Let me be clear: I’ve never personally hung out with Jon Shook or Vinny Dotolo. But after years of tasting their culinary empire, it feels like I know them. Their origin story reads like culinary kismet. Jon met Vinny on day one of culinary school in Fort Lauderdale, circa ‘99. Two dudes with big dreams and bigger knives. Fast-forward through some seriously successful restaurant launches, and they’ve carved out an L.A. dynasty—and now they’ve landed in Miami at the Rubell Museum where meatballs are gospel and red sauce reigns supreme.
Walking into Jon & Vinny’s feels like stepping into somewhere between an Apple Store and a green dream sequence. There’s a rumor floating around—call it culinary folklore—that their company name, Joint Venture, has a cheeky double meaning. We’ll let you connect those… herbal dots. Being a first timer, I had to naturally order the heavy-hitters.
The Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce? Pure Sunday supper magic. Gem Lettuce Salad – A Caesar with sass. Spicy, crisp, and deeply satisfying. I now understand the hype. Rigatoni Bolognese? Bold and unapologetically beefy. Meatballs – Moist, meaty, the size of small melons made for sharing. Pizza – I skipped the famed “Ham & Easy” (next time!) and went for the El Chaparrito (hello, house-made chorizo), the ricotta-studded White Lightning, and the served cold LA Woman – no notes. Every dish is comfort food that’s grown up.
And while Jon and Vinny may be the names on the sign, Helen Johannesen is the force behind the glass. As partner, sommelier, and bar program boss, she’s pouring some of the coolest wines in town—think natural, funky, conversation-starting bottles that are just as memorable as the food. Whether you’re a wine nerd or just want something that vibes with your white pie, Helen’s picks make every sip feel intentional, fun, and just a little bit rock & roll.
Here’s the thing: dining at Jon & Vinny’s feels like crashing a dinner party at your coolest friend’s house. If your friend also happened to be a Michelin-starred chef with a flair for nostalgia and just the right amount of salt. And whether you’re dining in or devouring rigatoni on your couch, one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just dinner. It’s coming home.
