San Matteo Italian Restaurant & Bar Brings Authentic Flavors to Estero

Discover a taste of Naples, Italy, right here in Estero with the grand opening of San Matteo Italian Restaurant & Bar on December 4th. Renowned New York City restaurateurs Fabio Casella, Giuseppe Manco, and Eleonora Calvacchi have teamed up to bring their decades of culinary expertise to the heart of the University Village Shops in Suite 145/A.

Italian Excellence in Every Detail
Chef Giuseppe Manco, hailing from Naples, Italy, leads the culinary team, ensuring that authenticity permeates every aspect of San Matteo. With 270 seats, this restaurant is not just a dining experience; it's a journey into the heart of Italian culinary tradition.

Manco's impressive 24-year journey in the pizza industry, starting in his family's restaurant in Italy, has garnered numerous awards, including a three-time world champion title at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas. Alongside Casella, the duo has earned accolades such as working as an executive chef for Iron Chef Judge Donatella Arpaia and securing two-time champion status at the New York City Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash.

Must-Try Culinary Delights
While San Matteo boasts award-winning pizza and pasta, Chef Manco recommends exploring some unique dishes on the menu. The Montanara, a pizza cooked through three different processes, promises crispy dough with an explosion of flavors—a true culinary masterpiece.

For pasta enthusiasts, the Paccheri alla Genovese, featuring slow-cooked veal and onion ragu, parmigiano, and basil, is a testament to Neapolitan culinary excellence. The Spaghettoni Con Datterini, showcasing tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius, offers a sweet and unforgettable taste.

Fine Dining Beyond Expectations
San Matteo goes beyond pizza and pasta, offering a selection of imported and domestic wines to complement its top-quality dry-aged prime meats from renowned supplier Pat LaFrieda.

Save room for dessert, as the Ricotta & Pere—a delicate ricotta cream-filled with pear pieces between hazelnut cookies—is a sweet journey imported from the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

A Journey Back to Southwest Florida
For Chef Manco, the opening of San Matteo in Estero marks a full-circle journey. After facing challenges in New York City during the pandemic, he returned to Southwest Florida, where his culinary success began in 2010. Despite setbacks, he sees Estero as a special place to restart and redefine his culinary legacy.

San Matteo currently welcomes guests from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with plans to extend its operation to seven days a week starting January 15th.

Indulge in an authentic Italian dining experience at San Matteo Italian Restaurant & Bar—a culinary haven in the heart of Estero. More info HERE