Via Matta

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79 Park Plz (at Arlington St. and Columbus Ave)
Boston, MA 02116

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(617) 422-0008
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Reviews
( 21 )
( 16 )
( 3 )
( 3 )
( 3 )

Best

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 gr...

Worst

This was a really disappointing evening. We went out with friends whom we were treating for yummy dinner at a restaurant we'd liked before. NOT tonight! The hostesses just stan...

Not a great first try 9/8/2005

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 more
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numero uno 7/25/2005

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. more
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I'm a regular there so..l. 5/27/2005

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 more
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Via Me Matta 5/21/2004

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 more
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VERY DISAPPOINTING 3/21/2004

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. more
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Fabulous!! 2/19/2004

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 more
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WHY?!?! 1/17/2004

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. more
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HORRIBLE SERVICE 11/24/2003

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 more
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OK 6/15/2003

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 more
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The Best Fine Dining Italian in Boston 4/22/2003

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. more
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Pre-Theater Special 3/22/2003

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 more
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Good dining 2/24/2003

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. more
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your next favorite restaurant 12/19/2002

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) more
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Bene, no molto bene 12/10/2002

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. more
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Via Matta is terrific 12/4/2002

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. more
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Nothin the matta 11/10/2002

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 more
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30th Anniversary Party 11/7/2002

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 more
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terrific service, bit loud 9/27/2002

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? more
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Innovative, Energetic and down right fun 9/22/2002

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 more
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crazy fun time! 9/21/2002

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 more
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Menu for Via Matta


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Editorial

  • Classic Italian cuisine is made hip at this centrally located Back Bay trattoria. The large, bustling dining room is especially good for groups, while the mosaic-tiled and dimly-lit enoteca or the...

  • 10/4/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am Sat 5pm-1am
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
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