Matteo's Italian Restaurant, Brunswick, Georgia: Restaurant Review

Italian Restaurants in Brunswick, Georgia are few and far between. That alone makes Matteo's Italian Restaurant unique. What keeps people coming back to Matteo's, however, are the things that make Matteo's special.

Matteo's Full Italian Menu

Matteo's offers a full Italian menu. If you love Italian food then you will find something on the menu to please you. Favorites include pizza, cannolis, calzones, an eggplant parmesan sandwhich, lasagna, and several chicken and veal entrees.

One of the best deals, however, is the selection of spaghetti and sauces. First off, Matteo's Italian Restaurant allows you to select between spaghetti and ziti. This is a very nice touch. I don't know how many times I've gone to an Italian restaurant with a group of business associates (or even worse, with just my boss or a client) and have had difficulty selecting an entree because I don't want to deal with the messiness of spaghetti. Being able to select ziti - instead of spaghetti - and top it with my choice of sauce is a welcome option.

And the selections for topping your pasta will make you happy, too. Matteo's choices include marinara, meat sauce or meatballs (a nice touch, most restaurants offer just one or the other), mushrooms, garlic and oil, and even more. You could visit Matteo's several times to just enjoy this part of the menu before exploring other options.

Did I mention that a plate of spaghetti/ziti and sauce will only set you back $9.95? And that includes a generous salad and bread basket. Even someone with the most hearty appetite will have difficulty finishing the meal. Leftovers are cheerfully boxed for you.

Dining Ambiance at Matteo's Italian Restaurant

The ambiance at Matteo's is "family dining establishment." But there are still some nice touches that set it above the rest. The restaurant is always neat and clean in appearance. Each table includes a simple white candle and seating is available in booths or at tables.

Two dining rooms are available. Both have similar seating but one room looks into the kitchen. For an interesting touch, TV feeds into the kitchen are available so that diners can watch their food being prepared.

Ceilings are high and the rooms are boxy so if the restaurant is full of patrons, the noise level and clatter of dishes can be noticeable. For that reason, it is good to time your dining at Matteo's Italian Restaurant for early or later in the evening to miss most of the crowd.

Food Quality and Service at Matteo's Italian Restaurant

I have never eaten at Matteo's Italian Restaurant when I got a bad meal. Everything from the salad dressing to the garlic bread to the main dish always tastes fresh and homemade.

Some dishes, however, have been described as a little "bland" by some guests who have accompanied me to Matteo's. If you like your Italian food with heavy garlic, then the food may indeed be a little bland for you. However, I would describe the flavors as "just right." Matteo's would definitely be a place you could take your mother, your children, or a diverse group of people for their first experience at an Italian restaurant.

Service from the wait staff has always been good when I have eaten at Matteo's. However, as could be expected anywhere, the service is best when the restaurant is not extremely busy. When Matteo's is at its busiest, the service may slow a little, but the wait staff remains courteous and accomodating.

On the other hand, service doesn't suffer when the restaurant is slow. The last time I ate at Matteo's, it was later in the evening on a week night, and the food and service were both excellent.

Matteo's Italian Restaurant - A Convenient Location

Matteo's Italian Restuarant is tucked into the Best Western Motel, just off I-95 at Exit 36-B. This is a convenient exit for stopping for a meal. If you are traveling in a group and not everyone is interested in Italian, there is a very good Chinese restaurant, a nice seafood place, and a Beef O'Brady's located within easy walking distance.

Matteo's Italian Restaurant - A Local Favorite

Matteo's has been in business in Brunswick, Georgia and operated by the same family for many, many years. If you are looking for a "locals" restaurant in Brunswick, Georgia or the Golden Isles, this is one to try.

Prices range from $9.95 for a generous serving of spaghetti, bread and salad to $13.95 and up for chicken and veal meals with bread and salad. Appetizers, sandwiches, and side portions are also available for less.

Location:

5323 New Jesup Hwy

I-95 and US Hwy 341 (Exit 36-B)

Located in Best Western Motel

Brunswick, GA 31523

(912) 267-0248