A Slice of Matera: Pizza, Caves, and Scissors

Matera, Italy, is unlike any other city. Carved into ancient caves, its winding streets and staircases lead past centuries-old homes and churches. These cave dwellings were inhabited until the 1950s when residents were relocated by the government. Today, Matera blends historic charm with modern adaptation—businesses, hotels, and restaurants now occupy the restored cave structures. You can even stay in a cave hotel for a truly immersive experience. When we were ready for lunch we discovered excellent pizza in Matera Italy.

A Chance Discovery: Pizza in Matera Italy at Antiche Delizie Alessio Daldarulo

While wandering through Matera’s mesmerizing streets, I was so captivated by the scenery that I almost skipped lunch. But then, we stumbled upon Antiche Delizie Alessio Daldarulo, a small bakery with a line of locals eagerly waiting for their turn to have pizza in Matera Italy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned while traveling, it’s that a long line of locals usually means something special is being served.

Inside, the bakery felt warm and inviting. Behind the counter, a beaded curtain offered a glimpse of the kitchen, where rows of deep-dish pans waited to be filled with fresh ingredients.

A Unique Take on Italian Pizza in Matera Italy

The pizzas at Antiche Delizie Alessio Daldarulo were unlike anything I had seen in Italy. Instead of the thin, wood-fired crusts typical of Neapolitan pizza, these were thick, deep-dish creations baked in round pans. The toppings were simple yet flavorful—rosemary and potatoes, a light tomato sauce with small sausages, and other fresh combinations. The crust was both hearty and tender, the perfect base for these rustic flavors.

When it was my turn to order, I pointed to a few varieties, eager to try them all. That’s when I noticed something unusual—the server used scissors to cut the slices.

The Magic of Pizza Scissors

I had never seen pizza scissors before. With effortless precision, the server glided through the thick crust, cutting clean slices without disturbing the toppings. The technique was so efficient that I looked it up when I got home—and sure enough, pizza scissors are widely available! You can even find a selection of them on Amazon.

Enjoying Pizza with a View

With our pizza from Matera Italy in hand, we stepped outside and found a spot to enjoy the meal. The rich flavors, the ancient surroundings, and the simple charm of this bakery created an experience I’ll never forget.

If you ever visit Matera, don’t miss the chance to stop by Antiche Delizie Alessio Daldarulo. It’s a delicious reminder that some of the best travel experiences happen when you least expect them.

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While on a MSC Mediterranean Cruise we stopped in Bari Italy. On this day I didn’t do an excursion thru the cruise but arranged a driver to take us to Matera Italy and Alberobello Italy. The company we hired was Apulia Shuttle. They were wonderful and there vehicles were imacculate. They have also received excellent reviews on Trip Advisor. CLICK HERE to read their reviews

For more travel experiences from our MSC Sinfonia Mediterranean Cruise check out CLICK HERE