Amaseia Mutfağı is a restaurant on the Yalıboyu waterfront in Hatuniye Mahallesi, occupying a restored Ottoman-era building with views across the Yeşilırmak River toward the Pontic rock tombs carved into the cliff face. The kitchen specialises in dishes from the Amasya culinary canon, several of which have roots in the Ottoman palace tradition that flourished in the city during the 15th and 16th centuries when Amasya served as a seat of imperial princes. The tasting menu brings together five or six courses over 1.5–2 hours, presenting a structured survey of the region's most distinctive recipes.
The menu opens with toyga çorbası, a yoghurt soup thickened with chickpeas and wheat and finished with dried mint, recorded in Amasya cooking traditions dating back to the 15th century. A middle course of çiçek bamyası — a stew built around the flower-end cut of dried okra harvested from the Amasya and Çorum plains — follows. Bakla dolması, stuffed broad-bean pods filled with seasoned rice and fresh herbs, represents the spring table of the Black Sea foothills. The centrepiece is keşkek, a slow-cooked pounded wheat and lamb dish traditionally prepared for weddings and festivals; at Amaseia Mutfağı it is prepared in batches and served as a principal course. Bread, regional mezes, and a seasonal dessert round out the meal.
Pricing runs ₺400–800 per person (approximately $8.70–17), inclusive of bread, mezes, and dessert; drinks are ordered separately. The restaurant accepts walk-in guests when tables are available, but reservation by phone at +90 358 212 0000 is advisable at weekends and during the summer tourist season. Seating is available both indoors and on a riverside terrace. The kitchen requests advance notice for parties of six or more to ensure the keşkek can be freshly portioned.
The menu is presented in Turkish with English translation available on request; staff have basic English language ability. Vegetarian substitutions can be arranged with advance notice, replacing meat dishes with additional meze courses. The tasting menu experience is leisurely in pace and suited to travellers seeking an unhurried introduction to Amasya's culinary heritage in a historically evocative setting.
What is included
- Toyga çorbası (yoghurt soup)
- Çiçek bamyası (flower okra stew)
- Bakla dolması (stuffed broad-bean pods)
- Keşkek (pounded wheat and lamb)
- Bread, mezes, and dessert
Good to know
- Operator
- Amaseia Mutfağı restaurant; phone +90 358 212 0000
Location
Hatuniye Mah., Hazeranlar Sok. No: 3, 05100 Amasya, Turkey
40.6550, 35.8370 View on map
Highlights
- Keşkek — pounded wheat and lamb requiring hours of preparation — served as the principal tasting course
- Toyga çorbası yoghurt soup, a 15th-century recipe from the Amasya and wider Pontic culinary tradition
- Riverside terrace seating overlooking the Yeşilırmak River and the ancient Pontic rock tombs
- Çiçek bamyası okra stew showcasing produce sourced from the Amasya and Çorum plains
Tips for visiting
- Reserve by phone (+90 358 212 0000) for weekend visits or group bookings of six or more
- Arrive moderately hungry — the tasting menu runs five to six courses and portions are generous
- Request a terrace table in advance for river views; indoor seating is more readily available as a walk-in
- Vegetarian substitutions are possible with advance notice; communicate requirements when booking
- The menu changes seasonally — spring visits feature fresh bakla dolması while autumn brings pumpkin mezes
Frequently asked questions
Is the tasting menu available every day?
The restaurant operates year-round, though calling ahead is advisable on public holidays or during Ramadan when kitchen schedules may differ. The tasting menu is a standing offering rather than a special set-night event.
How does the tasting menu pricing compare to ordering à la carte?
The tasting menu at ₺400–800 per person is broadly comparable to ordering four courses à la carte, with the advantage of a curated sequence. Drinks are not included and are charged separately.
Can children participate in the tasting menu?
The restaurant accommodates children; the kitchen can simplify portions on request. Dishes like keşkek and bread mezes are generally well-received by younger diners. High chairs can be requested by phone when reserving.
Is parking available near the restaurant?
Street parking is available along Hatuniye Mahallesi and adjacent streets; spaces fill quickly in summer. The restaurant is a 10–15 minute walk from the main Amasya bus station, making arrival on foot or by taxi straightforward.