The Cyprus Tree Restaurant & Bar

On January 1st we went for dinner at The Cyprus Tree in Ohakune. I booked ahead of time and notified that my daughter has ceoliac disease. Upon arrival we consulted the menu and discussed options with our waitress. She pointed out everything marked GF on the menu was safe. I noted the fries were GF... great we thought, seperate fryer. We were advised no separate fryer. Under the kids food were meatballs and spaghetti, GF it noted. I was informed that the meatballs were no longer GF as they had changed supplier but not the menu. We settled on steak, roast potatoes and broccolini. This was served with gravy in separate jug. I sought clarification from the waitress that the gravy was GF. She went to the kitchen to ask. Then the waitress and another woman rushed to the table and shouted at our daughter to stop eating as the food wasn't safe and was cross contaminated. The broccolini I believe they said had been cooked in pasta water. They removed her meal. They prepared another meal for our daughter which she ate sometime later alone as we had all finished. A concerning number of issues here, despite many many times reiterating ceoliac disease.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Excellent food, safe and tasty!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Super knowledgeable staff re cross contamination, asked if coeliac and noted on order. Food was excellent. Great atmosphere during a busy winter evening. Bonus points for the excellent kids play area (unrelated to GF but it helps having a nice meal with the children occupied)

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great menu with most items GF or able to be made so. Very tasty, service fantastic

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We visited this restaurant for dinner after biking the Old Coach Road and hiking in the area. This place had very good table service, although it is a casual, family friendly place. We both ordered the venison dinner and it was excellent, cooked perfectly and accompanied with potatoes au gratin and red cabbage and beets. There was enough sauce served with the dish; one of our criticisms of many meat dishes is that you never get enough sauce! Servers very knowledgeable of the celiac diet. The Cyprus Tree is absolutely gluten-free friendly and our recommendation.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Many meals are either gluten free or can be made GF. Knowledgeable staff. Said they have a dedicated gf fryer.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Thanks for great review! I’d just like to let others who may read this that due to a menu change we no longer have a dedicated gf fryer. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I would hate to have someone order them thinking it’s gf, or have a craving we can’t meet.

Ordered a lovely baked Brie entree, served with fresh gluten free bread, delicious! Excellent steaks, size and sides, all the potato options being gluten free and the sauces. Would definitely come back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent