Perfect Pizza Revolution

Zpizza Hawaii brings a healthy twist to Italian favorites since opening its doors to its Ward Centre establishment in 2008 and its Kailua location in 2010. Owner Cesar Llarenas takes pride in the restaurant’s Southern Californian-Italian cuisine and says the original Zpizza got its start in sunny Laguna Beach, Calif., before making its way to the islands.

Specializing in delicious creations such as fire-baked organic pizza, fresh salads, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, this guilt-free eatery is the way to go.

“We call Zpizza ‘the pure one,’ meaning that we only use high quality ingredients to create a tasty pizza or whatever you wish — these ingredients are so much better for you,” Llarenas explains.

“We have so many pizzas to choose from, but the Pear & Gorgonzola Rustica Pizza is perfect for those who want something fresh,” he adds. “It’s probably one of the lightest pizzas we have here.

“We’re famous for our thin crust, but this is our thinnest crust yet — it’s great for sharing.”

Priced at $12.95 small, $22.95 large and $26.95 extra-large, the Pear & Gorgonzola Rustica Pizza makes mouths water with its alluring blend of flavorful mozzarella, gorgonzola, sweet pear slices and fresh thyme atop Zpizza’s delectable homemade crust.

And while the pizza usually takes the spotlight here, that isn’t to say the salads aren’t worth mentioning as well.

“People like our salads because of the ingredients that we use. We try to make the most of local ingredients,” Llarenas says. “The farm-to-table concept is really important to us.”

Pear & Gorgonzola fanatics, take note: The Pear & Gorgonzola Salad ($8.50 small, $10.95 large) is the most requested salad of the bunch. This refreshing creation lures in any appetite with its vibrant Waipoli mixed greens, pears, tatsy gorgonzola and roasted candied walnuts, drizzled with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

“We’re continuously working on new products,” Llarenas states. “Right now we’re working on Piatta, an Italian street food similar to a pizza roll, that will be available in different flavors such as Parmesean cheese and chicken curry. We’re hoping to launch that some time next month.”

And for a limited time only, be sure to take advantage of Zpizza’s famous Hawaiian Pizza.

zpizza