A Local's Guide: Best Food in Matera
Matera Food
Nestled in the heart of southern Italy, Matera is a city renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history. However, beyond its historical significance and breathtaking scenery, Matera offers a culinary experience that is equally enchanting. The city’s gastronomic scene is a treasure trove of traditional flavors and unique dishes that reflect its heritage and the bounty of the surrounding region. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to discover the best food in Matera, with a spotlight on the city's signature dish.
Keep into account that some specialties can be found throughout the region, whereas others can be specific to a single location.
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Pane di Matera & focaccia materana
When it comes to local specialties, no culinary journey in Matera is complete without indulging in the iconic Pane di Matera. This bread is not just a staple but a symbol of the city's gastronomic identity. Crafted using ancient methods, Pane di Matera is known for its distinctive shape, thick crust, and dense crumb. Made from locally sourced durum wheat semolina, natural yeast, and water, it is baked in traditional wood-fired ovens that impart a unique flavor and texture. While you try the typical bread, taste also the focaccia.
Crapiata
Crapiata is a traditional legume and grain soup that epitomizes the essence of Materan cuisine. This hearty and nutritious dish is made from a mixture of beans, lentils, chickpeas, and wheat, simmered slowly with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Crapiata is typically enjoyed during the summer months, especially on August 1st, when the city celebrates the "Sagra della Crapiata" festival. Each spoonful tells the story of the region’s agricultural roots and communal spirit.
Orecchiette
A quintessential dish of the Basilicata region, orecchiette pasta with turnip greens is a must-try when in Matera. The ear-shaped pasta, handmade with love and precision, is cooked al dente and then tossed with sautéed turnip greens, garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor, making it a beloved comfort food for locals and visitors alike.
Peperoni Cruschi
Known as "crunchy peppers," peperoni cruschi are sun-dried sweet red peppers that are a true delight. They are typically fried until crisp and used to garnish various dishes or enjoyed as a snack. The unique texture and sweet, slightly smoky flavor of these peppers add a distinctive touch to many traditional recipes, from pasta dishes to meats.
Strazzate
To satisfy your sweet tooth, try Strazzate, a traditional cookie from Matera. Made with almonds, chocolate, eggs, and flavored with cinnamon or coffee, these rustic cookies are crunchy and delicious. They make for a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon espresso or a sweet ending to a meal.
Le tette delle monache
Tette della Monache, a traditional dessert from Matera, Basilicata, is known for its distinctive shape and delightful flavor. The name translates to "Nuns' Breasts," a playful reference to the dessert's rounded, mound-like appearance. This pastry is a beloved treat in Matera, embodying the region's rich culinary traditions and penchant for simple yet exquisite flavors. The dessert consists of a light, fluffy sponge cake made primarily from eggs, sugar, and flour.
Pignata
At the heart of the pignata plate is lamb or mutton, which is a staple in the region’s diet. The meat is often marinated with herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance its flavor. Alongside the meat, a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and onions are included. Occasionally, other vegetables like artichokes or green beans are added for extra flavor and texture. Chickpeas are a common addition, providing a rich texture and additional protein to the dish. The flavors are further enriched with local herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, and sometimes wild fennel, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil from the region adding a final touch of richness. This dish is quite particular, not everyone will enjoy it as it has a strong taste (like Scottish haggis).
For a comprehensive guide curated by a local, read my restaurant recommendation:
Lunch/Dinner
Below you find some very nice restaurants. The "€" reflects the price range.
• Osteria MateraMì €€ (Google Maps location)
• Sottofondo Gustoteca Matera €€ (Google Maps location)
• Ristorante Alle Fornaci €€€ (Google Maps location)
• Basquiat Il Ristorantino €€/€€€ (Google Maps location)
• Pietra Viva €€/€€€ (Google Maps location)
• Ristorante Baccus €€ (Google Maps location)
• Lucany €€/€€€ (Google Maps location)
Among the recommended restaurants, while all of them are excellent, I personally suggest Ristorante Baccus. They offer truly authentic Matera cuisine, and the food quality is superb.
Aperitivo
• Crialoss, Panoramic Cave, Cafè Bistrot (Google Maps location) -> aperitivo with a panoramic view
• Palazzo della Fontana (Google Maps location) -> nice location to have an aperitivo, especially at sunset
Exploring the local cuisine of Matera is not only a culinary adventure but also a cultural experience that reflects the region's history and traditions. Buon appetito!