Why the Heart and Soul of Netflix’s ‘Nonnas’ Are Its Incredible Grandmothers

Italian restaurants are iconic in movies. You might imagine red checkered tablecloths, overflowing plates of spaghetti, or glasses of red wine. Films like Big Night and The Sopranos bring these settings to life. Now, we have Nonnas, directed by Stephen Chbosky. It’s inspired by a real place, Enoteca Maria, located on Staten Island.

Founded by Jody Scaravella in honor of his late mother, Enoteca Maria has delighted diners since 2007. The unique concept features a rotating group of grandmothers, or “nonnas,” who cook traditional dishes from their homelands. The restaurant currently includes nonnas from Italy, Ecuador, Syria, and other places. In the film, the focus is on four distinctly Italian characters played by Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, and Talia Shire.

From the start, Nonnas celebrates food. Classic Italian-American staples fill the screen, sparking nostalgia and warmth. When Joe Scaravella, played by Vince Vaughn, recalls his childhood, his memories are rich with delicious dishes. Yet, as he sits at his mother’s funeral years later, he faces a plate of pasta he dislikes, highlighting the contrast between joyful memories and current grief.

Joe is well-meaning but a bit clueless. He decides to open Enoteca Maria to reconnect with his late mother, dragging his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) into the venture. His attitude reflects a common misconception: “What’s hard about opening a restaurant? You cook, people eat, everyone’s happy.”

The portrayal of restaurant challenges in Nonnas is more laid-back compared to intense shows like The Bear. While it leans into familiar stereotypes of Italian-American culture—like spirited discussions about sauce versus gravy—these moments still resonate. The film captures the heart of family gatherings, complete with lively debates and the comfort of home-cooked meals.

The most entertaining scenes shine when the four lead actresses are in the kitchen. Their different regional backgrounds bring humor and clash, particularly when Roberta (Bracco) and Antonella (Vaccaro) engage in a playful food fight. Their spirited interactions are genuinely entertaining and highlight the joy of cooking together.

At its core, Nonnas is a tribute to older women. Sarandon’s character, Gia, delivers a powerful message about embracing beauty and strength at any age. Writer Liz Maccie draws from her own Italian-American upbringing to create authentic, relatable characters who often don’t get depicted in this light.

The film concludes with Joe’s restaurant finally gaining popularity after a positive review. The upbeat ending feels satisfying, especially knowing it’s based on real events. Jody Scaravella’s journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects the delightful chaos associated with cooking and family. A short featurette about the actual nonnas plays before the credits, adding an emotional touch that some viewers will find touching.

While Nonnas doesn’t break new ground, it fits into a well-loved tradition that celebrates Italian cuisine. But the story of these diverse grandmothers and their culinary heritage brings depth. Whether you’re hungry for a trip down memory lane or just looking for a feel-good movie, this film will likely leave you craving a comforting plate of pasta.

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