Clients reviews about The Olive House

A wonderful dining experience! Had a fantastic lunch at this beautiful restaurant! The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. A special touch was when they moved us to the same table we had shared 8 years ago when the restaurant first opened- such a thoughtful gesture that made our visit even more memorable. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a special lunch, a date or with friends and family, as in my case. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food and outstanding service. We enjoyed a shared mixed hot starter, shared mixed main, and to continue the sharing, ordered cheesecake in two flavours, which they split in the kitchen for us. We tried something new to the menu: Avocado and Lime cheesecake - awesome! ~ Paula H

This is a family favourite restaurant. We all have a love for good Turkish food and we visit several times a year. This evening we have travelled from Tadley, Swindon and Haslemere respectively for a pre Mother’s Day celebration. Worth every mile and every minute as per usual. The welcome was warm and sincere from all the familiar faces. An obvious low staff turnover is always a good sign in a restaurant! Service of the highest standard and the food was absolutely fantastic as per usual! Great sense of humour and highly attentive. The running joke between the owners and I is that everything I order is sold out… never gets old! Always a pleasure and we look forward to coming my back again soon !! Highly recommended!! ~ Paul G

My partner and I have been once before for a family birthday a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. We booked a table for tonight, and it was nothing short of amazing. The restaurant is small but the seats are very well situated. It is very clean with beautiful decor which makes it a lovely relaxing place to eat. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a waiter, and was quickly shown to our table. We had drinks to our table within 10 mins of being seated at well as complimentary olives and bread! We ordered our starter which were perfect every way, as was our mains. There really was no complaints at all. The staff were very friendly and everything about the restaurant was above and beyond. I will be returning and highly recommend it to anyone that wishes for a quiet and delicious meal out. Thank you to all at The Olive House. ~ Sophia P

At last a true Turkish-home cooking! Firstly, Olive House is very high quality and not expensive. So it is very good value. Secondly, I am a vegan and Turkish. I loved Olive House because they have so many traditional Turkish dishes which are naturally vegan. In addition to that they have veganised one of my favourites "Guvec" which is as delicious as meat version (see the picture). They were also very happy to use vegetable oil instead of butter in one of the dishes (just because I asked). They have a good selection of vegan deserts. Everything tastes just so delicious. This place is wonderful in so many ways. The whole atmosphere is amazing. You are welcomed with smiles, free olives and bread. The staff is incredibly friendly and they care so much about the guests. I would recommend it hundred percent. ~ Hulya Y

We were looking for a good Turkish cuisine restaurant in Basingstoke and came across this one. Nice ambience, spacious, courteous staff. For drinks we had mandarins and seville orange jigger and elderflower juice. Coming to food, we ordered tabbouleh, falafels, lahmacun and iskender kababs that comes with yoghurt on which they pour melted butter when it comes to the table, which makes it even more mouth watering. The gap between serving drinks and food was a bit longer, but they make it up by serving their traditional bread with hummus and cacik dips. Overall, good value for money and you can have a fulfilling meal between £30-40 for 2 people. ~ Disha S

This is a really lovely restaurant. The food is tasty and to a good high standard. There are plenty of waiting staff who are very good at what they do and never leave you waiting for long. The restaurant itself is in the center of town but down over of the streets that you might not naturally wander past, that said it is right next to festival place so couldn't really get more central. Plenty of parking at the top of town and a minute or two walk to the restaurant. Inside it's really nicely decorated, there are a couple of seconds that join together nicely and I think probably contribute a lot to the fact that it is a reasonably quiet place to sit and have a conversation without having to shout above the noise. I do hope the restaurant keep the same number of front of house staff, they give a warm welcome and really so look after you. I'll certainly be returning. ~ John F

I can't repeat enough how GOOD the food is in this place - I brought my friends here and they've been amazed by it from the first to the last bite! The mixed kebab (sort of a seasoned Turkish-style mixed grill) has to be my favourite, those lamb cutlets were incredible! The venue is decorated to a high standard, which is a very pleasant variation from the usual chains nearby. Service was also great, the head waiter Gianfranco made us feel very welcome by explaining the story of the restaurant and advising on wine and dishes. I can't recommend this place enough and we will definitely visit again! ~ Marco R

