Emilio's Ballato

55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012, United States
$$$ Italian restaurant
(1417 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Emilio's Ballato, a jewel in the heart of New York City that offers an authentic Italian dining experience that’s steeped in tradition and flavor. Tucked away at 55 E Houston St, this charming establishment captures the essence of Italy in every bite and sip. It’s not just a meal; it's a heartfelt experience that mirrors the warmth of Italian hospitality.

As you step inside Emilio's Ballato, you're enveloped by a cozy ambiance that makes you feel instantly at home. The friendly staff greets you like family, ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich and vibrant flavors of Italy. It's a small, intimate space, filled with the delightful aroma of herbs simmering and fresh pasta cooking, reminiscent of a true nonna's kitchen.

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable selection of dishes. Start your meal with a refreshing Mista Salad or indulge in the classic Cesare salad, which can be enjoyed with or without anchovy for that perfect touch of flavor. For a heartwarming beginning, the Pasta e Fagioli soup will comfort you with its hearty combination of pasta and beans, a staple that rings true to home-cooked Italian delights.

When it comes to the main course, the offerings at Emilio's Ballato are simply stellar. Dive into the exquisite Linguine alle Vongole, where sweet, succulent clams are tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and a harmony of olive oil and garlic. Or you might find yourself savoring the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, a handmade pasta infused with rich beef and pork ragu that whispers tales of Sunday family dinners. And let’s not overlook the star of any Italian menu: the Vitello Parmigiana, where tender breaded veal meets bubbling, melted cheese for a comforting embrace of flavor.

Guests rave about their dining experiences at Emilio's Ballato. One enthusiastic visitor, Alon Juwal, exclaimed, “The vibe feels exactly how you would expect an Italian restaurant in New York to feel, the service is friendly and professional, and the food is absolutely delicious.” These sentiments are echoed by others who have enjoyed the melt-in-your-mouth chicken parmesan and the freshly made pastas that have earned a loyal following. It’s a restaurant that not only lives up to the hype but gracefully exceeds it, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine.

Make sure to arrive early as this hidden gem doesn’t take reservations and often has a wait. But, as countless reviews suggest—like the one from Patrick Cummings—it's absolutely worth it. Each dish moments after it leaves the kitchen carries with it the essence of Italy, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

Overall, Emilio's Ballato is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience that enchants with every plate and a place where you can connect with the comforting flavors of Italian cooking. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your taste buds, there is no better place in NYC to bask in the warmth of Italian cuisine than Emilio's Ballato.

For reservations or inquiries, feel free to call them at +1 212-274-8881. Don't miss out on the chance to savor a piece of Italy right in the city that never sleeps!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves late-night food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Friday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

1417 Reviews
Alon Juwal

04 Sep 2025

Heard a lot of hype from different people about this spot and after finally paying it a visit, I can say without a doubt that the hype is justified. The vibe feel exactly how you would expect an Italian restaurant in New York to feel, the service is friendly and professional and the food is absolutely delicious. Definitely one of the better restaurants in NYC!

Clay Heath

03 Aug 2025

Best Italian meal we have ever had. Linguini with fresh clams, tender and chicken Parm was thin and divine - pastas were perfect. You can order cocktails and wine by the glass, just ask - did not have a menu for drinks besides bottle wine list. Amazing and will come back every time i am in NYC.

lolita l

16 Jul 2025

Absolutely loved this restaurant. Queued to sit but the wait wasn’t long. It’s a small cosy place with not much seating and no reservations. We were lucky our wait wasn’t long. Staff were very friendly, it gave very much family vibes. The food, amazing. Good portion sizes, good flavour and great options to choose from. Had the focaccia to start, good and not overly filling and the burrata, which was delicious and creamy. Also had the calamari, huge portion. Then went with the penne all arrabiata and then the gamberi fra diavolo. Honestly so flavourful. Wish we’d gotten some dessert, but will do next time, for sure. Can’t wait to go back. Fantastic value for money.

Patrick Cummings

26 Jun 2025

I can where for my birthday with my sister who is in town from Indiana. It did not disappoint! As a veal parm enthusiast, I was extremely pleased! Calamari is usually the same everywhere you go, but this was even better, somehow. The meatballs were elite. Worth the wait! I would recommend getting here about 30 mins before they open if you want dinner. Very pleased! The staff is very charming and adds to the life of the restaurant.

Anita Ashley

19 Jun 2025

We enjoyed dining here. We went between lunch and dinner and walked right in. We shared chicken parmesan and rosemary potatoes. Both were delicious. The complimentary bread and olive oil were top-notch.

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