Kebapçı Usta is a charcoal-grill kebab specialist positioned in the Çarşı bazaar quarter of Amasya city centre, where its combination of fast service and reliably high-quality grilled meat has made it a fixture for local workers and market-goers seeking a proper lunch without a prolonged sit. The "Usta" (master craftsman) designation in the name signals a kitchen that takes the mechanics of grilling seriously: coals are managed for consistent temperature, meat is minced and shaped in-house, and skewers are turned by hand. The result is izgara köfte with a caramelised exterior and a juicy interior — the most-ordered item on a short, focused menu. Şiş tavuk (marinated chicken skewer) and lamb şiş are available alongside, giving diners the choice of poultry or red meat. Pilav (white rice or bulgur, depending on availability) and shepherd salad accompany every main. The dining room is modest: six to eight tables, strong lighting, and a counter where the grill is visible from every seat. Turnover is fast and the kitchen is geared to full-table service within fifteen minutes. Prices at ₺150–350 per head are reasonable for the quality of the protein. No alcohol. An evening visit (18:00–21:00) offers a slightly quieter experience than the midday rush, when the market crowd fills every table.
Signature dishes
- Izgara köfte
- Şiş tavuk
- Beyaz pilav (white rice)
- Shepherd salad
Good to know
- Known for
- Charcoal-grilled kebabs and köfte for a quick, high-quality lunch near the bazaar
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–21:00
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Atatürk Cad., Çarşı, 05100 Amasya, Turkey
40.6527, 35.8344 View on map
Highlights
- Charcoal-grilled izgara köfte shaped and cooked in-house — the definitive version in the bazaar quarter
- Full meal served in under fifteen minutes — ideal for a market-day lunch
- Visible grill counter so diners can watch the coal management and skewer-turning process
- Consistent quality built on the grill, not on décor or atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Order the köfte over the şiş on a first visit — it is the dish the kitchen has refined longest
- The lunch rush peaks 12:00–13:30; visiting before noon or after 14:00 means shorter waits
- The combined pilav-and-salad set alongside the köfte is the most efficient full meal at the best price
- Evening visits 18:00–20:00 are noticeably calmer than the midday bazaar crowd
Accessibility
The restaurant is at street level with no step at the entrance. Interior seating is on a single floor with closely spaced tables. The grill counter area may be warm during heavy service. Wheelchair access is possible but space is tight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kebapçı Usta close to the Amasya covered bazaar?
Yes — the restaurant is within the Çarşı district, a two-to-three minute walk from the covered bazaar and the bazaar simit and börek stalls.
Is the meat halal?
Yes. All meat served at Kebapçı Usta is halal. This is standard practice throughout Amasya's restaurant sector.
Can visitors order takeaway?
Takeaway is available for all grill items. Köfte and şiş travel reasonably well wrapped; allow a few minutes for packaging.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
No reservations are taken. The fast turnover means waits are rarely longer than ten minutes even at peak lunch hours.