Nonnas

The story begins with a flashback to Brooklyn 40 years ago, showcasing a young Joe in the kitchen with his mother and nonna. They bond over cooking dinner together, the family sharing joy and dancing amidst their culinary preparations.

Present-day Joe is grappling with the grief of losing his mother. He visits her lifelong best friend, Roberta, at an assisted living center, where she hands him a sealed letter from his mother that he struggles to open.

Joe hosts his best friend Bruno and wife Stella for dinner, preparing pasta reminiscent of the recipes from his nonna and mother. Stella encourages Joe to consider using his mother's life insurance money for something meaningful for himself.

Taking a ferry to Staten Island, Joe visits a local outdoor market tied to his memories with his family. There, he unexpectedly encounters Olivia, a former prom date, and her neighbor Antonella, sparking nostalgia.

Joe spots an abandoned restaurant and is inspired to remodel and reopen it as Enoteca Maria. He envisions a place where nonnas prepare heartfelt family recipes, which ignites a new passion in him.

Joe enlists his friend Bruno, who is also a contractor, to assist with the renovations of the restaurant. Together, they embark on a journey to bring Joe’s vision to life, marking the start of a new chapter.

Joe places an ad on Craigslist to find nonnas to staff the kitchen. Initially, he connects with Roberta and Olivia, followed by an explosive entrance from Teresa and Antonella, leading to a heated argument over their diverse culinary backgrounds.

During a preparation day, chaos erupts in the kitchen as Antonella and Roberta engage in a food fight, leading to a fire caused by an oven explosion. This incident throws Joe into a state of panic as he navigates the aftermath.

Olivia visits the restaurant to help Joe with the clean-up following the fire. As they work side by side, they share their personal grief stories, deepening their connection while Joe refrains from reading the letter from his mother.

The fire inspector refuses to grant Joe a certificate of occupancy after the kitchen fire, leaving him disheartened. However, with the help of Olivia, they confront corruption and eventually secure the necessary approval.

In a show of friendship, Bruno sells his father's classic car to fund the restaurant's renovations. This act of selflessness highlights the bond they share as they strive to achieve their dreams together.

To honor their past, Joe recreates the atmosphere of the high school prom for Olivia in the restaurant. This nostalgic touch symbolizes his love for her and an attempt to connect their shared history.

As Enoteca Maria opens amid a thunderstorm, disappointing attendance dampens the celebration. Furthermore, Joe learns that a local vendor's negative gossip about the restaurant is hindering business, further complicating their efforts.

Facing the reality of closure, the nonna chefs invite their families for a farewell dinner. Amidst heartfelt goodbyes and laughter, the kitchen crew receives a standing ovation from the crowd, rekindling their spirits.

Joe finally opens his mother’s sealed envelope after the farewell dinner, discovering cherished handwritten recipes including the elusive Sunday gravy. This moment connects him deeply to his roots and his mother's legacy.

A glowing review transforms the restaurant's fortunes as customers flood in. The nonnas join the dinner crowd in a heartfelt dance, symbolizing the rebirth of their dreams while Olivia decides to move on from her grief.