My girlfriend and I had a tightly timed plan for how our anniversary would go. Our first activity was unceremoniously kiboshed due to rain... We decided to cut our losses, go buy a cake, then head to the restaurant we'd been planning our day around for weeks. That particular venue (not Nonna's) stated they were open online and on their front door. Yet there we were, sitting in the car, in the rain, having driven out of our way, with a refrigerated cake, trying not to concede that our whole agenda for the day was ruined. First an unfortunate bout of weather, now an inexplicably locked door; stemming off our enthusiasm and excitement. We sat in the car, each trying to find an alternative restaurant within close proximity, eventually landing on the nearest Italian restaurant that looked promising.
We drive over to Nonna's. My girlfriend asks before we get out of the car if I think they might let us bring our cake inside, considering it's celebratory. We agreed it would be very unlikely, but I encouraged her to run up ahead of me and ask. The two people fielding her query at the counter ended up being the woman who would be our waitress, and the owner (we did not know that at the time). They didn't hesitate even slightly, not only encouraging us to bring in our cake, but offering to keep it refrigerated! We were delighted and surprised by that response alone, not knowing what else we were in for.
Our waitress was attentive, conversational, warm, and candid. We began with the garlic knots for our appetizer (the waitress' suggestion) and I honestly have not seen more gourmet looking/tasting garlic knots in my life (see photos). She ordered the baked ziti for her entree (loved it), and I ordered the Caesar salad with grilled chicken for mine. They were both presented quite aesthetically (see photos) and were very evidently fresh. I was unaware that the grilled chicken would be marinated in what I believe was a balsamic vinaigrette; a flavor I don't personally care for. I figured this was more or less my own fault, so I had no intention to complain. I asked our waitress for the menu again, so that I may order another entree. She asked if there was an issue, and I told her, but that I wouldn't ask for a second entree free of charge. However, she insisted. I decided to go for a safe staple and ordered a cheese calzone; which was absolutely exactly as I had hoped it would be (see photos). In addition, we ordered a rather large pepperoni pizza to go, which they thoughtfully kept on top of the oven to keep fresh and warm until we departed (it was amazing). Finally we requested our cake, and the owner himself, along with our waitress, presented it to us with a rather large cylindrical sparkler, crackling and flaring in all its glory. They even sang us "happy anniversary" to the tune of "happy birthday" (see video)! We were stunned and frankly a bit overwhelmed! Afterward, the owner stuck around with us for a bit to share a few kind words of martial advice and have quite the intimate and wholesome moment. As we were boxing up our haul of leftovers, the owner approached our table yet again, and asked if he may gift us with a piece of a cake he made himself. I think we were still so pleasantly disoriented that we didn't quite understand what he was asking, so he reiterated. We looked at each other in disbelief, and eagerly accepted his offer. We were then presented with a gorgeously plated slice of what was honestly the best amaretto cake I have ever had, carefully placed before us by the owner himself (see photos).
They singlehandedly saved our anniversary, sincerely.
P.S. I'm from up North, in a city with a large population of Italian immigrants. I've been spoiled by authentic Italian food since I was a small child, and have been close to many "off the boat" Italian families. They had no way of knowing I was going to be a silent snob, but I'd like to report that not only the food, but the hospitality and warmth, was everything I grew up knowing and have deeply missed for years. Thank you again, so very much,...
Read moreWent to Nonaa's Italian Restaurant and Pizza in Concord on a friend's recommendation. I went there to celebrate my friend's birthday, neither of us had ever been. So glad we did! All around AMAZING experience,food & service! It was Sunday around 1:30pm and it was a full house, however we were seated immediately. We were welcomed with the friendliest server. He promptly asked us what he could get us to drink. We had not seen each other in a while so we kept getting distracted by our own conversation, but he was so patient with us,even though we couldn't make up our minds, he helped us along and was so kind. She started with a cocktail for her birthday and I had a glass of wine. Both were delicious! All of the servers, cooks and owners seem to have a really good working "team" ethic. Everyone was so kind and helpful! We got the calamari to start which was wonderful! It wasn't too over fried. It was just well balanced and delicious. We had side salads as well which were perfect sizes and fresh. My friend got the chicken and sausage pasta entree. (It's named in the pictures below) I got the two meatballs a side item as my meal.. They were huge and delicious( very affordable). Very good portions and a delightful sauce with it.! I love meatballs! The owner came around. His name was Frank and made sure we were pleased with everything as we were!! We noticed there was another birthday going on in the restaurant and they got some very large size slices of cake which looked amazing so we asked what they were... They told us their special cakes for this week made from scratch. We decided on an Amaretto Cake! Let me tell you this was one of the biggest slices. We shared it together and it was amazingly good!! The owner came back around, took pictures with us. It was such a wonderful experience! I will definitely be back. Everything was made to order and the cakes were made from scratch! We were treated like family(or celebrities). We felt very special while we were there and even after we left! I'm definitely recommending this to everyone! Their service is TOP NOTCH. The waiter was younger, I forgot to get his name. (He was only 19) However ,he was one of the best servers I've had in a long time. He was very attentive, informative, efficient and kind! We saw a bunch of other dishes come out that looked wonderful, like the pizza and other pasta dishes so we'll definitely be back to try...
Read moreWhen Nonna’s Italian Restaurant caters, it’s like the Italian grandmother you never had comes to feed your entire office. Picture this: a smorgasbord of Italian delights, with Chicken Francese as the diva of the opera, belting out high notes of lemon-butter and white wine sauce that had the chicken cooked just right – a standing ovation from my taste buds!
Let’s talk about the lasagna. If lasagna was an Olympic sport, Nonna’s would be the Michael Phelps of it. Each layer was a synchronized swimmer in a pool of rich, meaty sauce and perfectly al dente pasta. It was the Michaelangelo of lasagnas – a true masterpiece. The garlic knots? Think of a doughy hug from a dear friend, seasoned with the perfect whisper of garlic, butter, and oil. I wanted to write a love song about them.
The Caesar salad was, well, just a Caesar salad. It did its job without any jazz hands. But then there’s the baked ziti. Good, but it played it safe – like the friend who always orders vanilla ice cream. It was the reliable member of the band but didn’t have the solo I craved for – more cheese for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, please!
For my veggie-loving colleagues, the eggplant parmigiana was like a plant-based dream. If eggplant parmigiana had a fan club, I’d join after tasting Nonna’s. The tiramisu? A sweet symphony with an espresso-soaked cake that made me miss the ladyfingers – but still, it was a dance of flavors in my mouth.
And those mini cannolis were the encore of the meal – a bite-sized finale of crispy, creamy delight.
Overall, Nonna’s delivered a feast that made me feel like I was in an Italian grandma’s kitchen, complete with the sounds of Pavarotti in the background. Next time, I’m taking a seat at Nonna’s table for sure. I’ll be back, and not just for...
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