Cave restaurants

TRATTORIA DEL CAVEOSO

For portions of pasta piled high, make a beeline for Trattoria del Caveoso. Traditional dishes made with local produce are the name of the game here: expect regional cheeses and cold cuts to start, followed by fresh cavatelli with crispy crusco peppers or turnip greens. ristorantedelcaveoso.it

VITANTONIO LOMBARDO RISTORANTE

Basilicata-born chef Vitantonio Lombardo’s restaurant brought the very first Michelin star to Matera with a menu that draws lovingly on the city’s story — think pasta in traditional legume soup. Opt for the pancia tasting menu with wine pairing for a culinary tour-de-force. vlristorante.it

REGIACORTE

The youthful team behind this upmarket restaurant in the Sassi aren’t afraid to go bold with offerings like octopus parmigiana and sweet cinnamon ricotta as a main. Dishes are as much a feast for the eyes as for the belly. regiacortematera.it

LA LOPA

Sheep stew and black pork cheek are some of the classic local dishes served at little La Lopa, but you shouldn’t overlook the offerings from the vegetable garden, too. Don’t be put off by the crapiata’s name — it’s a delicious mixed vegetable soup. lalopa.com

CRIALOSS

Scenic dinner spots in Matera aren’t as common as you’d think — grand residences in the 17thcentury new town were typically built to face the piazzas, literally turning their back on the Sassis below — which makes the panoramic views from this bistro’s terrace even more special. Expect to see ricotta puff pastries and sharing platters of cured meats. palazzodegliabati.it