Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante

Fine dining restaurant · Matera ·

Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante

Fine dining restaurant · Matera ·

Michelin-starred cave restaurant with creative tasting menus

Information

Via Madonna delle Virtù, 13, 75100 Matera MT, Italy Get directions

€100+

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"The story of Vitantonio Lombardo captures the essence of Matera – an old abandoned cave has been converted into an elegant dining room and transformed into one of the town’s most successful gourmet restaurants. Situated in the heart of the Sassi district, the restaurant enjoys the perfect location for a post-dinner stroll through one of Italy’s most charming historic centres, especially at night when the soft light gives the town a haunting appearance when viewed from the belvedere at Piazza Duomo. The chef demonstrates a strong connection with the region through his cuisine, often choosing recipes and ingredients from Lucania and then interpreting these with a freedom that results in personalised and creative dishes. His creations (some of which are long-established old favourites) showcase the traditions of the region in a way that also appeals to the tastes of contemporary diners (many of whom are from outside Italy), ably assisted by the excellent Donato, his long-time colleague front of house. We particularly enjoyed the tuna tartare with a “corteccia di crapiata” (a local green soup which he serves with a crispy texture), smoked olive oil and red onion ice-cream; the “calamarro” (squid stuffed with lamb entrails) and the “Monte Crusko” dessert with its elegant crusco pepper ice-cream." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/basilicata/matera/restaurant/vitantonio-lombardo

Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante

@travelleisure

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How to Visit Matera, Italy

"Set in a grotto and awarded one Michelin star, the restaurant showcases chef Vitantonio Lombardo’s visionary tasting menus — you can choose a shorter five-course dinner or linger for a full 10-course experience." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/matera-italy-guide-7552544

Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

MICHELIN Guide Italy 2019 Selection

"In the south of Italy, there is the return of Basilicata in Matera at restaurant Vitantonio Lombardo." - Abbe Baker

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-italy-2019-results

Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante

Sergio (.

Google

Very good dining experience, worthy of one Michelin star. The setting was wonderful, in a traditional Matera style cave. Dishes were beautifully presented, full of flavour and creative. Service was nearly faultless, unfortunately with only 3 staff on the floor the pressure and stress was evident in the staff.

Bill P.

Google

A magnificent experience at VLR. The space is beautiful, the cuisine was truly outstanding, and the hospitality was very professional and friendly. We enjoyed the 5 course menu (which was plenty of food for us) They offer a 7 and 10 course as well. We selected the tuna tataki, orecchiette pasta, sea bass, pork cheek, chocolate tower and childhood memories for dessert. Plus the restaurant brings you several extra delicacies thru the meal. VLR deserves his michelin star as the experience for us was devine. Our only regret was not meeting owner and executive chef Vitantonio, he did not cook on a Friday night in November 🙁

Adriana C.

Google

Avoid this restaurant. The reason for the one star is because everything was perfect (delicious food, excellent service, elegant ambiance) until towards the end of our dinner we hear loud violent screaming coming from the kitchen. I had unobstructed view of the kitchen and through the glass I see the chef screaming and insulting the kitchen staff. The violence is unacceptable and the lack of restraint unprofessional.

Luana P.

Google

One of the greatest meals of my life! However, I should warn you that it doesn't come cheap—our dinner for two cost over $400. Nevertheless, the entire experience is truly memorable. Each dish is presented in the most creative ways imaginable, featuring designs like castles and skulls. The five-course meal is substantial, so don’t worry about opting for the smallest choice. The food is exceptionally well-seasoned, fresh, and prepared in ways I’ve never encountered before. You'll even find yourself trying lamb liver that looks nothing like you’d expect. Or black and white dishes! The staff is fantastic, making us feel right at home, and the atmosphere is incredible—you dine inside a cave!

christoph R.

