The story
On the road that runs from Melfi toward Rocchetta Sant'Antonio, La Villa is an agriturismo run by the Sonnessa family. Brothers Gabriele and Vito grew up in the business—Vito in the kitchen, Gabriele in the dining room—alongside their father Michele and their late mother Emanuela, whose memory and influence remain present in every corner of the property. The family's passion for Lucanian tradition and respect for seasonal ingredients is the foundation of everything they do.
The kitchen focuses on the traditions of Basilicata and Melfi, with a clear reverence for the raw materials and the natural cycle of the seasons. The menu reads like a tour of the region: fave e cicoria with marinated scampi and oil infused with crusco pepper paprika; cavatelli with cardoncelli mushrooms, pecorino, and liquid basil; guancia di maialino nero lucano cooked sous-vide with fennel seeds, potato foam, and green apple chutney. Desserts include a deconstructed cheesecake with forest fruits and ricotta, and a sfera of dark chocolate with a liquid heart, served on a crumble of calzoncelli melfitani.
La Villa also offers three tasting menus—Sentori (three courses), Sensazioni (four courses), and Esperienze (seven courses)—each paired with wines from the region, including Aglianico del Vulture from Cantina di Venosa. The wine list is available on request.
The quality and value of this cooking have been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a seal that rewards good food at a fair price. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Basilicata, La Villa delivers with warmth and precision.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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