The Meldiz Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Basingstoke and Deane

I was driving into London and decided to stop over in Basingstoke for the night. The Meldiz had strong reviews on Google, so I decided to give it a try.

Starting with the positives: the service was excellent. The staff were attentive throughout the evening—replacing cutlery and plates after the starters and regularly checking in to ensure everything was to our liking. The lamb chops were a standout: cooked to a perfect medium, tender, and packed with flavor. The garlic and cheese mushrooms were also delicious—rich, well-seasoned, and a great way to start the meal.

Unfortunately, things went downhill from there.

We ordered the mixed grill, and while the portion size was generous, the quality didn’t match up. The chicken, lamb pieces, and kebabs all lacked seasoning—there was little to no salt and very little of the bold, aromatic spices you’d expect from a good Turkish grill. The rice was disappointing as well—dry, lacking freshness, and definitely not fluffy.

For the child, we ordered chicken nuggets and fries. While we didn’t expect anything gourmet, it was clear they were just frozen supermarket-style items, which felt like an afterthought and didn’t reflect well on the overall care in the kitchen.

All in all, I expected better for a meal that came to £77 for two people. The mixed grill alone was £50 for 2 people, and while I’m happy to pay for quality, this meal didn’t meet...

From the moment we walked into The Meldiz, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of character — but it’s the service and food that make this restaurant truly exceptional.

We were looked after by the owner himself, who not only served us with genuine hospitality but also surprised us with complimentary drinks – a gesture that felt both generous and sincere. He took time to talk to us, check in throughout the meal, and made us feel like old friends rather than first-time customers.

And then came the food. Every single dish was outstanding. From the tender grilled meats to the creamy, smoky aubergine and the rich sauces layered with flavour — this wasn’t just dinner, it was a culinary experience. The Lamb Ali Nazik in particular was unforgettable: bold, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. Every bite was perfectly balanced and beautifully presented.

It’s rare to find a restaurant where hospitality and food come together so effortlessly, but The Meldiz delivers both with heart and soul. This is Turkish cuisine at its finest, right here in Basingstoke.

We left full, smiling, and already planning our return. Highly recommended — support this place, it deserves to be packed...

Visited here on a Thursday evening after seeing the fantastic reviews and have to now add my own, while whole heartedly recommending! From the moment we entered the service was exceptional, with the staff ensuring they prepared the best table possible and remaining so attentive throughout.

The menu is a good size without being overbearing and there’s a few options beyond just Turkish. The basket of bread had some of the nicest tasting bread ever and the starter of king prawns in tomato sauce was to die for, insanely good. The main of mixed kebab was also seriously impressive - huge portion size with delicious and perfectly cooked meat with plenty of rice.

There’s a nice range of drinks offered, including Turkish wine at a very reasonable price which was impressively nice.

I’m not usually a fan of Turkish food but I would return here in a heartbeat, and with the staff, decor and food, it’s one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a while....