Materia | Spazio Cucina

My son and I took the cooking class experience (country side cooking menu). We got to learn and cook with the executive chef Bianca Celano directly. She was wonderful and took the time to explain the techniques, ingredients, and cultural significance of the dishes and steps in the recipes. The food was exceptional.

We visited Materia as a group of 4 people. The restaurant is hidden in a small alley. To get in, you just have to ring. The dining room is very minimalistic and clean! The food was very good. Our Waitress, Vanessa, was very friendly and had a good thorough knowledge of their wine list. She helped us to always make the right choices for the wine pairings. She also recommended wineries to visit for tastings. All in all we had an excellent evening! Thank You!

Our experience at Materia was good, though it didn't quite reach the highest expectations, especially considering the prices. The team was kind and accommodating though. We chose the fish tasting menu with wine pairing, which showcased delicious and beautifully presented dishes but not as special we had hoped for. A couple of dishes were over-seasoned, with one needing to be replaced, and there was no background story shared about the ingredients and what made them special. Service had a few slips too. Note that there are communal tables, offering less privacy unless you're with a large group.

We often go to Michelin rated restaurants. But for Materia we really wonder how they received their Michelin recommendation. The flavours as well as the presentation were nice, but far away from Michelin standards. We were the only guests on a Saturday evening dinner. Is there more to tell?

Tonight, our dinner became a quiet celebration of land, craft, and memory at Materia – Spazio Cucina. A menu deeply rooted in Sicily’s soil and soul — from beef carpaccio like a fùata with grilled sardine sauce and confit tomatoes, to smoky BBQ leek with Trunzo cabbage cream and Sicilian gremolada; ravioli filled with pannicolo & Marsala ragù; and braised brisket with hazelnut, mustard, and the brightness of salmoriglio. Our finale: ‘U Turruni’ — a tender layering of chocolate, hazelnut nougat, buttermilk ice cream, marjoram, and orange crunch. All of it cradled in a space that honors preservation, seasonality, and small producers — with a special natural Etna Rosso from Azienda Agricola Sciara in hand, and the scent of citrus lingering in the air. What made it even more special was the attentiveness of the staff — gentle, present, and never intrusive. The quiet care in every detail, the ease of the setting, the simplicity and integrity of it all — it allowed the food, the story, and the moment to truly speak. ✨ Sicily, in every texture and taste. We shall return — not just for the flavors, but for the feeling: of being grounded, welcomed, and quietly transformed. Some places feed you far beyond the plate — and never let you go.❤️

This is a true hidden gem with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. When making the reservation I mentioned my dietary needs (celiac disease and gluten-free options), and I immediately received a reassuring reply that this would not be a problem. The service was warm and attentive – we were even served bread at the start (gluten-free for me) along with a delicious butter flavored with lemon and seaweed. The food itself was outstanding: I had pasta with a wonderfully rich tomato and guanciale sauce, while my boyfriend enjoyed the pot roast, both excellent. For dessert, there was only one gluten-free option available – a traditional Sicilian “mangiare bianco” – but it was very tasty. As a small note, the gluten-free pasta was penne, which is often the default in Italy. It would be wonderful if restaurants offered shapes that match the sauce more closely, as this would elevate the experience even further. Still, the overall quality, care, and flavor made for a fantastic meal. It’s a slightly higher price category, but absolutely worth it.

The dine in the kitchen experience with wine pairing is incredible here! Chef Bianca really champions local produce, and honour traditions without being boring, often introducing inspiration from other cuisine but never veering too far from the Sicilian culture and land that she loves. The service was attentive but not suffocating, they’re always happy to answer any questions if you’re keen to hear more about each dish. It felt more like an exchange of experience (some dishes reminded me of my own upbringing in Asia), and less of a transactional meal. Thank you for taking such good care of us team Material, we loved every moment!

If you're after an authentic Sicilian meal, Materia Spazio Cucina offers just that. Led by Chef Bianca Celano, the restaurant stays true to traditional Sicilian flavors while adding her own creative touch. The dishes are full of bold, vibrant flavors, offering a fresh take on classic recipes. Everything is made with locally sourced ingredients, from fresh seafood to sun-ripened vegetables, giving you a taste of Sicily’s natural bounty. Even the plates are from local households, adding to the authentic feel of the place. For anyone wanting a genuine Sicilian experience, Materia Spazio Cucina is worth checking out—it’s a true reflection of the island’s flavors and traditions.