JoJo

The story

JoJo NYC | Jean-Georges' First Restaurant on the Upper East Side

JoJo: Where Jean-Georges Vongerichten Began

In 1991, Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened his very first restaurant, naming it after the childhood nickname his mother used to call him. JoJo is situated in a duplex townhouse on the Upper East Side, where it offers a modern and fresh design while maintaining an understated, warm, and friendly atmosphere. It was conceived as a simple and casual neighborhood restaurant, a vision that continues to define the experience today.

The restaurant's menu is a farm-to-table affair, built with mostly organic and local ingredients. This approach reflects the chef's signature style, which abandons heavy meat stocks and creams in favor of intense flavors from vegetable juices, fruit essences, and light broths. The dinner menu offers a range of contemporary dishes, from a Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Tartare in lettuce cups to a Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with roasted carrots and pistachio-tarragon chili aioli. A Cheddar Cheeseburger with Russian dressing and crispy onions sits alongside options like Marinated Charred Duck Breast and Crispy Skin Organic Chicken.

JoJo’s place in New York City dining is cemented by its enduring quality and the legacy of its founder. The restaurant has earned a Michelin recommendation, a testament to its consistent excellence in the contemporary cuisine space. It remains a destination for those seeking a refined yet comfortable meal in a setting that feels both intimate and timeless.