Morning Glory

Few dining experiences are as cozy and satisfying as starting the day off right at your favorite breakfast nook. Until recently, Kaneohe residents had to venture outside of their zip code to find a mom ‘n’ pop shop with a killer brunch menu. That all changed last November, when Zia’s Caffe added a full feast of traditional breakfast foods to its repertoire. Ever since, mornings have never been better for both nearby residents as well as patrons across the island, and all of them now have a go-to spot for the most important meal of the day.

Owner Don Dymond first opened Zia’s in Kailua in 1998, then expanded the operation three years later with a second locale in Kaneohe. The eateries’ fresh array of Italian-inspired cuisine quickly made Zia’s a Windward staple, and while Dymond sold the Kailua restaurant last year, the Kaneohe branch is still going strong.

As the owner of Kalapawai Grocery & Deli and Kalapawai Cafe in Kailua — both of which serve popular breakfast menus — Dymond was inspired to bring some morning glory in the form of fine eats to his warm, rustic Kaneohe retreat.

“I think the weekend activity in Kaneohe has gotten bigger and better,” explains Dymond. “We see the breakfast market maturing in Kailua and nobody was really doing much in Kaneohe for breakfast, so we thought it’d be an opportunity for us.”

To rise and shine in true foodie fashion, diners are beginning their day with one of Zia’s adored salmon dishes. Lox and Bagels ($12.50) delights with the works: Norwegian-style smoked salmon, a toasted bagel, cream cheese, capers and red onions. “It’s very good, and very, very popular — so popular it sold out last weekend,” says Dymond.

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Breakfast ($12) is another salmon-lovers’ must, presenting avocado, scrambled eggs and a uniquely scrumptious Sriracha syrup to accompany the lightly smoked fish.

You’ll find the classics you can’t live without on Zia’s breakfast menu, such as Eggs Benedict ($12) served with hash browns and French Toast with fruit toppings ($10). You’ll also find new twists on island favorites, including a Loco Moco ($10.50) prepared with house-made patties consisting of a hamburger and sausage blend. What kind of sausage you ask?

True to Zia’s style, it’s Molinari Italian sausage, of course.

Without a doubt, one of the best things about starting your day at this villa of deliciousness is that you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to do so. Late risers are welcome, as breakfast is served Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Zia’s Caffe

45-620 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe
235-ZIAS (9427)
MondayFriday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
ZiasKaneohe.com