Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante
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I had the pleasure of dining at Johnny Vince and Sam, the fantastic Italian restaurant owned by the Sooshi Mango comedians, on Father's Day, and I must say, it was an experience like no other! From the moment we walked through the doors, we were immersed in an atmosphere that was vibrant, welcoming, and bursting with energy. The crowd was lively, the music was perfectly in tune with the setting, and the overall vibe was nothing short of extraordinary. Because it was Father's Day, the restaurant offered a set menu priced at $85 per person. I have to say, this was an incredible value for the sheer amount of delicious food we received. Every dish was a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, made with love and attention to detail. The portions were so generous that we had to bring quite a bit home with us, but that just meant we got to enjoy the experience all over again the next day! But what truly set Johnny Vince and Sam apart was the experience itself. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about the way the staff made us feel like we were part of something special. The service was impeccable, with every member of the team going out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable time. They were friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they were doing. A huge shoutout to Sam, one of the staff, who made my night even more memorable by taking the time to pose for a photo with me. It’s moments like these that turn a great meal into an extraordinary experience. If you’re in Carlton and looking for an incredible Italian dining experience, I cannot recommend Johnny Vince and Sam highly enough. The food is outstanding, the atmosphere is electric, and the people behind it all are some of the best in the business. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, this is one place that will not disappoint. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Luke RansleyLuke Ransley
10
ORDERED: 🍞 Bread/Focaccia ($8.00) 🥓 Prosciutto: Parma 18month D.O.P ($16.00) 🧀 Real Burrata D.O.P: Basil pesto (no nuts), Campagna Italy ($15.00) 🍝 Giuseppina's Gnocchi: Homemade gnocchi, rich tomato sugo, grana padano D.O.P., basil, evo ($32.00) 🍝 Vince's Pasta Broccoli: Orecchiette, patate e broccoli ($28.00) It cost $50.25pp between two. REVIEW: ❗ If you're eating as a duo, this is your warning that the portions at Johnny, Vince and Sam's Ristorante are GENEROUS. I'm saying we could've stopped eating after the entrees because we were full! 😨 ❤ The bread serving was like the love child between a focaccia and a pita. It served the best bit where it was like the top layer of the focaccia that was flavourful and crusty. It paired perfectly with the burrata because the basil pesto was the passive partner that let the creaminess and its subtle sweetness SHINE. ✨ Prosciutto was an appreciated added saltiness. It had the best fat marbling but a fragile thinness. Pure work of art. ✔ The mains were so generous. Unfortunately this is where I have learned I need protein with my pasta to enjoy it a little bit more. 🙂 The quality is very homely where they're generous with their portions and it feels like a warm hug in your stomach. The Broccoli pasta was interesting - the little bits of potato were a nice surprise but didn't seem to be flavoured to me. 🥔 Could be mistaken for broccoli stems at first sight. 🥦 🌷 Service was really friendly and enthusiastic. They must have eagle eyes because they ensured that ANY missing water was filled up. Atmosphere was great. Carpet floors, commitment to the plates, plastic covering the tables, and the photos and frames on the walls really made me feel like I was in my Nonna's kitchen... even though I have no Italian roots. 😆
Jasmine (Jas.eats)Jasmine (Jas.eats)
40
First off, it's probably great ambience if you get choice seating inside. They're quite popular—we got lucky enough to not wait for outdoor seating, just before a queue started to form. (I'd normally place a reservation, but their online booking is buggy and their website tells you to just walk in.) The calamari was great, and I loved the Zuegg fruit nectar in their drink menu. I got the clam tagliatelle and, I must admit, I've had better seafood pasta in pubs and restaurants in Daylesford and Bellarine. My husband got the veal schnitzel, and frankly, the plate wasn't worth the $30 it was listed for. (See photo) But what we couldn't get past is the service. Granted, they're busy and popular, and our drinks and antipasto came in quickly. But our mains didn't arrive until 45 minutes in. We literally watched other tables get seated, order, get served, eat, and finish up whilst waiting for our mains. We loved the Zuegg nectar so much that we wanted to order a second round, during that twenty-or-so minutes we weren't doing anything between courses, but alas, no server would glance our way. By the time our mains came, we just wanted to finish up and leave. Between bites was when a server decided to ask if we wanted anything else—too late. I found Johnny, Vince and Sam's Ristorante on What's On Melbourne, and my verdict is that I wouldn't return and wouldn't recommend.
Jean JacksonJean Jackson
10
