Three Reasons to Make a Reservation at Materia in Bantam

A visit to Materia feels perfectly in step with its surroundings. Set in Bantam, just minutes from lakes, trails, and charming small towns, the restaurant is a natural anchor for a day spent exploring the Litchfield Hills.

Whether you’re coming off a hike, a drive along winding back roads, or a leisurely afternoon of shopping and sightseeing, Materia offers a refined but charming setting to cap off the day. It’s the kind of place that turns a regional outing into a full experience, one where the food feels like a perfect pairing with the landscape outside, no matter the season.

Materia’s menu is built around what’s fresh, local, and available — meaning no two visits are exactly the same. Inspired by Tuscan cooking, Executive Chef and owner David DiStasi designs dishes that reflect both classic Italian technique and the flavors of Connecticut’s changing seasons.

That seasonal approach means handmade pastas, seafood, meats, and vegetables shift throughout the year based on what can be sourced locally. The result is a menu that feels alive — rooted in Tuscany, but unmistakably connected to New England farms and purveyors.

For diners, it’s a reason to return again and again. Each season brings new dishes, new flavors, and new reasons to be surprised.

Chef David DiStasi’s background brings world-class experience to a small-town setting. Trained in Tuscany and at New York’s renowned Le Bernardin, DiStasi was recently named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast — a national recognition that places Materia among the region’s most respected kitchens.

At the same time, Materia has earned a long list of statewide accolades, including multiple Connecticut Restaurant Association awards for food and service, and recognition as one of Connecticut Magazine’s most romantic restaurants.

What makes it especially appealing for visitors is how seamlessly that level of culinary prestige blends with gracious, welcoming service. The atmosphere is polished but approachable, making it just as fitting for a special celebration as it is for a memorable night out while visiting the area.

With its seasonal, Tuscan-inspired menu, nationally recognized chef and best-in-class service, and location in one of Connecticut’s most scenic regions, Materia has become much more than a local favorite. It’s a true destination — one that rewards the journey with exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, and an experience that changes with the seasons.