Ali Ocakbaşı — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Visiting Ali Ocakbaşı in Amsterdam was a true highlight – without exaggeration, this is the best place in town if you’re craving authentic Turkish cuisine at a fine level. Located directly on the Herengracht, the restaurant offers beautiful canal views from the large windows. Especially in the evening, when the lights reflect on the water, the atmosphere becomes warm and almost romantic. The interior itself is modern but cozy, and the service is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu.

Food Experience

Gevrek (36 €): My personal top choice. Hand-ground lamb kebab wrapped in lavash bread, served over aubergine-yoghurt puree and garlic-tomato sauce. If you enjoy smoky eggplant and creamy yoghurt combinations, this is unbeatable. The bread layer gives it extra texture – though I personally like it a bit thinner (hamur side dominates slightly). Still, the sauce and meat balance it beautifully.

Atom (7,50 €): Yoghurt with chili – very simple but refreshing, and the olive oil rounds it off. Great as a starter to share.

Ezme (7,50 €): A spicy tomato-walnut paste with pomegranate dressing – the perfect dip with lavash bread. It has both acidity and sweetness.

Kopoglu (7,50 €): Fried aubergine cubes with potato and green pepper in tomato sauce, topped with yoghurt. Comfort food, slightly oily but perfect if you like rich meze.

Domates & Sarımsak Konfi (7,50 €): Cherry tomatoes and garlic confit in thyme olive oil – very aromatic, a great side dish.

Abagannus (7,50 €): Smoky roasted eggplant puree with yoghurt and garlic – a classic, creamy, and satisfying.

Muhammara (7,50 €): The walnut-tahini spread with a sweet-savory balance. The balsamic glaze is a twist compared to the classic Syrian style.

Ali Tarator (7,50 €): Fermented garlic yoghurt with labneh and caramelized onion – strong flavor, so better share this one.

Girit Efesi (8,50 €): Three cheeses with pesto, pine nuts, and raisins. Very hearty, almost like a spreadable cheese salad.

Overall, portions are generous for meze; sharing 4–5 starters plus one main is perfect for two.

Atmosphere & Location

The location on Herengracht is central – you can easily reach it by tram or Uber.

The restaurant itself fills up quickly, especially weekends. Reservation is essential.

The view from the windows towards the canal is worth asking for. Daytime, you’ll see tour boats passing; at night, it’s much more atmospheric.

In rainy/windy months (like autumn and winter), keep in mind the draft near the windows – better to sit a row inside if you get cold easily.

Insider Tips

Best seating: Ask for a canal-view table when booking.

Order style: Go for a mix of 2–3 cold meze (Ezme, Atom, Abagannus) and 1–2 warm (Kopoglu, Domates & Sarımsak Konfi), then share a main like Gevrek.

Drinks: Turkish wines are surprisingly good here – try a glass of red Öküzgözü with the lamb.

Dress code: Smart casual works fine – you’ll see both couples on date nights and groups of friends.

Nearby: If you’re early or need a coffee afterwards, Café de Jaren is a short walk away and also has a nice canal terrace.

Verdict

Without question, Ali Ocakbaşı Amsterdam is the best Turkish kitchen in the city. It combines authentic flavors with a slightly modern presentation and perfect service. For business dinners, romantic evenings, or just food lovers, this place should be on your list.

My rating:

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (window seats top, inside tables less special) Price-performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (not cheap, but justified by quality...

This was my first visit to Amsterdam, but it will be my last visit to this particular restaurant. It may sound silly, but after finding out that this restaurant has Ali in its name — which happens to be my brother’s name — I was genuinely looking forward to eating there. Unfortunately, my experience at Ali Ocakbaşı left a lot to be desired.

I’m glad I reserved a table, but in hindsight, I wish I hadn’t bothered.

Firstly, getting inside is a challenge. You have to squeeze through a very narrow entrance, which feels completely out of place for a restaurant that supposedly has a Michelin star. You’d think they’d have a better way for guests to enter and exit.

Secondly, the service was disappointing. My waiter — who later apologised — completely forgot my starter and served my main course first instead. When I asked where my starter was, he admitted he’d forgotten to tell the kitchen. To make matters worse, no one offered to reheat my main course, so by the time I finally ate it, it was cold.

Given what happened, you’d expect a gesture of goodwill — perhaps a discount — but no, I was charged the full amount of €58.20 (around £51.33). When you look at the photos of my main course, it’s hard to justify how it could possibly be worth almost €40 (over £35). I felt completely ripped off. The restaurant may have a Michelin star, but how they earned it is beyond me.

It’s possible prices were inflated because Ajax are playing Galatasaray in the Champions League tomorrow, but even so, paying over £50 for one person is ridiculous. I dread to think what a group would end up spending.

I also didn’t appreciate two men taking photos of themselves right behind my table while I was eating; it was inconsiderate and intrusive.

That said, if you still decide to try this place, make sure you book ahead — walk-ins were being turned away when I visited. And be prepared for a noisy atmosphere; it’s very loud inside.

Following my review, the restaurant contacted me privately on WhatsApp, which I found inappropriate. This does not affect the accuracy...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant several times, and on each occasion, I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and warmth of one of the staff members Cemile. It’s rare these days to come across someone who combines genuine kindness with such a high level of competence and attention to detail. From the very first moment, Cemile’s calm and welcoming presence made me feel that I was in good hands.She has a remarkable ability to balance professionalism with sincerity. Cemile greets every guest with a polite smile and takes the time to ensure that each request is met promptly and accurately. Even during the restaurant’s busiest hours, she remains composed and attentive, never letting the pressure of the moment affect the quality of her service. Her communication is always clear and respectful, and she has a natural way of making customers feel both valued and comfortable.What impressed me the most was her attention to detail. Whether it’s the presentation of the table, the timing of the courses, or remembering small preferences from previous visits, Cemile’s meticulousness truly stands out. It’s evident that she doesn’t just see her work as a routine task she genuinely cares about the overall experience of each guest. That attitude makes a tremendous difference and leaves a lasting impression.It’s also worth mentioning how well she seems to work with her colleagues. Even from a customer’s perspective, you can sense the harmony and coordination among the team, and it’s clear that Cemile plays a key role in maintaining that positive energy. Her respectful and supportive attitude enhances not only the guests’ experience but also the atmosphere of the entire restaurant. In short, Cemile represents the very best of what hospitality should be professionalism, warmth, and dedication. Her presence elevates the restaurant’s reputation and turns a simple meal into an experience worth remembering. I truly believe that every restaurant would be fortunate to have someone like her...