Netflix’s Nonnas is a heartwarming comedy-drama that captures the essence of family, food, and Italian-American culture. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film follows Joe, a man who opens Enoteca Maria, a unique restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers, or “nonnas,” after losing his mother and grandmother. Inspired by the real-life Enoteca Maria in Staten Island, the movie blends vibrant storytelling with authentic settings. At NetFilming, we dive into the Nonnas filming locations, revealing where this charming Netflix production was brought to life across New York and New Jersey.
What is Nonnas About?
Nonnas is a Netflix comedy-drama that celebrates family, food, and resilience. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film follows Joe, a character who has recently lost to death her mother and grandmother. To ease his pain, she opens a restaurant Enoteca Maria, in Staten Island. Here “Nonnas,” Italian grandmothers, prepare home-style meals. With the help of his friend Bruno and the prom date turned friend, Olivia, Joe begins transforming his suffering into a vibrant community hub. Inspired by the real Enoteca Maria, operating since 2007 with global grandmothers as chefs, the movie highlights Italian-American culture and culinary traditions. Its colorful settings and heartfelt story make it a touching exploration of heritage and healing. With a blend of humor and emotion, Nonnas resonates with anyone who values the power of food to bring people together.
Where was Nonnas filmed?
Nonnas (2025) was filmed primarily in New Jersey and New York from May to June 2023. Despite challenges like the SAG-AFTRA strike, the production team captured the essence of Italian-American neighborhoods, using real homes, streets and businesses to create an authentic backdrop. Below are the key filming locations:
New York City
Since the real Enoteca Maria is based in Staten Island, New York City was a natural choice for filming. The crew shot additional scenes around the borough to capture the essence of the community around the restaurant. One such set was 44 E 14th Street, where tape was rolled on both internal and external scenes. The crew worked in a residential area, capturing shots of the streets and the surroundings. The policemen ensured order was maintained while driving around the area, and local businesses and residents were notified in advance to reduce curtains.
Other Staten Island filming locations include 75 Victory Blvd, which is located near Taqueria El Gallo Azteca, a Mexican restaurant. These areas were great for capturing the beauty of the neighborhood. The Staten Island Ferry, which goes from Manhattan to Staten Island, also featured in wide shots, adding iconic poses to the cinematography. All of these locations helped to set Nonnas in the realistic setting of Staten Island to make the story feel grounded and genuine.
Union County, New Jersey
Union County, located in northern New Jersey, played a significant role in Nonnas filming locations. The production team transformed the city of Elizabeth for their version of Enoteca Maria. A significant spot was Spirito’s Restaurant. Spirito’s Restaurant, located at 714 3rd Avenue, served as the primary location for the restaurant scene. Despite closing in 2020 after nearly a century of operation, it retained a nostalgic feel.
The entire film was centered around the nostalgic feel, which is the reason for choosing this particular historic building as the primary filming location best suited for the interior scenes. The blurb should also mention that 10 million people visit the building each year.
The crew also filmed at Sacco’s Meat Market, located at 806 3rd Avenue and Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza at 39 S Broad St in Elizabeth. These ‘set’ locations enhanced the community feel and featured local businesses representative of the cultural diversity of the region. They also went to Linden, which is in the southeastern section of Union County. Linden, which features Hawk Rise Sanctuary and John Russell Wheeler Park, provided street footage that depicted the working-class ethos of Nonnas.
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County, in northeastern New Jersey, offered a variety of filming sites for Nonnas. The crew did most of their filming in Jersey City, which is known for its vibrant ethnicity. With the city’s busy streets and neighborhoods, the setting was perfect for the film and aligned with the film’s focus on community. The bustling city served as a great setting for outdoor scenes. Similarly, Hoboken, along the Hudson River, was used for its quaint, vintage charm. Scenes near Basile’s, a pizza restaurant at 89 Washington Street, captured Hoboken’s cozy yet vibrant vibe.
The production crew moved to Bayonne, another city in Hudson County. They did filming in several locations starting from East 14th Street, West 34th Street, 30 West 36th Street in addition to Judicke’s Bakery at 763 Broadway. These places were used for various outdoor scenes which were filmed with proper safety protocols for the public. The blend of residential and commercial regions is what makes Bayonne a suitable choice for portraying the suburbs close to the center of the story and rounding out the Nonnas filming locations.
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County, bordering New York State, contributed to the film’s authentic feel. The county seat, Paterson, and the first planned industrial city in America, often called Silk City because of its nineteenth century silk production, was the heart of silk manufacturing. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, located at—72 McBride Avenue Extension— was a standout area. The 77-foot Great Falls of the Passaic River offered breathtaking views in some scenes, adding even more natural beauty to the film.
Downtown Paterson also featured prominently, with its historic buildings and streets providing a rich, textured setting. The city’s industrial heritage and cultural landmarks made it an ideal choice for capturing the community-driven narrative of Nonnas. These scenes highlight the film’s ability to blend urban and natural elements, creating a visually engaging experience.
Middlesex County, New Jersey
In Middlesex County, the Edison township was used for some additional filming. The Raritan Valley Bus Station at 115 Main Street served as a base for several scenes, offering a practical, day-to-day setting. Landmarks such as Oak Tree Pond, Roosevelt Park, and Edison State Park, located within Edison, also added value. The township gave a suburban setting that nurtured the focus on family and community. The township’s parks and residential area enrich the depth of the story as it portrays the journey of Joe.
Thompson Park and Donaldson Park are some of the parks found in Middlesex County that possess the region’s commitment to the community. While these specific parks weren’t confirmed as filming sites, the county’s welcoming atmosphere likely influenced the production’s choice of Edison as a key location. This region supported the diverse Nonnas filming locations to ensure a blend of urban, suburban, and natural scenery.
Nonnas Behind The Scenes
The making of Nonnas was a labor of love, with director Stephen Chbosky emphasizing authenticity. Filming from May to June 2023, the production faced challenges like the SAG-AFTRA strike but stayed on track. Chbosky, known for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, aimed to capture the warmth of Italian-American communities. “The real Enoteca Maria inspired us to honor the nonnas’ spirit,” Chbosky said in a Netflix interview, praising the real restaurant’s unique concept.
The crew worked closely with Staten Island and New Jersey locals, ensuring minimal disruption while filming in homes and businesses. Actor John Leguizamo, who plays Bruno, shared on X, “These nonnas brought so much heart to the set!” The team’s attention to detail, from selecting historic sites like Elizabeth’s Spirito’s Restaurant to recreating family recipes, created a genuine, heartfelt atmosphere that shines through in the final film.
Nonnas Official Trailer
Stay tuned for more insights into the places that bring your favorite Netflix productions to life!
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