Restaurants in Matera
I am recommending four restaurants in Matera. As mentioned in the introduction to the city, Matera is brimming with excellent restaurant choices. We were delighted by the experiences in all of these (literally, no weak links!), and there were even more recommended to me that we did not have an opportunity to try, namely Ristorante del Caveoso and La Cola Cola. Matera is a perfect city in which to relax, take in the even pre-historic beauty, and eat extremely well! It is a dream city for so-called ‘foodies’.
Ristorante San Biago
Address- Via San Biagio, 12
Phone- +39 0835 333014
Website- https://www.sanbiagioristorante.it/
Hours- Open every day for lunch and dinner
Price- Middle range
Reservations- You can book by phone or through the website on The Fork
This restaurant was recommended by our Airbnb host as he is friendly with the owners, and thus, he secured us a lunch reservation on the spot. This was the best thing he did for us in all honesty, as he was a bit difficult and unpredictable. The restaurant, however, was a nice surprise with creative touches on local favorites and incredible views; you are eating literally in and amongst the sassi!
Recommended Dishes
My friend Shelley with the Ventaglio di Mousse
Antipasto- Ventaglio di Mousse
Primo- Fave e Cicorie
Check out the full seasonal menu here for more inspiration
Osteria Pico
Address- Via Fiorentini, 42
Phone- +39 0835 240424
Website- http://www.osteriapico.it/
Hours- Not currently available online
Price- Middle range
Reservations- By phone
Cavernous and spacious, this restaurant felt particularly elegant. It was a nice choice for a dinner spot. It was recommended to me by Tiziana, a friend and colleague, who comes from the Basilicata region. This restaurant is also recommended by Lonely Planet, with a convincing endorsement.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasto- Go for the mixed ‘selezione’ to get a taste of some local dishes
Primo- All recommendable; the Strozzapreti con purè di rucola, mandorle e scaglie di caciocavallo was my jam
Dolci- Don’t miss the ‘trio’
La Talpa
Address- Via Fiorentini, 167
Phone- +39 0835 335086
Enjoying red and white in La Talpa
Hours- Open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner, Sunday for lunch and dinner and closed on Monday and Tuesday
Price- Middle range
Reservations- By phone or on the website
We had an indulgent Sunday lunch here. Seated inside a sassi, the food was traditional and delicious.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasto- Get one of the mixed appetizer plates on offer
Primo- I liked the Cavatelli a tre dita (Cavatelli is a pasta shape common to quite a few southern regions, Puglia and Molise, especially)
I found the ‘primi’ to be more exciting and different than the ‘secondi’ in this region; however, go with your gut! Check out full offerings on the menu here; there are English translations albeit not so accurate, hehe.
Ristorante Da Nico
Address- Via Sant'Antonio Abate, 5
Phone- +39 0835 332618
Website- http://www.ristorantedanicomatera.it/it/
Hours- Open Thursday-Monday for lunch and dinner, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for dinner only
Price- Middle range
Reservations- By phone or through the website
This restaurant felt like the most casual of the four, no frills, but also no nonsense, excellent local food.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasto-Peperoni ‘Cruschi’
Primo- Orecchiette con salsiccia pezzente, cicerchie e pomodorini
Secondo- Filetto di manzo con salsa all'Aglianico e amarena
Check out the full menu here
Bonus bar-Vicolo Cieco Salsamenteria
Address- Via Fiorentini, 74
This bar is a perfect stop for an aperitivo before dinner at one of the restaurants I have recommended; all of which are very nearby expect San Biago. With a fun and funky atmosphere, you can be warm and cozy inside as we were on our December visit, or enjoy the patio in warmer months. We went back two nights in a row! Check out their Facebook page here.