Food and wine
The authentic flavors of the Lucanian tradition
Matera is not just history and architecture: it is also a territory rich in genuine flavors and thousand-year-old culinary traditions. Matera cuisine has its roots in peasant culture, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes that tell the identity of this land.
Typical products to discover
Matera PGI Bread
The true gastronomic symbol of the city, almost a "monument" to be idolized.
- Produced with re-milled local durum wheat semolina
- Made with natural sourdough according to ancient recipes
- Characteristic croissant shape weighing 1-2 kg
- Crispy golden brown crust, yellow and fragrant crumb
- It keeps well for 6-7 days maintaining its fragrance and flavour
- Perfect for bruschetta, accompanying cheeses and cured meats, or simply with extra virgin olive oil
Cruschi di Senise PGI peppers
The “Lucanian chips” that win you over at the first taste.
- Sun-dried sweet peppers and lightly fried until crispy
- Intense red color and sweet flavor with a slightly spicy note
- Used as a basic ingredient in many traditional dishes
- Also excellent as an aperitif snack
- Can be purchased in the Sassi gastronomic shops as souvenirs
Lucanian cheeses and dairy products
- Canestrato di Moliterno PGI – Mature sheep's cheese, with an intense flavour
- Caciocavallo Podolico – Made with milk from Podolica cows raised in the wild
- Burrata – Prepared fresh in local dairies
- Strong ricotta – Fermented, with a strong flavour, perfect spread on bread
Local wines
- Primitivo di Matera DOC – Full-bodied and intense red, with notes of red fruits and spices
- Aglianico del Vulture DOC – Fine wine produced nearby, ruby color and complex bouquet
- Matera DOC – Both red and rosé, from local grapes
Traditional dishes to taste
- Crapiata – Legume and cereal soup, a rich and nutritious peasant dish
- Cialledda – Poor salad with stale bread, tomatoes, onion, oil and oregano
- Strascinate with turnip tops and bran peppers – Fresh pasta seasoned with vegetables and crunchy peppers
- Orecchiette with cardoncelli mushrooms and sausage – A Sunday classic from Matera
- Pignata – Sheep meat stew cooked slowly in a terracotta pot
- Gnummareddi – Roasted lamb innards rolls (for brave palates!)
- Chianca focaccia – Rustic focaccia cooked on a boiling stone
Culinary experiences to live
Ccooking class at a local's home
Duration: 3-4 hours | Experience: Intimate and authentic
- Arrival at the home of your expert Matera landlady
- Cooking demonstration with recipes kept in family books
- Preparation of a traditional 4-course menu (starter, handmade pasta, main course with side dish, dessert)
- Lunch or dinner at the family table with local wine
- I took home your official apron and unforgettable memories
- Warmth of Italian hospitality and secrets handed down for generations
Tour of the gastronomic shops
Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
A delicious itinerary through the historic center with 6 stops to taste as many specialities:
- Historic bakery with tasting of Matera bread, focaccia and taralli
- Dairy with freshly prepared mozzarella and burrata
- Wine shop with a selection of Lucanian wines accompanied by cured meats and cheeses
- Cruschi pepper shop with tasting of different variations
- Pastry shop with traditional desserts (bocconotti, strazzate, calzoncelli)
- Artisanal liqueur with local herbal bitters
Each stop includes an explanation of the history, origins and characteristics of the product.
Wine tasting in the Sassi
Duration: 2 hours | Setting: Cave cellar
- Guided tasting of 4-5 local wines (Primitivo, Aglianico, Matera DOC)
- Paired with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats
- Explanation of winemaking techniques and characteristics of the Lucanian terroir
- Unique setting in cellars carved into the rock
- Possibility to purchase your favorite labels
Oil tasting
Duration: 3 hours | Setting: Oil mill
- Guided tasting of local EVO oil
- Paired with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats
- Explanation of techniques and features
- Possibility to purchase locally produced EVO oil
Traditional Lucanian dinner in a cave restaurant
Duration: 2-3 hours | Setting: Sasso Barisano
Immerse yourself in authentic flavors in a traditional cave restaurant:
- Unique location in the heart of Sasso Barisano
- Tasting menu with traditional peasant dishes
- Lucanian appetizers (cruschi peppers, cheeses, cured meats, pickles)
- First course of fresh handmade pasta
- Second course with local meat or lamb
- Homemade dessert
- Local wine included
- Intimate atmosphere with vaulted tuff ceilings
Where to eat in Matera: our advice
Our staff will be happy to recommend the best restaurants based on your preferences:
- Cave restaurants – For a gastronomic experience in the unique atmosphere of the Sassi
- Panoramic terraces – To dine with a view of the illuminated districts
- Typical trattorias – To taste authentic Matera home cooking
- Historic taverns – Frequented by the people of Matera, to experience local authenticity
- Gourmet restaurants – For creative interpretations of the Lucanian tradition
- Pizzerias and street food – For a quick but quality meal
Don't hesitate to ask us for personalized suggestions: we know every corner of the city and will be able to direct you towards the perfect gastronomic experience for you!
Attigua alle Dimore dei Mercanti, prova the Osteria Pico, a tasty tavern located in the heart of the Sassi di Matera; location entirely dug into the tuff and structured on three levels.