I really wanted to like this place.  I love Lawrenceville, and my uncle used to work in the building before they opened Matteo's.  Unfortunately, my husband and I probably will not dine here again.\n\nWe made a reservation for a Saturday evening.  When we arrived, there was no hostess stand next to the door.  We thought that was odd, so we checked in with the bartender.  We then realized the hostess stand was a tiny stand in the middle of the restaurant, with no one standing there.  I didn't want to stand there waiting for someone right next to other diners at their tables. We got a drink at the bar (which took about 20 minutes), and then sat at our table after we flagged a hostess down. The whole process seemed disorganized, and the bartender made it clear that there was no front of the house management because the chef is the owner.  Huh?   \n\nI ordered the anti pasta salad for an appetizer and it was good. We both ordered pasta, and they were both just ok. Not worth the price paid.  The waitress was sub par.  I also thought the menu was typical and didn't offer anything unique. \n\nThe restaurant itself is attractive.  However, I highly doubt I will return.