Nona Mia is Italian for "my grandmother," reflecting owner Peter Affatato's heart — his heritage and the food it inspires.
It's Affatato's inspiration, in part, that makes Nona Mia a temple of authentic Italian comfort cuisine that's won the accolades of Xpress readers three years running. Another reason for the popular restaurant's success? A hefty dose of hard work. "It's all paying off," says Affatato, "And it feels great."
Affatato also credits his hardworking crew for helping to make Nona Mia tops in Italian. "We have a really stable staff that's been with us for a very long time," he says.
That staff, he says, especially his two sous chefs, has focused primarily on turning out "a very consistent-quality product, which is something I've been preaching to them."
"Though we do a lot of creative specials," explains Affatato, "most people are coming in here for our signature items, and keeping them consistent means that the people that are coming in there get the same product every time."
When it comes down to it, Affatato feels the need to thank the community that's supported him in his endeavors. "We don't ask people to vote for us — they do that on their own," he says. "All I can do is thank our regulars and the people of Asheville. They're the ones who have been supporting us all of these years."
— Mackensy Lunsford
