Vitantonio Lombardo (born in 1979 in Savoia di Lucania) is the chef and patron of his namesake restaurant in Matera, carved into a cave in the Sassi. Awarded one Michelin star, he elevates Lucanian cuisine with modern technique and creative sensitivity.
Vitantonio Lombardo was born in 1979 in Savoia di Lucania, in Basilicata. At just 15, he began training in some of Italy’s most prestigious kitchens, refining modern techniques, a sophisticated palate, and creativity under the guidance of masters such as Paolo Teverini, Gianfranco Vissani, Fabio Barbaglini, and Davide Scabin — to whom he dedicated his homage dish, the Pizza in Black.
In 2011 he opened his own restaurant in Matera — carved into a cave in the celebrated Sassi — starting a project that fuses ancient architecture with contemporary gastronomy. The space, designed with architect Alessandro Tortorelli, enhances the natural beauty of tuff stone and the play of glass volumes, creating an atmosphere that embodies history, stone, and conviviality.
His cuisine has been recognized with a Michelin star, confirming the quality and uniqueness of his gastronomic vision. His cooking is inspired by Lucanian tradition, reinterpreted with contemporary sensibility and strong ties to the territory: recipes, ingredients, and creativity merge into a personal and refined approach.
