No work trip to Matera is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Matera is known for its traditional dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. One must-try dish is 'orecchiette con le cime di rapa,' a pasta dish made with homemade ear-shaped pasta and turnip greens. Another local specialty is 'peperoni cruschi,' which are dried and fried peppers that add a unique crunch to various dishes. For meat lovers, 'agnello alla lucana' is a popular choice, featuring tender lamb cooked with local herbs and spices. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of Aglianico del Vulture, a red wine produced in the nearby region. Matera also has a variety of restaurants and trattorias that offer a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine to suit different tastes.