The city outpost of the popular Double Bay trattoria serves up some of the best Italian fare in the city. Now it’s giving you access to members-only tables.

 

Matteo’s Downtown has all the informality of a cafe, but the polish of a fine diner. Inspired by the great metropolitan restaurants of Rome, Florence and Milan, it has an open terrace with street-facing tables, two imported Italian woodfire ovens and an Italian-focused drinks list.

 

Just like the original Matteo’s, woodfired pizza is the star of the show here. Executive chef Giovanni Astolfoni was personally trained by Angelo Iezzi, the creator of the Roman-style pie. Here, the pizzas have a light, crisp base with toppings such as margherita and suprema. But there’s also plenty of antipasti, shareable meat dishes and pasta.

 

Our top picks from the menu include the spaghetti cacio e pepe with lime, bottarga and tuna tartare; the cotoletta Milanese (bone-in crumbed veal); and the mortadella and burrata pizza.

 

Matteo’s Downtown has set aside tables just for Broadsheet Access members.

 

Get a table for two, from Tuesday to Thursday at 5.30pm or 8pm.

 

You can book 30 days in advance (and a minimum of two days prior) of your desired booking date.

 

Keen for something more relaxed? Check out our table at Matteo’s Double Bay.