+1 973-928-4300
Nestled in the heart of Clifton, NJ, Matthew’s stands out as a quintessential Italian restaurant where authentic flavors and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside this cozy yet inviting space at 1131 Bloomfield Ave, you’re embraced by an atmosphere that perfectly balances relaxed comfort with a touch of elegant charm.
Matthew’s menu is a celebration of classic Italian favorites, each dish crafted with care and a passion for true taste. The Chicken Parmesan is a standout—crispy, golden breading surrounding tender, juicy chicken, smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese that simply melts in your mouth. Equally impressive is the Chicken Marsala, boasting succulent cuts simmered in a savory mushroom and wine sauce that dances across your palate. Not to be missed, the Shrimp Scampi bursts with fresh, garlicky brightness, while the Tortellini Alla Panna offers a luscious, creamy embrace that exemplifies comfort dining at its finest.
For those craving variety, Matthew’s presents exquisite choices like the Lasagna layered with hearty meat sauce and velvety cheese, Eggplant Rollatini that delivers a perfect balance of tangy tomato and tender eggplant, and luxurious entrees such as Filet Mignon and Veal Saltimbocca that showcase their dedication to premium ingredients and expert preparation. Lighter fare, including the inventive paninis and sandwiches, like the Pollo Pronto with its blend of provolone, arugula, and sun-dried tomato pesto or the Capri bursting with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, cater to lunchtime appetites without sacrificing flavor.
The soups, including Tortellini in Brodo and Escarole & Bean, are comforting starters that set the stage beautifully for a memorable meal. Complement your dining with the featured Wine of The Week—The Stag North Coast California Cabernet Sauvignon—a smooth, robust selection perfectly suited to pair with Matthew’s rich Italian fare.
Beyond the food, what truly sets Matthew’s apart is the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the staff. Many guests rave about the personal touches, from the owner’s friendly greetings to servers like Tiffany, Nichole, Anthony, and Johnny, whose thoughtful service elevates each meal into a heartfelt occasion. As Diane Civitello shared, the combination of exceptional food, smiling service, and a relaxing ambiance creates an environment you’ll want to return to again and again.
For special occasions or a casual evening out, Matthew’s crafts every detail to ensure satisfaction. The celebratory energy felt during birthdays and family gatherings is palpable, while the consistently delicious dishes keep loyal patrons coming back for years, as attested by Tatiana Jarrell and Phillip Leary. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly shaken martini paired with the Rigatoni Bolognese or savoring a decadent lemon cake to close your meal, Matthew’s delivers an experience that feels intimate, authentic, and completely satisfying.
If you find yourself in Clifton craving true Italian comfort food with heartfelt service, Matthew’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination where every bite and every smile welcome you home.
Contact Information:
1131 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012, United States
Phone: +1 973-928-4300
This was our 1st time at Matthew's but it definitely won't be the last. The food was excellent, the service came with a smile and the ambiance was relaxing. The owner came by to say hello and ask if he can do anything else for us. He was very friendly and welcoming.
Matthew’s was my mother in laws favorite restaurant, and we have recently found out why. The service here is outstanding, and Tiffany, one of the servers, made our experience even better. She was kind, attentive, and made sure everything was just right. Her warm and welcoming attitude made us feel like we’d been there all along. She noticed our younger child was likely hungry and put her order in with the appetizers, without us asking, just got it taken care of. The food at Matthew’s is across the board fantastic. The stuffed artichoke was our favorite—it was cooked perfectly and stuffed with breadcrumbs spread evenly and the whole artichoke was a treat. I’d put this on a must-try list. Whether you’re looking for pasta, perfectly cooked meat, or a well chosen dessert, every bit of this is amazing. The restaurant is cozy and charming, making it great for a romantic date or a fun and easy family dinner where everything is already thought about. Their holiday decorations weren’t over the top like a lot of local places this year - just tasteful and elegant. Matthew’s has everything you want: fantastic food, excellent service (thank you, Tiffany!), and a lovely atmosphere. If you’re in Clifton or local, I highly recommend.
Matthew’s has been one of our favorite go-to restaurants for years! Matthew is always there, making sure every guest feels like family with his warm and attentive service. The food and drinks are consistently delicious—we have never been disappointed. If you’re looking for a guaranteed amazing meal with exceptional service, Matthew’s is a must-visit!
Absolutely incredible food. Went there for a friend's birthday and everything we got was delicious from the cocktails and bread to our individual dishes was fantastic. I would recommend going here for any occasion but if you can get a reservation cuz they are packed.
Out for a drive on a beautiful sunny Saturday when we great fully found this restaurant. Knew we would be pleased just by the packed parking lot at lunchtime. Nichole, Anthony and Johnny were a friendly, attentive team that didn’t disappoint. Perfectly shaken martini followed by the delicious rigatoni bolognese & short rib pappardelle. Even though I was stuffed I had the lemon cake for dessert. We will DEFINITELY return despite the distance as we live in Freehold 47 miles away!
My family visited Matthew’s for the first time last evening, and we had a fantastic experience! The food was stellar, but the service was truly exceptional. Every staff member - from our initial greeting to the moment we left - was kind, friendly, personable, and incredibly attentive. Our server, Tiffany, was wonderful, and her care and professionalism truly elevated the entire experience. Our food arrived promptly throughout, everything was cooked and prepared perfectly, and our appetizers, main courses, and desserts were absolutely delicious. The chicken parm was outstanding, and my son adored the calamari! The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and operationally there was a level of precision and efficiency that really stood out. We will absolutely be returning soon. Thank you to the entire team for an awesome meal!
My First trip to Jersey and my Fiancée and her family picked Matthew’s as our 1 Italian restaurant for the trip. They have been eating there for years and couldn’t wait to take me in for a family dining experience. Let me tell you, small town restaurant, BIG TIME FLAVOR. Everything we ordered from apps to dessert was amazing. Best Italian food I’ve had in years. Our service was above and beyond, Marisa was a terrific server and really very knowledgeable, friendly, and hospitable. I had the Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken Oregenata. The chicken was tender and juicy, the pasta was cooked perfect and the sauce with rich and creamy. Everything from the Rolls, to the Calamari, to Veal Parm(which fiancée ordered) and the Tartufo was Perfect. I will be back and will tell everyone I know that when they visit Clifton, Nj or anywhere nearby, they should RUN, don’t walk to Matthew’s for a 1 of a kind experience where Matthew himself shows up to your table and treats you like Family. Everything about our night was the Perfect Italian Experience, like I was back in Rome!!
I recently visited Matthews Restaurant for dinner with my wife, and we had a wonderful experience. It was our first time dining here, and everything was truly up to the mark. We ordered Eggplant Rollatini, Cavatelli & Broccoli, and Manicotti — each dish was flavorful, delicious, and served in generous portions. The service was excellent as well, making the evening even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!