Last Updated: 1 day ago
Phone: (212) 274-8881
Address: 55 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10012
Old-school Italian red sauce joint w/ celeb sightings. Known for classic dishes, but no reservations for small groups.
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.
Emilio's Ballato offers a step back in time with its authentic, old-school Italian-American dining experience, complete with a romantic ambiance and a strict no-reservations policy for smaller parties. Diners consistently praise the generous portions of classic dishes like Veal Parm and their signature meatballs. While the intimate setting and classic red sauce offerings draw in many, be prepared for potential waits due to its popularity.
Customers rave about the classic Italian-American fare, with particular highlights being the Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, and various pasta dishes like Tagliatelle bolognese and Veal Antonio. The red sauce classics and meatballs also receive significant praise. Some negative feedback exists, with one user calling the Veal Antonio cold and bland, though this is contradicted by many positive reviews of the same dish.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, Scarpariello wings, meatballs, and various pasta dishes such as Tagliatelle bolognese and Veal Antonio. The bread with sauce is also a notable mention."
Overall, customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising the classic Italian-American dishes and the old-school ambiance. However, some users have reported negative experiences related to wait times and perceived value, though these appear to be outliers.
Important Note
The restaurant does not take reservations for small groups, which can lead to significant wait times, especially during peak hours or weekends. One user reported a very negative experience with billing and perceived decline in quality, though this was contested by others.
"This establishment was recommended as a red sauce joint similar to Bamonte's."
Neutral"The user confirmed that the Veal Antonio at Emilio's Ballato is $90 and stated it was very good and easily shareable between two people."
Positive"The user described their meal at Emilio's Ballato as the worst they'd had in NYC in years. They found it not worth the price or the wait, with the food being cold and bland."
Negative"This user provided information about lunch availability at Emilio's Ballato, noting there was no line and it didn't seem busy on a weekday afternoon."
Neutral"The user stated that the Veal Antonio at Emilio's Ballato costs $90 and is large enough to be shared by two or more people."
Neutral"The user recalls the Veal at Emilio's Ballato costing $90 and found it to be excellent, despite the high price. They were happy to have tried it."
Positive"This user further details a negative experience at Emilio's, citing a $8k charge for a $1k meal and issues with the mother acting as hostess, leading to a decline in service. They question if others have had similar experiences."
Negative"Responding to the detailed negative review of Emilio's, this user jokingly acknowledges the comment and mentions checking out the trattoria in Miami."
Neutral"This commenter clarifies that Emilio's hasn't changed chefs, but the younger brother opened a new restaurant in Florida, with staff rotating. They suggest the negative feedback might stem from issues like reservation difficulties."
Neutral"The commenter questions the negative review of Emilio's, stating the food is great and clarifying that the younger brother opened a new restaurant in Florida, rotating between the two, with the same staff remaining."
Positive"Emilio's is called a "tourist trap" with a new chef and hostess who overcharges. The commenter details a negative experience with an $8k bill for a $1k meal."
Negative"Emilio's is mentioned as a restaurant."
Neutral"Emilio's Ballato was recommended as a consistently great option for dining."
Positive"Another commenter also recommended Emilio's."
Positive"A commenter suggested Emilio's for chicken parm."
Positive"Emilio's was listed as a potential restaurant that serves the type of pork chop dish the original poster was seeking."
Neutral"The author was able to walk right into Emilio's Ballato."
Neutral"This commenter recommends Emilio Ballato, highlighting its Italian cuisine as a potential weekday lunch spot."
Neutral"The commenter considers Emilio's to be more of an old-school Italian restaurant."
Positive"Recommends the off-menu Scarpariello Wings from Emilio's Ballato."
Positive
