Nonnas of the World

First you should make a reservation, second they only take cash and third they are very accommodating and NICE. I felt kinda bad because I was so needy. I had rushed there from getting off my train, dropping off my suitcase in Manhattan and then caught the subway and ferry to the restaurant. I sat at the bar and talked with Joe for a bit. Asked if I could share his barstool for my purse, then I needed to charge my phone so I’d know which subway to take back to my hotel. Whew…. Needed customer! But my waitress and everyone was so nice. I ordered from the Puerto Rican menu, empaladas and from the Italian menu, chicken cacciatore with a salad. I ate the empanadas there at the restaurant, delicious, filled with meat, cheese and veggies and the chicken cacciatore also delicious, with tomatoes, onions and herbs and the most tender chicken. The salad was crisp and fresh. I got the chicken and salad to go. Packed very well for a long ferry and subway ride to the hotel. Didn’t spill a bit! I had dessert there too cheesecake, to be gluten free, it wasn’t bad. I got to meet Irene the visiting nonna from Puerto Rico.

First time dining at Enoteca Maria and was not disappointed. The nonna's on this evening were from Mexico and Japan and of course there were the house Italian dishes. The food was incredibly flavourful and the portion size was generous. I loved the intimate atmosphere and the friendly attentive service made you feel as though you were a visitor in someone's home. The restaurant was also accommodating for anyone who requires a gluten free meal. Highly recommend.