Al Becco della Civetta

The story

Al Becco della Civetta | Bib Gourmand Italian Restaurant in Castelmezzano, Tricarico

The restaurant in Castelmezzano

High in the Lucanian Dolomites, in the stone village of Castelmezzano, Al Becco della Civetta is the expression of one chef’s deep connection to her land. Chef Antonietta Santoro runs this restaurant with a clear mission: to take the traditions of Basilicata and preserve them for the future. Hers is a cuisine rooted in the peasant past – respectful of nature, honest in flavour, and generous in spirit.

The restaurant was chosen by Eataly to represent Lucanian cuisine at Expo Milano 2015, a recognition that speaks to the purity of its cooking. More recently, it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2026, an award that celebrates good quality, good value cooking – exactly what Santoro delivers every day.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, much like the chef herself, described as having a sparkling smile and an exceptional verve. The menu draws from the local landscape, turning simple ingredients into dishes that tell the story of this mountainous corner of Italy. There is no fuss, no unnecessary flourish – just the authentic flavour of good Lucanian food.

For those who want to go deeper, the restaurant also offers special experiences: workshops on Basilicata’s zero-kilometre products, romantic dinners, and a chance to explore the region’s wine culture through Tonino Romano’s carefully curated cellar. Whether you dine in Castelmezzano or at the restaurant’s tavern in the Sassi of Matera, the philosophy is the same – an authentic contact with tradition, served with pride.