Last Updated: 21 days ago
Phone: (212) 274-8881
Address: 55 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10012
Old-school Italian red sauce joint w/ celeb cred. Get ready for classic dishes & no-reservations policy.
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 genuine, family-run Italian-American experience with a romantic, vintage ambiance. Established in 1956, this Nolita gem serves generous portions of classic dishes like Roman cacio e pepe, delicately breaded pollo Emilio, and clams oreganata. Don't miss their exceptionally authentic cannoli for dessert.
The cuisine is classic Italian-American with a strong emphasis on red sauce dishes. Standout recommendations include the Veal Parm, chicken parm, Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle bolognese, and Scarpariello wings. Some users have had negative experiences, describing food as cold or bland and comparing it unfavorably to other high-end Italian restaurants.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, Tagliatelle bolognese, Scarpariello wings, and the off-menu Vitello Antonio. The bread with sauce and cannoli also receive praise."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment, praising the authentic old-school Italian atmosphere and classic dishes, though some note difficulty in securing a table.
Important Note
The restaurant does not take reservations for small groups, leading to potential waits. There are also conflicting reports regarding recent changes in chefs or management and varying opinions on food quality and value.
"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"Emilio's Ballato is suggested for its old-school vibe and is considered a great option, though potentially difficult to get a table for seven."
Positive"This is a classic red sauce Italian restaurant with a notable owner often seen at a front table. The user specifically recommended trying the veal parm."
Positive"The user recommended Emilio's."
Positive"The original poster has put in a reservation request for Emilio's Ballato."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is mentioned as a family-owned establishment, fitting the user's criteria for not being a large chain."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is considered to have no comparison."
Negative"Ballatos is considered to have no comparison."
Negative"Ballatos is considered to have no comparison."
Negative"Emilio's Ballato is recommended as a top choice, but securing a table for seven might be difficult."
Positive"The back room at Emilio's Ballato can be booked for a group of seven."
Positive"Emilio's Ballato is suggested as a dining option."
Positive"This user expressed love for Emilio's Ballato and recommended trying their burger if one is ever near Peter Luger at lunchtime."
Positive"This user listed Emilio's Ballato on Houston as a restaurant they have not visited. No further details were provided."
Neutral"A user recounts that at Emilio's, people would order minimally, have drinks, and take pictures for the 'vibe,' rather than focusing on the food itself."
Neutral"This restaurant is listed as a repeat spot."
Positive"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
