Oasi Kadir: From Farm to Table on the Outskirts of Rome
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Just beyond the bustle of Rome’s city center, in the city’s northeastern hills, lies Oasi Kadir—an expansive 200-hectare agritourism estate and restaurant set within the serene Marcigliana Natural Reserve. Since opening in 2018, Oasi Kadir has become a haven for those who cherish authentic flavors and sustainable, zero-kilometer cuisine. Here, sustainability, tradition, and culinary artistry blend seamlessly, and every dish tells the story of the land from which it was born.
From Earth to Elegance
At the heart of Oasi Kadir, the connection between farm and table is immediate and tangible. Every ingredient that graces the plate originates from the estate itself—sun-drenched vineyards, ancient olive groves, and open pastures where animals graze freely. Chef Daniel Celso, who honed his craft in some of Rome’s Michelin-starred kitchens, transforms these homegrown ingredients into refined dishes that remain faithful to the authentic flavors of Lazio.
Diners can choose between two distinct ambiances: a warm, intimate room centered around a crackling fireplace, ideal for cozy winter evenings, or a bright, garden-facing space that opens directly onto the estate’s natural beauty. Both offer an immersive experience that bridges land and table, inviting guests to taste the landscape around them.
A Taste of the Land
The menu at Oasi Kadir represents the purest expression of the farm-to-table philosophy. Seasonal vegetables, cheeses, meats, and olive oil sourced directly from the estate form the heart of every dish, guided by a deep respect for simplicity and the rhythms of nature. Among Chef Celso’s signature creations are the Salted Beef—an 18-day process of dry-aging, marinating, light smoking, and further aging to achieve a delicate yet complex flavor, finished with lemon zest, salt, and pepper—and the Lamb Pastrami, marinated for six days, smoked in the traditional style, and served with fichi settembrini and sweet-and-sour cabbage, harmonizing smoky, savory, and gently sweet notes.
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| Salted beef (left) and lamb pastrami (right) |
On weekends, guests can savor the renowned Oasi Tasting Menu—a culinary journey through the estate’s bounty (€50 for the full experience, €35 for appetizer and pasta, or €40 for appetizer and main course). Fridays and Saturdays feature à la carte dining, while Sundays offer a leisurely brunch of sweet and savory delights. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and guests may bring their own wine. Every plate reflects the harmony between land, farm, and table—an embodiment of Oasi Kadir’s enduring spirit. In keeping with Islamic principles, all meats are halal-certified, pork is neither raised nor served, and although alcohol is not sold on-site, staff will graciously serve guests’ own bottles.
Where Tradition Meets Sustainability
Behind the kitchen lies the true soul of Oasi Kadir: its farm. Spread over 200 hectares, it is home to around 500 animals—400 sheep and 120 cattle—raised with respect for their natural rhythms and the surrounding environment. The estate’s dairy produces a range of cheeses, from fresh ricotta, primo sale, and mozzarella to aged pecorino, caciotta, and caciocavallo, all crafted according to time-honored artisanal techniques. In the olive mill, olives are pressed immediately after harvest, yielding an aromatic and deeply flavorful extra virgin olive oil.
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Visitors can take home the flavors of the estate from the Bella Donna Dairy Shop, located a short walk from the restaurant. Alongside the cheeses, the shop offers the farm’s own meats, fresh pasta, milk, eggs, and olive oil—a genuine expression of the self-sustaining philosophy that defines Oasi Kadir.
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The Power of Green
The name Oasi Kadir, derived from Arabic and meaning the power of green, perfectly reflects the estate’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Owned and managed by Ashraf and Murad Salem, an uncle-and-nephew team of Libyan heritage, the project was born from their shared aspiration to live and eat sustainably. Guided by the belief that food should be healthy, authentic, and homegrown, they have created a place where cultivation and consumption exist in perfect harmony.
Oasi Kadir’s commitment to renewable energy earned Murad Salem recognition at Coldiretti’s Oscar Green Awards, where he was honored in the “Energy for the Future and Sustainability” category. Under his leadership, the estate has become fully energy self-sufficient, powered by solar panels mounted on the barns that charge battery systems supplying the entire farm—from cheese production and milking to baking and machinery—without infringing on agricultural land.
Note: Photos not bearing my watermark are credited to Toni Tirocchi.
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Oasi Kadir
Address: Via della Marcigliana, 532 - 00139 Rome (RM), Italy
Tel: +39 3278229820
Website: https://oasikadir.it/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oasikadir/
