Where Was "Film Nonna's" Filmed? A Tour of Veneto's Culinary Landscapes

"Film Nonna's" captivated audiences with its heartwarming story of family traditions, generational conflicts, and the power of food to unite people. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy's Veneto region, the film uses its locations as a character in itself, reflecting the journey of protagonist Lucia as she reconnects with her grandmother's culinary legacy.

The Culinary Heart: Verona's Historic Center

The Family Restaurant Location

The heart of "Film Nonna's" is the family restaurant, where three generations of women clash and connect over recipes and traditions. These scenes were filmed in Verona's historic center, specifically in the Piazza delle Erbe area.

<h5>Visitor Information</h5>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Address:</strong> Piazza delle Erbe, 37121 Verona VR, Italy</li>
  <li><strong>Best time to visit:</strong> Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds</li>
  <li><strong>Local tip:</strong> Many restaurants in this area serve dishes inspired by the film</li>
</ul>

The actual restaurant interior was filmed at "Trattoria Antica Stella," a family-owned establishment that has been serving traditional Veronese cuisine since 1867. The owners allowed the film crew to redecorate their space for a month of shooting, incorporating elements of the fictional "Nonna's" restaurant.

Before and After: Juliet's House

In one of the film's most poignant scenes, Lucia contemplates her family legacy on a balcony overlooking Verona - a clear homage to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This scene was filmed at the famous Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House).

As seen in the film

The location today

For filming, the typically crowded tourist attraction was closed to the public for three nights. The production team added vintage cooking implements and herb plantings to the balcony to represent Lucia's connection to her culinary heritage.

The Family Vineyard: Valpolicella Wine Region

The sweeping vineyard scenes that establish the family's long history in wine and food production were filmed in the Valpolicella wine region, just north of Verona. This area is known for producing the renowned Amarone wine featured prominently in the film's dinner scenes.

Specifically, the filming took place at Tenuta Santa Maria, a working vineyard that has belonged to the Bertani family for generations - much like the fictional family in the film. The harvest scenes incorporated actual vineyard workers and took place during the real grape harvest season for authenticity.

Visitors can tour wineries in the region, many of which offer tastings and tours that highlight the traditional winemaking techniques shown in the film. Several vineyards now offer "Film Nonna's Wine Tour" packages that include tastings of the specific wines featured in the movie.

The Reconciliation: Venice Canals

The film's emotional climax takes place in Venice, where Lucia finally reconciles with her estranged mother during a gondola ride through the canals.

Director Isabella Rossellini insisted on filming these scenes at dawn, which required the cast and crew to begin setup at 3:00 AM. The early morning light creates the golden glow that has become one of the film's most iconic visual moments.

Hidden Filming Locations

Beyond the main settings, "Film Nonna's" featured several less-recognized but equally beautiful locations throughout the Veneto region:

Padua Herb Market

Where Lucia rediscovers traditional ingredients in the early morning market scene

Lake Garda

The lakeside picnic where the family recipe book is rediscovered

Bassano del Grappa

The wooden bridge where Lucia practices her grandmother's cooking philosophy

Create Your Own Film Nonna's Tour

For fans wanting to experience the full culinary journey of the film, here's a recommended 3-day itinerary:

1. Day 1: Verona - Visit the Piazza delle Erbe and Juliet's House, dine at the real Trattoria Antica Stella
2. Day 2: Valpolicella - Tour the vineyards, participate in a cooking class using the film's recipes
3. Day 3: Venice - Take an early morning gondola ride, visit the Rialto Market for fresh ingredients

Several tour companies now offer specialized "Film Nonna's Food Tours" that include cooking classes with local grandmothers, similar to the pivotal learning scenes in the film.

Have you visited any of these beautiful filming locations? Share your experiences in the comments below!