Although the real Enoteca Maria is still in operation in its Staten Island, New York location, filming of the restaurant actually took place at Spirito's, the now-closed world famous restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After having been open since 1932, Spiritos closed for good in 2020 and was neglected for many years. The film's art department redesigned and renovated the space inside and out before filming began.
Director Stephen Chbosky and screenwriter Liz Maccie are married. Chbosky recalls, "When Liz got the job, another director was attached. But as soon as I heard the idea and knew what Liz would bring to it, I said, 'If he ever backs out, please tell your producers I want to direct it.'" He explained that what Jody Scaravella did was a love letter to his mom, while Maccie's contribution was a love letter to her family. For Chbosky, directing the film was his love letter to Maccie.
The real Enoteca Maria, located in Staten Island, New York was founded by the actual Jody Scaravella in 2007. Initially featuring Italian nonnas, the restaurant expanded in 2015 to include grandmothers from various cultures, offering a diverse culinary experience. Scaravella's vision was to honor his family's legacy and provide a platform for grandmothers to share their traditional recipes and stories.
In the scene when Enoteca Maria has its grand opening, Talia Shire's character Teresa mentions that her family was worried about getting caught in a storm and making it in time for opening night. She casually adds, "They're from Philadelphia." This reference nods to Shire's connection with the Rocky (1976) movies, which were set in Philadelphia, where both Rocky Balboa and her character Adrian were born and raised.
In one scene, Talia Shire's character Teresa mentions she was a nun in a "CFR" convent. She is likely referring to the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, the women's branch of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The Franciscans, whose initials are CFR, are a Catholic men's religious congregation founded in New York City in 1987 and initially consisted of eight Capuchin Franciscan friars, including the late Father Benedict Groeschel. CFR now serves in various countries, including the United States. The Sisters' congregation was established the following year and is based in The Bronx.