Convivial trattoria featuring real international grandmothers cooking on a rotating schedule.
Dawn Brizzi
We came in during the snowstorm getting lucky calling for a last minute reservation. If you have not been here please go. What a idea to have different foods prepared by Nonnas. A delicious opportunity to try unique dishes from all over the world. The service was just beyond warm and inviting. I cannot wait to come back- already looking at the Nonnas calendar. YUMIKO thank you for coming and chatting with us- the chicken Katsu just wow- it was a privilege to meet you. We loved seeing you in the kitchen prepping!! Everyone there was lovely. The burrata was so beyond creamy, basil so fresh, the meatballs were like my grandma made them – really I do not have enough words for this review !!!! Please go try. Staten Island gem.
… moreHappy doozer
I first heard about this place from a documentary, then saw the movie last year, had to make sure I got over to Staten Island for a bite. The food offered today was Italian, Japanese and Sri Lankan. It all looked amazing. The owner is still taking non-stop calls for reservations. I was lucky to have gotten in since I came in on my own. I was sat at the counter and enjoyed watching all of the hustle and bustle in this cozy kitchen. The size helps you feel like you’re waiting for your Mama to finish cooking your meal as you watch.
I ordered the lasagna which was very good, but really, the star of the meal was the fresh banana pudding. Never have I enjoyed such a delicious, creamy, well-balanced and fresh pudding. It was divine.
The cost is a little high but it is so worth it for the freshness. They serve some alcohols but they offer good pairings for the meals offered.
I am so happy to have been able to enjoy this meal I had waited so long for.
They only take cash and for now reservations are done in person or by phone. From what I heard they will soon have an online platform to do these. Also, they only take reservations on a rolling, monthly basis. If you get to go, I hope you enjoy it too.
… moreEman Eshmawy
Absolutely, undeniably, incredibly spectacular!! We had 7:30PM reservations on 12/27 with two adults and three kids. Joe was so nice and kind; he knew us by name because we made the reservation directly with him. Nonna Maria herself greeted us and told us a bit about her. She was delightful! We ordered her perfectly made meatballs and scrumptious lasagna. We also ordered from the Puerto Rican menu (fried fish cod — it was delicious). The food was fantastic, the wait staff precise and friendly and the atmosphere was everything we expected. Our recommendation is to contact them via phone because reservations are always needed (and rightfully so — the food and people are amazing). This is worth every penny and we will be coming back again! Remember!! It’s cash only! Thank you Joe & company!
… moreSimon’s Travels
The heart warming film staring an amazing cast made us want to come here to see it in ‘real life’ all the way from the UK
It did not disappoint. We were greeted by the fabulous owner ‘Joey’ and we got to meet today’s ‘Nonnas’ who were cooking.
The food was of the highest quality and the service was second to none.
We had the Mozzarella starter which was beautifully presented and tasted superb.
For mains we had the lasagna and meatballs again absolutely top notch!
THIS FOOD IS MADE WITH LOVE ❤️ and that’s the difference…….
The wine is of excellent quality and it truly represents great value for money
The service again gets a 10 out of 10 for us so well done
We enjoy good food and wine and Nonnas was as good if not better than anything we could ask for! Thank you Joey for your beautiful concept and following your dreams!
You are an inspiration.
… moreC C
Imagine a simpler time. You’re at your Italian friend’s grandmother’s house, where dinner is made the slow way because there’s nowhere else to be. It’s a long weekend, time is generous. You’ve already had her signature tipple, the one she still argues about with her doctor, and a little wine she schlepped back from Napoli.
Her Trini friend drops by, bringing family recipes and big energy, sharing stories and food with her adopted New Yorker grandkids (you and your goober friends). This table is everything: cozy, welcoming, eclectic.
You eat a hearty meal. She teaches you how to eat lamb brains, how to get every last bit of meat from the head. When you finish, she tells you she’s proud of you.
Then the bill comes, and some of the magic slips away. You take a little home with you.
This is what the world is supposed to be: a place where people are welcomed in, where differences are shared, and where you leave more open, more curious, more human than when you arrived. There’s plenty for everyone. We just have to learn how to share.
… moreShirl Shirl
Pros: The food is good and has a “homemade” flavor and the portions are generous. The price per entree is not bad either.
Con: The only issue we had was the reservation system. It was impossible to get a response from WhatsApp or email when we attempted to make a reservation.
We had to go in person to Staten Island to make a reservation in person with the owner. The system is not optimal.
In the end, we ended up securing a reservation and ate at Nonnas.
We came across people who had traveled from abroad to eat there, and had the same issue, no response when reaching out. So be warned, please.
I am not local to NYC. It took my cousin 3.5 hrs to get there from Long Island, and my friend from Queens 2.5 hours to only be told, we are at capacity, please make a reservation to come back another day.
The only reason as to why we went back is because this was a dream for my family member.
… moreClint Eastwood
Old-school Italian food that surpasses any Italian restaurant in Little Italy. However, the atmosphere doesn’t quite match the name or the movie. I’m puzzled by all the action figures like Batman and Superman scattered around. It’s called ‘Nonnas,’ yet I only saw a picture of actual nonnas.”
… moreDavita Gardner
First you should make a reservation, second they only take cash and third they are very accommodating and NICE. I felt kinda bad because I was so needy. I had rushed there from getting off my train, dropping off my suitcase in Manhattan and then caught the subway and ferry to the restaurant. I sat at the bar and talked with Joe for a bit. Asked if I could share his barstool for my purse, then I needed to charge my phone so I’d know which subway to take back to my hotel. Whew…. Me the Needy customer! But my waitress and everyone was so nice. I ordered from the Puerto Rican menu, empaladas and from the Italian menu, chicken cacciatore with a salad. I ate the empanadas there at the restaurant, delicious, filled with meat, cheese and veggies and the chicken cacciatore also delicious, with tomatoes, onions and herbs and the most tender chicken. The salad was crisp and fresh. I got the chicken and salad to go. Packed very well for a long ferry and subway ride to the hotel. Didn’t spill a bit! I had dessert there too cheesecake, it wasn’t bad. I got to meet Irene the visiting nonna from Puerto Rico.
… moreAlexa Boyle
We had a wonderful time at Enoteca Maria! The food from Argentina was cooked to perfection, and the hospitality was absolutely amazing. We also couldn’t resist trying their classic Italian grandmas’ meatballs — comforting and delicious! It’s truly such a special place, and the black garlic gelato was the perfect, phenomenal finish to the meal. Highly recommend!
… moreDavid Baechle
It is super rare for me to give five stars, especially to a restaurant that is not considered fine dining.
But I rate the Restaurant for what it really is.
This is an excellent restaurant. The experience is fantastic and the food is superb. The service leaves nothing to be needed by the customer. Special attention is given to every plate and every single customer from the owner to the waitress to the way the food is prepared.
The owner Joe is very personable and approachable. Although he is busy as heck running the restaurant he still will take time to say hi.
Highly recommended and because of menu changes almost daily is impossible to recommend anything specific, but I will say anything we ate at this restaurant was superb!
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