Home Restaurant Made In Slow Food Matera – Cook with us!

Traveling through Matera offers so many ways to connect with local culture, and one of the most intimate and personal experiences can be found in a home-based cooking tour. This particular experience, hosted by Francesco Linzalone, promises an authentic taste of Matera’s culinary traditions, combined with the warm atmosphere of a family home. While it’s not a professional cooking class, it’s more of a communal dinner where you’ll get to enjoy and possibly help prepare local dishes alongside your host.

What immediately caught our interest are two standout aspects: the chance to learn family recipes rooted in tradition and the relaxed, convivial setting that makes this experience feel like visiting a friend’s house. Plus, it’s a great way to connect more deeply with Matera’s food culture beyond just sightseeing. On the flip side, be aware that some may expect a structured cooking lesson, while this experience is more about sharing a meal rooted in local customs. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy informal, homestyle experiences over professional culinary workshops.

If you’re someone who enjoys savoring homemade dishes, wandering through local markets for seasonal ingredients, and chatting with warm, inviting hosts—this could be a perfect fit. It also appeals to those who prefer a more intimate, private experience rather than large-group tours. However, keep in mind that this experience is priced at around $64 per person, which is reasonable given the homemade food and local ambiance, but it’s not a full-on cooking course.

Key Points

• Authentic local dishes: You’ll learn to make traditional Matera recipes like Cicirata, Married Soup, and carnival calzones.
• Seasonal ingredients: The experience emphasizes spontaneous, local products like cimamarelle, chicory, and cardoncelli.
• Homestyle environment: Hosted in a family home, offering a relaxed, convivial vibe that makes you feel part of the family.
• Limited structure: It’s more dinner than a formal class—no detailed step-by-step cooking, but plenty of hands-on fun.
• Price point: At about $64, it offers good value for the chance to taste and prepare authentic dishes in a home setting.
• Good for food lovers: Especially those interested in local recipes and the conviviality of family-style dining.

What to Expect from This Matera Cooking Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

This experience takes place in a private home in Matera, starting at Viale Italia at 6 PM. Francesco, the host, greets you with warmth, and the evening unfolds in a cozy and informal setting. Think of it as visiting a friend’s house rather than a commercial cooking studio. The atmosphere is relaxed, convivial, and infused with the scents of simmering pots and freshly baked goods. It’s a chance to connect on a personal level with Matera’s culinary traditions, shared over a meal.

The Menu and Dishes

The menu varies depending on the season, reflecting the local availability of ingredients. Expect to encounter traditional dishes like Cicirata in hen broth, the Married Soup, and carnival calzones with pork ragout. You might also indulge in baked cazzomarro, a local specialty, or a fragrant Easter cardoncelli flan. Francesco loves rediscovering spontaneous products of the land—think cimamarelle, chicory, sivoni, and cardoncelli—transforming them into baked pies with Pezzente salami, meatballs, or even caciocavallo cheese.

According to reviews, the food is genuinely delicious, with some guests emphasizing the excellent wine selection and tasty tapas. One reviewer mentions that “the food and wine were both very good,” highlighting that the focus isn’t just on cooking but on enjoying well-prepared, flavorful dishes. Those who have participated describe the meal as sharing a family feast rather than a formal cooking demonstration.

The Cooking Component

While the experience is called a “cooking with us,” reviews indicate that it’s not a traditional hands-on class. One guest noted, “This was not a cooking class, this was just dinner that was pre-made at the host’s house,” which might disappoint those expecting a detailed, step-by-step lesson. Instead, you’ll likely be involved in preparing some elements, but the emphasis is on enjoying the process and tasting. Francesco’s approach is more about sharing recipes, stories, and the convivial spirit of the land, rather than teaching cooking techniques in a structured way.

Duration and Group Size

This tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 6 PM and ending back at the starting point. Since it is a private activity, only your group participates, making it ideal for those seeking an intimate experience. The small size allows for personal conversations, questions, and a more relaxed pace.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At just under $64 per person, you’re paying for more than just a meal—you’re investing in an authentic, local experience.
• Availability: Most travelers book about 7 days in advance, which means it’s popular enough to fill up quickly, so planning ahead is wise.
• Weather and Cancellation: The experience requires good weather; if canceled, a full refund or alternative date is offered.
• Accessibility: The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Authenticity and Value

The experience’s core appeal lies in its homestyle authenticity and the chance to taste real Matera dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. The focus is on sharing a meal that reflects local traditions, and Francesco’s warm hosting style enhances this feeling. While it may not be a formal cooking class, it offers a genuine peek into family recipes and the convivial spirit of Matera’s food culture.

A Word on the Reviews

One review gave it a 3 out of 5, mentioning, “Not a cooking class,” which is fair. But many others appreciate the delicious food, friendly host, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s clear that this experience prioritizes the sharing of stories and flavors over technical culinary instruction, which is exactly what some travelers are seeking—an informal, authentic taste of local life.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy genuine home-style cooking and are less concerned with detailed culinary techniques. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a cozy, intimate dinner rather than a structured class. Food lovers, those curious about Matera’s regional recipes, and anyone eager to experience local hospitality will find this a worthwhile addition to their trip.

However, if your main goal is to learn precise cooking skills or participate in a professional culinary course, this might not meet your expectations. It’s best for those who want to connect with local traditions through food and enjoy a relaxed evening in a family environment.

Final Thoughts

The Home Restaurant in Matera offers a warm, authentic, and flavorful experience that lets you taste the soul of Matera’s culinary traditions. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with freshly prepared dishes and local ingredients, makes for a memorable evening—especially if you value genuine connections and homemade flavors over formal lessons.

While it’s not a traditional cooking class, it’s a wonderful way to spend an evening immersed in local culture and cuisine. The experience suits foodies seeking intimacy and authenticity, travelers wanting a taste of everyday Matera life, and those who appreciate a convivial, family-style meal.

If you’re ready to enjoy heartfelt, home-cooked Materan dishes in a friendly environment, this experience will surely leave you with both good memories and delicious flavors.

FAQ

Is this a cooking class?
No, it’s more of a shared dinner experience. You might help with some prep, but it’s not a detailed instructional class.

Can I expect to learn recipes?
You’ll get to see and possibly help prepare traditional dishes, but the focus is on enjoying the meal and sharing traditions rather than formal teaching.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 4 hours, starting at 6 PM.

Is it suitable for families or children?
While not specifically tailored for children, the informal and convivial setting could work for families comfortable with a relaxed home environment.

What dishes should I expect?
Dishes like Cicirata in hen broth, Married Soup, carnival calzones, baked cazzomarro, and local seasonal products prepared into pies, meatballs, or cheese-based dishes.

What’s included in the price?
The experience includes the chance to cook, taste, and enjoy the meal in a warm home setting. It might include wine, given the mentions of good wine selection.

How do I get there and back?
The meeting point is near public transportation at Viale Italia in Matera, and the tour ends at the same location.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

If you’re someone looking for a genuine taste of Matera, shared in a friendly, homey environment, this experience offers an authentic slice of local life—not a polished cooking demonstration, but a heartfelt, tasty evening with plenty of character.