San Matteo Italian Restaurant & Bar

If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors right here in Southwest Florida, then you need to check out San Matteo Italian Restaurant & Bar, now open at University Village in Estero near Fort Myers. I stopped in last week (thanks to a great recommendation from @myahrrose) to see what all the buzz was about — and let me tell you, the locals have already caught on!

Even though San Matteo has only been open a little over a month, their grand opening was packed, which is always a good sign. The vibe is cozy yet modern, with an open layout that feels perfect for both date nights and family dinners. The staff was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the food they’re serving.

Classic Italian Done Right 

The menu features an array of traditional Italian dishes, from handcrafted pizzas to seafood and housemade desserts. We started things off with a lineup of appetizers that could’ve been a meal on their own — Bruschetta, Fried Zucchini Blossoms (Fiori di Zucca), Grilled Octopus, and Beef Carpaccio. Each one was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Then came the Margherita Pizza, a simple yet perfect classic that hit all the right notes — crisp crust, rich sauce, and creamy mozzarella. You can tell they take pride in doing the classics justice.

Of course, we couldn’t skip dessert. We tried the Delizia al Limone and Torta Della Nonna, and both were light, sweet, and the perfect finish to a great meal. The Delizia had that lemony zing that made every bite feel bright and refreshing.

Overall, San Matteo brings a slice of Italy to Estero with authentic flavors, friendly service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay for “just one more course.” Next time, I’ll definitely be diving into their pasta menu — because everything we tried was bellissimo!