Ten Best Restaurants in Matera Italy
January 2024
The city of Matera, Italy is one of our favorite European destinations. We love Matera for a host of regions, which you can learn about in our full guide to Matera.
High on the list of reasons we love this ancient Southern Italian city is its cuisine and its many excellent restaurants.
If you’d like start making your dining plans, scroll down to our list of Matera’s ten best restaurants. If you’d like to learn a bit more about Matera’s local cuisine, take a moment and read on.
What Defines Matera’s cuisine?
Matera is a city of ancient and humble beginnings, and its reliance on simple cooking with fresh, local ingredients is a staple of its cuisine in both fine-dining and casual restaurants.
In Italy, and in Matera, “Kilometer Zero” is a key component of dining. What this means is that local chefs and cooks strive to use only ingredients grown or raised within one kilometer of their home or restaurant. What this means for diners is incredibly fresh, flavorful, and healthy meals.
To see what Kilometer Zero looks like in the making and on a dinner plate, scroll down to the video at the bottom of this post. Trust us, you’ll be hungry afterwards.
What Ingredients Are Popular in Matera?
Now that we’ve discussed Kilometer zero, let’s see what we can expect on our plate when we dine out in Matera.
But first, a quick word on olive oil.
Matera is located in Basilicata, sometimes referred to as the Puglia/Basilicata region, where nearly half of Italy’s olive oil is produced, primarily in Puglia. Italian oilve oil is some of the finest in the world, and the region’s is some of the world’s freshest and most diverse, so local diners are in for a treat.
Below is a list of commonly used ingredients you’ll have to look forward to in Materan cuisine.:
- Orecchiette: This ear-shaped pasta is a traditional favorite, believed to have originated in Matera and widely enjoyed for its ability to hold hearty sauces.
- Cavatelli: Another handmade pasta, cavatelli, is popular in Matera due to its versatility and ability to pair well with various sauces.
- Durum Wheat: Used for pasta, particularly in handmade varieties like orecchiette and cavatelli.
- Olive Oil: Local extra virgin olive oil adds a rich and fruity flavor to various dishes.
- Peppers: Local sweet and spicy peppers add color and depth to sauces, stews, and roasted dishes.
- Cheeses: Pecorino and caciocavallo cheeses are popular in pasta, salads, and as accompaniments to bread. Fresh burrata is also popular in the city and region.
- Lamb and Pork: High-quality local meats used in various traditional dishes.
- Seafood: Fresh fish and shellfish from the nearby Adriatic Sea influence coastal-inspired recipes.
- Almonds and Figs: Used in Materan desserts, with almonds in pastries and figs in jams and sweets.
- Bread: Matera’s famous “Pane di Matera,” a rustic bread made with durum wheat, is a staple.
- Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley are frequently used in Materan dishes.
- Citrus fruit is also widely grown in the region, and features prominently in main courses and desserts.
Below is a video we produced on one of our visits to Matera. First, we toured the local caves, and then had a surprise meal that showcases just how spectacular food in Matera is.
Enjoy, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of the list for another culinary video we shot on this trip on the art of making fresh burrata.
Warning: you’ll definitely want fresh burrata after viewing.
What are the Best Restaurants in Matera?
Below is our list of ten favorite restaurants in this city, along with some suggested specialties for each.
1. Osteria Pico
- Located in the heart of Matera, Osteria Pico offers traditional Basilicata cuisine with a modern twist.
- Signature dishes include”Cavatelli with asparagus, bacon and caciocavallo” and “Strozzapreti with rocket purée, almonds and caciocavallo flakes.
- Address: Via Fiorentini, 71, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
2. Soul Kitchen
- Soul Kitchen is renowned for its focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients, creating a menu that highlights the flavors of the region.
- Guests can enjoy indoor or outdoor dining while savoring dishes like “Cutturid with Lamb Stew” and “‘Soul Kitchen’ Beef Tagliata.”
- Address: via Casalnuovo, 27 – Matera
3. Trattoria del Caveoso
- Nestled in the historic Caveoso district, Trattoria del Caveoso is known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional specialties.
- Must-try dishes include the “Strascinate with Turnip Tops” and the house-made “Cut of the Caveosum.”
- Address: Via Bruno Buozzi, 35, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
4. Ristorante Baccanti
- Ristorante Baccanti boasts a contemporary setting and a seafood-centric menu, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and fine dining.
- Notable dishes include “Iberian pork pluma, purple cabbage, bearnaise and dried fig sauce” and “Slice of Ombrina Corba Rossa del Gargano, fennel, citrus fruits, spinach and almonds”.
- Address: Via Sant’angelo, 58-61 75100 Matera, Italy
5. Alle Fornaci
- Alle Fornaci, situated in a historic building, offers a seafood-centric menu featuring both local and Mediterranean flavors in an elegant setting.
- Recommended dishes include Tagliolini with red prawn and pistachio tartare” and “Paccheri with chopped Ionian white fish, Taggiasca olives and orange brittle”.
- Address: Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, 42, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
6. Il Terrazzino
- Il Terrazzino offers a charming dining experience with a terrace overlooking the ancient city, specializing in authentic Materan cuisine.
- Guests can indulge in dishes such as “Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa” and the flavorful “Braciole di Maiale” (pork chops).
- Address: V Vico S. Giuseppe, 7, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
7. La Grotta del Gusto
- La Grotta del Gusto Matera is known for its commitment to traditional flavors, offering a menu that reflects the culinary heritage of the Basilicata region.
- A nightly menu of locally sourced grilled and roasted meats and fish.
- Address: Via Fiorentini, 71, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
8. Ristorante Francesca
- Ristorante Francesca, located in the Sassi Caveoso, offers a cozy ambiance and a menu featuring a fusion of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.
- A traditional selection of pasta, meat, and seafood.
- Business hours: Open for lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
- Address: Via Bruno Buozzi, 35, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
9. Osteria Al Casale
- Osteria Al Casale is known for its rustic charm and emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, providing a genuine taste of Materan cuisine.
- Standout dishes include the leg of pork with prunes and toasted almonds and the grilled octopus and cuttlefish with scapece courgette cream.
- Address: Via Madonna delle Virtù, 29, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
10. Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante
- Michelin-starred Vitantonio Lombardo offers fine dining with an adventurous and eclectic upscale menu.
- A breathtaking interior design integrated into an ancient cave makes this an ideal location for special occasions
- Star chef Vitantonio Lombardo excels at combining local traditions with modern European culinary trends.
- Address: Via Madonna delle Virtù, 13/14 75100 Matera
Now, as promised, if that hasn’t whet your appetite, have dinner at Giorgio’s and sample his award-winning burrata and salumi.
