In short
Il Matriciano is a 40-seat Roman restaurant at Rua de São Bento 107 in Lisbon, directly opposite the Assembleia da República. Founded in 2015 by Alessandro Laganà and Stefania Carpoca, it specialises in fresh pasta made by hand every day. Below are answers to the most common questions about visiting, dining, and what to expect.
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Visiting
Where is Il Matriciano located?
Il Matriciano is at Rua de São Bento 107, 1200-816 Lisboa, directly opposite the Assembleia da República (the Portuguese parliament building). The entrance is on the ground floor.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch (12:30–15:00) and dinner (19:30–23:00). It is closed on Sundays.
How do I get there by public transport?
The nearest metro stations are Rato on the Yellow Line (approximately 600 m on foot) and Cais do Sodré on the Green Line. Tram 28 (Eléctrico 28) runs through the neighbourhood and stops at Calçada da Estrela near the restaurant. Bus routes 706, 714, 727, 728 and 773 stop at "Assembleia República" about one minute's walk from the door. Additional stops on Rua de São Bento and at Palácio S. Bento are roughly three minutes away. For full address and directions, see our Find Us section.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. Street parking is available on Rua de São Bento and adjacent streets. For covered parking, the Telpark São Bento – C.N.N. underground car park is at Rua de São Bento 209–215 — open 24 hours with 280 spaces, from €2.10 for the first hour and an €18.90 daily maximum. Pre-booking is available via the Telpark app.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. Il Matriciano has an outdoor terrace (esplanada) available during warmer months. Outdoor seating is subject to weather and availability — to reserve a table outside, call ahead on +351 213 952 639.
Dining
Do you take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are made by phone at +351 213 952 639 or by email at ilmatriciano.info@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability, but with only 40 seats, booking ahead is recommended.
What languages do the staff speak?
The team speaks Italian, English and Portuguese.
Is the restaurant child-friendly?
Yes. Families with children are welcome.
What is the dress code?
Smart casual or casual. There is no formal dress code.
Menu and Cuisine
What kind of food does Il Matriciano serve?
Il Matriciano serves Roman cuisine with a focus on fresh pasta, made by hand in the restaurant every day. The menu centres on classic Roman pasta dishes alongside antipasti, salads and desserts. For more on the pasta programme, see Fresh Pasta in Lisbon.
What are the signature dishes?
The signature dishes are Carbonara, Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe — three pillars of the Roman pasta tradition. Each is made with ingredients sourced from specialist Italian producers. For a closer look at the Carbonara, see Roman Carbonara in Lisbon.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The menu includes several vegetarian dishes: Cacio e Pepe, Ravioli di Burrata with cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci, Pasta al Tartufo, Risotto ai Funghi Porcini and Melanzane alla Parmigiana, among others.
Does the restaurant serve wine?
Yes. Stefania Carpoca, co-founder of Il Matriciano, is a trained sommelier and oversees the wine selection. The list focuses on Italian wines, with attention to pairings that suit Roman cuisine. For current selections or pairing recommendations, contact the restaurant at +351 213 952 639.
Identity and Recognition
Who are the founders of Il Matriciano?
Il Matriciano was founded by Alessandro Laganà and Stefania Carpoca, who opened the restaurant in 2015. Stefania also owns Sora Lella, a pizza restaurant next door. Read more in our story.
What is the connection to Sora Lella?
Sora Lella is a pizza restaurant next door to Il Matriciano, owned by Stefania Carpoca. The two restaurants share an address block on Rua de São Bento but operate as separate venues with distinct menus.
Has Il Matriciano been featured on television or in awards?
Il Matriciano was featured on Little Big Italy, the Italian dining programme on NOVE, in Season 4, Episode 4, "Lisbona," which aired on 11 October 2021.