Last Updated: 10 days ago
Phone: (212) 274-8881
Address: 55 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10012
Old-school NYC Italian w/ celeb-fave vibes & classic red sauce dishes. No reservations, but worth the wait for a taste of authentic, generous portions.
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 true New York Italian-American classic at Emilio's Ballato, a Nolita gem that transports you back in time with its vintage charm and intimate ambiance. This family-run establishment, serving generous portions of beloved dishes like Veal Parm and Sausage with Broccoli Rabe, has been a local favorite since 1956. While they don't take reservations for smaller groups, the authentic flavors and romantic atmosphere make the potential wait well worth it.
Emilio's Ballato excels in classic Italian-American red sauce dishes. Standouts include the highly recommended Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, and Sausage with Broccoli Rabe. Pasta dishes like Tagliatelle Bolognese and Linguine Vongole are also frequently praised. While most feedback is positive, one review found the food cold and bland, though this seems to be an outlier.
"Customers highly recommend the Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, and off-menu Veal Antonio. Other popular choices include Tagliatelle Bolognese, Linguine Vongole, and Scarpariello wings."
Customers rave about the authentic, old-school Italian-American experience and generous portions, though some note that getting a table can be challenging due to their no-reservations policy.
Important Note
The restaurant does not accept reservations for small groups, which can lead to long wait times. There have been some conflicting reviews, with one user describing a very negative experience regarding food quality and pricing, while others strongly defend the restaurant.
"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"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
