**Crosta Nostra: Southern Italy on a Plate in Nicosia**
In the heart of Nicosia, a culinary gem known as Crosta Nostra is making waves with its authentic Southern Italian cuisine. The restaurant, which has recently updated its menu and cocktail offerings, brings a taste of Sicily and Naples to the capital of Cyprus.
Crosta Nostra, whose name cleverly references the Italian phrase “Cosa Nostra,” emphasizes the importance of the “crosta,” or crust, particularly in its signature Neapolitan pizzas. The restaurant boasts both indoor seating and an inviting outdoor area on a pedestrian street, providing a pleasant dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
The menu is a vibrant showcase of Southern Italian dishes, featuring a variety of fresh pasta, pizzas, and an array of Italian ingredients. The highlight of the pizza selection includes classic options like Margherita and Marinara, alongside more inventive choices such as Truffle & Mushrooms, Cuor di Leone with Aegina pistachio pesto and stracciatella, and Dante Alighieri topped with nduja and pancetta. Each pizza is crafted with dough that is allowed to rest before being baked at high temperatures in a traditional wood-fired oven, ensuring a perfect crust.
In addition to pizzas, Crosta Nostra offers a range of salads and starters. Diners can choose from a Caprese salad featuring burrata and cherry tomatoes, a refreshing Palermo salad with fennel and orange, or the Crosta salad with beetroot and ricotta. For those looking to start their meal with something hearty, options include Parmigiana di Melanzane, Sicilian arancine, and beef tartare.
The pasta selection is equally impressive, with daily preparations that reflect seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, gnocchi with gorgonzola, pear, and pecan, and classic carbonara made with guanciale and pecorino romano. Seafood dishes are also available, changing daily based on the freshest catches.
For the main course, Crosta Nostra features a variety of meat options, including lamb chops with a herb crust, cotoletta alla milanese, and beef tagliata served with bone marrow butter. Diners can also enjoy grilled umbrina fillet accompanied by seasonal sides, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and freshness.
To complement the food, the cocktail list at Crosta Nostra is inventive and refreshing. Unique offerings include a Margherita cocktail made with fresh red chili and Aperol, an Old Fashioned infused with tangerine and miso, and a creative take on the Negroni Sour featuring milk liqueur and pink grapefruit.
Dessert options are a delightful conclusion to any meal, with traditional favorites such as Sicilian cannoli and tiramisu. The Crosta Ring, a dessert made from pizza dough filled with ricotta, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream, is a must-try for those seeking something unique.
Located at 16 Zinas Kanther, Nicosia, Crosta Nostra is open for those looking to indulge in the rich flavors of Southern Italy. For reservations or inquiries, patrons can contact the restaurant at 22 210435.
As Nicosia continues to evolve as a culinary destination, Crosta Nostra stands out as a testament to the vibrant and diverse dining scene, offering a slice of Italy right in the heart of Cyprus.