Raul Mendoza, the former executive chef of Paesanos Riverwalk, is bringing a taste of la dolce vita to San Antonio’s West Side with his new takeout restaurant, Alla Nonna’s. Located at 901 NW 24th St., the new spot focuses on fresh, affordable Italian-American cuisine.
After 28 years of cooking professionally and 13 years rising through the ranks of the classic downtown restaurant, Mendoza felt it was time to strike out on his own. Although he also has experience as a Mexican chef, he wanted to bring a new option to the underserved area.
“There’s a Mexican restaurant on every single corner,” he says.
Alla Nonna’s menu doesn’t stray too far from the classics, offering choices like chicken piccata, spaghetti pomodoro, caprese salad, tiramisu, and lasagna Bolognese. Still, Mendoza says he wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel with his offerings.
“I figured with the demographic around the area, [comfort food] is what they’re looking for,” he explains. “I wanted to show that you don’t have to go downtown for $40 a plate, or to Olive Garden.
While the prices are low, with all the entrees priced well under $20, there’s one major difference from casual chains. The kitchen team makes all of the food from scratch, including the sauces, pizza dough, and even the breading on the chicken parmesan. Even the most familiar dishes have a subtle gourmet touch — like the confit garlic used in the Hawaiian pizza or the creamy burrata pouch on other pies.
“We’re not a fast food restaurant,” says Mendoza. “We make fresh food fast.”
Alla Nonna’s primarily serves to-go orders, but it carved out some space in the former ghost kitchen for indoor dining and a comfortable perch while guests wait on their orders.
Mendoza says the restaurant is still finding its bearings after a sell-out first few days in business. While figuring out its groove, Alla Nonna’s is currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am-11 pm, but it has plans to be extend service to Monday in the coming weeks.
Dining and Cooking