Strabon Restaurant & Bar occupies a prime position along the Yeşilırmak riverfront in Amasya, Turkey, where the floodlit Ottoman timber houses of the Hatuniye quarter are reflected in the water after dark. The riverside terrace is one of the most scenically positioned bar settings in the city — beer, wine, and raki are served alongside a full dinner menu, making this a natural stopping point for an evening drink while watching the ancient Pontic royal tombs illuminated above the roofline across the river.
The crowd is a relaxed mix of families, couples, and cultural tourists drawn by the view rather than a nightlife atmosphere. Dress is casual to smart-casual; the setting is conversational and unhurried rather than loud. Background music plays at low volume, keeping the river sounds and ambient city hum as the main sensory backdrop. Weeknight evenings are quieter and well suited to an intimate drink at sunset; summer weekend evenings bring a fuller terrace and more animated atmosphere, though the venue never tilts toward a club environment.
Beer and wine are the primary drinks focus, supported by raki, spirits, and soft drinks. Prices fall in the ₺150–400 range per item — moderate for Turkey. There is no cover charge at any time and the bar runs daily from 11:00 to 23:00 in tandem with the kitchen.
The most dramatic window for a drink is the 20:00–22:00 slot in summer, when the natural dusk light fades and the floodlighting on the Ottoman houses and cliff tombs reaches full effect. Reservations are recommended for dinner tables on summer weekends when the riverfront fills quickly; drinks-only guests can usually find terrace space earlier in the evening.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 11:00–23:00
- Signature
- One of the few licensed riverside restaurants; beer and wine available with dinner while facing the floodlit Ottoman houses
Location
Atatürk Cad., Yeşilırmak Kenarı, 05100 Amasya, Turkey
40.6543, 35.8358 View on map
Highlights
- Terrace seating directly on the Yeşilırmak riverfront facing floodlit Ottoman timber houses
- Beer, wine, and raki served alongside a full dinner menu with no cover charge
- Illuminated Pontic royal tombs visible above the roofline at dusk — one of Amasya's most photographed evening views
- Open daily 11:00–23:00; relaxed family- and couple-friendly atmosphere
- One of the few licensed riverside venues in Amasya
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before sunset (around 20:00 in summer) to secure a front-row riverfront table before the evening crowd builds
- Weekend evenings fill quickly — arriving early or phoning ahead avoids a long wait for prime terrace spots
- Raki pairs naturally with the cold mezes on the menu; the combination is the traditional Turkish riverside terrace experience
- The floodlit Ottoman houses are most dramatic after full dark, roughly 21:00–22:00 in summer — plan a second drink for that window
- Drinks-only guests may be asked to wait for table availability at peak dinner hours on busy summer weekends
Frequently asked questions
Is Strabon Restaurant & Bar suitable as a drinks-only stop without a full dinner?
Yes, drinks-only visits are possible, particularly at quieter times. On busy summer weekends, tables may be prioritised for diners, so arriving early or calling ahead is advisable if planning to drink without eating.
What drinks are available at the Strabon bar?
Beer, wine, raki, and spirits are available alongside soft drinks and tea. The venue is one of the few licensed riverfront spots in Amasya.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code applies. Smart-casual or casual attire is entirely acceptable. The atmosphere is relaxed and suitable for all ages.
Are reservations needed?
Reservations are recommended for dinner tables on summer weekends. For drinks on the terrace, walk-ins are generally accommodated, though the most desirable riverfront spots fill fast on warm evenings.