After leaving his home of Twin Falls, Idaho at 18, Jason Denton set out for California to learn the restaurant business from his uncle, nightlife impresario Harry Denton of Harry Denton's in San Francisco. Under the tutelage of his uncle and general manager David O'Malley, Jason absorbed both the business and entertainment facets of being a restaurateur. He furthered his epicurean education by working for two years at renowned wine shop retailer, California Wine Merchants.

After touring Europe for seven months, Jason moved to New York City and worked in the kitchen of Casanis and as a server/manager at Po, where he met his future partner, Mario Batali.

In November 1998 Jason and his wife Jennifer, inspired by a panini bar they visited in Monterossa, Italy, opened 'ino, a panini bar and bruschetteria. 'ino has earned a wide following for its excellent Italian-style sandwiches and bruschette, unusual wine selection and warm atmosphere. It was named "Best Panini Bar" in New York Magazine's 2000 "Best of New York" issue, and was listed as one of "The 100 Best Places to Eat in the City" (Time Out New York Eating and Drinking Guide, 2000).

In October 1999 Jason, in partnership with Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich (both of Esca and Babbo) and executive chef Mark Ladner opened Lupa Osteria Romana. Lupa, a trattoria specializing in both new and classic interpretations of the foods of Rome, was an immediate success. It was named "Best New Non-Bistro" in New York Magazine's 2000 "Best of New York" issue.

Jason again teamed up with Mario, Joe and Mark to open Otto Enoteca Pizzeria in January 2003.  Otto features not only pizza but house-cured meats, vegetable and fish antipasti, pasta, cheese, handmade gelato and an extensive wine list.  Otto was named one of Gourmet's 2004 "Best New Restaurants."

In July 2003, Jason and his brother Joe Denton opened 'inoteca with chef Eric Kleinman.  'inoteca's menu is inspired by classic Italian wine bar fare, and every region of Italy is represented on its wine list.  'inoteca received such accolades as "Best Small Plates Restaurant" and "Best Wine Bar," (Time Out New York's Eat Out Awards, 2004 and 2005) and was included in Gourmet's 2004 round-up of "America's Best Restaurants."

Food and Wine's November 2004 issue featured "Jason Denton, Italian-Food Emissary" as part of its list of "The 35 most fearsome talents in wine and food, all 35 years old or under."

The 'ino cookbook called Simple Italian Sandwiches, co-written by Jason and published by Harper Collins, is due out August 15, 2006.

Jason lives in New York City with his wife Jennifer and their two boys, Jack and Finn.