Matera, Italy
Matera’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The ultimate culinary experiences in Matera
Matera is an ancient city located in the Basilicata region of Italy. This city is carved from limestone and steeped in centuries of history, it also happens to be home to some exceptional restaurants. Here, the culinary scene is as rich and layered as the stone dwellings that define its skyline. We love that this historic city offers you the best of both worlds – family-run trattorias, for an authentic casual meal and Michelin-starred fine dining experiences where creativity takes centre stage. Here’s our curated selection of must-visit restaurants in Matera, where you can get a taste of the best regional ingredients and dishes crafted from time-honoured recipes.
Top photography courtesy of Vitantonio Lombardo
01
Vitantonio Lombardo
Situated within a millennia-old cave in Matera’s Sassi district, the restaurant combines the natural allure of exposed tuff stone with minimalist furnishings and strategic lighting. Chef Vitantonio Lombardo, a native of Basilicata, has transformed a centuries-old cave into an elegant dining space, earning the establishment a coveted Michelin star – the first in Matera. Chef Lombardo has honed his skills under renowned chefs like Paolo Teverini and Gianfranco Vissani and his menu reflects a deep connection to Lucanian traditions. Standout dishes include the tuna tartare paired with crispy corteccia di crapiata and red onion ice cream, as well as the calamarro, a squid dish stuffed with lamb entrails.
Vitantonio Lombardo
Via Madonna delle Virtù 13
Matera
Italy
Photography courtesy of Vitantonio Lombardo
02
Regia Corte
Set on a hill with a commanding view of Matera’s iconic Rock Church, Regia Corte offers both indoor seating within a refined cave setting and an outdoor terrace that captures panoramic views of the Sassi di Matera. The interior, adorned with softly lit stone walls and intricate details, creates an intimate setting, while the outdoor seating is all about the views. The menu features à la carte options and a choice of a 3 or 4-course menu, that highlights local ingredients and traditional recipes, all presented with contemporary finesse. Some standout dishes that we love are the Lamb loin with wild chicory, citrus fruits and chamomile powder and the cheesecake with caciococavallo, pear and Aglianico gel.
Regia Corte
Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso
Matera
Italy
Photography courtesy of Regia Corte
03
Ristorante Baccanti
Ristorante Baccanti perfectly showcases the evolving food scene of Matera. Its very name – evoking Bacchus, the Roman god of wine – hints at the restaurant’s spirited celebration of Italian culinary art. Inside, a contemporary design fused with classic accents creates a sophisticated ambience. The experience at Ristorante Baccanti is one of balance, between old and new, so you can expect a menu that celebrates Lucanian flavours while embracing a contemporary edge. We recommend trying one of the handmade pastas, like the orecchiette with rich, slow-cooked ragu, a dish that showcases the depth of southern Italian cuisine. Complemented by an impressive selection of regional wines, dining at Ristorante Baccanti is a feast for the senses.
Ristorante Baccanti
Via Sant'angelo 58
Matera
Italy
Photography courtesy of Ristorante Baccanti
04
Ristorante Oi Marì
Step inside Ristorante Oi Marì and you’re greeted by the soft glow of candlelight bouncing off ancient stone walls, setting the scene for an intimate and unforgettable meal. While Matera is known for its earthy, home-style dishes, Ristorante Oi Marì brings a fresh, contemporary twist to the table – without losing sight of its roots. At the helm of the kitchen is Sara Cotugno who, with the historic sous-chef Vincenzo Pizzo, draws inspiration from the flavours of Lucania, Puglia and Campania by offering dishes from land and sea. Some standout dishes include the pork served with figs and capers and the podolico beef steak served with baked potato.
Ristorante Oi Marì
Via Fiorentini 66
Matera
Italy
Photography courtesy of Ristorante Oi Marì
05
La Lopa
La Lopa is a charming little restaurant tucked away in one of Matera’s historic neighbourhoods. With its rustic décor, earthy tones and authentic stone accents, this restaurant exudes an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s ancient roots. Paola Rubino, the head chef at La Lopa is passionate about honouring traditional cuisine and the menu reflects her passion with dishes like the La Pignata, savoury sheep meat, slowly cooked in a pot with cold cuts, vegetables, potatoes and cheeses. Another dish we like is the Capocollo Croccante – Lucanian pork neck served with Matera bread flavoured with Murgia herbs served with potatoes. It’s a real taste of traditional comfort food.
La Lopa
Via Bruno Buozzi 13
Matera
Italy
Photography courtesy of La Lopa
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