Enoteca Maria is a charming trattoria in Staten Island where grandmas from around the globe whip up heartwarming dishes, infusing a cozy, familial vibe to every meal.
"Enoteca Maria is the nonna restaurant. If that means nothing to you, it's a place in St. George where grandmothers are the chefs, and one of the most wholesome operations this city has to offer. They’re open from Friday to Sunday, and there's a head nonna who's always there, making Italian food. Other grandmothers make food from wherever they’re from (check the calendar for details). On a recent visit, we had Peruvian ceviche by Rosa, and Nonna Yumi made Japanese eggplant—they both tasted comforting, like something you’d eat in a home setting (except you can keep your shoes on)." - willa moore
"People really enjoy saying things like, “These meatballs taste like something an Italian nonna would make.” But at Enoteca Maria on Staten Island, those meatballs were actually made by a nonna, who walks around the long, narrow dining room, and will be very pleased if you order the whole roasted lamb’s head. That’s head nonna—think of her as the lead singer of the nonna band—and she cooks Italian food alongside a rotating cast of grandmothers from all over the world. Come with a group for a slightly boozy late weekend lunch or early dinner, and load up your table with ceviche made by Peruvian nonna Rosa, Japanese nonna Yumi’s grilled eggplant, or another special from whoever is on the roster that night. It’s a wacky array of food, but a heartwarming one—and will make you want to hug your own grandma tight. Enoteca Maria is open Friday through Sunday; call to make a reservation. photo credit: Willa Moore" - Willa Moore
"No need to venture far on Staten Island for excellent Italian. Enoteca Maria is just blocks from St. George Terminal and brought to you by Joe Scaravella, whose cookbook, Nonna’s House, has been earning him (and this tiny gem) much applause. With its Carrara marble and lively vibe, most foodies flock here for a certain authenticity that is rarely sacrificed. Each night, the menu changes depending on which nonna is presiding over the kitchen, as in Nina from Belarus, who might serve a salat Odessa mingling grilled eggplant, red onion, tomato and parsley. Lasagna di Adelina arrives as an inspired layering of zucchini, basil pesto and creamy cheese, all topped with parmesan. And for a bit of sweet, try the torta di vaniglia di Melissa served with whipped cream." - Michelin Inspector
"No need to venture far on Staten Island for excellent Italian. Enoteca Maria is just blocks from St. George Terminal and brought to you by Joe Scaravella, whose cookbook, Nonna’s House, has been earning him (and this tiny gem) much applause. With its Carrara marble and lively vibe, most foodies flock here for a certain authenticity that is rarely sacrificed. Each night, the menu changes depending on which nonna is presiding over the kitchen, as in Nina from Belarus, who might serve a salat Odessa mingling grilled eggplant, red onion, tomato and parsley. Lasagna di Adelina arrives as an inspired layering of zucchini, basil pesto and creamy cheese, all topped with parmesan. And for a bit of sweet, try the torta di vaniglia di Melissa served with whipped cream." - Michelin Inspector
"Enoteca Maria is a unique eatery located in Staten Island, where the kitchen is run by a rotating roster of grandmothers (nonnas) from various cultures. Each nonna brings her own culinary heritage to create an ever-changing menu, offering dishes from around the world. The restaurant aims to recreate the nostalgic, cozy feeling of a grandmother's cooking while fostering cross-cultural and generational connections." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
