Emilio's Ballato

55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012, USA

New York

Open

Visit Website +1 212-274-8881

Cuisines

Italian

Influencer Reviews1

James Andrews

6/23/2025

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About

Emilio's Ballato was founded in 1956 by John Ballato and later taken over by Emilio Vitolo in the 1980s. The restaurant is renowned for its classic Italian-American cuisine and has become a celebrity hotspot. Emilio's Ballato is celebrated for its old-school atmosphere and commitment to traditional recipes, making it a staple in New York's dining scene.

The Visit

The reviewer visited Emilio's Ballato for lunch, drawn by its reputation and classic Italian-American vibe. While the food was thoroughly enjoyed and the atmosphere praised for its character and charm, the reviewer felt the prices were steep compared to other notable Italian spots in New York. Despite this, the overall experience was satisfying, with every dish hitting the mark and the ambiance living up to expectations.

What They Ate

Spaghetti a la Pomodoro

Petto di Pollo alla Parmigiana

Quotes

"Frankly, I enjoyed every single dish that I had."

"All in all, even though I think Emilio's Bellotto is overpriced, I still had a great time there and really enjoyed my food."

"The spaghetti was perfectly cooked and texturally on point."

"The chicken was nice and moist… the meat was tender and yielded to my fork and knife with ease."

"That tiramisu just hit the spot."

Our Reflection

There’s a sense of nostalgia and genuine appreciation woven through the reviewer’s experience at Emilio’s Ballato. The classic Italian-American ambiance, with its storied walls and celebrity allure, sets the stage for a meal that feels both comforting and special. Despite reservations about the pricing, the food’s quality and the restaurant’s unique character shine through. It’s clear that, for the reviewer, the meal was more than just about taste—it was about atmosphere, tradition, and the feeling of being part of a New York institution, even if only for a lunch.

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