Matteo’s Celebrates 23 Years In Noblesville

Buon Compleanno!

Noblesville’s beloved Italian restaurant, Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary.

Matteo’s is more than a restaurant. It is a local institution on Noblesville’s main square, blending traditional Italian cuisine with a welcoming vibe and impressive wine dinner events. For those looking for a memorable dining experience, Matteo’s is worth considering during your next visit to Noblesville.

Locals return for the experience created by owner Joelcir Antunes. Walking into the restaurant, guests are welcomed by moody lighting and walls filled with black-and-white vintage photographs of old Hollywood stars and Italian memorabilia, reminiscent of New York Italian restaurant décor. Guests are greeted by friendly staff, most of whom have worked at Matteo’s for years, and regulars enjoy seeing familiar faces.

“People feel like they know us when they come here because you see the same people here all the time,” Antunes says.

Antunes started working in restaurants in Brazil at age 18, holding nearly every job from dishwasher to server. He eventually became a manager opening new locations for a Brazilian steakhouse chain. In 2015, when he had the opportunity to own a restaurant, he took it and moved to Noblesville.

After 11 years at Matteo’s, Antunes feels like a true Noblesville local and values the community’s continued support of the restaurant through the ownership transition.

“I think when there’s been a restaurant that’s been around for a while, there’s some fear that things are going to change,” Antunes says.

Menu changes were kept minimal, focusing on what was working well while improving what wasn’t, all while maintaining high quality.

“I think he warmed to people really quickly,” says Matteo’s general manager Jordan Jones.

For those who’ve visited Matteo’s, chances are they’ve seen Antunes where he shines best—interacting with guests and stepping in wherever help is needed. He’s at the restaurant seven days a week, and his welcoming personality never wanes.

Antunes attributes his work ethic to growing up in a small rural town in southern Brazil, a region with strong Italian roots. He learned to work hard and cook traditional Italian dishes with his mother, a foundation that shaped his future.

“I cannot forget where I came from,” Antunes says.

Known for serving authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients, guests can always expect the classic recipes they love. Matteo’s stays true to its Italian roots through Antunes’ yearly trips to Italy, where he leads groups on immersive experiences while researching new recipes and techniques to enhance the menu. These trips allow Antunes to experiment with new dishes for guests seeking something fresh, often bringing groups of 20 to 40 people.

One featured dish inspired by those trips is the Penne Pistachio, a simple yet decadent Southern Italian pasta made with chopped pistachios in a housemade white cream sauce.

Another customer favorite is the Veal Shank Osso Buco, slow-braised for five to six hours until fall-off-the-bone tender. The Chicken Parmigiana remains one of the most popular dishes.

“It’s simple, but the way we make it with our housemade pomodoro sauce and fresh mozzarella on top of freshly breaded chicken—it’s been meticulously prepared to be authentic,” Jones says.

Antunes also seeks guest feedback during seasonal wine dinners, where attendees sample new dishes and offer honest opinions.

“[Antunes] is basically the executive chef for these dinners,” Jones says. “He creates everything from scratch. We did a bone-in wild boar for our last one, where he made this wonderful blueberry balsamic red wine reduction sauce.”

“Some guests who came to the wine dinner didn’t think they’d like wild boar,” Antunes says. “But they gave us such rave reviews, it gave us the confidence to bring it back as a special on Friday and Saturday nights,” Jones adds.

If new dishes receive positive feedback, they are added to the menu or offered as limited-time specials.

The restaurant hosts wine dinners about five times a year, featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings and live entertainment. During the summer, the events are held outdoors in the restaurant’s adjacent alley, offering guests a cozy and memorable experience.

Antunes is always up for a challenge, and Matteo’s catering business has grown significantly in the past year. With Jones’ guidance, the team upgraded to a larger catering van and now serves larger events.

“In the last year, we’ve catered more parties with over 100 guests than in the last 10 years,” Antunes says.

For those seeking intimate dinners or private events, Matteo’s is ready to deliver.

Jones started at Matteo’s as a server before stepping into his role as general manager, bringing 15 years of restaurant industry experience. The core team at Matteo’s has remained intact for years, uncommon in an industry known for high turnover. Jones credits much of that loyalty to Antunes.

“I have never worked for someone who works harder than I do, so I have an immense amount of respect for him,” Jones says. “It truly feels like a family here.”

Antunes’ family also plays a role in the restaurant. His wife, Mislene, contributes desserts to the menu. Their daughter, Mylena, joined the family business as a teen and, though she now works at a law firm, continues to support marketing and cocktail development.

As winter fades, Antunes and his team look forward to local community events. Matteo’s will again host the Ferrari Festival, featuring luxury cars lining the square followed by an Italian buffet. The restaurant also plans to participate in the Peony Festival in May, complete with a themed cocktail menu. The festival celebrates Indiana’s state flower with judging, floral arranging, food trucks, art and more.

Along with hosting events, Matteo’s gives back to the community by donating money and gift cards to local charities and causes.

The restaurant recently received a city grant to install a new sign and awning, featuring an updated logo. While the look may evolve, Antunes remains committed to preserving the tradition of excellent food and service. To learn more about upcoming wine dinners, private events or reservations, visit matteosindy.com or connect with Matteo’s on social media.