Amid the myriad Matera cave dining options, where the balance between price and authenticity can often tilt unfavorably, we struck gold. Our dinner in a cave in Matera experience was nothing short of enchanting – an authentic local menu at reasonable prices. We’re thrilled to share this find with you, so you too can explore the wonders of Matera’s culinary landscape without the burden of overpriced menus.
After a day of exploring the historic city of Matera, complete with a rejuvenating afternoon at the spa and a whopping 20,000 steps, my husband and I were starving. What better way to indulge than in a Matera cave dining experience, it’s really a thing in Matera.
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Matera Cave Dining: What Restaurant To Make Reservations At
After a day soaking in the historical allure of Matera, my husband and I found ourselves in front of the restaurant we had made reservations at a few days prior, Osteria Pico.
Greeted by a modest sandwich board menu in Italian (this is what we were hoping for), we were even more excited as we had reservations to dine here.
At first glance, Osteria Pico seemed surprisingly quiet, but this perception changed once we moved beyond the initial unassuming dark wood door. Greeted next by a contrasting white door, we were led into the captivating core of the Matera cave dining experience.
This transition from the quiet exterior to the bustling heart of the restaurant was a delightful surprise, immersing us in the authentic charm and ambiance of dining in a cave in Matera.
I refer to it as an experience because not all the restaurants are in caves and not all the restaurants get fabulous reviews but they do have fabulously expensive prices, so we chose a middle ground of great reviews, proximity to our horroristic Matera hotel, and the response of the owner to our request for a reservation.
Stepping Inside Dinner In A Cave In Matera Osteria
Stepping down into the cave, the ambiance shifts dramatically. The cave walls are brilliantly illuminated, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set tables, adorned with crisp white linen and flickering candles. It’s a scene straight out of a fairy tale, blending rustic charm with a touch of sophistication.
The ambiance strikes a rare balance – elegant yet casual, where fine linen and real candles meet a laid-back vibe.
To Begin Our Dinner In A Cave in Matera We Ordered Wine
Starting our meals in all of our Italian adventures we ordered a bottle of water (water is a plus, meaning you have to pay for it in Italy if you did not know that ) and we decided to try the house wine.
When the house wine arrived at our table it was the largest amount to date (on this trip) that has graced our table, and no doubt a ticket to getting tanked (thankfully we had to walk only up 55 steps to get our accommodations! To our surprise, we were served a generous half-gallon bottle. (don’t worry we didn’t waste any of it)
This unexpected bounty was a pleasant surprise, as we weren’t driving. The house wine itself was delightful and highly recommendable.
The Unforgettable Matera Bread
Upon settling in, we started with their homemade Matera bread. It’s a local authentic recipe and known worldwide for a reason: crispy on the outside, chewy yet not too dry on the inside.
It set the tone for the meal to come. (oh and the bag comes with 2 pieces of bread, sliced into 4 pieces we asked for another bag with the appetizers, and they were stingy with the bread which is my only negative comment)! But when asked they double filled our bag and we feasted on that Pani Di Matera!
The Crunchy Peppers Stole The Show
We began with ‘crunchy peppers’, a dish that embodies the sun-kissed essence of Matera. These peppers are like long red peppers known as Ancient peppers in the USA, not hot and spicy just sweet.
The peppers are dried under the Matera sun and then re-awakened by being fried quickly. Oh, My FOODGASM moments, and I am craving these to this day, totally addictive. These peppers offer a burst of flavor with a crunch.
The Entrees For Our Dinner In A Cave in Matera
For the main course, I opted for cavatelli with mushrooms, tomato sauce, and breadcrumbs, sans sausage. The dish was a testament to the simple yet profound flavors of Italian cuisine.
Accompanying this was a plate of tender rabbit cacciatore and a side of chicory greens, rounding out a meal that was as diverse in taste as it was in texture.
In reflecting on the food and service at Osteria Pico, the phrase “Chef’s Kiss” springs to mind, perfectly encapsulating the exquisite flavors and impeccable hospitality that made our Matera cave dining experience truly exceptional.
Expect to Spend….at Osteria Pico
At about $30-$40 per person, the value at Osteria Pico is phenomenal. This of course is based on a split appetizer, a salad an entree, and house wine. The atmosphere, the unique setting, the delightful cuisine, and the warm service make it a must-visit for anyone in Matera.
A Dinner In A Cave In Matera Is The Best Way To END Your DAY
After many negative experiences in Matera that day, from an over-priced lunch with nothing to it, to a ‘eh’ gelateria, to attractions that charged for NOTHING inside, and a horrible hotel, this restaurant by far, shared what we would have expected throughout the area, true Italian hospitality. From service to food, it was perfect and the reprieve we needed from the rest of the day’s experiences.
Wrapping up our day at a dinner in a cave in Matera at this unique location was truly memorable. It wasn’t just a meal, but an immersion into the local culture and ambiance of Matera cave dining.
Sharing this experience is like unveiling a hidden gem in the city’s culinary scene, one that resonates with the charm and mystery of Matera itself. This story is our own little slice of Matera, a reminder of how food can be a gateway to understanding and appreciating a place in its most authentic form.
Have questions, or want to know more? We’d love to hear from you so that our ever-growing travel community can gain more insight before visiting Matera!
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