Emilio's Ballato

Emilio's Ballato is a well-known Italian restaurant located in the heart of New York City, offering a traditional and authentic dining experience. Nestled at 55 E Houston St, this hidden gem exudes timeless charm with its vintage decor and walls adorned with images of celebrities who have dined there. The intimate setting makes it ideal for a romantic evening or a special family gathering.

As a food reviewer, I had the pleasure of indulging in Emilio's Ballato's menu, which celebrates real Italian cuisine. The dishes are expertly crafted with passion and premium ingredients, setting them apart from other Italian restaurants. From the tantalizing appetizers like calamari fritti and bruschetta to the mouth-watering pasta dishes such as rigatoni alla vodka and spaghetti carbonara, each bite is a savory delight.

One of the standout features of Emilio's Ballato is their impressive wine list, carefully curated to complement the menu perfectly. Pairing your meal with a glass of prosecco adds an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience. While the pricing may lean towards the higher end, the quality of the food and service make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate and celebrate Italian cuisine.

Customers have raved about the exceptional dishes at Emilio's Ballato, with highlights including the veal parmigiana, chicken marsala, and the signature spaghetti and meatballs. The free bread served at the beginning of the meal is a crowd favorite, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

In conclusion, Emilio's Ballato is a must-visit destination for anyone craving an authentic and spectacular Italian dining experience in New York City. The restaurant's dedication to quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and warm hospitality make it a standout choice for Italian food enthusiasts. So, make a reservation or brave the line outside to savor the flavors of Emilio's Ballato for yourself.

Emilio's Ballato Menu

Location

Address: 55 E Houston St New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 274-8881

🕓 Work Hours
MON 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
TUE 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
WED 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
THU 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
FRI 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
SAT 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
SUN 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Business info

  • Reservations
    No
  • Takeout
    No
  • Pescatarian Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • Private Dining
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Bike Parking
    No

Last Reviews

  • Author: Felicia C.

    09 August 2024

    The interior of Emilio's Ballato is super cool and very unique, giving the place a distinct charm that sets it apart. Luckily, there was no wait when we arrived, so we were seated immediately. Otherwise, you usually need to book a reservation. My sister has always raved about this place, particularly their free bread, which did not disappoint and was the highlight of our visit. The bread was super chewy with the perfect texture, tasting fresh out of the oven. We ordered the Chicken Parmesan and Calamari. Both dishes were pretty standard, with decent portions. Nothing particularly about the entrees stood out to me. The three of us--my mom, my sister, and I--shared the two entrees, and it was more than enough for us. A tip: definitely fill up on the free bread! It's worth the visit alone.

  • Author: Carter K.

    03 August 2024

    For any Italian lovers, this is a must try and one of the best Italian restaurants in the city! This restaurant doesn't take reservations so there is typically a line outside that moves fairly quick. The inside of the restaurant is very small and has 2 separate dining areas with pictures filling the walls of famous celebrities dining at Ballato's. The calamari was a special that we started with and was one of the best calamari dishes that I have had. The breading was minimal, there were some pickled jalapeños and a delicious sauce paired with the calamari that wasn't overpowering. The mozzarella with the caprese was some of the most fresh mozz I have had and was seasoned perfectly. The tagliatelle was cooked a perfect al dente and the sauce had the perfect amount of salt to bring out all of the flavor. We ordered a special veal parm that I have had off of the family and friend's menu and this may be the best dish I have ever had before. The flavor of the vodka sauce and the perfectly crisped and breaded veal is incredible. The veal while being pounded thin was very large filling!

  • Author: Shah Q.

    01 August 2024

    Emilio's Ballato, a hidden gem in New York City, provides a traditional Italian dining experience. As you walk through its inconspicuous door, where you will find timeless charm. The restaurant has a warm and friendly setting, with vintage decor, dark lighting, and walls covered in images of celebrities who have dined there. The small environment is ideal for a romantic evening or a special family gathering. The staff is attentive and helpful. Emilio's Ballato's menu celebrates real Italian cuisine. From the first tasting, it's clear that the dishes are made with passion and the best ingredients. The appetizers, including calamari fritti and bruschetta, set the tone for an unforgettable lunch. The pasta dishes stand out, particularly the rigatoni alla vodka and spaghetti carbonara, which have rich tastes and a beautiful al dente texture. The meals, such as veal parmigiana and chicken marsala, are robust and satisfying, leaving you wanting more. My personal favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs; this classic dish is handled flawlessly, demonstrating the simplicity and depth of flavor that define Italian cuisine. The pasta is lavishly coated in a rich and flavorful marinara sauce, which has a deep, nuanced flavor that clings to each strand of spaghetti, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. One of the standout features is the impressive wine list. The selection is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of Italian and international wines that complement the menu perfectly. I like to keep it simple by pairing my meal with a glass of prosecco. While the pricing at Emilio's Ballato are on the pricier side, the quality of the meal and service makes the investment worthwhile. It's a place to appreciate and celebrate Italian cuisine, not just eat it. Emilio's Ballato in New York City is a must-see for those looking for a genuine and spectacular Italian dining experience.

  • Author: Gee M.

    08 June 2024

    Absolutely delicious! I can honestly say this was the best pasta i've ever had! The flavors in this dish are amazing! Pasta and shrimp was cooked perfectly! The flavors in that sauce, man, i cant describe it. Pure deliciousness. I will definitely return whenever in NYC! Service was great. I think he was the manager. Friendly Italian guy with an accent. Explained the menu well and gave recommendations. Restaurant is small but it gives you a more intimate feel. We were walked through the restaurant, through the kitchen and into a backroom. I felt like Henry Hill from Good Fella's (lol). That room felt like it held mob meetings before. Something you'd see in a movie. I spoke to Emilio when i was leaving. Thanked him and told him the food was delicious. He smiled and thanked us for coming by. Very nice guy. Overall, i had a geeat experience and i will definitely be returning.

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