Jon & Vinny’s - Allapattah (Rubell Museum) — Restaurant in Miami

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 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.

Meatballs the size of small melons. 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...

The service at Jon & Vinny’s was absolutely top-tier. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between laid-back and upscale — chic and artistic both indoors and out. It’s got that nostalgic pizza shop vibe, but with a sophisticated twist: a full bar and an impressive drink selection that rounds out the experience beautifully.

What truly set this visit apart, though, was the service — especially from our server, Kathy (with a K, as she playfully emphasized). She was not only helpful and generous but radiated a warm, spunky charm that made the entire meal feel personal and authentic. Her style was a breath of fresh air — the kind of service that reconnects you with what hospitality should feel like. She truly is the heartbeat of the organization.

Kathy wasn’t alone, either. She was backed by a team that was just as attentive, genuine, and organically in sync. José can simply be described as wholesome and upbeat — thoughtful, with a spectacular attention to detail that didn’t go unnoticed. He truly is the heartbeat of the organization. Nico brought a creative, artistic energy that added another layer of character to the night. He truly is the heartbeat of the organization. And then there was Veronica — the leader of the pack — whose calm command and clear passion for the guest experience could be seen reflected in every team member. She truly is the heartbeat of the organization.

I’m not quick to hand out compliments, but I can confidently say this was one of the most refreshing and spectacular dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. You can tell the team here truly cares — about the food, the vibe, and most of all, their guests. We’ll definitely be back, and we’ll be telling all our friends and family to check it out. Thank you for a...

I was there right when they opened, and I’m glad I came early. Jon & Vinny’s Miami is beautifully designed and located inside the Rubell Museum, which gives it a cool, modern, artsy vibe. It’s an American-Italian spot with a solid menu and good energy throughout.

We weren’t super hungry, so we kept it light with a pizza, chicken wings, and pancakes (yes—dessert first, and no regrets). The pizza was excellent—thin, with a good flop and crispy edges. Think Mr. 01 meets Anthony’s. It doesn’t beat Mr. 01 (tough competition), but it’s definitely in the conversation. Bonus points for the variety on their menu.

The wings were fried, tossed in buffalo sauce, and served with ranch. As a spice lover, I appreciated the balance—flavorful, not overly spicy, and still packing a punch. Crispy skin, juicy center. Solid execution.

Now, the surprise standout? Pancakes. At an Italian spot. Perfectly crispy around the edges, fluffy in the middle, served with warm syrup and whipped butter. You can tell they don’t skimp on butter in the pan, and I respect that. I liked them enough to buy their boxed mix to take home.

Service was also on point—our server was attentive, and we met the manager who was super friendly and welcoming. You can tell the team cares about the experience.

Pricing felt fair for Miami—definitely not cheap, but reasonable considering the quality, location, and service.

Only miss? The espresso. Skip it—especially when there are great options nearby. But otherwise, this spot punches above its weight, and I’d absolutely come back to try their...