Absolutely fantastic could have been in the middle of London in a swanky restaurant and not Basingstoke. Atmosphere fantastic. We were celebrating our son's 20th. There was a little mistake with the main course but it was quickly acknowledged when we pointed it out and it was very obvious they were anxious and stressed by the mistake and wanting to rectify it which only gave us a positive impression. Staff were so lovely, so refreshing to see such a fantastic caring service which is very rare these days. I felt like they genuinly cared. Food is obviously freshly cooked. First visit and we will be back. We had a wonderful time. Thank you. ~ Anon N

The Olive House is a fantastic restaurant serving authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine in Basingstoke. The cozy ambiance and warm decor make you feel like you’ve been transported to Turkey, adding to the overall dining experience. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive. I ordered the köfte, which was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The lamb guvec was rich and flavorful, while the Adana kebab had just the right amount of spice. To finish, I had the baklava and a traditional Turkish coffee—both were an absolute treat! If you're looking for a great Turkish dining experience, The Olive House is definitely worth a visit! ~ Skye S

We had a wonderful meal and the service was great because it seems everyone who works there cares about the customers. You don't feel like there is only one waiter assigned to your table. The menu had some great options and we all enjoyed our very tasty meals! I reckon the portions could be made bigger but the awesome taste of the food meant you could even enjoy an extra portion! I felt the prices were slightly higher but again the atmosphere, service and quality of food meant you didn't feel hard done by. The complementary olives and never ending supply of pitta bread was also a nice touch. I would certainly recommend this restaurant. ~ Nana A

Delightful Turkish restaurant with exemplary staff who define customer service. Everyone was smiling and very happy to help. It's a popular destination, so it is worth getting a reservation. It is almost too loud at times, but only with the customer chit-chat. And that is much better than being quiet. The restaurant is decorated with various pictures, mirrors and traditional Turkish lights. It is clean and tidy, with tables properly wiped down once they're cleared. The food is wonderful, perfectly prepared and nicely presented. The calamari rings were lovely and tender. ~ Paul G

It was the first visit to the Olive House but it won't be the last. There was a good buzz and very busy but that didn't mean the service was slow ; on the contrary it was excellent. The menu was extensive but not overwhelming. I chose the Imam Bayaldi, which was tasty and served attractively with a mould of rice. The dish was subtley spiced and was a pleasure to eat. The interior of the Olive Tree was quaintly Turkish with pretty coloured lamps and views of Turkey on the walls. The toilets were clean and roomy as well. All in all, I would recommend the Olive Tree. I will go there again. ~ Cynthia A

Went to the Olive House before going to see the brilliant Graham Nash at the Anvil...which is conveniently close. Never been to the OH before but we'll definitely be going back. We ate traditional Turkish food and had a great meal. The staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. They also had a good sense of humour. As for the atmosphere and decor, we couldn't fault it...and that includes the loos! We live 40 miles away and wished this excellent, value for money restaurant was closer. ~ Jeff W

Went here for a meal before going to the theatre. Clean and really nicely presented restaurant with friendly and attentive staff. Good food. Overall we enjoyed it and would go back. Only criticism would be lack of allergy information and vegan or vegetarian options on the menu. We had to park and walk to the restaurant as it is in the pedestrianised area of Basingstoke town centre. Not a particularly picturesque location but once inside we had a very good experience and therefore happy to recommend. ~ Michelle D

We had a meal last night. Table was booked for 8 but due to bomb fear in town they were running quite late. Staff were great though and acknowledged out situation. We waited approx 40 mins and it would gave been good to have had a seating area to wait but that aside It was was well worth the wait. The food was 'spot on'. Well presented tasty fresh well cooked. I had grilled bass and it was probably the best I've had. The food all came out together for a party of 4 and we did not wait long for our food. Staff were friendly . ~ Karen E

