In 2022, I had the pleasure of discovering Cyprus’ gluten-free dining scene, and what an incredible journey it was!
I’d love to share some of the wonderful spots I visited in Limassol and Nicosia that are a must-try for any gluten-free traveller. A sit-down meal at any of these places (save for the bakery recommendation) costs no more than €15, which is comparable to ‘regular’ restaurants that are not gluten-free.
Limassol’s top gluten-free eateries
My first stop in Limassol was the charming Bakery Kafeneio, where I enjoyed scrumptious gluten-free pancakes and a refreshing smoothie bowl. While the food was delightful, I found the waiting staff to be somewhat aloof.
For breakfast the following morning, I ordered from The Shopkeeper & Co., an elegant brunch spot offering a variety of gluten-free options in a visually stunning setting. I also ate there in person for lunch on that day. The attentive staff further enhanced my dining experience, ensuring that I felt well taken care of throughout my visit.
My all-time favourite dish from The Shopkeeper & Co is their overnight oats (almond milk, raisins, dark chocolate shavings and candied orange). It’s just so moreish and not too sweet. You must try this for brunch when you’re in town! (I have ordered the overnight oats dish on my 3 separate visits to Limassol and it always satisfies my sweet tooth without raising sugar levels!)
What truly sets this place apart is its unique blend of a restaurant and a shop, showcasing a thoughtfully curated selection of high-end UK produce and the renowned skincare brand Aesop.
The owner’s meticulous attention to visual merchandising helps maintain a health-conscious ambiance that extends beyond the meal, allowing patrons to bring a piece of the experience home with them.
The travel books and niche publications add an extra touch of charm to the atmosphere, complementing the open, minimalist seating area that’s becoming increasingly popular in the Greek dining scene.
As a fan of this stylish concept, I strongly recommend a visit to The Shopkeeper & Co. and look forward to returning myself.
Nicosia is heaven for gluten-free foodies!
After a week in Limassol, I took the InterCity bus to Nicosia. Here, I found an elegant bakery named Seed of Happiness – Artisan Cakes, where I met the friendly and chatty owner who takes great pride in their culinary creations.
The transparent glass counter allowed me to witness the care and attention put into each gluten-free treat, which not only looked stunning but also tasted incredibly indulgent.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much they resembled regular cakes in both flavour and texture.
The welcoming staff made my visit truly memorable, as they were both attentive and knowledgeable about the various offerings.
I also ordered their chocolate mylk cake via Wolt and it was an otherworldly experience. Any cake from here is guaranteed to blow your mind!
It’s clear that the Seed of Happiness Bakery takes gluten-free baking to new heights, and I highly recommend a visit for anyone seeking a delightful, guilt-free experience. They also offer gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free birthday cakes via order. If you live in Nicosia then I would recommend ordering their celebration cakes as they are guaranteed to please your guests!
For a hearty dinner, I made my way to MONTA | honest food. , a cosy café serving gluten-free and organic dishes. Any meal I bought from here left me feeling content and very energised!
The first meal I tried from MONTA was their Indonesian inspired rice bowl – I was very satisfied with the portion and flavour. From that point on, MONTA became my daily dinner choice, as their dishes consistently provided both satisfaction and a deeper sense of nourishment for my entire being.
The pricing of their menu is like any other café so you don’t have to worry about paying ‘extra’ for the organic food. I think this is how it should be and MONTA has found the perfect balance – kudos to their founder and chef!
MONTA is open from 7:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with shorter hours on Saturday (8:30am to 3:30pm). They are closed on Sundays.
Yes, Cyprus does have it all!
All in all, Cyprus has some fantastic gluten-free dining experiences to offer, complete with friendly service and affordable prices.
If you’re ever wandering through the captivating cities of Limassol and Nicosia, don’t hesitate to indulge in these delightful gluten-free sanctuaries!
