3 Best Restaurants in Matera, Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria

An open kitchen and contemporary table lamps heighten the culinary theater of Matera's fanciest restaurant, set in a cool, minimalist Rione Sassi grotto. The chef's innovative tasting menus feature vibrant seasonal creations served on artsy ceramics and in wooden bowls.

As befitting the "artisan gelato laboratory" moniker, this whitewashed parlor with vibrant colors has an array of vegan-friendly and alchemical ice-cream combos. Among the more unusual "angels" vices' flavors served in coppe (tubs) and freshly made coni (cones) are pineapple and ginger, lavender and licorice.

The dining area is carved out of a cliff, and the terrace overlooks the famous Sassi ravine. From both you can enjoy such rustic specialties as foglie d'ulivo (stuffed olive leaves), zuppa di grano e ceci (cheese and chickpea soup), and pignata (lamb stew with seasonal vegetables).