
Ali Ocakbasi
Ever since BW has become gluten-free, going out to eat has not been the easiest. Sure, he can eat most things but the delicious goodies like fried chicken, pizzas, and even burgers are off the menu! Surprisingly, many restaurants have started to accommodate for those that are intolerant or allergic, e.g. Bake St’s GF fried chicken or Bintang’s chicken wings. However, not all variations are good and that brings me to Ali Ocakbasi
Ali Ocakbasi is a fairly new Turkish restaurant located in Leicester Square. You’ll find them nestled amongst the other tourist trap restaurants with the staff shouting out to you to try their food! One day, whilst I was walking to BW’s work to meet him, I stopped by Ali Ocakbasi to check out their menu and noticed they have gluten free pides a.k.a Turkish pizzas! BW was super excited and we went back there that evening.
The total bill amounted to £44 for two people, including drinks and service, so £22 each. Given the amount we ordered and the quality of the food, I would say that although cheap, this was definitely not worth it and Ali Ocakbasi is indeed a tourist trap after all. It is great that they accommodate for all dietary requirements but when you pay a premium for a sad, paper-thin, gluten-free “pide”, well, it isn’t that great after all, is it? The service was abysmal and inattentive, and the lack of understanding of a simple menu was frustrating.
For Ali Ocakbasi’s website, click here.
If you really fancy a good pide, check out these better and more accurately priced Turkish establishments (that are not gluten free unfortunately 🙁 )