Matchbox Restaurant

Gourmet Pizza in DC’s Chinatown

Matchbox in Washington, DC’s Chinatown is the place to go for a hot, wood-fired pizza and a cold beer. We had heard that this was a good place for pizza, so we decided to check it out for ourselves. As we were walking towards the restaurant, Kindra said, “Ooh, I hope we are eating there!” and pointed to the flames. Matchbox Pizza welcomes diners to its door with a fiery cauldron perched atop the wall dividing the outdoor patio and and H Street. This sealed the deal. We asked to be seated outside as the evening was cooling off a bit and the temperature fell below 90 degrees. We were seated near the wall and it’s flaming mantelpiece, which  is probably pretty nice to sit near during the one cold month of the year.

The restaurant is located in an old Chinese grocery store and is three stories high. The inside features a bar as well as ample seating, and the outdoor patio is shielded from the street by a wall. The waitstaff are polite and they are happy to talk about their pizzas, which are awesome. They also offer sandwiches and entrees, but whenever my eyes spot “wood-fired” on a menu, I usually stop reading. Order the pizza, because that is their specialty and you will not be disappointed. 

You will need to replenish your fluids as you have sweat them all out walking around in DC’s swampy atmosphere. They have plenty of beer to choose from, and we recommend the local brew, DC Brau. For dessert, don’t miss out on the fresh, hot doughnuts. Yes, you just had a cheesy pizza and a frosty beer, so the damage is done. Go ahead and order the doughnuts. 

Know Before You Go

Food this good is not kept a secret for long. Weekends can be busy, so you may have to wait. Reservations are accepted, but only Sunday through Thursday on the nights you are least likely to want them.

Bottom Line

Matchbox offers delicious pizza and a wonderful dining atmosphere in Washington, DC’s Chinatown.