Overall we had a great experience at Osteria Mattana. I was trying to decide between 4 and 5 stars, and it's probably 4.5. But I ultimately rounded down because this place just wasn't as good as La Sciamadda right across the street, so I had to give them props.
We had a really good meal overall. A gentleman seated us and explained a few things on the menu that we had questions about. I think he might be the owner? Anyway, after that he mostly disappeared (that's cool - he was busy) and we had a super nice waiter help us the rest of the way. Great service.
I started off with an appetizer of anchovies with a lemon and olive oil dressing. This dish was simple, yet tasty. The anchovies were very fresh and it had just the right amount of acid.
We ordered the spaghetti with oyster sauce and the bolognese. The spaghetti with oyster sauce was amazing - one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. My wife got it so I only had a few bites (she can't eat the meat dish I got), but each bite blew me away. It was almost as if they somehow molded the deep oyster flavor into the pasta itself. The sauce also had chunks of fresh (cooked) oysters as well. Bold and robust flavors!
The bolognese was just ok. It might be partially my fault because this part of the country isn't known for its meat sauces (seafood!), but that doesn't excuse them since it was on the menu. I enjoyed the dish, but I've had better many times (including several times in the US). Ugh. BUT THAT OYSTER SAUCE!
The bread was also mediocre, but most bread is in this part of Italy. I don't get it, but whatever.
Side note: they have a sign that says "unaccompanied children will be sold into slavery". Maybe "will be given a puppy and caffeine" would be more appropriate where I come from, but I love it! And I chalked up my discomfort with the word "slavery" to European (not PC) vs. American (PC) humor.
Love this place. read more