Savour the flavours of summer at Matteo Downtown and Double Bay

In the heart of Sydney’s culinary scene, a slice of authentic Bologna comes to life through the masterful hands of Lucia, Matteo Group’s dedicated Pasta Chef. Direct from the pasta capital, Lucia handcrafts each pasta shape with meticulous care, guided by generations of traditional expertise.

Founded by hospitality duo Adam Abrams and Eddie Levy, Matteo Group has created two distinct destinations that capture the essence of Italian dining. Drawing inspiration from annual team pilgrimages to Italy, where they discover new dishes and experiences to bring home, each venue offers its own unique interpretation of the Italian experience – from the sophisticated urban setting of Matteo Downtown to the Amalfi-inspired charm of Double Bay.

What’s more is this summer, both venues elevate dining into a theatrical experience. Downtown’s new Bar Cart brings premium cocktails tableside, while the kitchen comes to life with pasta preparations right at your table. In Double Bay, the show stopping Sgroppino service transforms dessert into performance art.

Each venue offers its own unique tableside delights, creating memorable moments beyond just exceptional food.

Matteo Downtown: a taste of tradition and innovation

Tucked away in Sydney’s CBD, Matteo Downtown is a sophisticated sanctuary that brings the energy of Italian dining to both urban professionals and food enthusiasts. This summer, Head Chef Manuel Romanelli has curated a menu that celebrates seasonal flavours and interactive dining experiences.

The culinary journey begins with a daily homemade focaccia that epitomizes comfort – “like Nonna used to make,” light and fluffy but packed with flavour, accompanied by decadent truffle butter. A starter of creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil oil provides a fresh counterpoint, hinting at the delights to come.

The house-made Wagyu Meatballs (Polpette) are a revelation – deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining succulent and moist inside. The sweetness of the capsicum sauce cuts through the richness of the beef, with the pro tip being to keep some of that delicious focaccia handy for dipping (thank us later).

Tableside theatrics and innovative offerings

The venue introduces several exciting dining innovations this season. The new Bar Cart, curated by Bar Manager Roberto, brings hand-crafted cocktails directly to your table – a premium service featuring hand-selected spirits that elevate the dining experience.

For those seeking a pre-dinner ritual, the Aperitivo hour from 3pm to 5:30pm (Tuesday-Friday) captures the essence of Milan and Rome – where guests receive complimentary snacks with every drinks order – complete with an Italian-imported meat slicer preparing freshly sliced prosciutto, coppa, and salami.

The tableside pasta service is a true highlight – a culinary performance that brings the kitchen to you.

The lobster pasta with prawn bisque stands out as a showstopper, featuring fresh lobster nestled in the most delicious fresh pasta, perfect for sharing. Equally memorable is the eggplant parmigiana tortellini – a small parcel packed with flavour, beautifully balanced and not overly rich.

Double Bay: Relaxed elegance and summer flavours

Offering a more laid-back atmosphere, Matteo’s Double Bay location presents its own summer culinary adventure under Head Chef Angelo Malerba. The menu strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.

Signature style and tableside delights

The venue introduces a show-stopping Sgroppino – part dessert, part cocktail – prepared tableside by Bar Manager Mattia Bertolani. The dessert selection is a journey in itself, with standouts like the Chocolate Hazelnut Rocher – a decadent combination of hazelnut mousse, wafer crunch, and house-made ice magic – and the Mini Magnums, which provides the perfect finale to a memorable meal.

The Vodka Rigatoni and Pappardelle with Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Ragù showcase the kitchen’s mastery of traditional Italian flavours with a contemporary twist. Woodfire pizzas add a rustic touch to the summer lineup.

A celebration of taste and hospitality

Whether you’re seeking the urban sophistication of Downtown or the relaxed charm of Double Bay, Matteo Group offers more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of Italian hospitality, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of shared dining experiences.

Pro tip: Make the most of the in-house Sommelier for expert wine pairings that will elevate your culinary journey.

Ready to taste summer? Escape the heat and indulge in some of Sydney’s most exciting Italian dining destinations. Whether you’re craving the sophisticated energy of Matteo Downtown or the laid-back charm of Double Bay, a culinary adventure awaits. Secure your table and prepare for a summer of unforgettable flavours, tableside theatre, and authentic Italian hospitality.