Baccanti

A very pleasant lunch at the place that combines Matera’s cave setting with a modern approach to local Basilicata cooking. The restaurant is also listed in the Michelin Guide, which describes its cooking as rooted in local tradition but interpreted in a contemporary way. We particularly liked the fave e cicorie — a deceptively simple combination of mashed fava beans and wild chicory — and the cod carpaccio was light and carefully composed. The risotto and fish course were also very well prepared, with clean flavours and thoughtful presentation. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the atmosphere made it an easy place to settle in for a relaxed lunch.

A beautiful restaurant in a truly spectacular setting, with warm and friendly service and an excellent wine list — quite literally a bright spot in the cave. Our lovely waiter recommended a local wine that was excellent, and the company, of course, was wonderful. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the promise of the place. The flavours felt unbalanced — too little salt here, too much of something else there — and overall, something simply didn’t come together. The fish fillet was full of bones, I really disliked the sea urchin pasta, and, surprisingly, the best thing we ate was the bread served at the beginning. The service was genuinely charming, but lacked some attention to detail: water and wine were not poured during the meal, and there was little follow-up after the dishes arrived. When my almost untouched pasta was cleared, the waiter did ask whether I hadn’t liked it, but after I said I hadn’t, there was no further acknowledgment or response. We left with the feeling that all the ingredients for something exceptional are already there — a stunning location, a beautiful restaurant, a wonderful wine list and a charming team. And yet, somehow, it never quite takes off. More than anything, we were left thinking how much better it all could have been

Baccanti was a truly unique dining experience, set inside a beautiful cave in the Sassi of Matera. The setting was romantic, atmospheric, and very upscale, making the evening feel incredibly special. The service was extremely attentive, and both the food and presentation were excellent. Our server also recommended a wonderful Basilicata wine that we thoroughly enjoyed and that paired beautifully with the meal. Matera is a place we will always remember, and Baccanti made our evening there even more memorable. If I ever return to Matera, I would certainly come back.

An outstanding dining experience from start to finish. We found Baccanti through the Michelin Guide, and it exceeded our expectations. The setting is beautiful, and there are lovely spots nearby for an aperitivo with a stunning view over Matera before dinner. We started with the beef tartare and the mussels, both of which were excellent. The quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail were evident in every dish. Fantastic bread and oliver oil!!!!!!! For our main courses, we had the braised beef cheek and a homemade pasta. The beef cheek was exceptional and is an easy recommendation. The pasta was also delicious. It’s freshly made in-house and prepared in a traditional Italian style, so if you’re used to softer, American-style pasta, don’t mistake authentic texture for undercooking. The dessert menu was creative, and although I missed seeing a classic tiramisu, our server recommended another dessert instead, and it was absolutely fantastic. The wine was equally impressive and offered great value. What truly made the evening special was the service. The staff were attentive, professional, and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. A special thank you to Dominique, who took wonderful care of us throughout the evening. Your recommendation for the local delicatessen was also much appreciated. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit this trip, but we’ll certainly be back. When we return to Matera, Baccanti will be our first dinner reservation. Bravo, and thank you for a memorable evening!

Dining at Baccanti is a surreal experience. The setting inside the historic Sassi caves provides a quiet, romantic hush that makes the meal feel special before the first plate even arrives. The menu is a thoughtful balance of rustic Materan tradition and modern technique. The lamb dishes were standout—perfectly tender and seasoned—and the wine list is extensive enough to impress any enthusiast. A must-visit for a polished dinner in the heart of the stone city.