Osteria MateraMì is a family-run Lucanian osteria at Via D’Addozio 4, in the historic centre of Matera, a short walk from the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Sassi. The kitchen, led by Chef Nicola, serves traditional Basilicata cooking built on local products such as Peperone Crusco IGP from Senise and regional cheeses, and it draws travelers who want a table after a day among the cave districts.
What to Expect at Osteria MateraMì
The menu keeps to the philosophy printed on the restaurant’s own site: no needless elaboration, just the right pairing of typical ingredients. Dishes are seasonal and follow recipes unchanged over generations, so the cooking tastes of Basilicata rather than of a generic Italian trattoria. The setting is a small, country-style dining room, intimate enough that reservations matter in high season.
The menu is organised in the classic Italian order of antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni and dolci, with a separate drinks list. Fresh pasta and seafood preparations are the dishes diners mention most, and the restaurant carries a rating of 4.6 from nearly 1,500 reviews. A cover charge of €2.50 per person applies, which is standard practice in Italian osterie.
- Cialledda Fredda Materana: a cold bread salad of stale bread, olive oil and tomatoes, priced at €12.00 and rooted in Matera’s peasant kitchen.
- Peperone Crusco IGP di Senise: the crisp dried sweet pepper that is the signature ingredient of Lucanian cuisine, used across the menu.
- Fresh pasta: the house primi are the most frequently praised part of the menu among returning visitors.
- Seafood preparations: fish dishes sit alongside the meat-led Lucanian classics, widening the choice for non-meat eaters.
- Local cheeses: regional cheeses appear in antipasti and as ingredients, tying the plate to the surrounding countryside.
Osteria MateraMì at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Via D’Addozio, 4, 75100 Matera MT, Italy |
| Neighborhood / Area | Centro storico, near the entrance to the Sassi di Matera |
| Operating Hours | Mon 12:00-15:00 and 19:00-24:00; Tue 12:00-22:30; Wed closed; Thu-Sun 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-22:30 |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (€€); cover charge €2.50; cash and credit cards accepted |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Short walk from Piazza Vittorio Veneto; limited street parking, public lots on the edge of the centre |
| Official Website & Phone | materami.it / +39 328 469 8633 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead by phone or through the booking page on the official site, especially for Friday and Saturday dinners and in the spring and autumn peaks. Tuesday is the only day with a continuous service listed, and Wednesday is the weekly closing day. Arriving at opening time for lunch or dinner gives the best choice of tables and the quietest room. The restaurant sits in the historic centre, where streets are cobbled and in places steep, so wear flat, grippy shoes; Matera’s old town is generally challenging for wheelchairs, and visitors with limited mobility should call ahead to ask about entry and seating.
Most visitors reach the centre on foot from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square, or from the public parking areas on the town’s upper edge, since much of the old town is limited-traffic. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk are the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso viewpoints, the Cathedral of Matera on the Civita ridge, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto with its evening passeggiata. Pair dinner with a sunset walk along the Sassi belvederes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner most days, from 12:00 to about 14:30 and 19:00 to 22:30, with a closure on Wednesdays. Weeknight visits and early seatings are the calmest. Confirm current hours on the official website, as seasonal changes are common.
How much does a meal cost and do I need a reservation?
It sits in the mid-price tier ($$, or €€ locally), with a €2.50 cover charge per person and dishes such as the cialledda fredda at €12.00. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and weekends; call +39 328 469 8633 or book through materami.it.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for a full meal with antipasti, a primo and a main course. A lighter lunch of one or two plates can be done in about an hour.
Is it suitable for couples, families and people with mobility needs?
The small, traditional room suits couples and small groups, and families are welcome. Access in this part of Matera involves steps and uneven stone paving, so contact the restaurant before visiting if step-free access is essential.
When planning your Matera travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Matera, pair this stop with standout local spots including Casa Noha, Dedalo – Sensi sommersi, Tramontano castle, and Museo d'Arte d'Oggi – Del Vivere e del Non Vivere (nearby).