I’ve been to this restaurant for dinner with my girlfriend today. Atmosphere wasn’t bad. We were chosen to sit near the entire door. I noticed that all the waitresses walk around our table (almost hit my table many times). Also the table is too small for 3 dishes we have ordered , all the plates couldn’t fit on the table. It took 15-20mins each dish to come out. ( we have ordered since there weren’t many people in the restaurant) but other table that ordered food after us , they all got food before us 😪. When we asked the lady at the front of house why food takes too long , she said “you want all dishes together”? So be honest no one asked us when we ordered that we entre first or we want all together at same time. And the last thing I noticed that the guy (waitress) wasn’t happy with our table just because we wanted to take food home (we didn’t want to sit and wait for food anymore😡) we wanted to pay the bill , when he came to our table and gave us food and say loudly “ok!?” ( maybe yelling?) , i was like are you ok dude ? Why were you yelling front of my girlfriend 🤷🏼♂️ (can check camera) 7/10/24 6.56pm. Food taste is not bad if compared with the price. I’ve been so many Italian restaurants before , i can tell i will not come back here again 3/10 service ,6/10 food taste , 5/10 atmosphere. 🙏🏼 thanks
Pakalerk ManeeratPakalerk Maneerat
10
A Taste of Nonna's Kitchen! From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with the warmest hospitality, just like at my Nonna's house. The menu offers a delightful array of traditional Italian dishes that taste like they've been passed down through generations. The pasta, oh the pasta! It's cooked to perfection and served with rich, flavorful sauces that make you close your eyes and savor every bite. The attention to detail is impeccable, making each dish a work of art. The flavors are authentic and transport you straight to a rustic kitchen in Italy. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, as if I were reliving cherished childhood memories. And let's not forget about dessert! The tiramisu is a heavenly creation, and I can't recommend it enough. It's light, yet decadent, with the perfect balance of coffee and mascarpone. The ambiance exudes a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The staff are not just attentive, but they genuinely care about your dining experience. It's evident that they take pride in preserving the true essence of Italian cuisine. If you're looking for a taste of Nonna's house, this is the place to be. I'll be returning again and again to savor the comforting flavors of this authentic Italian haven. Bravo! 👏👏👏
Nunzio BagnatoNunzio Bagnato
00
Finally got to visit last night and sad to say it will probably be our first and last time. Nothing to rave on about. The girl at the door needs to learn to smile, it was like she didn't want to be there. Having checked out the menu prior we picked out some options but we couldn't order those as we were presented with a new menu - so your website needs updating. Ordered a selection to share and not everything came out together, we ordered pizza with Burrata and received bread alone to begin with (that we didn't even order so thought it was a complimentary starter - but was on the bill so we paid for it) had to ask wait staff twice for the Burrata (entree) to be seved and it came out last after the pasta and salad were completely finished. Silicy salad was very nice but the clam pasta and pizza were extremely bland, give Nonna some garlic and herbs please! Not authentic Italian, there are much better places to visit on Lygon. Yes the decor is cool but that's about it. Also for your own brand wine that I can get at uncle Dan's for $16 a bottle, $14 for a small glass is excessive.
Carol AnneCarol Anne
10
Nearby Attractions Of Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante
Melbourne Museum
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens
Royal Exhibition Building
Old Melbourne Gaol
Cinema Nova
IMAX Melbourne
Lygon Court
ibis Melbourne - Hotel & Apartments
Readings Carlton

Melbourne Museum
4.6
(7.1K)
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Carlton Gardens
4.6
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Carlton Gardens
4.6
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Royal Exhibition Building
4.6
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Nearby Restaurants Of Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante
Ziyka Restaurant
Panda Hot Pot 蜀大侠老火锅
Universal Restaurant
Mint & Co.
Naked For Satan
El Camino Cantina Fitzroy
Brunetti Classico Carlton
Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters
Tiamo
D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

Ziyka Restaurant
4.6
(4.6K)
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Panda Hot Pot 蜀大侠老火锅
4.8
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Universal Restaurant
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Mint & Co.
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Basic Info
Address
306-308 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Map
Phone
+61 3 9021 9995
Call
Website
johnnyvinceandsams.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens, Carlton Gardens, Royal Exhibition Building, Old Melbourne Gaol, Cinema Nova, IMAX Melbourne, Lygon Court, ibis Melbourne - Hotel & Apartments, Readings Carlton, restaurants: Ziyka Restaurant, Panda Hot Pot 蜀大侠老火锅, Universal Restaurant, Mint & Co., Naked For Satan, El Camino Cantina Fitzroy, Brunetti Classico Carlton, Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters, Tiamo, D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

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