Our story
Not a franchise.
Famiglia.
A Florentine chef, 18 years in Budapest and one dream — to bring authentic Italian home cooking to Rákóczi tér.
Matteo was born in Florence, where cooking is not a hobby — it is a heritage. The recipes come from his grandmother, the flavours from Italian markets, and the love from family. Growing up in Florence, he learned that real Italian cooking is not about complexity — it is about quality ingredients and patience.
He has lived in Budapest for 18 years, working in hospitality throughout. He got to know the city, fell in love with its people — and always knew he would one day open his own place. Not a franchise, not a chain. A real Italian famiglia kitchen, where everything is cooked fresh every day and the flavours taste just like they do in Italy.
In autumn 2025, together with Feri, they opened Matteo's Italian Classicsat the Rákóczi tér Market Hall in Budapest District VIII. The location was no coincidence — the market hall is one of Budapest's most vibrant and authentic spaces, visited by locals and tourists alike.
Every day 300–400 portions of fresh lasagne are made by hand, with love, using the same Italian ingredients Matteo has known since childhood. Alongside the classic meat lasagne, you will find spinach-ricotta, sausage-mushroom and artichoke varieties — all prepared from scratch every morning.
Matteo's Italian Classics is now one of the most talked-about Italian restaurants in Budapest. Street Kitchen, Forbes Hungary and We Love Budapest have all taken notice — but the best feedback is always when a guest comes back a second or third time. That is the real success.
What we believe in
Freshness
Every dish is made on the day. No frozen, no pre-made — only fresh.
Original Recipes
Most ingredients are imported from Italy. The flavours are genuine and authentic.
Famiglia
We are not a chain. Every plate is made with love — just like at home.
Fresh every day
Come and taste it yourself
Rákóczi tér 7, Budapest VIII. — made fresh every single day.