By Kate Bartlett
La Cocina Della Nonna has been offering traditional Italian Cuisine in Jamestown for many years. The menu features various Italian favorites and the ambiance is cozy and welcoming, but what sets it apart from the rest is the warm and friendly service and personal touches to each and every visit.
running a successful
business in North Carolina,
his wife, Elisabeth
decided to come
to Lakewood, NY and
found an opportunity
for them to start their
own Italian restaurant
and raise their family
in this family-oriented
environment. They
opened La Cocina Della
Nonna in 2016.
Pablo Flores is the owner and founder of La Cocina Della Nonna. Pablo immigrated from Puebla, Mexico, when he was 17 years old, and has been working in the restaurant industry ever since. A determined, hardworking individual, Pablo worked his way from dishwashing to bussing tables to working in the kitchen of an authentic Italian Restaurant in Queens, NY. “I learned from the best,” says Pablo. “I cooked alongside many incredible cooks, and gained a wide repertoire of Italian recipes.”
At age 22, Pablo moved to Cary, North Carolina, in order to settle down and buy a house. He furthered his experience in the restaurant industry working at an Italian Pizza Restaurant, where he worked his way up to General Manager for 10 years. “I learned many valuable skills that continue to serve me to this day,” says Pablo.
Pablo then decided to open the first ever food truck in North Carolina. Pablano’s Tacos became very successful, and he enjoyed serving the people of Cary this way for 10 years.
his way since immigrating to America at 17 years old, and his many successes
are no doubt a result of his personable, yet driven personality. “I love what I
do so it doesn’t even feel like work,” laughs Pablo. “I do it for my family. We
have three children, and three college tuitions to pay for. I want my children to
have the best in life.”
At this time, Pablo’s wife, Elisabeth, moved to Lakewood, NY to help open a restaurant. She saw the opportunity for Pablo to start an Italian restaurant in this area, and felt the area was a great place to raise their family. Pablo soon moved to Lakewood in and opened La Cocina Della Nonna in 2016.
Named after his grandmother, La Cocina Della Nonna offers traditional ‘old school’ Italian cuisine. The restaurant was a huge success, and Pablo moved from their original location on Fairmont to a bigger location on West Third Street years later. The interior is cozy and welcoming, offering a homey and traditional Italian atmosphere. Pablo and his team are planning for an outdoor patio to offer open air seating, anticipated to be completed in the coming year.
The menu offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes including alfredo, marsala, and chicken francese as well as gourmet Neapolitan pizza in more than 10 flavors (gluten free available). Calzones, fresh roles and pizza by the slice is also available, along with favorite Italian desserts, and drinks like green apple sangria, wine and beer. Pablo enjoys trying new recipes every few months, adding new menu items to keep his skills and the selection fresh.
Pablo enjoys cooking; his favorite part of the job is being in the kitchen. “I could spend hours on end cooking in the kitchen,” says Pablo. “It’s where I love to be.” He also enjoys interacting with customers, getting to know them and listening to their feedback. “I want everyone to feel at home here,” says Pablo. “I love listening to people’s stories, connecting with them, becoming friends and making them feel like family. We want people to come back again and again.”
The Flores family enjoys being a part of both the Jamestown and Lakewood community where they live. “The people here are just wonderful,” says Pablo. “Our hometown is very family-oriented, and we are proud to be a part of it. It’s safe and welcoming. We’ve made many happy memories here over the past 9 years.
Pablo is a testament that hard work and determination pays off. He has built his way since immigrating to America at 17 years old, and his many successes are no doubt a result of his personable, yet driven personality. “I love what I do so it doesn’t even feel like work,” laughs Pablo. “I do it for my family. We have three children, and three college tuitions to pay for. I want my children to have the best in life.”
For more information visit lacocinadellanonna.com and visit La Cocina Della Nonna at 718 W Third Street in Jamestown.