Nonnas on Netflix | May 9, 2025
A Taste of Home Away From Home
When Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a Brooklyn MTA worker, loses his mother and grandmother, he finds himself adrift. Searching for purpose and connection, he launches an Italian restaurant staffed entirely by nonnas—spirited grandmothers—from every corner of Italy. Nonnas is a heartwarming culinary dramedy that celebrates heritage, community, and the healing power of food.
Synopsis
Reeling from grief, Joe converts an old storefront into “Nonna’s Kitchen,” where each night brings a different menu inspired by his team of nonnas: a Sicilian matriarch dishing out pasta alla Norma, a Tuscan grandma perfecting ribollita, and more. As customers flock for authentic homemade pasta, Joe rediscovers joy, family bonds strengthen, and the restaurant becomes a beacon of warmth in a bustling neighborhood.
Stellar Ensemble Cast
- Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella – The well-meaning but frazzled restaurateur seeking to honor his family’s legacy.
- Susan Sarandon as Nonna Rosa – The Sicilian nonna whose fiery spirit drives both the kitchen and Joe’s heart.
- Lorraine Bracco as Nonna Giulia – A Naples native with a secret sauce recipe that steals the show.
- Talia Shire as Nonna Lucia – The soft-spoken Tuscan whose recipes evoke memories of rolling hills and family gatherings.
- Brenda Vaccaro, Joe Manganiello, Drea De Matteo, Linda Cardellini – Rounding out the nonna troupe and extended ensemble, each bringing unique flavor and wisdom.
Behind the Scenes
- Director: Stephen Chbosky, known for balancing heartfelt drama with lighthearted moments, guides Nonnas with a warm, empathetic touch.
- Producers: Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, and Jack Turner bring together the creative vision and logistical mastery needed to recreate the authentic bustle of an Italian eatery.
- Inspiration: Loosely based on Staten Island’s famed Enoteca Maria, where rotating grandmothers serve regional specialties, Nonnas honors real-life culinary heritage.
Themes & Tone
- Food as Healing: Each dish carries memories and stories, illustrating how cooking can mend broken spirits.
- Intergenerational Bonds: The film showcases mutual learning—Joe adapts to old-world techniques, while nonnas embrace modern marketing and friendship.
- Cultural Celebration: Through music, language, and recipes, Nonnas becomes a tribute to Italian regional diversity.
Why You Should Stream It
- Warmth & Laughter: Vince Vaughn’s knack for comedic timing pairs beautifully with the nonnas’ dry wit and no-nonsense wisdom.
- Star Power: With Oscar-nominated veterans like Susan Sarandon and franchise favorites like Lorraine Bracco, every scene sparkles.
Culinary Inspiration: Viewers will leave craving fresh pasta and inspired to reconnect with their own family recipes.
