La Nonna Ristorante & Bar - Williamsburg, Brooklyn — Restaurant in New York

Like others have written here, I wanted to love this place but couldn’t. Ambiance and decor with indoor string lights, fresh peonies were all beautiful inside. And it’s right by the water so it’s a perfect location.

I asked a friend to come all the way from the UES to meet me here on a hot night cuz I have always wanted to try it, and prices were reasonable. So I was looking forward to it.

At 9pm on a Saturday, we waited 20 mins for table for 2 so it’s a popular place. I’ve worked in Italian restaurants. I know some basics of service expectation. Our waiter took away from the night, and service issues were raised in other reviews so I wanted to add this.

The interior, music (clubstaurant but good for families) and food were great — made it feel like a big night out. And I tend to not like a lot of restaurant food as is, too salty or heavy, etc. Here, I enjoyed it. Chicken parm was juicy, tender, plump, not too fried or greasy.

My waiter was dismissive and rude.

He first came over and said — alright you ready? I asked how big the salads were (as I thought about getting that as dinner). He brushed me off with his hand and said “it’s one size. It’s like a normal salad.” Very stern, never cordial.

My friend who’s really laid back immediately said as the waiter walked away that he is unfriendly: “Doesn’t matter if food, music, ambiance are great. Waiter can throw it all off.”

I got food portion questions like that all the time as a waitress, and you could answer in many quick, informative ways.

This part is small but it was 90 degrees out and the water glasses are like 8 oz stemless wine glasses.

My glass stood empty most of the night and through dinner. But it was busy. Busboys were very good with water by 10:30pm or so as it quieted down.

I mention the water and waiter cuz other reviews did too. Even the good reviews.

Like someone else said here, I didn’t feel tipping even 15% but the busboys worked hard. I’d like to try it once more, and hopefully that will erase this waiter chemistry.

Last thing — I believe they tack on the 3% credit card surcharge right on the bill, before you pay. I paid in cash, and paid the cc fee in cash. All little details that can throw...

An article about a chef from my hometown (Teggiano) in Italy who opened a restaurant with his wife in Williamsburg, Brookyn unexpectedly caught my husband's attention, and as luck would have it, we found ourselves in the area shortly after, so we decided (on impulse) to check it out, but the restaurant was closed for vacation at the time. Yet, the power of connection brought us together with other friends visiting from my hometown months later, which reminded us that we still hadn’t gone back, so we finally made a reservation, and so glad we did. Upon entering, we were greeted by Anna, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband and Chef, Cono Morena. Anna was warm and welcoming, she immediately made us feel right at home, and not long after she seated us, Cono (as busy he was in the kitchen), came out to meet a fellow Teggianese :) their hospitality made us feel like Teggiano was somehow transported here and nestled in this corner of Williamsburg. The decor and staff (including an opera singing server) just exudes the warmth of southern Italy. We started off enjoying the complimentary warm focaccia bread with an exquisite spicy tomato dip. We shared the special Burrata - Imported Buttata Cheese, Prosciutto Di Parma, Pomodorini misto, Micro Basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar. Vincent graced his palate with the special Gnocchi - House Made Potato Gnocchi, Shredded Veal Osso Buco, Topped With Argentinian Chimichurri. I decided to try their OSSO BUCO - Veal Osso Buco, Citrus Gremolata, Demi Glaze Sauce, served with Risotto Milanese. The Arborio rice was cooked to perfection :) As satiated as we were (there’s always room for dessert), we had to try the “My Mother’s Cheesecake” (made by none other than, Anna’s mother) topped with a homemade mixed berries sauce… it rivals Juniors cheesecake. We also ordered the house-made Mango Panna Cotta with mango purée, both highly recommended to try. Your tastebuds will reminisce every time you think...

We came to La Nonna for a special occasion dinner with extended family, having booked 2 weeks in advance for our group of 10 on a Sunday. Our table was ready when we arrived and were seated at a nice and spacious table a a bit towards the kitchen so we wouldn't overburden other patrons - that was great.

Menus were handed out promptly, although we did have to ask for a wine menu, which was presented on an iPad. The California Chardonnay and organic Montepulciano Abruzzo were excellent and reasonable value.

For starters we shared calamari, zucchini blossom fritters, arancini, peach and burrata. The zucchini blossom and arancini stood out but all were tasty and crispy where expected.

For main courses, most in our group opted for seafood pasta and risotto varieties, which were all well prepared, with the Marinara shrimp spaghetti and spaghetti alle vongole being apparent standouts. Servings were generous and had an abundance of seafood/protein.

Our server was very accommodating in slicing up the birthday cake we brought. Some of us enjoyed coffee, which was all espresso/americano style (with decaf available) and strong and slightly bitter but still very enjoyable.

Throughout the evening, our table was waited by a few different servers, which was a little confusing at first but didn't interfere too much with good service.

The main ding of the night, unfortunately, came when the bill was due. The autogratuity was higher than typical and apparently manually added at 22.42% of the pre-tax bill, but I didn't mind that too much considering our lengthy dining experience and great quality food. However, what truly bothered me was the 3.5% credit card surcharge, which was levied AFTER tax and autogratuity and was therefore effectively 4.6%, and I couldn't recall an evident disclosure on the menu thereof. I was sad that this left a bad taste in my mouth after an otherwise...