San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar

- 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of Southern Italian culinary tradition right here in Manhattan, San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar has established itself as a beloved and essential destination on the Upper East Side. More than just an Italian restaurant, San Matteo is an immersive dining experience specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, made with dedication and cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. It brings a slice of the Salerno region of Italy—specifically, the authentic flavors and passion of Campania—to the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Since its founding, San Matteo has become a true neighborhood gem, celebrated for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, many of which are imported or sourced locally to ensure freshness and flavor. The venue's focus extends beyond just pizza, offering a comprehensive menu of Italian favorites, including a tempting selection of homemade pastas, classic antipasti, and flavorful main courses. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick, authentic Neapolitan pie, a rich plate of pasta, or a perfectly crafted espresso, San Matteo provides a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a brief, delightful escape to Italy.

The menu is extensive and appealing, starting with tempting Antipasti like the classic Caprese, the impressive Fritto Misto, and rich Polpette Al Sugo. Pasta enthusiasts will appreciate the 'Homemade Pasta' selections, featuring standout dishes such as Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, Linguine E Vongole, and Rigatoni Alla Bolognese. The heart of the restaurant, however, remains its pizzas. Patrons rave about the traditional 'Rosse' (red) pizzas like the simple yet sublime Margherita and the spicy Diavola, as well as the 'Bianche' (white) pies, including the creamy Quattro Formaggi and the luxurious Porcini E Tartufo. A unique offering is the Panuozzi, a wood-fired sandwich that’s a specialty of the Salerno region, and a must-try for local food enthusiasts.

San Matteo has garnered attention and accolades, often being noted for its authentic approach to pizza-making, making it a point of reference for Italian cuisine lovers in the region. The welcoming environment, combined with the focus on genuine culinary tradition, ensures that it remains a favorite spot for locals, solo diners, and even visiting tourists looking for a truly authentic New York Italian experience.

Location and Accessibility

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar is strategically located in the vibrant Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Its address at 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128 places it in a highly trafficked and accessible part of the borough, making it a convenient stop whether you live in the area, work nearby, or are exploring the cultural landmarks of the UES, such as Central Park or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which are just a short distance away.

Accessibility by public transit is excellent. The restaurant is situated in an area well-served by local buses along Second Avenue. For subway riders, the Q train offers convenient access to the Upper East Side, and a walk from the 86th Street stop is easily manageable. For those driving, paid street parking is typically available in the vicinity, though, as is common in Manhattan, it can sometimes be a challenge to secure a spot. The neighborhood's dynamic setting makes it an ideal location for both a planned dinner reservation and an impromptu stop for a quick, delicious Italian bite.

Services Offered

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar caters to a modern New York clientele with a comprehensive range of dining and convenience services:

• Dine-in service in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating is available for al fresco dining, including options that are dog-friendly.
• Full service for lunch, dinner, and dessert.
• Takeout and Curbside pickup for convenient self-service.
• Delivery and No-contact delivery options are provided for enjoying meals at home or the office.
• Catering services for larger events and gatherings.
• Reservations are accepted, which is advisable especially during peak dining hours, ensuring you secure a table in this popular spot.
• A full beverage menu including Beer, Wine, Cocktails, and Happy hour drinks.
• Espresso Bar service, offering great coffee to complement your meal or finish off your dining experience.
• Accepts major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for hassle-free transactions.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant is distinguished by several features that set it apart as a standout choice for Italian cuisine in the city:

• Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: The cornerstone of San Matteo is its commitment to true Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked in a stunning, wood-fired oven. The result is a delicious crust that is thin, slightly chewy, and beautifully charred, praised by critics and locals alike as some of the best in the city.
• Specialty Panuozzo: The Panuozzo, a wood-fired sandwich unique to the Salerno region, is a menu standout and a must-try. It’s an original offering not commonly found in other NYC Italian eateries, providing an authentic taste of Southern Italy.
• Great Wine and Coffee Program: The establishment boasts a great wine list, perfect for pairing with their rich Italian dishes, alongside a strong espresso bar offering, noted for its high-quality coffee.
• Extensive Menu Options: In addition to award-winning pizza, the menu includes homemade pasta, hearty main courses like Chicken Parmigiana and Tagliata Di Manzo, and a variety of small plates, comfort food, and vegetarian options.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The venue offers a Casual, Cozy, and Trendy setting, making it suitable for all occasions, from a solo lunch to an intimate dinner or a lively gathering with friends. The presence of the wood-fired oven adds to the warm, rustic charm.
• Speed and Service: Known for Fast service, especially at their espresso bar, combined with a friendly and professional staff that contributes to a positive, welcoming dining experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is Good for kids and provides High chairs, ensuring a welcoming environment for families.
• Late-Night Food: A great option for those seeking a quick or satisfying bite later in the evening.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
• Phone: (212) 426-6943

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar means selecting a truly authentic Italian experience nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side. What makes this establishment particularly worthwhile for New York diners is its unwavering commitment to the culinary traditions of Campania and Salerno. The star attraction, the Neapolitan Pizza, is a clear winner; you can taste the authenticity in the thin, soft, yet structurally perfect crust, often created with imported ingredients and fired in a dedicated wood-burning oven—an essential detail that elevates it above most other pizza in the city.

For a deeper dive into Southern Italian street food, the Panuozzo is highly recommended as an exciting, unique choice. Unlike a typical panini, the wood-fired pizza dough base offers a sensational texture and flavor that is distinct and memorable. Complementing the pizza and panuozzo, the Homemade Pasta selection offers soulful, comforting dishes. Patrons frequently call out the Rigatoni Alla Bolognese and the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina for their fresh ingredients and deep, satisfying flavors. For starters, the various Burrata and Prosciutto combinations, or the classic Polpette Al Sugo (meatballs in sauce), set the stage for an authentic Italian feast.

Furthermore, the entire experience is enhanced by the restaurant's atmosphere—a blend of Casual comfort and Cozy Italian charm. Whether you are enjoying a glass from their great wine list, sipping a top-notch espresso, or simply observing the action from the bar, San Matteo offers a dining environment that is vibrant yet relaxed. It’s an ideal spot for a mid-day lunch, a solo dining adventure, or a lively, authentic Italian dinner, consistently providing excellent value for the quality and authenticity it delivers to the New York community.

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar

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