Young local entrepreneur Alexander Avila introduces La Notte

Firewood pizza inspired by the owner’s summers in Italy and the original techniques practiced in the birthplace of this iconic dish.

By Alexis Velasco

22-year-old Alexander Ávila keeps himself busy between his activities as a Gastronomy student at Universidad de la Vera-Cruz in Puerto Vallarta and his managing tasks at his restaurant La Notte (meaning “The Night”, in Italian), a woodfire pizzeria located in Colonia 5 de Diciembre, one block from Playa Camarones. Being part of the local LGBT community, Ávila decided to embark on this project in late 2019 and during the first months, the establishment had a wonderful response from both local and foreign clients. Today, Alexander and his business partners resist the Covid-19 pandemic, adapting to the new normal and elevating their service.

Originally from Michoacán, Ávila is based in Puerto Vallarta since he was 11 years old. Recently, he welcomed us at La Notte, where we could get to know its concept, inspired by the summers Alexander spent in Italy being an adolescent and where he worked at a few traditional pizzerias within the region of the Gulf of Naples and the Ischia Island. Although he felt always curious about cooking, it was here where he took his first steps within this culinary art.

The experience Alexander had in this European country led him to meet true artisans and the techniques they use to create authentic Italian pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens. “In Italy, this is truly a tradition. To me, it was surprising to see that making pizza was not that easy. For instance, the measures to make the dough are very precise and cooks check the weather forecast and many other factors to determine how to make it. Last summer I was there was 2018 and I got a certification as a pizzaman in a little town near Venice named Caorle.”

At his return to Mexico, Alexander continued working at establishments linked to gastronomy and taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity, he decided to open his own restaurant with his cousin and two friends. “And this is how La Notte was born.”

The menu features a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas with classic ingredients and styles such as Margherita, pepperoni, mushrooms and Quattro Stagioni. You’ll find also other combinations adapted to the clients’ tastes such as shrimp and other seafood, meat, Italian sausage and many more. “I encourage everyone to try this new experience that keeps the authenticity of Italian pizzas at a place offering a warm and comfortable ambiance. It’s perfect for family, friends, or couples, you all will spend a lovely evening.”

When asked about the difficulties they’ve faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Alexander explained that it was hard when they were forced to close for a few months due to the confinement established by the government this past March, especially because they’ve had a good response from clients. A month and a half ago, La Notte reopened only for the weekends as a means to adapt to this sanitary crisis.

At the establishment, they have all the measures and protocols endorsed by the authorities such as sanitizer gel and mats, tables that keep a considerable distance from each other and the staff wears face masks all the time. Clients are also required to wear masks when entering. Additionally, Ávila and his business partners hired the services of a cleaning agency in order to disinfect the facilities of La Notte.

La Notte is located at Honduras 115, Colonia 5 de Diciembre. It opens Friday to Sunday from 17:00 to 22:00 hrs. Delivery service available through Veloz by calling (322) 222 0207. For more information, visit their Facebook page La Notte PV or Instagram profile @lanottepv.

Buon appetito!