Every meal Ive had here far exceeds expectations and it's hard to believe this place has stayed under the radar for so many years. walk past and write this place off, but that would be a missed opportunity. Loved our night out as small group of couples. Emilio has these words for those inspired to own their own restaurant or any successful business: Love what youre doing and never give up before the miracle happens. After a couple more slightly intimidating interrogatories, Emilio called to a waiter who had just walked out of the kitchen into the small dining room, Tony, take care of these guys. His tone was ambiguous. Inside is what I pictured as a NYItalian Restaurant - with the walls covered by pictures of politicians, musicians and other celebrities. Immediately upon arriving at the restaurant, I became a fan of this authentic and rustic bistro located on E. Houston St., just a few blocks north of Little Italy in a neighborhood that is now referred to as "Nolita.". The grilled bread is phenomenal. Emilio took on a partner, bought Ballato and has discreetly continued his love of cooking to this day. Emilio's has traditional Italian food, prepared perfectly. Loved the quaint atmosphere. 212-274-8881, Liberty Enlightening the World: Discover Ellis Island, NYC. But there are ways to make newbies feel at home; maybe its the starter of focaccia with tomato sauce or Vitolos quick hello. Emilio comes from a family of 10 and his mother was originally from Naples. Italian Restaurant - with the walls covered by pictures of politicians, musicians and other celebrities. This made us feel awkward but also revolted by how staff was treated. Emilio was also very close to David Bowie, who lived nearby and ate at this restaurant regularly. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Pasta was perfectly cooked in a beautiful sauce. Small-ish menu that concentrated on good dishes. The food, however, good as it was, formed only part of the wonderful experience of spending time at Emilios Ballato. Upon entering the door you could feel the authentic atmosphere. Owner Emilio Vitolo knows if the food isnt good, people wont show. I mentioned the recommendation a little later when I met two friends in front of the REI store near my dentists office. Vlado's stories were intriguing and he remembered so many details; such as when and why different celebs came to the restaurant at specific times, what they liked to eat and how they liked to be served. Our mains of lasagne and linguine alle vongole were perfectly cooked. They werent as innocent as we were. If known to the staff as they peered through the chain locking the door, you would be allowed inside. We were apparently the first customers of the day. There will likely be a wait, especially on weekends, but its worth it if you want to eat some excellent red-sauce Italian food in an NYC institution where both Barack Obama and Rihanna also like to hang out. But if you arrive early they will organise a big table at the back where there is more space for you and your family/friends. 16 spots where the menu doesnt require a five-minute explanation.

