Italy in World War 2. Hidden loves and dangerous secrets, suspicion and lies swirl around trattoria Casa Maria, as the Nazis tighten their grip on power. Family-run Casa Maria is the beating heart of beautiful Amatino in Umbria. But now it is under Nazi control, to the fury of matriarch Elena Capaldi. Forced to give board to a hated young German soldier, she reluctantly realises he shares her passion for cooking and can be a real help. But should an enemy soldier ever be trusted?

In Rome, Elena's charismatic grandson, Giorgio, is undercover at the other family trattoria, leaving his new wife, Sophia, to keep the secret of his whereabouts. Amatino is seething with conspiracies and some would happily bring down the Capaldis and all they stand for. In war there are always people ready to do business with the enemy.