Ever since seeing the movie Nonnas, we’d been trying to get a reservation at this restaurant. In case you haven’t seen it, Vince Vaughn plays Joe, a man who opens a restaurant in his late mother’s honor and staffs the kitchen with real Italian grandmothers, or “nonnas,” to cook their traditional dishes. It’s a huge hit, and — this is the best part — it’s based on a true story.
The restaurant is real. It’s called Enoteca Maria, tucked away in Staten Island’s St. George neighborhood, and it’s been quietly serving up home-cooked meals since 2007. It started with a rotating cast of Italian nonnas, one from Naples, one from Sardinia, each bringing her own regional recipes to the table. Then the owner had an idea: why stop at Italy? The kitchen opened up to grandmothers from all over the world, and the restaurant now operates as Nonnas of the World Community, a non-profit dedicated to giving senior women a platform to share their culinary heritage, keep their traditions alive, and combat the isolation that so often comes with age.
The night we went, the special nonna was from Paraguay, and an Italian nonna was cooking alongside her. Two countries, one kitchen, one incredible meal. It was a special evening from start to finish, capped off by a stunning sunset on the ferry ride back to Manhattan.
We’ll be back!
Human Places 
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