Ristoteca Dai Tosi – Alle Antiche Cisterne
From Enoteca to Ristoteca Dai Tosi: our evolution in Matera’s Sassi
Our story in the heart of Matera’s Sassi began with a clear idea: to bring together the culture of fine wine and the rich culinary tradition of Basilicata. First known to guests and guidebooks as Enoteca Dai Tosi, we gradually grew into a place where food became as important as the cellar. Today, that same passion lives on as Ristoteca Dai Tosi – Alle Antiche Cisterne, a traditional restaurant in Matera where refined dining meets an outstanding wine selection.
A design restaurant inside historic ancient cisterns
The beating heart of our Ristoteca is its centuries-old architecture. The restaurant is located on Via Bruno Buozzi, inside historic cisterns once used to collect rainwater and carved entirely into the tuff rock.
This unique underground setting has been reimagined through a contemporary interior design project by Belgian architecture studio Architecten De Vylder Vinck Taillieu (ADVVT). The contrast between modern materials and the historic stone of the Sassi creates an intimate atmosphere and a distinctive visual experience.
Traditional Lucanian cuisine meets the culture of wine
The spirit of the original enoteca still lives in our selection of wines from Basilicata and Italy’s finest labels, while the Ristoteca’s kitchen celebrates the authentic flavours of the Matera area.
- Senise IGP crusco pepper, crisp and aromatic.
- Fresh pasta, including traditional orecchiette and cavatelli.
- Podolica cheeses, cured meats and selected Lucanian meats, rooted in the local food culture.
- Contemporary Matera cuisine, with carefully crafted interpretations.
A panoramic terrace overlooking the beauty of Matera
Alongside the atmospheric rooms carved into the underground cisterns, Ristoteca Dai Tosi welcomes travellers onto its outdoor terrace. From here, you can enjoy dinner or a glass of wine while looking towards the Madonna dell’Idris cliff and the Murgia landscape, especially beautiful at sunset.
Whether you are looking for a refined wine bar for an aperitivo or a restaurant for a romantic dinner in the Sassi of Matera, Ristoteca Dai Tosi brings past and present together in one memorable gastronomic journey.
Live the story, book your experience
The story continues in our everyday welcome, our cuisine and our wine selection. To experience the Ancient Cisterns in Matera’s Sassi, contact Ristoteca Dai Tosi and book your table.