The 5 Secrets Behind Staten Island's Enoteca Maria: The Restaurant Run By 'Nonnas Of The World'

As of late 2025, the most unique and critically acclaimed dining experience on Staten Island isn't just an Italian restaurant; it's a culinary journey around the globe, all thanks to a rotating cast of international grandmothers, or *Nonnas*. This establishment, Enoteca Maria, has transcended its local roots to become a global phenomenon, recently gaining massive attention after inspiring the 2025 Netflix film, *Nonnas*. This article dives deep into the heart of this extraordinary establishment, exploring the vision of its founder, the unique rotating menu, and the profound cultural impact of the "Nonnas of the World" concept. It’s more than just a meal; it's a taste of history, tradition, and pure, authentic home cooking, making it a must-visit destination in the New York City dining scene.

The Visionary Founder: Jody "Joe" Scaravella's Profile

The entire concept of Enoteca Maria, which translates to "Maria's Wine Library," is a tribute to family, tradition, and the irreplaceable comfort of a grandmother's cooking. The restaurant was founded by Jody "Joe" Scaravella, a Staten Island native whose personal grief sparked an idea that resonated globally.

Full Name: Jody "Joe" Scaravella

Role: Founder and Owner of Enoteca Maria / Nonnas of the World

Inspiration: His mother, Maria, and his grandmother, who he lost in quick succession.

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Founding Year: 2007

Location: 27 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, New York City

Core Philosophy: To preserve and share the authentic, regional, and deeply personal cooking traditions of grandmothers from all over the world.

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Notable Recognition: Subject of the 2025 Netflix film *Nonnas* and a recognized MICHELIN Guide restaurant.

Scaravella opened Enoteca Maria in March 2007, initially featuring only Italian grandmothers cooking regional specialties. The concept quickly evolved into "Nonnas of the World" to include matriarchs from diverse global cultures, transforming his personal tribute into a universal celebration of comfort food.

Secret #1: The Rotating 'Nonnas of the World' Culinary Calendar

What makes Enoteca Maria a fresh experience every time is its dynamic, non-static kitchen. The restaurant operates on a unique Nonnas Calendar, where a different grandmother is featured daily, each bringing her unique cultural and regional background to the forefront.

A Menu That Changes Daily

The menu is split into two main sections: one dedicated to a rotating Italian Nonna, and the other to an international Nonna. This means a patron might experience the distinct flavors of Sicilian cuisine one night and the traditional dishes of Ecuador or Paraguay the next.

• Italian Nonna: Focuses on specific regional Italian cuisine, such as the rich, comforting dishes of Calabria, the seafood specialties of Sardinia, or the hearty pasta of Tuscany.
• International Nonna: Showcases global home cooking. For example, guests have enjoyed Nonna Zoraida from Paraguay's traditional *vori vori* (chicken soup with cheese and cornmeal dumplings) or dishes from Nonnas representing Poland, Sri Lanka, and Argentina.

This model ensures that the food is always authentic, made with generational wisdom, and serves as a living museum of global culinary heritage. It’s a powerful example of the "slow food movement" in action, prioritizing tradition over commercial speed.

Secret #2: The MICHELIN Guide and Netflix Influence

The buzz around Enoteca Maria is not just local; it has garnered international recognition, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in New York City.

A MICHELIN-Recognized Culinary Gem

Enoteca Maria has been consistently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, a prestigious honor that speaks to the quality and unique nature of its offering. The guide highlights the restaurant's soul-soothing dishes and the genuine, home-cooked nature of the food. This recognition elevates the "simple" concept of a grandmother’s kitchen to the level of fine, authentic dining.

The Netflix Effect: A Global Spotlight

The restaurant's profile exploded with the release of the Netflix film *Nonnas* (expected to be widely discussed in 2025), which is directly inspired by Joe Scaravella’s true story and the restaurant’s unique concept. The film, starring an A-list cast, brought the heartwarming story of the Nonnas of the World to a massive global audience, driving a new wave of international food tourists to the quiet Staten Island street. This media coverage ensures the restaurant remains a top-of-mind entity in the global food discussion.

Secret #3: The Menu Staples and Must-Try Dishes

While the main courses rotate daily, Enoteca Maria maintains a few consistent, nonne-approved Italian staples and appetizers that have become signature dishes. These items provide a foundational taste of classic Italian comfort.

Essential Appetizers and Starters

The appetizers are a masterclass in classic, no-fuss Italian preparation, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• Antipasto Alla Francesca: A generous platter featuring assorted Italian cured meats (*salumi*), imported cheeses, marinated olives, and pickled vegetables.
• Burrata Con Ciliegino: Creamy burrata cheese served with fresh cherry tomatoes (*ciliegino*), a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and basil.
• Insalata Della Nonna: A refreshing salad that often features seasonal ingredients, sometimes including fennel (*finocchi*) or pears and gorgonzola cheese.

The Daily Pasta & Main Course

The pasta and main course offerings are the heart of the rotating menu. On the Italian side, you can expect deeply regional dishes rarely found in typical American-Italian restaurants, such as hand-rolled *gnocchi*, slow-cooked *ragu*, or traditional *braciole*. The international side offers treasures like the aforementioned *vori vori*, or perhaps a rich Polish pierogi or an authentic Ecuadorian *fritada*.

Secret #4: Beyond the Meal—Cooking Classes and Cultural Exchange

Enoteca Maria is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural center dedicated to the preservation of culinary knowledge. This commitment to education and cultural exchange further solidifies its topical authority and unique position in the Staten Island dining scene. The restaurant offers cooking classes where the Nonnas pass down their time-honored techniques and personal stories to the next generation. These classes are highly sought after and provide an intimate, hands-on experience, allowing patrons to learn how to make authentic dishes like homemade pasta or regional desserts. This focus on teaching ensures the legacy of these family recipes continues, fostering genuine cross-cultural connections.

Secret #5: The True Meaning of 'Nonna's House'

Joe Scaravella’s decision to open the restaurant in honor of his mother, Maria, created a space that feels instantly familiar and comforting. The atmosphere is intentionally cozy, intimate, and designed to evoke the feeling of being in a *nonna’s* kitchen. The grandmothers often receive applause from patrons at the end of the evening, a testament to the emotional connection they forge through their cooking. This genuine warmth and focus on human connection is the ultimate secret weapon of Enoteca Maria. It’s a powerful antidote to fast-paced modern life, offering a cherished return to the simple, profound pleasure of food made with love, patience, and a lifetime of experience. For anyone seeking the best of New York’s authentic Italian and global cuisine, a trip to this Staten Island gem is essential.