Lake Norman’s Meatball Sundays are over. But you can taste this restaurant’s gnocchi one last time
The Lake Norman Italian fans take note: The Denver restaurant that has brought you a taste of grandma’s meatballs every Sunday is closing soon.
“Mattiello’s is closing at the end of June,” its website warns, accompanied by an image of a crying baby. “Come and get it while you can!!!”
It’s not going away altogether, however. “Not to worry, we will start catering after June 30th!,” a message to CharlotteFive said.
Owner William Mattiellio grew up in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, then settled in New York to open his own restaurant. Later, he brought his years of experience — and his family recipes — to Lake Norman and opened Mattiello’s in Denver.
“My dear grandmother would prepare delicious meatballs for me every Sunday, and I always looked forward to it. Her love and care for me was evident in every bite. Now i cook them for you, on Sundays,” Mattiellio wrote on the website.
The restaurant’s last meatball Sunday was June 23, and customers are already expressing their sadness over the imminent loss of the restaurant in a few days.
“Terrible news. A fantastic restaurant with incredible food run by an incredibly kind family,” Mark Yelton wrote on Facebook. “This is a huge loss to our community. Wish you all the best.
“It’s sad because the food was wonderful! We will definitely miss that!,” customer Leisa Wills wrote.
“So sad. I love y’all’s food. It’s always wonderful,” Shandel Mullins commented on the same post.
You still have a chance to catch Mattiellio’s famed gnocchi Tuesday special however. Other popular dishes on the Northern Italian restaurant’s menu include four variations of lasagna — which also come in a flight— pizza and pasta.
Mattiello’s
Location: 133 Cross Center RD, Denver, NC 28037
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Instagram: @mattiellos_nc
