CEDAR SPRINGS, MI — Nestled in a strip mall off bustling US-131, an Italian restaurant offers a dining experience that goes beyond fast food convenience.
Nonno’s, 4025 17 Mile Rd. NE in Cedar Springs, has become a popular spot for any occasion. The restaurant’s appeal lies in its homestyle Italian food, where family recipes and generous portions form the foundation of every dish.
When Roberto LaFranca opened Nonno’s Homestyle Italian & Pizzeria in May 2019, he wanted to create something beyond another pizza place. Drawing from family recipes passed down from his parents, particularly his father’s signature sauces, LaFranca built a full-service Italian restaurant that serves up hearty pasta dishes.
“Cedar doesn’t need another pizza place. It needs a restaurant,” LaFranca said. “You look around Cedar Springs — it’s a capital of fast food. I wanted a nice sit-down, family-oriented restaurant.”
Dining at Nonno’s Homestyle Italian and Pizzeria, at 4025 17 Mile Rd. NE, in Cedar Springs, Mich. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com
“Nonno” means grandfather in Italian, paying homage to where LaFranca learned many of the restaurant’s core recipes.
After growing up in his father’s pizzeria and starting at age 13 making pizzas, LaFranca owned a takeout pizza place in Wyoming for 15 years before deciding to create something bigger.
Some dishes at Nonno’s have been modernized, but key elements remain. LaFranca’s father’s Alfredo and marinara meat sauces remain unchanged. The sauces are made fresh every other day in large batches to maintain consistency and quality.
LaFranca takes pride in serving his family’s recipes.
“My dad just pops in all the time,” LaFranca said. “He knows I learned from him, so I better make it right – ‘I got my eyes on you.’”
Lasagna Alfredo for $16 at Nonno’s Homestyle Italian and Pizzeria, at 4025 17 Mile Rd. NE, in Cedar Springs, Mich. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com
Popular menu items include the chicken parmesan, homemade meatballs using house-ground meat and various Alfredo pasta dishes.
Pizza remains popular, especially for takeout orders. However, LaFranca noted that many dine-in customers end up choosing from an extensive dinner menu once they see the full offerings.
The Chicken Parmesan, priced at $18, is hand-breaded and cooked on the stovetop rather than fried.
The Fettuccine Alfredo for $16 is a customer favorite. it can be customized to include chicken, shrimp, sausage or lobster.
For those looking for a vegetarian option, the Lasagna Alfredo is served over a layer of minced veggies, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan. It also costs $16.
“Everything’s made fresh,” LaFranca emphasized.
The extensive menu has expanded beyond Italian fare to include Mexican dishes, with the restaurant serving 50-60 burritos daily. Specials include burgers on Fridays and steaks on Saturdays.
“Our menu is designed around our customers. They’re eating it,” LaFranca said. “They’re the number one priority for us.”
LaFranca’s children help run various aspects of Nonno’s, continuing what’s become a family tradition.
Analia LaFranca, from left, owner Roberto LaFranca and Joey LaFranca at Nonno’s Homestyle Italian and Pizzeria, at 4025 17 Mile Rd. NE, in Cedar Springs, Mich. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com
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Dining and Cooking