'Nonnas' Movie Review: A Heartwarming Tale of Family, Food, and Healing

“Nonnas,” also known as Grandmothers, was a heartwarming, endearing reverie. Watching it was like having a seat at the table of the deliciously delectable foods they cooked. This is a true story that begins with a child, Joey Scaravella, growing up in a family and community where everyone knew each other, 40 years ago in Brooklyn, NY.

Nonnas reminds one how much family and friends add to the growth and development of children. Joey loved watching and taste-testing the foods his Mom and Nonna made in the kitchen. Joe grows up and is devastated by the loss of his mom. He learned to cook—and actually did it well. He could recreate a lot of the foods he remembers, except his Nonna’s sauce. That is a subtle thread tied to his most cherished core family memory.

Joe grew up to be an MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) worker. The grief he carried with him was debilitating at times. Joe would visit his Mom’s best friend, Roberta, in the assisted living facility. His family and best friend tried to help him. They shared memories, and Joe gave her his Mom’s gift. Roberta gave Joe a letter from his Mom, which he couldn’t open due to the flood of memories.

Later, his best friend Bruno and Bruno’s wife Stella finally talked to him, helping him work through his grief. Joe agreed he’d try. Slowly, he began visiting places he used to go with his Mom and Nonna. On a visit to Staten Island, he reconnected with an old friend, Olivia, and her neighbor. He found a restaurant and bought it—with the dream of making food like his Mom and Nonna used to make.

The restaurant needed serious renovations. Stella loved the idea Joe had: getting real-life grandmas (Nonnas) to cook. Bruno shared what was needed to bring the building up to code. Stella started planning decorations. Bruno agreed to do the renovation work, and things started to happen.

Joe met a local business owner who wasn’t pleased with outsiders changing things. Joe apologized, though the tension remained.

Joe asked Roberta to be one of the chefs. Olivia brought her neighbor, Antonella, for a job interview. Another woman arrived: Teresa, a retired nun who was a calming presence and an extraordinary cook. They all got the jobs. These women brought authentic joy to cooking.

Bruno reminded Joe to find someone who could make good desserts—enter Gia. With Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, and Susan Sarandon playing the Nonnas, it was wonderful to see their closeness develop. The food fights were funny and heartwarming.

The rest of the movie showed the ups and downs Joe faced before his restaurant finally became profitable. A fallout with Bruno—played by Joe Manganiello—adds emotional weight. Stella helped mend their friendship. All this, while Joe continued working his day job, showed how determined he was not to give up on his dream.

Joe also rekindled his friendship with Olivia. Their sweet relationship became a comforting thread. Olivia and Antonella’s shared experiences with grief bonded them—and they helped Joe get the certificate of occupancy. Teresa’s prayers helped, too.

Joe tried everything: calling, emailing, and writing to food critics, but no one replied. Advertising didn’t help either. He eventually learned local business owners were discouraging people from supporting the restaurant.

In a bold move, Joe brought food samples to a newspaper editor’s office. A reviewer eventually came and was so impressed with the family atmosphere and delicious food, they wrote a glowing review. That’s when Enoteca Maria took off.

Joe finally opened the letter Roberta gave him. Inside was a beautiful letter from his Mom—and the recipe he longed for: his Nonna’s gravy sauce.

This movie was filled with heartfelt core memory moments, working through disappointment, grief, and life-changing decisions. It’s like a delicious book coming to life—bringing smiles and tears when least expected. It’s wonderful to see a true story about family, love, food, and healing. It was a treat to see the real Enoteca Maria, the owners, and the Nonnas at the end.

What did you think?

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