La Gatta Buia In Matera

May 3, 2026 Wandering through the narrow streets of the Sassi district in search of a restaurant for dinner, we entered and were seated without a reservation. What can I say...a very intimate restaurant with a charming setting, partly inside a limestone cave. It offers an excellent selection of wines; we were expertly guided in selecting one that both suited our tastes and complemented our dishes. The dishes certainly deserve praise (I must say I had a delicious fava bean and chicory soup, the best...). Everything was truly delicious. I can't give the service 5 stars only because a few more smiles from some of the staff would have been appreciated, even though they were extremely polite and kind. Highly recommended.

One of the great surprises of Matera. Beautiful dishes, delicate presentation, and delicious!! Exceptional service.

A lovely spot in what appears to be a former prison or dungeon, hence the restaurant's name. Beautiful vaulted interior and very pretty decor. Friendly welcome, very cool and competent waiters. They speak a little French. Close to the most popular tourist streets. Good food, beautifully presented and delicious, worth the trip.

Gattabuia in Matera was one of those places you can enjoy effortlessly. The space, with its exposed stone, arches, and well-designed lighting, creates a warm atmosphere from the moment you walk in. It feels special, but without being pretentious. We started with complimentary bread and small pizzas that were truly delicious. A great beginning that set the tone for the experience. Then we ordered from the regular menu and a daily special: risotto and pork chop. The risotto was well done, interesting in flavor and with good technique, but honestly, it took a backseat. The pork chop was the best thing of the night: juicy, flavorful, and perfectly executed. The local red wine paired beautifully with the entire meal. Here, wine isn't an extra; it's an important part of the experience, and it's clear they know what they're doing. The service was also top-notch: attentive, friendly, and understated. Overall, the food is good: beautifully presented dishes, balanced flavors, and a clear attention to detail. It might not always be perfect—as with any restaurant—but when they get it right, they do it very well. A place worth visiting if you're in Matera. And yes, I would go back, especially for that pork.

Overall Impression We were welcomed into a restaurant with minimalist, elegant decor. There was no excessive background music. Everything was elegant and tidy, just like the location. An interesting detail: there's a place to hang your coats so you don't have to put them behind your chair. Menu The menu, like the decor, was minimalist, but with just the right amount of dishes. There was no confusion. Furthermore, the menu included a brief historical description of the restaurant (a great idea!) There were two of us and we ate two appetizers and two first courses, accompanied by a bottle of still water and two glasses of wine (white and rosé). Furthermore, instead of the usual bread basket, they served us a beautiful tasting plate consisting of four slices of local bread, two filled focaccias, and two breadsticks, all elegantly served. Final Impressions I'm not a culinary expert, but I still managed to notice the attention paid not only to the cuisine of the dishes, but also to their aesthetics. The waiter was very courteous and carefully described the dishes and recommended excellent wine pairings. 5 well-deserved stars. I recommend it to everyone!

Tastefully decorated restaurant in the historic center of Matera. Fantastic food and attentive, professional staff. I highly recommend it.

Courtesy, a relaxing atmosphere, and smiles. I felt pampered by the professional way in which they listened to my dietary preferences and offered me personalized choices. The octopus and spaghetti with mussels were excellent, and overall the dishes were all refined and well-balanced. Wide selection of wines.

My stay in Matera, a fascinating and enchanting place, was crowned by the discovery of this charming and welcoming restaurant. Impeccable service, innovative and artistically presented cuisine. I returned after some time and found everything even more excellent!

The food, atmosphere, and price were spot on. A truly wonderful à la carte dinner. A special mention goes to the staff, all incredibly talented. A rarity these days. Well done 🔝🍷

Three friends in Matera...even though it was well past lunchtime, our accidental choice turned out to be a winning one. Excellent welcome, kindness, a very refined atmosphere, refined cuisine that showcases local products. And finally...the owners were very helpful in satisfying our curiosity...excellent.