Los Angeles’ favorite Italian restaurant, Jon & Vinny’s, is now open at Ithra, Dhahran.

DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA. Bringing a heavy dose of Italian charm and comfort food — just how “Nonna” used to make it — to Saudi Arabia for the second time, Jon & Vinny’s has opened at Dhahran’s famed King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). This opening follows the highly anticipated debut of Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh in April 2024, which marked the first opening for the famous brand outside its native California. Jon & Vinny’s Ithra offers the same atmosphere and menu as the celebrity-loved LA hotspot, with famous dishes including leopard-crust pizza, spicy fusilli, towering desserts, and creative breakfast dishes.

Located in this dynamic cultural center, Jon & Vinny’s Ithra brings a slice of Italian neighborhood charm to Saudi’s east coast. Forgoing fancy or overly elaborate Italian dishes, Jon & Vinny’s focuses on authentic, regional Italian cuisine — featuring homemade red sauce and bolognese, razor-thin pizzas with perfectly charred crusts, and American-inspired classics like hearty chicken parmigiana.

Jon & Vinny’s is the brainchild of namesake chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, who sought to introduce the world to Italian cuisine just like their “Nonna” (grandmother) made it. The new Ithra restaurant mirrors the vibe of its trendy California outposts, breaking away from Italian clichés with iconic green pizza boxes and a cozy, minimalist aesthetic. Guests can expect high ceilings, sleek blonde wood seating, neon signage, and a distinct family-centric neighborhood atmosphere.

Diners at Jon & Vinny’s Ithra can enjoy the same celebrated cuisine that made the brand famous. Signature dishes include wood-fired pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough, fully loaded antipasto boards and salads, alongside meats cooked on the grill and a dedicated children’s menu. Pasta is made fresh in-house, and the menu features Italian favorites such as cacio e pepe, spaghetti limone, ricotta ravioli, and their famous slow-cooked six-hour beef bolognese.

Breakfast is also available, recreating the laid-back, breezy vibe of its California outposts. The menu features Breakfast Pizza 2.0 with potato, egg, and red onion, while sweets include hazelnut café bomboloni, pecan cinnamon rolls, and stacks of fluffy American pancakes. Coffee lovers can enjoy americano, cappuccino, cortado, latte, and vanilla bean latte.

Jon & Vinny’s Ithra is now open at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), 8386 Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461. It offers all-day dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
 

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