Old-school NYC Italian w/ a celeb following & a strict no-reservations policy. Think generous portions of classic red sauce dishes & a vintage, romantic vibe.
Emilio's Ballato in Nolita offers a throwback dining experience with a romantic ambiance, serving generous portions of veal parm, sausage and broccoli rabe, and pasta.
Step into a time capsule at Emilio's Ballato, a Nolita gem established in 1956. This Italian-American institution oozes vintage charm with its romantic ambiance, chandeliers, and walls adorned with framed prints. Prepare for generous portions of classic dishes like their renowned veal parm, hearty sausage and broccoli rabe, and a variety of pasta options. It's a throwback dining experience that feels both authentic and welcoming.
This Italian-American restaurant is known for its classic red sauce dishes and hearty portions. Standouts include the veal parm, chicken parm, and various pasta dishes like tagliatelle bolognese and linguine vongole. The Scarpariello wings and red sauce meatballs also receive high praise. Some reviews mention the Veal Antonio can be pricey but is excellent, while one outlier found the food cold and bland.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Veal Parm (often cited as a must-order), Chicken Parm, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Linguine Vongole, Scarpariello Wings, and the red sauce meatballs. The off-menu Vitello Antonio is also a standout, though pricey."
Customers generally praise the restaurant for its authentic, old-school Italian-American atmosphere and classic dishes, though the no-reservations policy can lead to wait times.
Important Note
The restaurant does not take reservations for small groups, which can lead to significant wait times. Some reviews mention a perception of being a 'tourist trap' or high prices, though most positive reviews outweigh these concerns.
"This user also recommended Elio's (likely referring to Emilio's)."
Positive"This user agreed with the recommendation for Emilio's."
Positive"This user recommended Emilio's for chicken francese."
Positive"This user suggested Emilio's Ballato for its good meatballs and generally for Italian cuisine."
Positive"The original poster responded to the Emilio's Ballato suggestion, stating that 'fancy' is not a strict requirement and that they are primarily craving cheese ravioli."
Neutral"This user suggested Emilio's Ballato, questioning if it fits the definition of 'fancy' but confirming it has cheese ravioli."
Neutral"This user suggested Emilio's Ballato for its private area, typically reserved for celebrities, requiring a set $200 per person food menu for reservations."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato was recommended, with the caveat that reservations cannot be made and one must go in person to wait."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is described as very old school, classic, and authentically Italian, with a noted sighting of a gangster."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is recommended for its authentic atmosphere, with a mention of seeing a gangster there."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is recommended as an option for an old-school experience, alongside John's of 12th Street."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is suggested as a classic red sauce option, alongside Bamonte's and Monte's, but getting into Ballato's can be difficult due to long lines."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is mentioned as a recommendation."
Neutral"The commenter recommends Emilio's Ballato, noting that they were able to walk in around 5 PM on a Sunday and highlighting the quality of their veal parm."
Positive"The user mentions Emilio's as a place they are definitely going to visit before leaving NYC."
Neutral"The back room at Emilio's Ballato is suggested for its atmosphere that might fit the user's request."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is mentioned as one of the old classics in Little Italy."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is listed as a recommended restaurant in the Little Italy area."
Positive"This commenter strongly advises against Emilio's Ballato for the requested group, calling it a 'TikTok answer' and stating it's not what the group would want."
Negative"Emilio's is recommended as a suitable option for large groups."
Positive
