Is Netflix's Movie Nonnas Based On A True Story?

One of the latest releases from Netflix tells a heartwarming tale of four grandmothers, referred to by their traditional Italian moniker of "nonna," running the back of the house in a restaurant owned by Joe Scaravella (played by Vince Vaughn). Although it makes for an uplifting watch, some folks may not think the plot is entirely realistic. People familiar with cooking shows like "The Bear" or those who have worked in the culinary industry are acquainted with the fast-paced nature of commercial kitchens. It might seem unlikely that these nonnas would be able to keep up. However, those doubting the ability of these matriarchs to endure the stressful environment are in for a surprise: "Nonnas" is based on a genuine restaurant, Enoteca Maria, where nonnas rule the roost.

When the real-life Scaravella lost his mother and grandmother, he took the insurance money left behind to open a restaurant in his grandmother's honor in 2007. Raised in Brooklyn, he thought the best way to recognize his nonna's memory was to employ grandmothers from Italy to cook dishes they were intimately familiar with. The restaurant still operates today in Staten Island.

Reservations are sometimes hard to come by, as Enoteca Maria is only open Friday through Sunday. The regulars who helped the business succeed are prioritized over even celebrities, illustrated when one of the stars of "Nonnas," Susan Sarandon, is told by Scaravella that the restaurant is fully booked. Still, if you are lucky enough to secure a reservation, you will be treated to more than just Italian cuisine these days.

You don't need to be familiar with Italian words you might want to know when visiting an Italian restaurant to get an exquisite meal at Enoteca Maria, in part because not all the nonnas are Italian these days. In 2015, Scaravella decided to give grandmothers from all over the world an opportunity to showcase their cultural delicacies at the restaurant. The nonnas currently hail from Chile, Bangladesh, Russia, Greece, and Sri Lanka, among other countries.

The matriarchs also operate on a rotating schedule. On Friday, folks might be welcomed to Polish fare while on Saturday, they could be relishing Turkish specials. Of course, Italian cuisine regularly features on the menu della casa. From cappuzzelle to properly-layered lasagna, customers are treated to appetizing dishes only a nonna can cook to perfection. Customers looking for a souvenir on their way out to prove to their friends they had a chance to experience Enoteca Maria can get their hands on a "Nonnas of the World" apron or tote bag as well.

The Netflix film takes place before grandmothers from various countries were around, so viewers will see four Italian nonnas whipping up traditional Italian fare. Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), Gia (Susan Sarandon), Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), and Teresa (Talia Shire) comprise the heart and soul of the establishment as the nonnas, while Bruno (Joe Manganiello) is there as Scaravella's best friend, supporting him as he tries to make the seemingly ill-conceived restaurant concept work.