La Talpa
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La Talpa

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience authentic Italian cuisine within the ancient, atmospheric setting of Matera's Sassi, a truly memorable dining adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
La Talpa

La Talpa

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience authentic Italian cuisine within the ancient, atmospheric setting of Matera's Sassi, a truly memorable dining adventure.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"One of the best pizzas in Italy is made in Matera. Truly incredible."

TIP

Book Ahead

Make reservations well in advance to guarantee a table, especially during peak seasons.

Try the Pizza!

Don't miss the pizza, praised for its exceptionally light and delicious crust.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11:30PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+39 0835 335086

Address

Via Fiorentini, 167, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Cave Dining

Underground Cave Dining

Dine in a unique, ancient cave setting, offering an unforgettable atmosphere in Matera's Sassi.

Exceptional Pizza

Exceptional Pizza

Experience pizza with an unbelievably light, digestible, delicious, and crunchy crust.

Google Review
Local Ingredients & Regional Dishes

Local Ingredients & Regional Dishes

Savor authentic dishes made with local ingredients, showcasing the best of Basilicata's culinary tradition.

Best restaurants Basilicata
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yummy pizza inside of a cave. 🍕 #materaitaly
@munciee
37 likes • 2.6K views

Book Ahead

Make reservations well in advance to guarantee a table, especially during peak seasons.

Try the Pizza!

Don't miss the pizza, praised for its exceptionally light and delicious crust.

September in Matera 🇮🇹 The restaurant La Lopa in Matera offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in the local Lucanian (Basilicata) tradition. Located in the famous Sassi di Matera, La Lopa’s name comes from an ancient tool used to dredge wells, symbolizing its mission to uncover the hidden treasures of the region’s food culture. The menu focuses on local dishes and wines, providing an authentic...
@iliaki_k
48 likes • 4.1K views
Matera e dove cenare✨ #matera #ristotante #incucinaconvalentinar14_ #sassidimatera #dinner #lalopa #ristorantelalopa @
@valentinar14_
203 likes • 33.1K views

Be Patient

Some diners report long waits for orders; consider this when planning your meal.

Ask for Recommendations

The owner is known for providing seasonal recommendations and wine pairings.

5 COSE DA FARE A MATERA IN 1 GIORNO 1️⃣Vedere l'alba sui Sassi 📍Convento di Sant'Agostino 2️⃣ Visita Guidata tra i Sassi 🎟️ Ticket @getyourguide 3️⃣ Mangiare in un Ristorante Grotta @la_grotta_del_gusto_matera 4️⃣ Esplorare l'Altopiano della Murgia 📍Altopiano della Murgia 5️⃣ Dormire in una Casa Grotta @corte_ agostiniani #matera #materaitaly #visitmatera #basilicata #visitbasilicata #italia #sudi...
@olimpiacherici
601 likes • 51.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Make reservations well in advance to guarantee a table, especially during peak seasons.

Try the Pizza!

Don't miss the pizza, praised for its exceptionally light and delicious crust.

Be Patient

Some diners report long waits for orders; consider this when planning your meal.

Ask for Recommendations

The owner is known for providing seasonal recommendations and wine pairings.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Talpa offers a unique dining experience in Matera's Sassi, with many praising its exceptional pizza and distinctive cave setting. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service and food quality, suggesting a potential difference in treatment between locals and tourists, and longer than expected wait times for dishes.

"My experience at this restaurant was a great and incredible surprise. I came in with the intention of eating local food, not pizza. But in the end I ordered the pizza 'Ndujata. I am a pizza expert from Accademia Pizzaioli and a judge at the World Pizza Championships. I was amazed from the first bite. The dough was extraordinarily light, digestive, delicious and crunchy at the same time. UNBELIEVABLY.
I came to the conclusion that one of the best pizzas in Italy is made in Matera. Really crazy and incredible."

Zoran Јovanovski

"went twice which probably was our mistake. first time food was really good not the service. second time both were not good!! they don’t treat tourists the same as locals! wouldn’t recommend it."

