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Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar offers a taste of both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a casual family meal or a sophisticated fine dining experience, Matera offers best Pre-theatre dining near The Kennedy Center.
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Matera DC Restaurant – Washington, DC | OpenTable
Matera DC is a “hidden gem” offering “extraordinary” Italian cuisine, with standout dishes like “toscani eggplant bruschetta” and “airy tiramisu.” The “intimate …
Reviews
Joe Leader
An unforgettable evening of Italian brilliance, made all the more special by Amanda whose warmth and attentiveness elevated the entire experience. From the first toasted bruschetta bursting with roasted eggplant, olives, and tomato basil sauce to the last forkful of airy tiramisu, Matera DC delivered bold flavors, polished service, and a dining journey that felt both intimate and celebratory.
The evening began with the Toscani Eggplant Bruschetta, a perfect balance of roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and crisp bread layered with rich tomato basil sauce. Alongside it, the Watermelon Salad was refreshing and vibrant, with juicy melon cubes, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses that provided a sweet and savory harmony.
The Smoked Salmon Alfredo followed with silky linguini in a creamy parmesan sauce, accented by fresh broccoli and topped with smoked salmon and a garlic crostini. It was indulgent yet balanced, a dish that felt both comforting and refined.
For the main course, the Chicken Parmesan impressed with lightly breaded chicken breasts baked under mozzarella and coated with flavorful tomato sauce, paired with linguini and crisp seasonal vegetables. Generous and satisfying, it was beautifully plated and full of flavor.
Cocktails added sparkle to the evening. The Limoncello cocktail with prosecco, limoncello, and lime juice was bright and refreshing, while the Ginger martini with Ketel One Citron and French ginger liqueur brought a vibrant, zesty kick that paired perfectly with the bold dishes.
Dessert was the highlight of tradition and finesse. The tiramisu was airy and elegant, its espresso-soaked layers blending with mascarpone cream and cocoa, finished with chocolate drizzle and whipped cream for a sweet finale.
Amanda’s thoughtful care throughout the evening made the service seamless. She anticipated every need, timed courses perfectly, and made the evening feel effortless. Combined with Matera DC’s intimate atmosphere and refined menu, it was a dining experience that celebrated both tradition and modern flair.
Matera DC shines as a destination for anyone seeking exceptional Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients, refined execution, and heartfelt hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
… moreThe evening began with the Toscani Eggplant Bruschetta, a perfect balance of roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and crisp bread layered with rich tomato basil sauce. Alongside it, the Watermelon Salad was refreshing and vibrant, with juicy melon cubes, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses that provided a sweet and savory harmony.
The Smoked Salmon Alfredo followed with silky linguini in a creamy parmesan sauce, accented by fresh broccoli and topped with smoked salmon and a garlic crostini. It was indulgent yet balanced, a dish that felt both comforting and refined.
For the main course, the Chicken Parmesan impressed with lightly breaded chicken breasts baked under mozzarella and coated with flavorful tomato sauce, paired with linguini and crisp seasonal vegetables. Generous and satisfying, it was beautifully plated and full of flavor.
Cocktails added sparkle to the evening. The Limoncello cocktail with prosecco, limoncello, and lime juice was bright and refreshing, while the Ginger martini with Ketel One Citron and French ginger liqueur brought a vibrant, zesty kick that paired perfectly with the bold dishes.
Dessert was the highlight of tradition and finesse. The tiramisu was airy and elegant, its espresso-soaked layers blending with mascarpone cream and cocoa, finished with chocolate drizzle and whipped cream for a sweet finale.
Amanda’s thoughtful care throughout the evening made the service seamless. She anticipated every need, timed courses perfectly, and made the evening feel effortless. Combined with Matera DC’s intimate atmosphere and refined menu, it was a dining experience that celebrated both tradition and modern flair.
Matera DC shines as a destination for anyone seeking exceptional Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients, refined execution, and heartfelt hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
Fabiola R. Delgado
Simply superb. Matera has become my go-to place for a morning coffee, and a gathering spot for friends and colleagues. The food is delicious, and the service is always above and beyond!
I’ve hosted a couple happy hours and small events there, and they outdo themselves each time: greeting us with flowers, appetizer platters, great wine selection, and even staging a pop-up bar for a private party –– “Hidden” inside The River Inn, this place is truly a gem!
… moreI’ve hosted a couple happy hours and small events there, and they outdo themselves each time: greeting us with flowers, appetizer platters, great wine selection, and even staging a pop-up bar for a private party –– “Hidden” inside The River Inn, this place is truly a gem!
