Limassol’s food scene just keeps getting better, and the latest addition is @chiesa.osteria. If you love Embers and Italian flavours, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Their menu switches up with the seasons, offering comforting classics reimagined with a contemporary edge. I headed over on a lively weeknight to see what the buzz is all about, and here’s how the evening unfolded. From the moment I approached the entrance, Chiesa Osteria exudes a warm, inviting vibe. The façade is modest, but once you step inside, the space opens up into a cozy, candlelit room with exposed brick, timber beams, and copper accents that give it a polished yet laid-back trattoria feel. The noise level is pleasantly buzzing—people laughing, forks clinking, and the soft hum of a curated Italian playlist in the background. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly relaxed, but you’re also aware you’re in for a thoughtfully prepared meal. Seating is comfortable, with a mix of window tables for daylight dining and more intimate nooks for evening conversations. The staff greets you like a guest in a friend’s home: practiced, attentive, and not afraid to share a quick tip about the menu or a wine pairing. The service has a confident pace—never rushed, never slow—and the team’s knowledge about dishes and ingredients helps you navigate the menu with ease. The menu itself leans into Italian flavours with a bold, contemporary twist. It’s clearly designed to be shared, with several antipasti and pasta options that tempt even the most decisive diner. Our table started with a few small plates that set a high bar for what followed. A burrata dish arrived melty and luxurious, its creaminess elevated by a bright tomato concasse, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a crack of flaky sea salt. The octopus, tender and charred at the edges, carried a citrusy brightness from a fennel-olive salad that balanced the richness of the cheese wonderfully. The overall impression was classic Italian comfort food that doesn’t shy away from modern technique. For the mains, the pasta options held their own with a confident hand. I tried a ribbon-tagliatelle with a mushroom ragù that felt homey in the best way, yet the sauce carried a depth of roasted garlic and a kiss of cream that didn’t weigh it down. Each strand held onto the sauce like a good partner—polished, glossy, and deeply satisfying. A second dish of handmade gnocchi, light as a cloud and dotted with sage-browned butter and a shower of parmesan, reminded me of the simple pleasures that Italian cooking does so well when executed with care. There’s a clear emphasis on freshness and texture, and the chef’s ability to coax umami from a few well-chosen ingredients is evident. If you’re in the mood for something with a little more bite, the seafood option—grilled branzino with herbs and a delicate lemon finish—was impeccably cooked: crisp skin, moist flesh, and a bright, refreshing sauce that cut through the natural richness of the fish. It’s a reminder that Chiesa Osteria doesn’t fill the plate with a lot of garnish; they let quality ingredients speak for themselves, with thoughtful seasoning to highlight each element. Sides and accompaniments are smartly selected to complement the mains without overshadowing them. A roasted vegetable medley offered a seasonal rainbow of colors and textures—sweet peppers and blistered tomatoes gave a slight char that made the dish feel rustic rather than fussy. The dish I found most surprising, in a pleasant way, was a potato fritter topped with a dollop of herbs and a hint of pecorino—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and a perfect counterpoint to the pasta dishes. Dessert offered a satisfying finish to the evening; we settled on a tiramisu that balanced espresso intensity with a fluffy, almost cloud-like mascarpone layer. The espresso martini I sampled on the side was not overly sweet—just the right amount of brisk bitterness to echo the coffee notes in the dessert. If you’re inclined toward lighter endings, a generous affogato would be a good alternative, letting generous scoops of gelato mingle with hot espresso and a touch of liqueur. The wine list at Chiesa Osteria deserves a commendation. It leans Italian with a small but carefully curated selection of regional wines. I found a red that paired beautifully with the more robust pasta dishes and a crisp white that cut through the seafood perfectly. The staff were quick to propose pairings, explaining how each bottle would enhance the dish rather than simply accompany it. For those who enjoy non-alcoholic options, a thoughtfully crafted sparkling beverage and a regional lemonade offered refreshing contrasts that kept the palate clean between courses. What stood out most is how Chiesa Osteria manages to blend Embers-like warmth with a distinctly Italian sensibility. The dishes are not reinventing pizza and pasta in a gimmicky way; they’re reimagining the Italian dining experience—seasonal menus, precise execution, and a comfortable, social atmosphere that makes sharing part of the evening’s pleasure. The kitchen appears to respect tradition while allowing the menu to develop with the seasons, so you can anticipate new dishes on future visits without feeling like you’ve already tasted everything. Price-wise, the meal sits in the mid-to-upper range for Limassol, but the portions are generous, the ingredients high quality, and the cooking consistently well-executed. For the quality you’re getting, the experience offers good value, especially if you choose to go with a few smaller plates to share and a couple of well-chosen wines. Practical tips if you’re planning a visit: - Book ahead, especially on weekends, to secure a preferred seating spot. - Consider sharing antipasti and a couple of pasta dishes to experience the breadth of flavors without overordering. - Ask the staff for wine recommendations; their pairing suggestions elevate the meal and give you a taste of different regions. - Leave room for dessert or opt for an affogato to round out the evening. In short, Chiesa Osteria feels like a welcome new chapter in Limassol’s Italian dining scene. It nods to the comforting, familiar angles that Embers fans appreciate, but it’s unmistakably its own voice—seasonal, ingredient-forward, and quietly sophisticated. If you’re craving Italian flavours presented with modern polish and a convivial, unfussy vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit.