Ristorante Mater

Using nature as the main source ingredients for all dishes served at Mater, Filippo Baroni has created a unique way of turning the simplest ingredients into something special. With the stunning Casentinesi Forests National Park as a backdrop, stepping into Mater is like stepping into another world that is in complete harmony with its surroundings.

The cuisine at Mater takes its inspiration from the surrounding nature to create dishes that taste earthy, straight from the forest and that is entirely linked to the seasonality of the ingredients. Focusing on a style of cooking passed down by the monks that once resided in these forests, game, wild herbs and woody scents take centre stage in all of the dishes and a narrative of progression and a work in progress can be felt throughout the whole menu. Local Italian dishes have been given a forest makeover with dishes such as Risotto with olive oil and snails, wild fennel and lemon or the spelt pappardelle stuffed with pigeon, zolfini beans Cream, catmint and livers. The dishes feel foraged yet are presented in a fine-dining, almost avant-garde way that is a treat to both the eyes and the palette.

Stepping into Mater, it is easy to feel that you are still in the ancient forest that surrounds it. Pull up a chair on the terrace and breathe in the fresh, woody scents of the surrounding pine, fir and oak trees while admiring Count Guidi Castle. The interior boasts large windows to allow the room to breathe while the furniture feels welcoming, comforting and homely and extra warm thanks to the open kitchen and large fireplace.