So was in Matera, Italy with a tour and we had a free day scheduled, so before the trip I did a little research and discovered that Chef Lombardo had recently opened a restaurant about 4 months prior. Being that he is a Michelin starred Chef (from his prior restaurant in Puglia) I was highly intrigued so I booked a reservation for our free night. Wowza! Talk about being a lucky girl...the entire experience was phenomenal! First off, Matera is the ancient cave city where everything in the Sassi section is built into the existing cave. Vitantonio Lombardo is no exception BUT what they have done to this cave is unlike any other I saw! It is absolutely gorgeous -- retaining it's cave-ness of course but the space it stunning. The meal... well, the meal was ridiculously delicious and presented in Michelin quality form, of course - the plating was sheer perfection, the service was top notch and the food itself was delicious and creative. We loved every minute of it! The Chef and our waiter were also incredibly gracious and kind, even giving us a tour of the kitchen. Since being back I recently heard they were awarded a Michelin star in November - the FIRST in Matera and the only one in Basilcata. What an achievement! I HIGHLY recommend you visit if you find yourself in Matera - although it may be a smidge harder to get a reservation now that Michelin has acknowledged them! ;) read more

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