Baccanti

The story

Baccanti Restaurant Matera | Modern Cuisine in Sassi Caves | Michelin Recommended

Baccanti

In the heart of Matera, Baccanti occupies a series of rooms carved directly into the Sassi caves—ancient limestone dwellings that give the city its UNESCO-listed identity. The restaurant’s name, drawn from the ecstatic followers of Bacchus, signals an approach that pairs deep local history with a celebration of flavour.

The setting is the first chapter of the experience. Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and the cool, earthy atmosphere of the caves create a backdrop that is both dramatic and intimate. There are also outdoor spaces for warmer months, allowing guests to dine under the Materan sky while surrounded by the city’s iconic Sasso Barisano district.

The kitchen focuses on modern cuisine, drawing from the traditions of Basilicata but reworking them with contemporary technique. The menu changes regularly, reflecting seasonal ingredients and the chef’s evolving interpretation of regional classics. The wine list is equally considered, with a cellar that has earned the restaurant a place on the Michelin guide’s radar—Baccanti holds a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026.

Whether seated in a candlelit cave alcove or on the terrace overlooking the ancient city, the meal unfolds at a deliberate pace. The service is polished but warm, matching the setting’s blend of rugged history and refined ambition. For visitors to Matera, Baccanti offers a way to taste the city’s long story—one plate at a time.