Buon appetito: Sicilian chef brings authentic Italian flavors to the Big Island at Nui Italian

Delicacies imported from Italy are displayed at the restaurant’s entrance, along with grab-and-go food and beverages. (LANDRY FULLER/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY)

Pizzas are cooked to perfection in an oversized oven designed in Italy. (LANDRY FULLER/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY)

The indoor, outdoor restaurant seats 150 to 175 people. Additional seating is available in the bar, and take-out orders are also an option.

Pasta dishes are plentiful at Nui Italian. Fettuccine and linguine are handmade in-house. (LANDRY FULLER/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY)

The restaurant’s chef, Gino Cipriano, was born and raised in Taormina, Italy. (Photos by LANDRY FULLER/SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY)

Roman pizza, which resembles focaccia bread, is a popular item on the menu.

WAIKOLOA — The view of Mount Etna from Taormina, Italy on the east coast of Sicily has a striking resemblance to the view of Mauna Kea from Waimea, so Chef Gino Cipriano felt right at home when he moved to the Big Island.