La Grotta nei Sassi

Mixed experience. Lovely setting and table and music. First waiter brought bread but we had to ask for olive oil pepper salt at the table and the balsamic just never arrived. Pasta was delicious. Just gorgeous. The lamb main was old meat, overcooked beyond edible and fat lumps. Zero taste of rosemary or anything else. Not seasoned. Watery just sitting on the plate (fat juice). 6 euros for “green salad” it was a chopped bowl of iceberg lettuce. 6 euros for some over cooked roast potatoes although my partners veal was nicely done. 4.5 euros for cover charge each! Recommend the pasta but wouldn’t the mains.

One of the best meals I’ve had in Italy! The food was absolutely amazing, and the portions were really generous. The burrata was honestly one of the best starters I’ve had, the pasta was delicious, and the fish was fantastic as well. What really made the experience even better was the service. Everyone was so kind, welcoming, warm, and genuinely lovely. You really feel welcomed from the moment you arrive. Highly recommend this place if you’re in Matera, incredible food and wonderful people!

On our second day of road-tripping through southern Italy on our way to Pompeii, we stopped in Matera and had lunch at La Grotta nei Sassi. Finding it is a bit of an adventure, but that’s part of the fun. You’ll first see the menu displayed on Via San Biagio. From there, head down the stairs, turn right, walk past the umbrellas and outdoor tables, and look for the sign and entrance on your right. We visited on a warm afternoon and chose to sit inside, where the air conditioning was a welcome escape from the heat, although the outdoor seating looked fantastic. We arrived early for lunch, beat the rush, and were able to enjoy the quiet atmosphere before the restaurant filled up. We were seated immediately. I asked our server to recommend a beer, and they suggested Menabrea, which was a great choice. We started with a platter of cold cuts before everyone ordered their own meals to fuel the rest of our day exploring Matera and its incredible cave dwellings. The food was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed. The atmosphere was relaxing, the service was friendly, and everything came out quickly. Looking at the outdoor seating, I couldn’t help but think how breathtaking the views must be in the evening. That’s definitely something we’ll have to experience on our next trip. If you’re exploring Matera and looking for a great place to enjoy lunch before wandering through the Sassi, I highly recommend La Grotta nei Sassi.

Beautiful setting and views. The Nonna’s orecchiette was delicious, highly recommend ordering this. Dessert was simple, the ricotta and pear was tasty.

This place is incredibly cozy and perfect for a lovely dinner. The baccalà in almond crust with peperoni cruschi cream was absolutely delicious, and the tiramisu was so delicate — perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. I definitely recommend visiting this restaurant, and we’ll be coming back ourselves 💫💛