Girotondo — Restaurant in Matera

We walked in early on a Friday night with no reservation but they took us in at the bar high top table which we appreciated. They were busy with locals and a lot of to-go orders so we know we made the right choice. I asked for the server's favorite menu item which I often do and the pizza he suggested was incredible. The flour in Apuglia is different than everywhere else in Italy, it is wheaty and tastes the way you think bread should taste. Obviously an ancient grain with minimal processing and of course no GMO. The pizza was a buratta pizza with ricotta rosettes. I ate the whole thing. I kept saying to myself "that is enough" but I couldn't stop. The house wine was a perfect match also. My wife had a mixed salad with chicken and smoked buratta. Also to perfection. The best smoked mozzarella so far on this trip. Between the cocktail and two glasses of wine the bill...

Wonderful find for both celiac and non-celiac visitors to Matera. We arrived right after they opened on a Thursday evening and the place was already filling up (by the time we left, it was packed). Almost the entire menu is able to be ordered gluten-free, and lactose-free cheese is also available. Both of our pizzas were delivered quickly and were delicious - - I ordered the gluten-free Girotondo, brimming with ricotta, pesto, tomatoes and burrata. My boyfriend's marinara-based pizza was also packed with local colors and flavors. I was bummed that I was too stuffed to order dessert, because the options for celiacs looked amazing! The owners and servers were all very kind, and prices were...

The Girotondo and Sanremo pizzas were the highlights for me. Girotondo’s rich, creamy flavors were truly unique, while Sanremo impressed with its bold, flavorful cheese profile. However, the Bufala Pro pizza fell short of expectations, as its watery consistency compromised the structure and balance, detracting from the quality you’d expect in a well-crafted pizza.

The restaurant is often crowded, and we were seated in the side room, which unfortunately came with a noisy atmosphere that detracted from the overall experience. While the food had its high points, the ambiance might not appeal to those seeking a quieter dining...