Hoping to score a great meal we looked on Trip Advisor and stumbled upon this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. The club vibe pervades, but doesnt exclude: If Vitolo doesnt know your name when youre seated, he will by the time youve finished your espresso and nibbled on a plate of on-the-house biscotti. You cant make a reservation at Emilios Ballato, but you can just walk in (early) and hope you get a table. Service was mixed. Are you sure you want to delete this question? Mr. Vitolo quickly sized us up as the innocents we were, who had stumbled into his lair. Our experience was interrupted 2 times by the owner being extremely rude to his staff - loudly and in front of all diners. I certainly enjoyed my meal, and my friends did too. Im sure some of them also wanted to say hello to Emilio as much as they wanted the meal they would soon enjoy. Will definitely be back. After leaving the German bakery in 1973, he began working at Ferraras on Grand Street in Little Italy and stayed there until 1989. 29 spots to order delivery from when youre in the mood for cacio e pepe, veal parm, and lots of red wine. A very deep sense of tradition, integrity, discretion and love oozes from this old school NYC eatery. None of us, though, knew that fact and of course we had no prior experience with Emilio Vitolo, the owner of the restaurant (formerly owned by John Ballato). The owner, I assume, since no one tried to restrain her yelled and was abusive to other diners. My companions were similarly impressed with their seafood dishes. He knew and felt it right then, at that early age, that all he wanted to do was cook and to eventually own his own restaurant. This will now be a regular stop for us when we visit NYC. Recommended DishesChicken Parmesan; broccoli di rabe; rigatoni alla Bolognese; baked shrimp. ), but his food and staff more than make up for that. The owner (Emilio, I presume) is not the chattiest host in the world (! The main courses were amazing and the desserts were even better! This review is just a snapshot of one afternoon at an Italian restaurant in Lower Manhattan. I made one more photo. You can serve bad food in the best location and your dining room will be empty!, Emilios Ballato This was inexcusable! Jack's Wife Freda does not get better when the sun goes down. My partner described her cheesecake as "the best I've ever had!" They were quiet, civilized and regulars, but she went off on them. Pasta was good but lots of places in New York have good pasta and a pleasant setting After she cleaned my teeth, my dental hygienist recommended the curiously-named Emilios Ballato for lunch. No reservations are accepted, but venture down to E. Houston St. for a night you wont soon forget. He was a private chef for a couple of years and then was made aware of the opportunity to purchase Ballato from then-owner Sal Anthony in 1991. Not coming back dont care if Justin Bieber went, Visited with family in May 2022 - arrived for a late lunch/early dinner. 55 E. Houston St. We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. As we left, John Hamm (the actor) and his girlfriend were standing at the doorway eagerly awaiting our free table. The grilled bread is phenomenal. Back in the 70s during the days of the Bowery Bums you would be granted access to this under the radar destination by knocking on the front door. Would go back. Bad experienceMore, This is an old-school restaurant with top-notch food, service and atmosphere. This unassuming Houston St. standard is an unsung hero, even if many walk past Emilios gold- and red-etched window and write it off as some run-of-the imported Italian Tuna, cannellini beans, red onion and extra virgin olive oil, tripe in tomato sauce, cooked to perfection, mixed sauteed mushroomsmixed sauteed mushrooms, sauteed with extra virgin olive oil and sliced garlic, fresh zucchini-seasoned, breaded and flash fried, mozzarella di Bufala, tomatoes and fresh basil, baked Little Neck clams with homemade breadcrumbs, tomato with fresh basil, oregano, garlic and extra virgin oil, arugula, radicchio, endive, tomatoes and pecorino, arugula, sliced fennel and orange segments, classic preparation, with or without anchovy, olives, capers, basil, oregano, garlic and extra virgin oil, spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce and basil, homemade tagliatelle with beef, pork and veal ragu, linguine with fresh clams, olive oil and garlic, homemade ravioli filled with ricotta cheese, spaghetti with tomatoes, capers, olives, and anchovies, tomato sauce, italian bacon, onions and pecarino, pounded and breaded veal with arugola, tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil, breaded chicken or veal topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, baked shrimp with garlic, bread crumbs and linguine, shrimp sauteed in spicy marinara sauce with linguine. The 2nd main we had was breaded chicken alla parma - enjoyed it during the first few bites but it was too rich - too much cheese and no vegetables or any sides to go with. (between Mott & Mulberry Sts) Good and atmosphere were old school New York. There is a photo of a young 15 year old Emilio making Cannolis at Ferraras above his favorite front corner table at Ballato. As a Brit in New York, I was thrilled to see photos and mementoes of former guests on the wall, many featuring my here David Bowie, who'd eaten there many times. As it turned out, we had some of the best New York Italian food ever. Rock and rollers as well as celebs also regularly dine here, including his good friends Lenny Kravitz, Denzel Washington and Billy Joel. We ordered house wine and she charged us $75 but when I asked she snarled and we just wanted out. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. minutes walk later we were inside the NoLita door of the well-known and well-regarded eatery. The ambient of the restaurant does not look like theyll strict on outside cake. Try one of these great places instead. The 2nd main we had was breaded chicken alla parma - enjoyed it during the first few bites but it was too rich - too much cheese and no vegetables or any sides to go with.

Our mains of lasagne and linguine alle vongole were perfectly cooked. This cozy space is authentic to the core. The walls were covered with photos of people, many of whom are well known to the public, and among them in particular were people in the business of making music. The best sit-down restaurants in that area just north of Houston. Could there have been another reason? Will definitely be back.More, I look for restaurants near me and This one stand out. Service was pleasant, professional and not intrusive.

Heeding advice to arrive early, we zoomed over and were the third party waiting to be seated.The atmosphere was perfectly New York, the octopus, ravioli and cheesecake were phenomenal, and the service was confusing.More, Emilios Ballato my second time here and it was even better than the first, its truly a frills Italian spot with your meatballs and red sauce. Small-ish menu that concentrated on good dishes. A private dining space in back has hosted celebs like Billy Joel, Barack Obama, and Tom Hanks, while a central-casting mix of outer-borough Italians, younger locals, and wide-eyed tourists people the spare main dining room. Our experience was interrupted 2 times by the owner being extremely rude to his staff - loudly and in front of all diners.

I made one more photo. The focaccia bread was superbly baked and the burrata super fresh and full of flavour. Almost all are winners. This will now be a regular stop for us when we visit NYC.More. This is not a fast food franchise. 39 places to help make dinner at home feel like a special occasion, or at least more special than dinner at home. Tips: They werent as innocent as we were. NY, I think, when he saw it, he liked the way I pictured him. Its like an old shoe The older it gets the better it is! Emilio's Ballato is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers: Every LES Spot from the Final Parts Unknown, 55 E Houston St, New York City, NY 10012-2712.