TLDR
Authentic Neapolitan pies and pasta tossed in a cheese wheel at this beloved, family-owned Upper East Side neighborhood staple.
Reddit Sentiment for SAN MATTEO PIZZERIA E CUCINA(based on 13 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
This post announces the closure of the San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar on East 89th Street after more than ten years of operation. It reassures fans that another location on Second Avenue, a few blocks south, is still open. The post also mentions that a new Italian restaurant is slated to open in the former 89th Street space.
Details
A family-owned "mom & pop" establishment on the Upper East Side, this spot specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian comfort food [5]. The restaurant has built a strong local reputation, with diners frequently highlighting its unique pasta service and surprising menu gems [1], [3]. While one location recently closed, the flagship Pizzeria e Cucina remains open to serve the neighborhood [12].
Food Overview
This kitchen focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian classics, including a notable pasta dish prepared inside a cheese wheel [1]. While many guests praise the menu—including a surprisingly high-quality burger—others have found the pizza crust occasionally dry and the toppings inconsistent [3], [6].
Diners highly recommend trying the specialty panuozzo [12] and the signature pasta served directly from a cheese wheel [1].
Caveats
Some visitors have reported that the pizza crust can be overly dry and lacking the desired chewiness [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SAN MATTEO PIZZERIA E CUCINA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Pizza Options For A Group Of 25 In A Week And A
"Briefly suggested as an option."
NeutralFrom post: Best Pizza On The Upper East Side Just Moved To
"Mentioned as a pizza spot, with discussion regarding potential closure of locations."
NeutralFrom post: Best Pizza On The Upper East Side Just Moved To
"Highly recommended spot, specifically for their panuozzo."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Napolitanostyle Pizza On Ues Similar
"This user recommended San Matteo (specifically the Cucina location at 1559 2nd Ave) along with Donna Margherita."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Napolitanostyle Pizza On Ues Similar
"This user stated that if limiting options to the Upper East Side (UES), San Matteo is likely one of the closest matches to what the original poster is seeking. They haven't found anything on the UES that truly satisfies the same craving as Motorino."
Neutral