matchbox is a lively New American bistro and wood-fired pizzeria located at 1860 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Space 5100, inside The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Florida. Originating in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2002, when the founders converted a narrow vacant building and built a custom masonry brick oven on site, the brand expanded to South Florida to bring its industrial-chic aesthetic and scratch-made bistro cooking to western Broward County. Travelers, shoppers at Sawgrass Mills, and concert or hockey fans heading to the neighboring Amerant Bank Arena visit matchbox for blistered wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron comfort dishes, weekend brunch, and an expansive indoor-outdoor bar program.
What to Expect at matchbox
Inside the Sunrise dining room, exposed brick walls, warm reclaimed wood accents, dark steel beams, and oversized pendant lights frame an open kitchen anchored by the signature wood-fired brick oven. The menu centers on thin-crust pizzas baked over real hardwood embers alongside shareable appetizers, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bistro entrees. Diners frequently start with the 3.6.9. Mini Burgers—available in increments of three, six, or nine certified Angus beef sliders topped with sweet caramelized onions, melted cheddar, and dill pickles on toasted brioche—coupled with a tall stack of crispy, spiced onion straws. Pizzas arrive with charred, bubbly crusts in combinations such as the Fire + Smoke (fire-roasted red peppers, chipotle marinara, fresh garlic puree, smoked gouda, and artisanal pepperoni) and the Prosciutto + Fig (black mission fig jam, gorgonzola dolcelatte, garlic puree, mozzarella, and shaved prosciutto).
Beyond the pizza oven, the kitchen turns out hearty main courses like miso-glazed salmon over coconut ginger rice, pan-seared chicken pesto pasta, and cinnamon-churro French toast during morning and brunch service. Families and larger groups can also take advantage of the $65 family bundle, which combines pizza, pasta, salad, bread, and dessert. Because the Sunrise location opens daily at 9:00 AM, it operates as a full-service breakfast and brunch hub before transitioning into afternoon and late-evening bistro dining. A covered outdoor patio overlooking the luxury promenade of The Colonnade Outlets allows guests to dine al fresco under ceiling fans, while the central bar pours regional Florida craft beers on draft, classic espresso martinis, sangrias, and seasonal mimosas. Vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust substitutions are readily accommodated upon request.
- Wood-Fired Brick Oven Pizzas: Hand-stretched pies blistered at high heat, highlighted by the Fire + Smoke with smoked gouda and chipotle marinara and the Fig + Prosciutto with gorgonzola.
- 3.6.9. Mini Burgers & Onion Straws: Signature Angus beef sliders topped with tangy pickles and sweet onions, served alongside a towering mound of seasoned, flash-fried onion straws.
- Daily Morning & Brunch Service: Opening at 9:00 AM every day, the kitchen serves brioche French toast, steak and eggs, breakfast pizzas, and bottomless brunch cocktails on weekends.
- Covered Colonnade Patio: Breezy outdoor tables situated directly along the luxury retail walkway at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills.
- Group & Family Dining Value: Generous shared plates and a $65 family meal package that includes pizza, pasta, fresh salad, warm bread, and dessert.
matchbox at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1860 Sawgrass Mills Cir, Space 5100, Sunrise, FL 33323 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills, Western Sunrise |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Pizzas & Mains $16–$32; Family meal package $65) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free surface parking at Yellow/Purple lots near The Colonnade; Broward County Transit Routes 22, 36, and 72 |
| Official Website & Phone | matchboxrestaurants.com | +1 954-846-0816 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest outlet shopping destinations in the United States, weekend afternoons between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM and nights when the Florida Panthers play or major concerts take place next door bring heavy walk-in crowds. Securing a table ahead of time via the official matchbox reservations portal is strongly advised for Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Sunday brunch. If you prefer a quieter meal without a wait, arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for morning service or during the mid-afternoon lull between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The dress code is smart casual to resort casual, making it comfortable to drop in straight from shopping.
Drivers can reach the restaurant directly off West Sunrise Boulevard or Flamingo Road via the Sawgrass Expressway (I-75/SR 869) and park in the free surface lots adjacent to The Colonnade Outlets on the east side of the mall complex, or opt for the paid valet stand right along the Colonnade curb. Public transit riders can take Broward County Transit bus routes 22, 36, or 72 to the Sawgrass Mills transit stop. The entire single-level restaurant, bar, outdoor patio, and restrooms are step-free and wheelchair-accessible, with wide aisles that easily accommodate strollers and shopping bags. After eating, you are steps from luxury designer boutiques in The Colonnade Outlets, a 10-minute walk across Panthers Parkway from NHL games and live arena tours at the Amerant Bank Arena, and a short drive from airboat eco-tours at Markham Park and the eastern edge of the Florida Everglades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours and best times to visit matchbox in Sunrise?
matchbox opens at 9:00 AM seven days a week, closing at 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 PM on Sunday. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM offer the fastest seating, whereas weekend brunch and pre-event hours before shows at Amerant Bank Arena are the busiest.
How much does a meal cost at matchbox and are reservations required?
matchbox falls into the moderate $$ price tier, with wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and salads ranging from $16 to $24, bistro entrees from $22 to $32, and a complete family dinner bundle priced at $65. Walk-ins are always welcome at both the dining room and bar, though advance online reservations are recommended on weekends and arena event nights.
How much time should I budget for dining at matchbox?
Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes for a full meal with shared appetizers, wood-fired pizzas or main courses, and cocktails. If you are grabbing a quick lunch between shopping stops at Sawgrass Mills or sitting at the bar before a hockey game, you can comfortably finish in 45 minutes.
Is matchbox family-friendly and wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the restaurant is completely step-free from the Colonnade sidewalk through the indoor dining room, covered patio, and ADA-compliant restrooms, with wide pathways for wheelchairs and strollers. A dedicated kids’ menu, shareable mini burgers, pizzas, and high chairs make it very welcoming for families with children.
When planning your Sunrise Manor travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and brunch restaurant in Sunrise Manor, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sin City Smash, Comfort Inn & Suites Las Vegas – Nellis, Dinosaur Outpost, and Grand Lux Cafe (0.4 km away).
