Italian Classics With A Twist

Steaming Clams with Italian Sausage ($14.50)
File photo

Over the years, Zia’s Caffe has become a family-dining staple on the Windward side of Oahu. Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Koolau Mountains, Zia’s is best known for its Italian-inspired cuisine and feel-good ambiance, which guests enjoy from the moment they enter the eatery.

The family owned and operated restaurant first opened in 1998 at its former location in Kailua, before expanding to Kaneohe in 2001.

Although Zia’s offers traditional Italian dishes, executive chef Jesse Kila keeps his guests on their toes by constantly coming up with new, delectable meals to serve them. What’s more, Kila makes it a priority to use the freshest ingredients possible, supporting local companies such as Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop, which provides all of the bread at Zia’s Caffe.

HAPPY AS A CLAM

Start your meal with Steaming Clams with Italian Sausage. For $14.50, this whopping appetizer is made to be shared with the whole family. Patrons can’t resist the aroma of garlic, tender Cedar Sole clams flown in fresh from Cedar Key, Florida, pieces of Italian sausage and a side of grilled bread slathered with garlic-basil butter. The pupu is topped with softened leeks and a white wine and crushed San Marzano tomato broth.

Zia’s Caffe

45-620 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe
235-9427
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.