The Most Wholesome Kitchen in New York Is Run Entirely by Grannies
In New York City, one restaurant built a devoted following by turning an emotional connection into its entire business model. Enoteca Maria in Staten Island opened in 2007. The restaurant was created by Joe Scaravella after he lost several close family members.
He wanted to recreate the warmth of the family kitchens he grew up around, so he named the restaurant after his mother, Maria. At first, the kitchen only featured Italian grandmothers, but years later, the concept expanded to include grandmothers from around the world. Each cook prepares dishes passed down through her family. The restaurant operates with a rotating schedule, so different grandmothers cook on different nights, with many having worked there for years.
A Rotating Global Kitchen
Today, Enoteca Maria features grandmothers representing countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Lunch often sticks to traditional Italian dishes, and dinner menus change depending on which grandmother is cooking that night. Guests might see handmade ravioli, cabbage rolls, or regional meat dishes.
Many of the cooks learned these dishes as children while helping relatives cook. The experience shows in how they season food, handle dough, and build flavor slowly. The restaurant even offers cooking classes where guests learn traditional techniques directly from grandmothers.
Why Customers Feel Emotionally Connected
Some visitors cry when they walk in because the cooks remind them of their own grandparents. Others talk about immigration stories or childhood meals tied to their culture. The grandmothers interact directly with guests. They greet tables, take photos, and share stories. Many customers describe it as eating at a relative’s home rather than dining at a restaurant. The dining pace also feels different. Guests tend to stay longer and talk more, and meals feel like shared gatherings instead of quick dining stops.
Why Staten Island Became Part Of The Appeal
Image via Canva/Gagliardi Photography
Enoteca Maria is near the Staten Island Ferry, which adds to the experience. Many visitors treat the trip as part of the outing. The quieter neighborhood contrasts sharply with Manhattan’s pace, which fits the restaurant’s slower, more relaxed atmosphere. Despite the location, the demand is high. The restaurant often books out nights in advance, and staff frequently turn away walk-ins because reservations fill quickly.
More Than A Restaurant Concept
The restaurant also creates purpose for many of the grandmothers who cook there. Some join after retirement, while others join after major life changes like losing spouses or children, or moving away. The kitchen gives them community, routine, and a chance to share their cultural knowledge.