Osteria Belvedere al Vecchio Frantoio – Great Food in Matera
After a “hard” day of exploring Sassi of Matera, you’ll just want to sit and relax with some traditional Basilicata food and local wine.
But, since you’ll probably visit Matera for only one day, you better make sure to make a good choice.
Yes, there are numerous amazing restaurants, and they all have exquisite food (because the food in Matera is generally amazing). But if you’re not a fan of restaurants positioned in the very centre, and you don’t enjoy eating food surrounded by noisy tourists that include very loud guides and numerous backpacks – our suggestion is Osteria Belvedere al Vecchio Frantoio.
Where To Find Matera’s Food Gem?
This little gem is actually very well hidden, and most of the people stumble upon it by accident, including us!
Oh, but it’s so worth finding it.
After going down the road which skirts the ravine, and taking a turn to the right, you’ll chance upon an amazing atrium, surrounded with the osteria, some abandoned Sassi and what I believe is some kind of a (very instagramy) workshop.
The restaurant itself is set in a very spacious vaulted Sassi rustically decorated. It is a family run business, and you can barely hear English there – which is kind of amazing! It’s practically tourist-free, which means you can actually enjoy your meal like you’re one of the locals.
Traditional Matera/Basilicata Food
It is important to mention that this is a family-run business, and most of the ingredients used for cooking are produced by the owners. They even have their own wine which is really good!
You can get a Menu Turistico which is 20 euros per person. You’ll get three local, very traditional meals. They probably change it on daily basis, so I’m just gonna tell you about the ones we had.
Wine & The Famous Matera Bread
During your one day visit to Matera, you really shouldn’t miss out on the famous Matera bread. It has a lightly sour taste and it is incredibly moist. But when you mix it with the homemade wine you’ll go into another gastronomic dimension.
Osteria Belvedere Al Vecchio Frantoio Menu – The Starter
This exquisitely light and delicious starter is just the thing you need to open up your appetite. It’s also the best way to try not only the characteristic type of Matera food but dishes that are traditionally made in the whole of Southern Italy:
- Local salame
- White cheese treccia (similar to mozzarella, but thicker and more compact)
- Grilled melenzane a funghetto (eggplant sautéed in olive oil until they’re very soft, golden brown and look like little mushrooms)
- Gateau di patate (a savoury cake made of potatoes)
Osteria Belvedere Al Vecchio Frantoio Menu – The First Dish
This type of baked pasta is very typical for Southern Italy. The amazing mixture of homemade products and melted cheese is a perfect choice if you’re looking for something to bring back your energy level after a long day of exploring.
Osteria Belvedere Al Vecchio Frantoio Menu – The Second Dish
Basically, this is stewed lamb with baked potatoes. You’ll definitely need some more wine to finish it off without having a heart attack from so much food.
Even though you probably won’t have the best meal ever, you’ll be eating homemade Matera food in a hidden corner of one of the most amazing historic sites in the world, surrounded by locals, in a rustically decorated Sassi or its amazing courtyard, living the dream of many.
It is very easy to feel like you’re living in a fairy-tale while exploring Italy – you just have to pick the right spot.
About Me
I’m an art historian – digital marketer – passionate traveler – addicted writer – dedicated member of a long distance relationship mashup.
I’m a materialist that has an urge to help the world. I have absurdly logical mind that helps me focus my creative hyper-energy.
It’s ok to be a crazy mixture of completely opposite ingredients.
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2 Comments
Justin
Long time supporter, and thought I’d drop a comment.
Your wordpress site is very sleek – hope you don’t mind me
asking what theme you’re using? (and don’t mind if I steal it?
:P)
I just launched my site –also built in wordpress like yours– but the
theme slows (!) the site down quite a bit.
In case you have a minute, you can find it by searching for “royal cbd” on Google (would appreciate any feedback) – it’s still in the works.
Keep up the good work– and hope you all take care of yourself during the coronavirus scare!
Walkindsky
Hi Justin,
Thank you so much for your support. 🙂 I’m just about to publish a blog about coronavirus. 😀 Hope you’re doing well, and that you’ll like the new blog.
As for the theme it’s Ashe Theme by WP Royal. I’m using Elementor to build everything. I’ve designed everything else, used multiple plugins, etc…
I’ll be sure to check out your website. 🙂