Netflix’s “Nonnas”: A Delicious, Heartwarming Story About Food, Family & Healing

A Movie About Love, Loss, and Real Italian Cooking

If you believe the best meals come from a grandmother’s kitchen, Nonnas is the movie you’ve been waiting for. Coming to Netflix on May 9, this heartfelt comedy-drama stars Vince Vaughn and an all-star cast — including Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, and Lorraine Bracco — in a story inspired by a real-life Staten Island restaurant where all the chefs are grandmothers.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Wonder), Nonnas celebrates the healing power of food, the bonds between generations, and the joy of second chances.

What Is Nonnas About?

A Story Cooked with Love

Vince Vaughn plays Joe, a Brooklyn native working a dead-end job with the MTA. After losing both his mom and grandmother, Joe feels lost — until he finds inspiration in their old recipes. With the help of friends and his mom’s insurance money, he opens Enoteca Maria, a cozy Italian restaurant in Staten Island.

But this isn’t just any restaurant. The chefs are four nonnas (Italian grandmothers), each from a different region of Italy, bringing their own unique dishes and traditions to the kitchen. Together, they serve up more than just meals — they serve memories, comfort, and healing.

Meet the Cast of Nonnas

Vince Vaughn as Joe

Joe is a man searching for purpose after the loss of his beloved nonna and mother. Through cooking and community, he finds a way to reconnect with his past and rebuild his future. Vaughn brings both heart and humor to the role.

You’ve seen him in: The Break-Up, Couples Retreat, F is for Family

Linda Cardellini as Olivia

Olivia, Joe’s old high school flame, reenters his life when they bump into each other at an Italian market. Now a first-year law student, she becomes one of Joe’s biggest supporters and helps him handle the restaurant’s legal work.

You’ve seen her in: Dead to Me, Scooby-Doo, Brokeback Mountain

Lorraine Bracco as Roberta

Roberta, Joe’s mother’s lifelong friend, is the first nonna to join Enoteca Maria. She’s tough, traditional, and passionate about her Sicilian roots — especially her famous capuzzelle (a traditional dish using sheep’s head). But beneath her fiery surface, Roberta has a big heart.

You’ve seen her in: Goodfellas, The Sopranos

Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella

Antonella is a proud Bolognian and Olivia’s neighbor. She's feisty and full of energy, and when she joins the kitchen, she realizes she still has a lot of life left to live.

You’ve seen her in: Midnight Cowboy, Capricorn One

Talia Shire as Teresa

Teresa is a quiet former nun with a mysterious past and a romantic history that surprises even her fellow nonnas. She brings a calm and grounding presence to the kitchen.

You’ve seen her in: Rocky, The Godfather

Susan Sarandon as Gia

Gia is the restaurant’s pastry chef and the last nonna to join the team. She’s Joe’s mom’s best friend and a Staten Island hairdresser with a big personality. Gia brings wisdom, warmth, and a modern attitude about aging, beauty, and life.

You’ve seen her in: Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking

Joe Manganiello as Bruno

Joe’s best friend since childhood, Bruno is skeptical at first but always stands by Joe. A contractor by trade, he helps build the restaurant and offers loyal friendship (plus a mean cutlet sandwich).

You’ve seen him in: True Blood, Love, Death & Robots

Drea de Matteo as Stella

Bruno’s outspoken wife, Stella, helps decorate the restaurant and encourages Joe to turn his grief into something beautiful. She’s a Staten Island staple with a sharp tongue and a good heart.

You’ve seen her in: The Sopranos, Assault on Precinct 13

The Real Restaurant That Inspired Nonnas

Nonnas is based on Enoteca Maria, a real restaurant in Staten Island founded by Jody Scaravella. The restaurant only hires grandmothers — or “nonnas” — from different countries to share their authentic family recipes. The idea is simple but powerful: give diners a taste of home, no matter where they’re from.

Behind the Scenes of Nonnas

• Director: Stephen Chbosky
• Writer: Liz Maccie
• Producers: Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, Jack Turner
• Executive Producers: Vince Vaughn, Scott Budnick, Amanda Morgan Palmer, and more
• Production Companies: Madison Wells, Matador Content, 1Community, Fifth Season

When Does Nonnas Come Out?

Nonnas premieres May 9 on Netflix. Make sure you’re ready with a plate of pasta — or maybe even try your hand at Roberta’s famous capuzzelle — and get ready to laugh, cry, and feel a little bit more connected to the people you love.

Why You’ll Love Nonnas

• It’s based on a real place — a restaurant that’s already famous for food made by love.
• The cast is iconic, mixing comedy veterans and legendary actresses.
• The story blends humor, emotion, and Italian tradition in a refreshing and wholesome way.
• If you love food, family, or feel-good stories, this one’s for you.

Nonnas isn’t just a movie — it’s a tribute to every grandmother who ever said “Mangia!” before serving a plate of comfort. With a powerful mix of grief, healing, and really good food, this Netflix original is ready to steal hearts (and appetites) everywhere.