Matera is a city that naturally lends itself to memorable dining experiences. Its ancient cave dwellings and unique atmosphere make every meal feel like a step back in time. Among the many options, we particularly recommend two standout experiences: indulging in a traditional Lucanian dinner inside a cave or connecting with locals through a home-cooked family meal. Each offers a different taste of Basilicata’s flavors and hospitality, making them perfect choices whether you’re after authentic regional dishes or a more personal, intimate setting.
One of our favorites is the Matera: Traditional Lucanian Dinner with Wine, which combines the thrill of dining underground with hearty local fare and excellent regional wines. Alternatively, the Policoro: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home provides a genuine glimpse into family life and traditional recipes. These experiences showcase the best of Matera’s culinary scene—both in its ancient settings and through heartfelt family cooking.
Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of the types of tours you’ll find in this guide, then dive into each experience with practical details and insights to help you choose the perfect dinner for your trip.
1. Matera: Traditional Lucanian Dinner with Wine
At number one, this two-hour dinner in a cave restaurant captures the essence of Matera’s underground world. The experience includes a menu of authentic Lucanian dishes, like cavatelli pasta and pezzente sausage, paired with a glass of Aglianico del Vulture from Venosa. The setting in Sasso Barisano—one of Matera’s ancient districts—adds a profound sense of history and atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of food and ambiance. Dining in a carved stone cave, with flickering candlelight and the scent of basil and garlic, offers an experience unlike any traditional restaurant. The regional wine pairing enhances the taste of each dish, making every bite a celebration of Basilicata’s flavors. Reviewers appreciate the intimate setting and the quality of the food, with some noting it as a “highlight of their trip.”
This tour is perfect for history lovers and foodies who want a taste of local tradition in a truly unforgettable atmosphere. The two-hour duration is ideal for a light but satisfying evening.
Bottom line: If you want an immersive, atmospheric meal that combines history, regional flavors, and wine in a cave setting, this is the experience for you.
2. Policoro: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
Coming in at number two, this three-hour private dining experience welcomes you into a local family’s home for a hands-on cooking demo and authentic meal. Here, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner of treasured family recipes, from antipasto to dessert, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The hosts share stories behind each dish, giving a personal glimpse into Basilicata’s culinary traditions.
What sets this tour apart is the personal connection and genuine hospitality. You’ll participate in a cooking demonstration, learning how to prepare regional specialties firsthand. Afterwards, you sit down with the hosts to enjoy the fruits of your labor, complemented by local red and white wines. Many reviewers mention the warmth of the hosts and the feeling of sharing a meal in their home—an experience that often becomes a highlight of their trip.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy cooking, want a more intimate and personalized encounter, or are eager to understand local life beyond the tourist trail. It’s also a great choice for foodies who appreciate traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Bottom line: For a heartfelt, authentic taste of Basilicata’s home cooking, this tour offers a special opportunity to connect, learn, and feast with a local family.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Experience
When selecting between these two options, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re after a dramatic setting and regional wines paired with hearty dishes, the Matera Cave Dinner delivers a memorable underground feast. It’s especially suited for those interested in history, ambiance, and regional wine culture.
On the other hand, if you prefer a personal connection, a hands-on experience, and the chance to learn classic recipes directly from locals, the Home Dining Experience in Policoro will be more your speed. It suits travelers who want to see how Basilicata’s flavors are passed down through family traditions.
Budget, time, and physical comfort are practical factors as well. The cave dinner is shorter and more atmospheric, while the home dinner offers a deeper culture at a slightly longer pace. Booking early is recommended for both, especially during peak travel seasons.
In summary, Matera offers a rich menu of dinner options that go beyond just eating. Whether you choose to dine underground among ancient stones or sit down with a local family for an interactive meal, each experience adds a unique thread to your travel story. For a taste of history with wine, the cave dinner is unbeatable, while the home dinner provides intimacy and insight into local life. Both are well worth planning ahead for, so don’t delay in reserving your spot.
No matter which you pick, remember that these experiences are about more than just food—they’re about connecting with the soul of Basilicata and making memories that last long after the last bite.
