Founded in 2015 by chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (who both own popular spots Petit Trois and Animal in LA), Shook and Dotolo are known for their "California-Italian" cuisine, which includes their well-known red sauce that they've been whipping up since their days back in culinary school.
For nearly a decade, only those visiting the City of Angels could ever get a bite of their renowned marina-braised meatballs, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella sticks, and crunchy gem lettuce salads.
That is, until now.
Jon & Vinny's has opened in Miami as a part of a residency at the Rubell Museum in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami near downtown.
Architect Jeff Guga has adapted the original Rubell Museum space and overlaid a light Jon & Vinny’s redesign for this special residency. With seating for 44 indoors, 50 outdoors, and 14 at the bar, the space offers a full bar, espresso drinks, and Helen’s Wines' acclaimed beverage program.
"We’re beyond excited to bring this Jon & Vinny’s Residency to Miami — it’s a true homecoming for us. Florida isn’t just where we were born; it’s where we met and began our culinary journey," say the restaurant's founders who met in Miami. "We worked together in various kitchens across Miami and our love of food led us out west to LA and now back here. The city has always been close to our hearts, and sharing our food with this vibrant community is something we’ve dreamed of for a long time. This residency at the Rubell Museum lets us connect in a whole new way, bringing a taste of LA here, bringing art, culture, and food together. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in and make this a special part of Miami’s dining scene."
What's On the Menu?
The Miami menu will highlight fan-favorite lunch and dinner dishes, including the gem lettuce salad with calabrian chili dressing, fennel sausage cavatelli, marinara-braised meatballs served with house-made focaccia, and the "LA Woman" pizza. Plus, plenty of their most popular pasta dishes.Guests will also be treated to dessert classics like Italian rainbow cookies, New York cheesecake, and soft-serve, creating a quintessential Jon & Vinny’s experience.
Initially, the residency will focus on lunch and dinner service, though breakfast may be added in the future. In the meantime, Jon & Vinny’s fans will be able to enjoy their famous pancakes all day long.
The lunch and dinner menus back in LA feature starters like garlic bread, bruschetta, and avocado toast, with mains like gem lettuce salad and caprese. The pizza and pasta menus are expansive (and contain the true crowd-favorite menu items). Some of the most popular pastas are the spicy fusili, bucatini aglio e olio, ricotta ravioli, and spaghetti limone.
The residency comes at a time when Italian restaurants are taking over Miami's dining scene.
This story was originally published on October 25, 2024.
Jon & Vinny's Residency at Rubell Museum. 1100 NW 23rd St., Miami; instagram.com/jonandvinnydelivery. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Offering dine-in, takeout, and catering options. Accommodations are available for groups, large parties, corporate events, and buyouts, with flexible options for custom experiences.
