Alfonso’s Cafe along Elvina Avenue may have closed for good after nearly seven years but did you know that Alfonso and Marcela Rinaldi are still serving delicious wood-fired pizza at the Avalon Bowling Club?
After Sunday, 8th May 2022, the site of Alfonso’s Cafe has been officially up for lease whilst the Rinaldis have brought their mobile wood-fired pizza oven, as well as their famous paella, to the bowlo every Friday evening.
Alfonso is also regular at the Avalon Surf Club every Sunday. On the other hand, he and his wife have amped up their catering services for private events every Saturday. Locals who are interested in having them for parties may phone 0431 202 422 for bookings.
The Rinaldis decided to give up their shop on Elvina Avenue due to the rise in the rental costs. Still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, Alfonso admitted that they can no longer afford the rent thus they have to surrender the site.
Alfonso is originally from Italy. He moved to the Northern Beaches more than 30 years ago and then met his wife more than a decade later. They have lived in Warriewood and Newport but decided to open the cafe in Avalon.
In 2018, the community rallied behind Alfonso and Marcela following a noise complaint about their “Pizza and Music” nights. The Council moved to shut down the street music and foodie event, which drew outrage from the community.
The locals asked the Council to reconsider since the family-friendly festivities ran until 8:30 p.m. only.
“By shutting this night down you are removing more and more of the fabric of what makes Avalon a great place to live,” the locals said in a petition. Fortunately, Council has reconsidered and reinstated Pizza and Music nights.
A few years later, the Rinaldis have been forced to shift its business. Nonetheless, the food and the service remain the same, especially for its loyal customers.
Follow Alfonso’s on Instagram for updates.