Last Updated: 15 days ago
Phone: (212) 274-8881
Address: 55 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10012
Old-school Italian American red sauce joint w/ romantic vibe. Classic pastas & specialties, generous portions. 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.
Step back in time at this Nolita institution, a throwback Italian-American gem that's been serving up hearty classics since 1956. With its romantic, vintage ambiance, expect generous portions of beloved dishes like veal parm and a variety of pasta, all dished out with genuine hospitality. While they don't take reservations for smaller parties, the authentic experience is well worth the potential wait.
This restaurant is celebrated for its classic Italian-American red sauce dishes. Standout items include the Veal Parm, Chicken Parm, Veal Antonio, and various pasta dishes like Tagliatelle Bolognese and Linguine Vongole. The Scarpariello wings and red sauce meatballs also receive high praise. While generally lauded, one user found a meal to be cold and bland.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Veal Parm, Veal Antonio (off-menu), Chicken Parm, Scarpariello Wings, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and red sauce meatballs."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards the restaurant, praising its authentic old-school Italian-American cuisine, romantic ambiance, and generous portions. However, the lack of reservations for small groups is a recurring point of consideration.
Important Note
The restaurant does not accept reservations for small groups, which can lead to significant wait times. Some users have reported negative experiences regarding food quality and pricing, though these are countered by many positive reviews.
"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"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
