zipa cafè — Restaurant in Matera

This bar still haunts my dreams. Not only do I think about returning to Italy nonstop, but I think about excuses to visit Matera just so that i can visit Zipa Cafe and experience the feeling I felt sitting outside their terrace drinking a negroni all over again.

I'm confused how anyone could come here and not enjoy every moment of their time spent here. If the service and friendly staff don't put a smile on your face, then what bout sitting in a terrace carved out of prehistoric rock formations and a stunning view of Matera in the background? If you're not Italian and reading negative reviews about it not being a "cafe" confuses you, just remember this part: a "cafe" in Italy is not the equivalent of a "cafe" in the US (and other countries). Some cultural insight will go a long way in keeping disappointment/embarrassment at bay :)

Then again, Zipa Cafe's slogan is "Good Vibes Only" so maybe it's good that bad-energy people are weeded out by a simple...

Drinks were expensive but excellent, as was the bruschetta. Unique place and talented bar staff, but seems to be run by someone without a ton of taste. For example, there's no need for music is beautiful and historic Matera, but when we were there they played loud French music, which made the place feel quite cheap. Why focus so many cocktails on gin and whisky when there are so many beautiful Italian drinks to play with? As a result, it is quite a basic place for basic people. Typical Instagram place where everyone just comes once for selfies.

Every seat is different, and while some look comfortable, others they just add tiny bean bag chairs to a slanted area along the pathway. They literally could not put the drinks in our table without them spilling. Some seats are large for at least 4, others tiny, and you can't rearrange the seats even a little for...

So disrespectful and disappointed! We came to this place because on Google it’s look nicer. We waited for 10 minutes to be seated and finally they give us a place. And then again waiting as there was no one to give us a manu as we were expecting for the menu surprisingly the waiter came and tell us that there are 4 people that were already waiting for this place and we been at this bar for like almost 20 minutes there were no one to wait! So he was asking if we can change the place to another I was like no that’s fine but then he insisted so we got up and followed him he took us next to the wall and said you can sat on the wall as this is ours concept to be seated on the wall! Will never recommend it to anyone...