On the third floor of Mall of America is Kaskaid Hospitality’s newest culinary venture, Zio Modern Italian, which opened December 2015. “Zio Italian has a welcoming atmosphere and is a space where families and friends can enjoy the authenticity of Italian food, wines and hospitality,” says Vittorio Renda, Zio Italian Brand Ambassador.
“We serve made-from-scratch classic Italian dishes including spaghetti and meatballs and contemporary dishes including garganelli pasta with vodka sauce and more,” says Renda. Pastas are handmade daily in house, authentic thin-crust pizzas are cooked in a stone pizza oven, and an expansive wine selection and grappa flights make Zio’s food and drink offerings some of the best you’ll find at MOA. For those looking for a twist on classic Italian fare, try the meatball burger, complete with caramelized onions, tomato jam, fresh mozzarella and lemon aioli.
Zio’s private dining space, accommodating 25 or up to 100 with the doors open, features a flat-screen TV for presentations. Groups can choose from three tiers of plated lunches or dinners (which feature bread service, soup or salad, an entrée selection and dessert), or arrange a chef’s table. “Our private dining space is perfect for birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries, family gatherings and more,” says Renda.
