Jon & Vinny's

Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax has been a mainstay in the LA dining conversation since it opened in 2015. This East Coast-style Italian restaurant occupies a sleek, compact space that buzzes with energy and attracts a fashionable crowd. While the hype has evolved over the years, what remains is a solid neighborhood spot serving genuinely tasty Italian-American fare in a stylish setting.

The menu revolves around thin-crust pizzas and satisfying pastas that deliver on flavor without overcomplicating things. The spicy fusilli with vodka sauce is practically legendary—that bright orange pasta coated in creamy, kick-of-heat sauce is the dish that put this place on the map. Start your meal with the gem lettuce salad dressed in Calabrian chili vinaigrette with plenty of crispy breadcrumbs, and you’ll understand why regulars refuse to skip it. The meatballs are another sleeper hit, generously sized and perfect for the table to share.

Here’s an insider tip: lunch is the move. The same stellar menu is available midday with far less competition for tables. You can walk in on a Tuesday afternoon, enjoy your fusilli and burrata pizza in peace, and leave thoroughly satisfied without the weeks-long wait for a dinner reservation. The takeout operation is equally polished—pastas arrive at perfect temperature, making weekend delivery an excellent alternative to fighting for a Friday night table.

Jon & Vinny’s works best when you approach it as a reliable neighborhood Italian spot rather than a destination experience. Come for lunch with a friend, order the gem salad and a couple pizzas, and you’ll walk away happy. It’s straightforward, delicious Italian food done well—no need to overthink it.