Osteria San Giovanni Matera Cucina Tipica

A true taste of local tradition. The appetizers were outstanding fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The service was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome from start to finish. An authentic dining experience that I highly recommend. Five stars!

Family of 5: This place was suggested to us by a local. We had an amazing dinner, the restaurant location is beautiful and the staff was nice. We had carpaccio, orecchiette, some other type of pasta, appetizer to share and the sheep that comes in the big bread pot, wine and sorbetto and cake.

What an amazing place. The cave is five levels and the food is delightful. Our waiter was passionate about his job. So the evening was delightful

On the night we arrived in Matera, we dined at Osteria San Giovanni, famous for its traditional Lucanian cuisine from the Basilicata region of Italy. My brother chose the restaurant, and we were all immediately drawn in by its charming interior! I went for a pasta dish after we shared some appetizers, along with a refreshing tap beer. I was very pleased with my choice. Everyone in our group of six also enjoyed their meals. Our server provided excellent service and attended to us all evening. The restaurant features dishes inspired by Matera's rich farming and shepherding history, beautifully updated with a modern twist. I had my eye on their Pignata, a traditional slow-cooked lamb stew, but since I wasn't very hungry, I chose a lighter dish; maybe next time! The interior is quite unique, like many restaurants in the area, as it is set in a cave carved from sandstone! I recommend making a reservation in advance because it seems to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors. You’ll appreciate their dishes made from fresh, local ingredients that reflect quality in every bite. Their pastas are handmade on-site, and the meat comes from nearby farms. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options for those who prefer them. I highly recommend Osteria San Giovanni if you visit Matera!

Awesome place to eat. I would go as far as to say one of the best meals in the past 5 weeks while traveling in Italy. We actually sat outside in the main thoroughfare and it was really good experience. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. Explained everything in English as best as he could and also made some great recommendations. We loved everything that we ordered!