Lisa Wiseberg

"La Talpa, nestled in the captivating setting of Matera, presents itself as a pizzeria, yet my recent lunch experience left me feeling it caters more towards tourists than those seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience. While the location itself is undoubtedly appealing, the offerings and policies left something to be desired.
One of the most perplexing aspects of my visit was the unavailability of pizza during lunchtime. Despite clearly identifying as a pizzeria, the menu presented at midday focused on pasta dishes and other, generally more expensive, options. When I inquired about this, the explanation provided was unclear and ultimately unsatisfying. For a restaurant branding itself as a pizzeria, the absence of its signature dish during a standard mealtime is quite puzzling.
The food I did sample was, in my opinion, average. While not offensive, it lacked the distinct flavors and quality I've come to expect from genuine Italian cuisine. It felt as though the dishes were geared towards a broader, less discerning palate, perhaps prioritizing speed and ease of preparation over authentic taste.
The overall atmosphere seemed pleasant enough, likely benefiting from the unique charm of Matera itself. However, the focus appeared to be on capitalizing on the tourist traffic rather than delivering a truly authentic and satisfying Italian dining experience.
In conclusion, while La Talpa benefits from its location, those seeking a genuine taste of Italy, particularly pizza for lunch, might find this restaurant to be an average and somewhat disappointing choice. It seems to prioritize a tourist-friendly approach over the culinary authenticity one might hope for in a city like Matera.
edit: response of the owner say it all"

Zlatko Mahic

What People Like

Unique cave dining atmosphere
Delicious pizza with light crust
Authentic regional ingredients

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service for tourists
Long wait times for food
Pizza unavailable at times

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is famed for its dining rooms set within ancient underground caves, offering a truly unique atmosphere.

TikTokWhat Once Used To Be Old Cave Dwellings In Matera, Italy, Are Now Dine

Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What Once Used To Be Old Cave Dwellings In Matera, Italy, Are Now DineGoogle Review

Many reviewers rave about the pizza, specifically its light and delicious crust. Regional pasta dishes are also highly recommended.

Best restaurants BasilicataWhat Once Used To Be Old Cave Dwellings In Matera, Italy, Are Now DineGoogle Review+1

Some reviews indicate that service can be slow, and there are mentions of tourists receiving different treatment than locals.

Google Review+2

While La Talpa is a pizzeria, some diners have reported that pizza was not available during lunchtime.

Google Review

The restaurant offers a selection of regional wines, and the owner is known to provide pairings.

What Once Used To Be Old Cave Dwellings In Matera, Italy, Are Now Dine

Mentioned in

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Lonely Planet

Best restaurants Basilicata

With plates of Lucanian (aka Basilicatan) antipasti joined by interesting piatti (perhaps wholewheat pasta with chickpeas and truffle shavings) and pizza, La Talpa manages to cover most bases.

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wareontheglobe

Matera: A Perfect Mix Of Ancient Cave Dwellings, Dalí, Hip Bars, and Wine!!

Our first evening our hotel made us a reservation at La Talpa, since our first couple options were “booked.” La Talpa was just across from our hotel, so I’m not sure if everything was indeed booked on a Monday night… La Talpa also gets mediocre reviews on the various websites, so I was not thrilled. Our dinner, however, was pretty good, and I am not totally opposed to returning. I ordered pizza with the local Lucian sausage and Dan went with the Lucian sausage platter.

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Travel + Leisure India

What Once Used To Be Old Cave Dwellings In Matera, Italy, Are Now Dine

For complete immersion into your meal, you must visit La Talpa (latalparistorante.it), where Wi-Fi doesn’t penetrate the stone walls but Italian classics and local wines demand a #latergram. You will struggle to choose one from the many antipasti available, but the friendly owner is always at hand with seasonal recommendations and wine pairings. I relished the spaghetti in lemon sauce topped with truffle shavings.

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Matera’s caves don’t get any more inviting than these snug, white-walled rooms hung with old cooking implements and filled with cozy, gingham-topped tables. The homey setting is suited for such local dishes as purea di fave con cicorielle di campo (broad bean puree with chicory) or…

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La Talpa Restaurant in the Sassi of Matera

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