Eat like Imma Tataranni in Basilicata’s white stone city of Matera. When you think of its magnificent cave dwellings, breathtaking canyon views of the Gravine di Matera and the thousands of years of history here, maybe dining out might not immediately come to mind. Basilicata is one of Italy’s undiscovered jewels. The homestyle regional “cucina Lucana” specialties include hearty vegetarian dishes and legume-based soups, sweet and smoky peperoni cruschi dried peppers, mountain cheeses, Aglianico red wines, extremely limited seafood dishes due the short coastline, and durum wheat bread shaped with three cuts to represent the Holy Trinity. In Matera, you’ll find a variety of casual trattorias, wine and cocktail bars, bakeries, ice cream shops and pizzerias — but the important thing is knowing which ones to choose.

Tierra’s cozy bistro is an ideal spot for a casual dinner, weekend brunch, or tapas-style snacks and cocktails for a late aperitivo. They play with local flavors and use ingredients of the territory to put a fusion twist on internationally-known plates from tacos to steamed bun sandwiches.

Treat yourself to a meal at this Michelin Guide-mentioned restaurant and relax in their cave dining room or outside in their charming courtyard. Their cellar’s extensive wine list includes the finest bottles from various regions around Italy as well as local varietals from Basilicata, Champagnes, large format bottles, and spirits. Dishes of Baccanti’s long-time chef, Giuseppe De Rosa, highlight the terroir of Matera with nearly 90% of their ingredients coming from producers and small farmers in the surrounding area.

Virginia Caravita and Michele Castelli are a young Chef duo, stepping up the fine dining experience here in Matera. Their kitchen has gained attention from the Michelin Guide, although they are still working towards a star rating. The front and back of house staff all came to Dimora Ulmo with previous work experience under world renowned Chef Massimo Bottura’s hospitality group. This modern fine dining restaurant features elegant dishes that give a fresh spin on local flavors with their tasting menus that range from €60 to €90 per person.

This gelateria features an impressive selection of naturally-flavored gelato including unique combinations such as grapefruit and black pepper, mallow and thyme, or ginger pineapple as well as traditional chocolate, hazelnut and coffee favorites.

Knowing that Matera is famous for its durum wheat bread, we asked around for suggestions and everyone pointed us toward Paoluccio. This tiny bakery with it’s golden mustard colored front gate is located right on the main avenue in town. They are known for their pane di Matera (made with semola rimacinata and a sourdough starter) as well as their focaccia.