The Nonnas Cast: 7 Legendary Actresses And The True Story Behind The Netflix Culinary Hit

The *Nonnas* cast brings together an unprecedented ensemble of Hollywood legends to tell one of the most heartwarming and unique true stories in recent memory. As of today, December 11, 2025, the film is now available for streaming, having premiered globally on Netflix on May 9, 2025. This biographical comedy-drama, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, family, and a story about finding purpose in the most unexpected places.

The core of the movie centers on a man's quest to honor his late mother by opening a restaurant staffed exclusively by Italian grandmothers, or "nonnas," each bringing their unique regional cuisine and fiery personalities to the kitchen. The film's star-studded lineup—featuring Oscar winners and nominees—has generated significant buzz, not just for the talent on screen but for the incredible, real-life inspiration behind the story: the Staten Island restaurant Enoteca Maria.

The Full *Nonnas* Cast and Character Guide

The success of *Nonnas* hinges on the chemistry between its veteran performers, who portray a mix of fictionalized characters inspired by the real women of the Enoteca Maria restaurant. The film features a central male lead alongside four legendary actresses who embody the spirit of the hot-tempered, big-hearted Italian grandmothers. Here is a complete breakdown of the main cast and the characters they bring to life:

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella: Vaughn leads the cast as the central character, Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn native who, after the death of his beloved mother, reassesses his life and decides to open a restaurant to honor her memory and the spirit of Italian cooking. His character is based on the real-life owner of Enoteca Maria, Joe Scaravella.
• Susan Sarandon as Gia: An Academy Award winner, Sarandon plays Gia, one of the four titular nonnas who become the heart and soul of the new restaurant venture.
• Lorraine Bracco as Roberta: Bracco, known for her iconic roles in *Goodfellas* and *The Sopranos*, plays Roberta. Her character is a friend of Joe's mother who finds cooking at the new establishment to be a welcome change from her life in a senior home. Bracco's own Sicilian heritage made her a perfect fit for the outspoken nonna role.
• Talia Shire as Teresa: Shire, famous for her roles in the *Rocky* and *The Godfather* franchises, portrays Teresa, another of the grandmothers who joins the culinary team, bringing her own distinct flavor of Italian regional cooking.
• Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella: Vaccaro, an Oscar-nominated actress, rounds out the core group of grandmothers as Antonella, the fourth and final nonna who takes up work in the restaurant.
• Joe Manganiello as Bruno: Manganiello plays Bruno, a character who adds to the vibrant, Italian-American atmosphere of the Staten Island setting.
• Linda Cardellini: Cardellini appears in the film in an undisclosed role, adding another layer of star power to the ensemble.
• Drea de Matteo: Known for *The Sopranos*, de Matteo is also featured in the cast, further cementing the film's strong Italian-American casting.

The Incredible True Story of Enoteca Maria

The most compelling aspect of the *Nonnas* movie is that it is not purely a work of fiction; it is based on the genuinely amazing true story of the Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria. The film follows the life of Joe Scaravella, who, after the passing of his mother and grandmother, felt a profound loss of the authentic, regional Italian cooking he grew up with.

In 2007, the real Joe Scaravella opened Enoteca Maria with a revolutionary concept: to hire grandmothers from all over the world, not just Italy, to serve as the chefs. The restaurant’s name, Enoteca Maria, is a tribute to his late mother, Maria.

The film captures the essence of this unique business venture. The movie’s nonnas—Gia, Roberta, Teresa, and Antonella—are fictionalized characters, but they are inspired by the colorful, real-life chefs who have graced the kitchen of Enoteca Maria since its opening. The grandmothers in the restaurant, often referred to as "Nonnas of the World," are the true stars, with a rotating schedule that brings a different regional Italian or international menu every night, from Sicilian to Calabrian to Croatian cuisine.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Behind the Scenes: Production, Director, and Filming Locations

The production of *Nonnas* was a collaborative effort that aimed to capture the authentic, warm, and often chaotic energy of a family-run Italian kitchen. The film was directed by Stephen Chbosky, best known for his work on *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* and *Wonder*.

The screenplay was a joint effort by Liz Maccie and Jody Scaravella, the man whose life and restaurant inspired the story. This involvement of the original figurehead adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Filming for *Nonnas* took place in New York, with the production team ensuring the locations felt true to the Staten Island setting where the real Enoteca Maria is located. The movie showcases the vibrant, local atmosphere of the Italian-American community, which is central to the film’s theme of food, heritage, and community.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The cast members have shared stories about their real-life relationships with cooking and the profound impact of working with a story so deeply rooted in family tradition. The producer noted that the film’s message is about a man who reassesses his life choices after the passing of his mother, choosing to honor her legacy by creating a space where the cooking of grandmothers is celebrated. This emotional core is what elevates *Nonnas* beyond a simple comedy, making it a heartfelt drama about legacy and love.

Why *Nonnas* Resonated with Audiences

The film, released on Netflix on May 9, 2025, has been met with a largely positive reception, with critics and audiences praising the performances of the stellar cast and the unique, heartwarming nature of the true story.

The film taps into a universal theme: the irreplaceable comfort and love found in a grandmother's cooking. The characters of Gia, Roberta, Teresa, and Antonella are not just chefs; they are the keepers of culinary tradition, emotional anchors, and sources of unexpected wisdom. The movie successfully uses the culinary world as a backdrop to explore themes of grief, community, and cultural heritage.

The chemistry between Vince Vaughn's character, Joe Scaravella, and the legendary actresses playing the nonnas is a highlight, creating a dynamic that is both funny and deeply moving. The film serves as a beautiful tribute to the real-life grandmothers of Enoteca Maria, whose dedication to their craft has turned a small Staten Island restaurant into a global phenomenon. It is a cinematic celebration of the world's most enduring and beloved figures: the nonnas.