tart for dessert. Everything was prepared with care and tasted great. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Christmas in Julyit always sounded hokey to me but with the cold weather, its not such a bad concept.
