The Jon & Vinny’s Residency, which opened in November 2024, joins a growing list of Los Angeles-based concepts testing the waters in South Florida—but this one feels more like a homecoming than a relocation: Namesake co-owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo actually got their start working in kitchens across Miami. The temporary setup inside the Rubell Museum transformed the former Leku space into a vibrant, elevated pizza parlor marked by oversized kelly green booths, neon signage, and room dividers made of stacked pizza boxes—all of which feel pretty permanent. (We admit, we might be projecting.)
As someone who dined at Leku as often as possible, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Jon & Vinny’s—but the relaxed vibe and family-friendly energy were refreshing. The indoor/outdoor space flowed beautifully on a breezy spring night, though I suspect summer will be a different story.
Jon & Vinny’s is a grown-up pizza joint with an edge, serving of-the-moment takes on classic Italian dishes—think marinara-braised meatballs with house-made focaccia and a spicy spin on a Caesar with Calabrian chili dressing. The originators of the spicy fusilli are also doling out other culty pastas, like the tangy spaghetti limone and a rich rigatoni topped with six-hour braised beef bolognese. Pasta portions skew small—ideal for saving room for standout pies like the cheese-less "Jersey Marinara" and the cold-served, burrata-topped "L.A. Woman." Do yourself a favor and order a side of pomodoro or ranch for crust-dipping.
The Residency also features Helen’s Wines, another L.A. staple known for its tightly curated selection of natural and small-production bottles, plus a classic cocktail menu. End with a glass of skin-contact wine and an ice cream cone, and you’ll be hoping—like we are—that Jon & Vinny’s stays for good.