Corporate event held at The Olive House. From the beginning part of the process of preparing for the event to the actual day of the event, John and the team proved that this is a wonderful place to hold an event! Everyone loved the food, great portions for starters (did feel guilty when we didn't finish everything!), main course of mixed kebab and vegetable guvec was great, no one can fault the dessert and not a single complaint or opposition about anything. Would recommend 💯💯 ~ Bappi G

First of all, the experience was terrific! The lanterns in the restaurant added to the Turkish mood and atmosphere of the place, making you feel you were actually dining in Turkey! The food was delicious, flavoursome, plentiful, and value for money. The service was impeccable, professional, friendly, and welcoming! We didn't have a table reservation, but we were accommodated and given such a wonderful service. Lovely place, lovely food, lovely people! ~ Janice P

We've ordered several take-aways from the Olive House and have never been disappointed. We recently had a meal with the family in the lovely restaurant and had a fantastic time. The restaurant is lively and has a great buzz about it, staff are attentive but do not "hurry" you. It's a popular place so book ahead but you will be well looked after, served authentic Turkish food and will leave with a full belly and a smile on your face. Highly recommended! ~ Dave G

This restaurant has a beautifully decorated interior, the staff at The Olive House were amazing, very polite, patient, and welcoming. We were not rushed to order so we were able to take our time to choose the dishes we wanted. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. We were celebrating an anniversary and the staff without requesting bought us a plate with baklava to share and some candles. Our experience here was perfect and we are looking forward to returning soon. ~ Zoe

Tonight is the first night we’ve had food from The Olive House and I can genuinely say it was incredible. We ordered the chicken shis and lamb shoarma, they were cooked perfectly, the flavour, delicious. The accompanying rice and chips were fluffy and flavoursome. The staff on collection were warm, friendly and so kind. We took longer than expected to get home and even still, we cleaned our plates. Thank you so much for an amazing dinner, we’ll be back soon! ~ Mark T

Absolutely WONDERFUL place! Staff were exceptionally attentative, friendly and helpful. The food was delightful, flavours were well matched and the meat cooked beautifully. A MUST try for basingstoke. My partner noticed one of their wall hangings said "when you come here you are family" and that is exactly how we were made to feel. Truly thank you to both the staff and the chef! A most welcome meal after average dinings out at other restaurants post lockdown. ~ Harriet A

Fantastic food, so much on the menu and it is all so full of flavour. Any meat was cooked to perfection and all the sides and extras were great. The portion sizes were huge and almost too much (not a bad complaint), the prices were about right for the quality (not cheap but not the most expensive either). The staff were very friendly and attentive, the toilets were nice and clean which is also a good sign. 100% recommend, I'd love to get back there soon. ~ George D

If you are looking for, quality food, exceptional atmosphere and out of this world service don’t waste your time looking at anywhere else! Gianfranco and The Olive House team are epic! I had my 50th birthday party here, they arranged everything from decorations to cakes, reception drinks to laughter. Memories that will last a lifetime. This gem is Basingstoke best kept secret. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you Franco and team. You made my weekend simply unforgettable for all! ~ Lou D

We found this place after coming out of a gig at the Anvil, what a find. The staff when we entered were really friendly. The decor is lovely and really reflects the Turkish/ Mediterranean style. We had feta cheese in filo pastry which were delicious and Turkish pizza which I was told was also delicious for starters, the portions were a great size and if you wanted a mix of starters I think you would be satisfied. And for the main we had halloumi and garlic mushrooms burger with fries and lamb stew with rice, the halloumi was the best halloumi I've ever had and I didn't try the lamb stew because of the meat but it smelled divine, the rice was perfectly cooked. We ordered some humus which I love when you have it in a restaurant with herbs and oil drizzled over the top. We asked for beer and the waiter recommended a Turkish beer which was lovely and crisp and cut through the rich food superbly. The whole place had great ambiance and I would definitely go back to try more stuff off the menu I'd I am ever in the area again. The service was fast and friendly. Top class establishment. ~ Roisin H

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