When we think of a fantastic Italian restaurant, what comes to mind? The heat of a wood-fired pizza oven, the aroma of garlic and basil on top of freshly prepared pasta, the pervasive smell of fresh clams and octopus. But what about matzah ball soup or grape leaves? What about chefs speaking Arabic, Japanese, and Sinhalese?

What about grandmas from many different countries running the kitchen on a rotating schedule? In Staten Island‘s neighborhood of St. George, Enoteca Maria fuses authentic Italian fare with a taste of cuisines from all over the world, cooked by “Nonnas” (Italian for “grandmother”) passionate about sharing their culture with adventurous diners.