A community staple for nearly three decades, Zia’s continues to receive recognition for its excellence
By ANTHONY W. ZAMMIKIEL — features@theaggie.org
Students at UC Davis have selected Zia’s Delicatessen as the Best Sandwich in Davis, with 41.2% of survey participants selecting it for its sandwiches, which have become a Davis delicacy for nearly three decades.
Owners Kevin and Anne Marie Crilly opened the restaurant located on 3rd Street between E Street and F Street in 1995, and the restaurant has become a fixture in an ever-changing downtown scene since.
Zia’s has received community recognition, including awards from local publications such as the titles of Best Sandwich Restaurant in previous years’ Best of Davis and Editorial Consideration from The Davis Enterprise. The recognition that Zia’s has received even extends beyond Davis into the larger Sacramento food scene.
Sally Guglielmo, a Davis resident who moved to the city from San Francisco, said that she appreciates how Zia’s has maintained its traditional Italian heritage and its commitment to a positive dining experience.
“Zia’s is like that little slice of Italian heaven here in Davis, and it is such a good thing to have such an experience like that here, and I think that it is seriously one of the best things that I have ever had,” Guglielmo said. “Moving from [San Francisco], I thought that I would have to give up that feeling of coming home to a family meal, but Zia’s is easily on par with everything that I’ve had the pleasure of eating when I was in the Bay [Area].”
Isabel Hernandez, a Davis student who is originally from Southern California, said that the restaurant reminds her of the local Italian delis that she would frequent with friends and family.
“Growing up in the valley down in [Southern California], you have all of these places that I just love, and some of my favorite places have the fondest memories for me,” Hernandez said. “And I can’t help but smile anytime I walk into Zia’s and order something. It just feels like home.”
Written By: Anthony W. Zammikiel — features@theaggie.org
