Must-see restaurants in Basilicata

  • Vitoantonio Lombardo

    Matera

    Degustation menus from five to 12 courses provide a sumptuous experience of elevated Italian cuisine at Matera's most innovative restaurant. Menu options…

  • I Vizi degli Angeli

    Matera

    'The Angels' Vices', an artisanal gelato 'laboratory' on the busy promenade of Via Domenico Ridola, is Matera's best. Alongside classics such as pistachio…

  • Da Zero

    Matera

    Harnessing ingredients sourced from Slow Food producers around southern Italy, Da Zero is the best pizzeria in Matera. Interesting flavour combinations…

  • Cinecittà Bar Bistrot

    Basilicata

    Vintage movie posters and a juke box packed with opera arias and 1960s soul hits combine at this welcoming cafe on Bernalda's main street. Like the…

  • Lanterna Rossa

    Basilicata

    This terrace restaurant, sitting above the Bar del Porto overlooking the marina, has been knocking out delightful Lucanian seafood for over 20 years. Sit…

  • Il Sacello

    Basilicata

    The in-house ristorante of the Locanda delle Donne Monache hotel, Il Sacello serves wonderful Lucanian fare and seafood, overlooking the red rooftops of…

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    L'Abbondanza Lucana

    Matera

    The paradoxical bounty of Lucania's cucina povera is laid out before you in this stone cellar in Sasso Caveoso. For a fantastic introduction to a range of…

  • enoteca dai tosi

    Matera

    Easily Matera's most spectacular wine bar and restaurant, enoteca dai tosi's subterranean space enlivened with shimmering green glass is a top place to…

  • Osteria La Pignata

    Matera

    Pasta is highly recommended at this popular sassi osteria, perhaps cavatellini ceci e vongole (little hand-made pasta curls with chickpeas and clams) or…

  • Osteria al Casale

    Matera

    While al Casale's secondi are uniformly meaty, this osteria does offer more vegetarian options than most. Antipasti such as sformatino (a 'mis-shapen'…

  • La Gatta Buia

    Matera

    With a sleekly decorated bar and dining areas and a menu that goes beyond Basilicatan classics, 'The Good Cat' is another feather in the cap of Matera's…

  • Osteria Pico

    Matera

    Basilicata's rugged, flavourful produce stars in this upmarket, split-level cave restaurant in Sasso Barisano. Try local specialities you may not find…

  • Dedalo

    Matera

    Dedalo's motto sensi sommersi (submerged senses) will either hint at pretension, or indicate the lengths this classy fine diner goes to to wow its…

  • Baccanti

    Matera

    Baccanti is as classy as a cave can be. The design is simple glamour against the low arches of the cavern; the dishes – perhaps ash-baked potato with…

  • Il Terrazzino

    Matera

    'The Deck' marries views over Sasso Barisano with traditional Lucanian food and a 17th-century cellar carved into the rock. Adventurous gourmets might go…

  • Al Becco della Civetta

    Basilicata

    Don’t miss this authentic Lucano restaurant in Castelmezzano, which serves excellent regional cuisine based on seasonal local ingredients. It also offers…

  • La Grotta nei Sassi

    Matera

    This welcoming little cave restaurant is a great bet for Materan classics and spanking fresh seafood. Try the tuna tagliata, stuffed mussels or…

  • Alle Fornaci

    Matera

    'To the Ovens!' is the cry of this stylish ristorante in Matera's new town, noted in particular for its seafood. Clear perspex chairs and stiff white…

  • Ristorante Francesca

    Matera

    This elegant cave restaurant makes atmospheric use of its rock-hewn interior as the setting for great traditional Lucanian (Basilicatan) cuisine. Local…

  • Ristorante Don Matteo

    Matera

    Delightful Basilicatan food is de rigeur at this friendly, family-run restaurant. Seasonal produce such as peas, artichokes and cimi di rape (turnip tops)…

  • Pasticceria Schiuma

    Matera

    This old-school pasticceria, established in 1946, is all gleaming glass, polished tiles and gaudy, delectable cakes. Buy a paper bag of delights to take…

  • Oi Marì

    Matera

    In Sasso Barisano, this lofty and convivial cavern is styled as a Neapolitan pizzeria. It has a great, cheery atmosphere with excellent, substantial…

  • Da Cesare

    Basilicata

    On the main coastal highway in the village of Cersuta (about 5km north of Maratea), the flower-bedecked Da Cesare is worth seeking out for its simple,…

  • Stone

    Matera

    Stone is where you go to find young company or late-night grub (or both). Cavernous (like everywhere in Matera), its brightly lit interior has been given…

  • Le Botteghe

    Matera

    Proudly proclaiming itself to be the first of its kind in Sasso Barisano, this informal restaurant set in arched whitewashed rooms has been trading since…

  • La Talpa

    Matera

    'The Mole' has burrowed itself comfortably inside one of Sasso Barisano's caverns, creating a rustic dining experience. With plates of Lucanian (aka…

  • La Caffetteria

    Basilicata

    The outdoor seating at this cafe in Maratea Borgo's central piazza is ideal for people-watching. The cafe serves snacks such as panini and crostata with…

  • Soul Kitchen

    Matera

    This cavernous restaurant with sharp colour accents is a favourite with visitors to Matera, but we were slightly underwhelmed with the service on our last…

  • Casa del Pane

    Matera

    If you're looking for a snack on the go, grab a slice of just-baked focaccia or a knobbly, deep-brown Matera loaf from this popular bakery on Matera's…