Google

Outstanding. Our dinner here was the cherry on the Materna trip cake. Not for nothing is this a Michelin star restaurant. Very nicely located in the Sassi district in one of the caves. We had the 8 course full menu which was exceptionally good. Nicely curated dishes of huge variation, always referring to the South Italian heritage and Materna. The staff is super kind and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Huge wine menu and good recommendations. A very memorable experience from the starters to the dessert (try the Monte Crusko!)

carter L.

Google

Unfortunately, about half of the dishes didn’t taste good. The place and service were up to standard. If you’re particular about food taste, I wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you’re more focused on the overall dining experience, it’s not a bad option — all the dishes were beautifully presented. Good for pictures. Camera eat first ! 😉 About the taste: This restaurant seems to like adding grainy elements to their dishes, such as charcoal powder, crispy minced garlic, and some black breadcrumb-like ingredient. Overall, you often get a mouthful of hard, gritty bits — which feels quite unpleasant. But since you’re in Matera — famously known as the “City of Stone” — maybe it’s all part of the experience. Perhaps they just wanted you to taste the stones too. Also, for some reason, one or two of the dishes were overly greasy, making them taste very heavy and cloying.

Anita L.

Google

Absolutely loved our dining experience at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante in Matera! Every dish here comes with a creative and playful name that immediately sparks curiosity — and the flavors definitely live up to it. The waitress was incredibly helpful and friendly, taking the time to explain the menu and share her personal recommendations, which we really appreciated. We went for the Heart tasting menus — 2 of us had the 5-course (€140) and 2 had the 7-course (€170), and every course was a delightful surprise. Some highlights for us: "I Dropped the Egg in the Garden" — so beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The Black Pizza — never had anything like it! Chewy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside — a must-try. Sweet Liquid Ricotta Ravioli with Sea Urchins, Cinnamon, and Yellow Tomatoes — a bold flavor combination. The ravioli was huge, and although slightly sweet for my personal taste, the pesto sauce balanced it out really well. Spaghettone Pasta in Citrus Carbonara with Crusko Bread Peppers and Shrimp — hands down one of the best pastas I've ever had! Perfectly cooked with such a unique citrusy twist. And of course, dessert — "Like a Cigar" — super fun and creative! It looked exactly like a real cigar (complete with that smoky aroma), but you could actually bite into it! Such a memorable way to end the meal. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Matera. We came in late March (off-season) and didn’t need a reservation, which was a plus. Overall, a lovely dining experience — creative, playful, and full of surprises. Highly recommend!

Steve Gentile's Business E.

Google

This is the first Michelin restaurant that encouraged eating with fingers and mouth to plate and I gotta say it added to the experience. Professional, unrushed service, and different tastes that do not disappoint. We did think the pizza was overrated and really needed true caviar to add any flavor, but other than that excellent overall

Alma P.

Yelp

So was in Matera, Italy with a tour and we had a free day scheduled, so before the trip I did a little research and discovered that Chef Lombardo had recently opened a restaurant about 4 months prior. Being that he is a Michelin starred Chef (from his prior restaurant in Puglia) I was highly intrigued so I booked a reservation for our free night. Wowza! Talk about being a lucky girl...the entire experience was phenomenal! First off, Matera is the ancient cave city where everything in the Sassi section is built into the existing cave. Vitantonio Lombardo is no exception BUT what they have done to this cave is unlike any other I saw! It is absolutely gorgeous -- retaining it's cave-ness of course but the space it stunning. The meal... well, the meal was ridiculously delicious and presented in Michelin quality form, of course - the plating was sheer perfection, the service was top notch and the food itself was delicious and creative. We loved every minute of it! The Chef and our waiter were also incredibly gracious and kind, even giving us a tour of the kitchen. Since being back I recently heard they were awarded a Michelin star in November - the FIRST in Matera and the only one in Basilcata. What an achievement! I HIGHLY recommend you visit if you find yourself in Matera - although it may be a smidge harder to get a reservation now that Michelin has acknowledged them! ;)