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It’s Dessert Time

A La Carte Columns

May 15, 2016

Story By: Caitlin Basilio | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Brown Buttered Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae ($7.95)

Brown Buttered Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae ($7.95)

Best known as a family favorite on the Windward side of Oahu, Zia’s Caffe has become a staple for its authentic Italian food and exceptional customer service.

The eatery first opened in 1998 at its former location in Kailua, and then expanded to Kaneohe in 2001. Family-owned and operated, Zia’s Caffe has a lot of loyal guests who return for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.

Executive chef Jesse Kila makes it a priority to use mostly local ingredients and support local companies, such as Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop, which provides all of the restaurant’s bread products.

Baked Goat Cheese Dip ($9)

Baked Goat Cheese Dip ($9)

Recently, Kila revamped the dessert menu, as well as added some after-dinner drinks. Sink your teeth into Brown Buttered Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae ($7.95), which is a large, freshly baked cookie smothered in chocolate and caramel sauce and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry.

TO SHARE, OR NOT TO SHARE …

Also new to the menu is Zia’s Caffe’s Baked Goat Cheese Dip. For $9, this appetizer is served with toast topped simply with olive oil. The dip is the restaurant’s homemade red sauce, also known as “red gravy,” with goat cheese and basil pesto — all of which makes for the perfect shared dish.

Zia’s Caffe

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

Kaneohe, HI 96744

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