Zia’s Deli, at 616 Third St. downtown, has received the most votes and been awarded the “Best Sandwich” in the poll now known as “Best of Yolo County” 17 times...

The Zia is a zucchini frittata on a roll with provolone, served hot or cold, dressed with oil and vinegar; simple yet brilliant. I like the frittata warmed, which melts the provolone a little, and I add pepperoncini for some acidity and spice.

A big fave of the university lunch crowd, tiny Zia’s cranks out some of the best sandwiches in Davis.

The most popular meat item on the menu is the Viareggio, which consists of turkey, smoked mozzarella, pesto mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. The Livorno is the most popular vegetarian sandwich and consists of fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Breathing the aroma of the air, sweetened by air cured meats, fresh baked pastries, and pungent cheeses encourage you to bask in the perfume. Your eyes feast on every piece of eye candy the haven has to offer.

Mentioned on the dust jacket of Lescroart's 2005 novel "... if you want deli, Zia's is pretty damn good Italian."

Zia's opened in November 1995, after Kevin and Anne Marie left careers in the telecommunications and banking fields, respectively. Going into business together was something the couple had always talked about.