The End of an Era… and the Heart of a Legacy
In the fall of 1963, my uncles Matty and Mikey Jordan opened the doors to the legendary Matteo’s Italian Restaurant on Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles. What started as a dream became a beloved fine dining destination, known for its warm hospitality, authentic Italian flavors, and loyal clientele—among them, Hollywood celebrities, athletes, and neighborhood families alike. But Matteo’s was more than a restaurant—it was a family story, rooted in love, tradition, and food. When Uncle Matty was preparing to open, he called his baby sister—my mother, Maria—still living in Hoboken. He asked her to come to Los Angeles to teach his kitchen staff the Naples-style cooking their mother, Luisa, made when they were growing up. Of course, she said yes. She adored her brothers, and she lived to cook. So, with Matty as the visionary, Mikey as the charming maitre’d, and Maria as the culinary heart, Matteo’s was born. It became a gathering place that made everyone feel like family—whether they arrived in a limousine or on foot.
Years later, in 1986, my uncles visited me at the first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks—a casual dining spot offering delivery and takeout. Inspired by its energy and menu, they created “A Little Taste of Hoboken”—bringing the classic Matteo’s experience into a cozy, more approachable setting. Now, more than 60 years after Matteo’s first opened, we are saying goodbye. With Uncle Mikeys passing in 1994 and then Uncle Matty’s passing in 1999, and the upcoming closure of both Matteo’s and A Little Taste of Hoboken on May 3, this marks the end of an era for our family. It’s a sad day—but also one filled with deep gratitude. To the many loyal fans and longtime guests: thank you for being part of our story.
The good news is, you can still find those same nostalgic Italian flavors, served with the same heartfelt hospitality, just around the corner at:
Maria’s Italian Kitchen
10761 W. Pico Blvd. (at Malcolm)
310-441-3663
We’ll keep the spirit of Matty and Mikey alive—one dish, one story, and one warm welcome at a time.
With love and gratitude,
Maddy Alfano
Maria’s Italian Kitchen
