Ristorante Basilico — Restaurant in Matera

We only ordered the second main courses, as we were too full after 2 main courses the day before at another restaurant. We got the Tagliata and Gambas, together with grilled veggies. All was the worst I ever had.

I understand the gambas is not exactly popular choice, so it may have been in the freezer for a long time (which i think it was the case because it was very bland and watery). But the grilled veggies also tasted like they’ve been in the fridge for a long time! It was even worse than the one I bought at the supermarket nearby for lunch. Tagliata was not even my intended choice since I’ve just had it the day before at Soul Kitchen (and it was very decent by the way); but the waiter insisted “it’s very good, it’s topped with cheese”, to which I asked what kind of cheese, and he replied parmesan. Never heard of such a combination so I eagerly decided to give it a try. It was the thinnest slice of steak I ever had with no sight of parmesan or anything on top, idk it looked like 100gr max. If it was not grilled I may have well thought it was thick carpaccio! Puzzled, i asked where’s the parmesan, and the waiter (different from the one taking order) just looked as puzzled, and brought me the grated parmesan for pasta. And it was just a slice of meat, no cutting whatsoever, so how can you call it Tagliata???

The only reason I gave it 1 star is because of the pizza crust (?) they gave out as a complimentary in the beginning (i supposed so, since the guy didnt say anything). It was really just like pizza crust with some herbs and olive oil on top, but nicely done. Reading through the comments here I guess most people just go for the pizza, hence the...

Located in the beautiful city of Matera, near the enchanting church of San Francesco in the square of the same name, Ristorante Basilico is the ideal place to savor the delights of Matera cuisine, which represents the meeting point between Apulian and Lucanian cuisine, two ancient culinary traditions, rich in simple yet delicious and healthy foods, made with local and minimally processed ingredients. The staff is extremely kind and welcoming and available to help you choose and suggest the house specialties according to your tastes (they speak English). The restaurant is located halfway between the two parts into which Matera is divided, it is the ideal place for a refreshment after visiting the Sasso Barisano in the morning, to resume with the Caveoso in the afternoon. We decided to opt for a trio of first courses, our choice was orecchiette with turnip greens and bread crumbs, spaghetti with olives and cherry tomatoes and a fava bean and vegetable puree that was nothing short of delicious. We continued with a sliced beef steak, grilled vegetables and a pan of melted provola cheese. The portions were generous and the food delicious. We accompanied everything with a bottle of local red wine. At the end we concluded with a digestif, which was kindly offered to us along with the coffee; the restaurant has several liqueurs available but my advice is to opt of course for Amaro Lucano, a local liqueur produced in nearby Pisticci and renowned nationwide, or nocino, a walnut-based liqueur, also produced locally. The price for a first course, a second course, water, wine, coffee was about 22 euros per person. Highly...

This restaurant is an absolute treasure and one of the best dining spots in the city! Highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates delicious food, an authentic atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality.

The menu offers an incredible variety, catering to all tastes, and every dish is prepared with love and attention to detail. I’ve been coming here for years, and the quality never wavers—it’s consistently outstanding!

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for a cozy meal or a lively evening out. The staff and chef are truly special: friendly, humble, and always ready to share a laugh or a pleasant conversation. Their passion for food and customer service shines through in every aspect.

And if you visit in the evening, don’t miss their pizza—it’s hands down the BEST pizza you’ll ever have. Trust me, it’s worth every bite!

If you’re looking for a central spot with incredible food and a welcoming vibe, this is the place. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a big smile, and already planning...