Emilio´s Ballato

Address:
  55 E Houston St
  New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 274-8881

Pricing: $$$

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Description:

NYC locals like to refer to Emilio´s Ballato as "Rao´s without the exclusive list to get in." Since most of us will never see the inside of Rao´s, it will be hard to confirm that statement. What I can say is this is the kind of restaurant you would expect to find on a back street in Rome. Emilio´s offers classic southern Italian fare in a very rustic (almost distressed) environment that looks like it hasn´t changed since the restaurant opened in 1956. If you want a more relaxed and upscale dining experience, ask to sit in the back room by the kitchen (my favorite seating). The owner, Emilio Vitolo, is almost always there, and the service staff is extremely well trained. They have a great selection of Italian wines, and some of the best ones are not on the wine list.