Ristorante "Oi Marì"

Ristorante Oi Marì — Matera We had a lovely meal at Oi Marì. The food was excellent: everything was cooked perfectly, and the bread was especially fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the rest of the team were very kind. Our waiter seemed a little annoyed, but it didn’t take away from an otherwise great experience. The location is also perfect for exploring Matera: Oi Marì is on Via Fiorentini, in the Sasso Barisano area of the Sassi.

Visited there with my family for my 30th wedding anniversary today. PERFECTION it’s the word for this place. Definitely a must and was my best meal so far in Italy. It’s a 10 out of 10.

There are restaurants where you eat well, and then there are places that become part of your memories of a city. Oi Marì belongs firmly to the second category. Located in the heart of Matera's extraordinary Sassi district, surrounded by ancient stone dwellings and cave structures carved into the rock centuries ago, Oi Marì offers far more than a meal. It offers an experience deeply connected to the history, culture and soul of Matera itself. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the atmosphere. The beautiful garden, decorated with traditional Mediterranean elements and surrounded by stone architecture, creates a peaceful oasis in one of Italy's most fascinating cities. Despite the summer heat outside, the restaurant maintained a naturally pleasant temperature thanks to the thick stone walls and cave-like spaces that characterize the historic buildings of Matera. It was the perfect environment to slow down and truly enjoy every moment. The culinary experience was exceptional from start to finish. I chose the octopus served with smoked potatoes, thyme and caramelized onions. It was, without exaggeration, one of the finest octopus dishes I have ever tasted. Perfectly cooked, incredibly tender and packed with flavor, it showcased the kitchen's ability to elevate traditional ingredients into something memorable. The sweetness of the caramelized onions, the delicate smokiness of the potatoes and the freshness of the herbs created a beautifully balanced dish that I will remember long after leaving Italy. My wife Ljiljana selected the tasting menu, which proved to be a wonderful journey through the flavors of Basilicata. It began with orecchiette pasta accompanied by cod, cherry tomatoes, capers and olives, bringing together the best of Mediterranean tradition in a simple yet elegant way. The main course featured grilled Podolica beef served with roasted potatoes. Podolica cattle are one of Southern Italy's culinary treasures, and the quality of the meat was outstanding—rich, flavorful and perfectly prepared. To finish, she enjoyed the restaurant's signature Materamisù, a creative interpretation of tiramisu that provided the perfect sweet ending to an outstanding meal. One of Oi Marì's most impressive features is its remarkable wine culture. The restaurant houses an extensive wine collection stored within historic cave cellars carved directly into the rock. Walking through these spaces feels like stepping into a hidden sanctuary dedicated to Italian wine. The combination of ancient stone, carefully preserved bottles and soft lighting creates an atmosphere unlike any ordinary restaurant. Equally important to our experience was the service. A special thank you goes to Davide, whose professionalism, warmth and genuine hospitality elevated an already exceptional lunch into something truly memorable. Attentive without ever being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious, he represents exactly what great hospitality should be. Guests may come for the food and wine, but people like Davide are the reason they return. What makes Oi Marì special is not just the quality of the cuisine, the extraordinary wine selection or the stunning setting. It is the way everything comes together to tell the story of Matera. Every stone, every glass of wine and every plate served feels connected to the history and traditions of this remarkable city. If you are visiting Matera and want to experience its culture through food, wine and hospitality, Oi Marì is not simply a recommendation—it is an essential stop. ★★★★★ 10/10 A truly unforgettable experience and without question one of the highlights of our journey through Southern Italy.

Our host recommended this restaurant to us, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Their beef tartare is very unique and one of the best I’ve had in Italy. The pasta and desserts were also absolutely delicious. The interior atmosphere of the restaurant is beautiful and elegant. If you visit Matera, it is definitely worth dining here and enjoying a wonderful dinner. I would recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table.

This was one of the best meals of my life. Everything was done exceptionally well. Excellent combination of flavors. We tried several places in Matera and this was by far the best. The service was excellent, the flavors were extraordinary. We would highly recommend.