Experienced restaurateurs (of Radius fame) riff on authentic Italian fare in the warmly sleek dining room and casually intimate enoteca.
(617) 892-4494
79 Park Plz
(Arlington Street)
Boston,
MA
02116
42.3425
-71.1594
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am
Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am
Sat 5pm-1am
Price:
$$$
Parking:
Valet, Street, Nearby Garage
Via Matta
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Via Matta
The Owner

Via Matta
Owner
Via Matta, a restaurant that brings the cuisine of Italy's Piedmont, Tuscany, Ligutia and Emilia Romagna regions to Boston's Back Bay. And doing it the simple way: with the best seasonal ingredients available, by obeying over 1000 years of culinary inspiration, and by having a chef with the wisdom to let that be enough.
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
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 stylish bar offer intimacy. (The outdoor patio is a lush oasis come summer.) The kitchen's emphasis is on fresh ingredients, resulting in a daily menu of traditional dishes. Over a dozen chic starters (like crunchy eggplant with spicy tomato sauce, oregano and parmigiano) kick off the dining options. Housemade pastas are constructed from the freshest ingredients; entrees are rich without being heavy.…
Best Italian Restaurant
by IVJ at Citysearch
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 great experience!
- Pros: Quality and Creativity
For those who eat out rarely
by thomhal at Citysearch
The ideal restaurant for those who enjoy waiters in blue jeans & sneakers serving them mid-$40 entrees. For diners who haven't travelled to Italy, this will seem like a great restaurant. The chef relies on heavy doses of herbs and salt to spice up dishes created from mundane ingredients -- certainly an appeal to his regular clientele. They make sure you know how they feel about your dining in their restaurant.
- Pros: Coat check, attempts at style
- Cons: forgetful waiters, on a par with the average restaurants in Boston,
Best Italian Restaurant in Boston
by Jenny999 at Citysearch
This is the restaurant me and my boyfriend go to every time we want to have a special meal. We never go to the North End anymore because Via Matta is the best. The pastas there are absolutely amazing with much more diverse and innovative choices than ones in north end or anywhere else in Boston. Spicy lobster pasta is my favorite! The spicy calamari appetizer is also amazing. We have been there 5 or 6 times and it's been amazing every time. Also do not leave without trying their desserts, mind blowing!!!
- Pros: Amazing pastas, great desserts, very professional staff
- Cons: noisy sometimes, crowded during special occasions (Valentine's Day)
The Details on Via Matta
Know Before You Go:
Other than an endless stream of cabs (the restaurant is across the street from the Park Plaza Hotel), there isn't much of a view from Via Matta's outdoor seating area.
The Extras:
Stylish Italian restaurant's patio provides downtown smokers with an urban oasis.
Where to Sit:
The dining room, while great for groups, can be a bit too loud for intimate conversation.
What to Drink:
The basil gimlet--fresh basil with lime and vodka--is not to be missed.
When to Go:
The enoteca serves food and drink until the wee hours, with snacks like Tuscan spareribs washed down with blood peach bellinis.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Chef''s Table, Special Occasion Dining, Celeb Hangout, Outdoor Dining, Theater District Dining, People Watching, Family Style Dining, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
On patio
Message from Via Matta
- Fine Italian cuisine
- Downtown Location
- Online Reservations
Via Matta, a restaurant that brings the cuisine of Italy's Piedmont, Tuscany, Ligutia and Emilia Romagna regions to Boston's Back Bay. And doing it the simple way: with the best seasonal ingredients available, by obeying over 1000 years of culinary inspiration, and by having a chef with the wisdom to let that be enough.









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