The Legacy of an Institution
Our story begins in 1947, when Mario Ritella purchased the old granaries of Count Malvezzi, nestled inside an 18th-century palace in the center of Matera. It is here that, in 1951, "Da Mario" Restaurant officially opened its doors.
Under the expert management of Stefano Ritella starting in 1960, the venue became a true temple of Matera's cuisine, awarded the prestigious "Posate d'Oro" at the 1974 Milan Expo. After over 70 years of history and the closure in January 2026, we have proudly taken up this baton. With Da Mario 2.0, the legend is reborn.
Where Evolution Meets Tradition
Our culinary proposal is a sincere tribute to the ancient recipes of Matera's grandmothers, yet with an eye toward the future. We believe that true tradition is not about preserving the ashes, but keeping the fire alive.
We have taken historic dishes and refined them, lightening and perfecting them. Cooking techniques are more precise, pairings more balanced. It is the authentic cuisine you know, like you've never tasted before: a perfect balance between the robust flavors of our land and the elegance of contemporary fine dining.
Crispy, Light, Flawless
Our pizza is born from a profound respect for time and raw ingredients. We use only selected flours to create a slow-leavening dough that guarantees maximum digestibility and a flawless structure.
Baked perfectly with absolute precision to enhance its flavors, Da Mario 2.0's pizza stands out for its thin, crispy base and fragrant crust. Topped with southern Italian excellences, from Senise's crunchy peppers to the best fresh dairy, it offers a lightness capable of satisfying every palate, slice after slice.
