The new Netflix film Nonnas, which began streaming on May 9, 2025, shines a spotlight on Staten Island, a borough that often goes unnoticed in the cinematic landscape. Directed by Stephen Chbosky and written by Liz Maccie, the film tells the touching story of Joe Scarevella, played by Vince Vaughn, who opens an Italian restaurant in honor of his late mother. The unique twist? The restaurant, Enoteca Maria, is staffed entirely by grandmothers, or "nonnas," from around the world, who share their cherished recipes and culinary traditions.
Vaughn's character, Joe, is inspired by his own grief after losing his mother. He decides to quit his dead-end job to pursue a dream that not only pays homage to her memory but also brings the community together through food. The film features an impressive cast, including Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Joe Manganiello, Linda Cardellini, and Susan Sarandon, all of whom contribute to the heartwarming narrative.
However, fans of Staten Island might be surprised to learn that much of Nonnas was not filmed on the island itself. Instead, the majority of the movie was shot in various locations throughout New Jersey. According to reports, filming took place in Bayonne at 44 East 14th Street, Paterson—including scenes at the Paterson Great Falls National Park and downtown Paterson—Hoboken, where Vaughn became a familiar face over the summer of 2023, and Jersey City.
The movie's version of Enoteca Maria was filmed at 714 3rd Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey, at the now-closed Italian restaurant Spiritos. This establishment, which had been serving customers since 1932, shut its doors during the pandemic in 2020. Interestingly, the film pays homage to Spiritos by incorporating its name into the script, even featuring a shot of its original tile floor that reads "Spiritos, Est. 1932."
While some establishing shots were filmed in Staten Island, including a glimpse of Taqueria El Gallo Azteca at 75 Victory Blvd, the bulk of the film was shot across the river. This choice was likely influenced by the financial incentives provided by New Jersey's film tax credits.
Chbosky, who has a personal connection to Italian culture through his marriage, aimed to represent this community authentically in Nonnas. He expressed his desire to capture the essence of family and food, emphasizing the importance of the dinner table as a place where memories are made and traditions are passed down. Maccie, who met some of the real nonna chefs at the Staten Island restaurant, drew inspiration from her own life experiences and relationships when crafting the characters.
In interviews, both Vaughn and Chbosky shared their admiration for the real Joe Scaravella, the restaurateur behind Enoteca Maria. Scaravella, who was supportive throughout the filmmaking process, praised the movie, saying he loved every aspect of it. Vaughn described Scaravella as someone who is more concerned with the food and the experience than merely running a business, highlighting the restaurant's purpose as a space for connection and enjoyment.
Joe Manganiello, who plays Bruno in the film, was drawn to the project after reading the script. He expressed his appreciation for the blend of heart and humor, noting that it was a refreshing departure from some of the more adult-themed roles he had taken on in the past. "I love heart and humor together, and when that’s done well, I just think it’s like the perfect combination and just unbeatable," Manganiello said.
The film’s narrative resonates with audiences, particularly as it was released just in time for Mother’s Day, a holiday that celebrates the bond between mothers and their children. Nonnas taps into this sentiment, exploring themes of family, loss, and the healing power of food. As it showcases the kitchen mastery of the grandmothers, it also pays tribute to the rich history of Italian-American culture, reminiscent of other beloved films like Stanley Tucci’s Big Night.
As viewers settle in to watch Nonnas, they can expect a film that not only entertains but also touches the heart. The combination of laughter, emotion, and delectable dishes creates a recipe for success that is likely to resonate with many families. With its focus on the importance of food in fostering connections, Nonnas serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and tradition.
