Baran Ocakbasi Restaurant

Reviews

• Betsy D.

  star star star star star 3 June 2026

  The mercimek lentil soup was delicate and tasty, the aubergine starter nuanced and full of flavour and the grilled bread really tasty.  Great looking bathrooms, clean and tasteful decor throughout, tables at the back

• Isaac L.

  star star star star star_border 30 May 2026

  Just over the road from my flat and with the electricity out across the block.
  I came over with a friend Glad I did. The food was delicious. The prices are very reasonable for Golders Green. The star dish was the flavorful chicken liver starter. Just a tad too easy on the salt It's ideal for families and meat lovers with the on-site grilling. Friendly servers, easy on the pocket and a authentic experience. Will definitely return.

• Rachel N.

  star star star star_border star_border 18 May 2026

  3.5--will finish review in full later, but in the mean time, went on a quite snowy night when people weren't venturing out so we were one of 2 tables booked in the place, but apparently on a regular night it's packed.  They are known for their open fire charcoal grill, and perhaps it's a bit unfair that I didn't have something from the grill, but here are my two cents on the mezze, etc.  We started with the mixed mezze plate, which comes with 2 dolmas, hummus, tomato/eggplant spread, tomatoey tabbouleh, taramasala (sp?), 3 types of yogurts (spinach, tzaziki, and another), and tomato-stewed white beans.  The hummus and various yogurt dips were outstanding--excellent flavors and textures.  The beans and tomato tabbouleh were quite nice as well.  For din my companion went for the grilled quail, which comes with 2 quail, roasted tomatoes and chili peppers, and a nicely sized salad w/ grated carrots and beets.  I didn't sample, but he cleaned all bones that were to be cleaned, so suffice it to say, he ate well.  I ordered more mezze for din b/c we had had a heavier lunch (dim sum and then an orgiastic chocolate feast at hampstead creperie!), and I think that this was my mistake.  I ordered regular tabbouleh, but it was strangely sweet--I think there were peppers in it or something, but it was actually unpleasant.  The hummus (round 2) was still strong and mushroom/mint salad was decent--needed flavor, despite the promised mint.  Accidentally ordered more of the eggplant/tomato, which was also a mistake--not that it was bad...I just didn't need that much oil!
  
  Overall, I do think that this is a good restaurant, they have some kinks in service to work out, but it's really the grill that one should go for--I'd take veggies elsewhere (although there are more vegetarian options than it first appears when you walk in and are greeted by a meat case).