Michael Richardson
A very small and cute restaurant nestled in the lobby of a hotel and just a few minutes from the Kennedy Center. Our visit however, fell short of expectations with the highlight being it’s convenient location. The ambiance was great and appealing, the overall experience didn’t leave us eager to return.
Environment
It’s a very lovely place located just a few minutes from the Kennedy Center which made it a convenient stop before our show. The ambiance was lovely, with an inviting aesthetic. Given it’s small size, reservations are recommended as seating is limited although it wasn’t too busy when we were there. They offer table dining and a small bar for a cozy atmosphere.
Service
The service was okay. and left something to be desired. We ordered bread for our table, only to notice that other tables were receiving complimentary bread. After bringing this to our server’s attention, he neither apologized nor offered to address the oversight leaving us feeling dissatisfied. Tip: be sure to confirm your free bread with your server to avoid a similar issue.
Food and drinks
The food was okay. The stand was surprisingly the tomato soup which was both comforting and flavorful especially on a rainy day. I ordered the “Tour of Italy” and my friend tried the chicken parmesan, though neither dish stood out in taste. The cheesecake dessert was similarly just okay. The cocktails were on the sweeter side.
Overall
My experience at Matera was a bit underwhelming and didn’t quite meet expectations, particularly given the mix-up with the bread service. The best thing is it’s proximity to the Kennedy Center making it a convenient choice for a pre-show meal or drink. I hope to return to give it another try, hoping for a better experience.
… moreEnvironment
It’s a very lovely place located just a few minutes from the Kennedy Center which made it a convenient stop before our show. The ambiance was lovely, with an inviting aesthetic. Given it’s small size, reservations are recommended as seating is limited although it wasn’t too busy when we were there. They offer table dining and a small bar for a cozy atmosphere.
Service
The service was okay. and left something to be desired. We ordered bread for our table, only to notice that other tables were receiving complimentary bread. After bringing this to our server’s attention, he neither apologized nor offered to address the oversight leaving us feeling dissatisfied. Tip: be sure to confirm your free bread with your server to avoid a similar issue.
Food and drinks
The food was okay. The stand was surprisingly the tomato soup which was both comforting and flavorful especially on a rainy day. I ordered the “Tour of Italy” and my friend tried the chicken parmesan, though neither dish stood out in taste. The cheesecake dessert was similarly just okay. The cocktails were on the sweeter side.
Overall
My experience at Matera was a bit underwhelming and didn’t quite meet expectations, particularly given the mix-up with the bread service. The best thing is it’s proximity to the Kennedy Center making it a convenient choice for a pre-show meal or drink. I hope to return to give it another try, hoping for a better experience.
Jungmin Kim
If you stay at River Inn, absolutely great choice for breakfast and dinner
… moreD K S
Matera is a friendly, cozy restaurant that attracts local residents as well as guests staying at the attached hotel. The tomato basil soup was excellent.
Sakina was an outstanding server and took extra care both at dinner and the following morning at breakfast to ensure our meal enjoyment and comfort.
… moreSakina was an outstanding server and took extra care both at dinner and the following morning at breakfast to ensure our meal enjoyment and comfort.
Arash
This is a small hidden gem in this neighborhood. There are not many dining options within walking distance from Kennedy Center, and most are overpriced or low quality. The food here is amazing and the drinks are delicious. Since it is a small restaurant with a few staff members, services can feel slow at times, but they try their best to overcome this by hospitality. Definitely recommended.
… moreRebecca Wolf
When the woman greeting you speaks Italian, you know you’re in for something great. Very cozy atmosphere. Superb salmon, cooked to perfection at my request. Delicious tiramisu. I’ve lived in Italy and this darling restaurant was a great example of true Italian food. Highly recommend.
… moreAnastasia Grubyak
First time visiting Washington DC and this restaurant. Absolutely amazing service. Everyone was so nice and even put away flowers my friends aunt was allergic to, when asked. The food was delicious and were big portions. I had the “Tour Of Italy” which had penne alfredo, chicken parmesan, and lasagna. Everything was cooked perfectly. Definitely worth it for the price. The atmosphere was fancy, cozy, and well lit. Would definitely recommend and visit again!
… moreDeborah Landau
Excellent food, exemplary service. If you’re enjoying a meal before a show, let the staff know and they’ll be sure to get you out right on time.
… moreVarnika Kapoor
Casual and elegant at the same time, this Italian Bar and Restaurant offers a decent menu. We enjoyed the Tomato Basil Soup being vegetarians. It hit the right taste buds with its flavours. I found the soup with a garlic bread in the side quite filling as an early evening starter. You can come here for a good enlivening change.
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