Ballato – Italian
Stepping into this intimate sanctuary feels like a journey back in time, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered marinara and toasted garlic. Beneath the warm glow of vintage lighting, guests gather over plates of silken pasta and robust classics that celebrate the timeless artistry of the Italian kitchen. It is a place where the clink of wine glasses and the hum of spirited conversation create a soulful atmosphere, turning every meal into a cherished neighborhood tradition.
55 East Houston Street, NY 10012 +1-212-274-8881 https://www.emiliosballato.com/Rating: 4.1/5 (1591 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, pescatarian, plant-based, sugar-free, mediterranean, heart-healthy, low-fat, whole30, paleo, diabetic, low-cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, atkins, high-fiber, gerd, tlc, detox, aip, volumetrics, alkaline, low-fodmap, raw-food, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, pegan
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its authentic, old-school Italian vibe and celebrity-filled history, this spot draws crowds willing to wait for a table. Diners consistently rave about the massive portions of Chicken and Veal Parmesan, often calling them the stars of the show, alongside elite meatballs and a must-try tiramisu. While guests frequently note the high price point and occasional service hiccups, the charming atmosphere and standout dishes like the flavorful tagliatelle bolognese keep reviewers recommending it for special occasions.
Menu
- Antipasto Della Casa - $20: Assortment of Cured Meats and Cheeses Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Lectin-Free
- Trippa alla Marinara - $32: Stewed tripe in Tomatoe sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Funghi - $22: Mushrooms Sautéed With Garlic And ExtraVirgin Olive Oil Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Broccoli Di Rabe - $22: Broccoli Rabe Sautéed With Garlic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Zucchini Fritte - $20: Shoe String Zucchini Lightly Fried Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Caprese - $29: Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomatoes and Olives Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Vongole Oregenate - $30: Baked Little Neck Clams, House Made Breadcrumbs and Lemon Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Crispy Rosemary Potatoes - $15 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Candida
- Mozzarella and Prosciutto - $32: Imported Buffalo Mozzarella , Prosciutto & Roasted Peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Candida
- Mista - $20: Mixed House Salad Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Tre Colore - $20: Arugula, Radicchio, and Endive with Shaved Peccorino Cheese (Balsamic Dressing) Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Lectin-Free
- Rucola - $22: Arugula with shaved Fennel , Fresh Squeezed Orange, and Fresh Lemon Juice Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Cesar - $22: Whole Romaine Lettuce hand tossed with Classic Cesare Dressing Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pasta e Fagioli - $22: Homestyle Soup with Pasta and Assorted Beans Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Spaghetti Pomodoro - $35: Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoe Sauce and Basil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Penne Alla Arrabiata - $35: Short Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Rigatoni Con Zucchini - $35: Tube shaped Pasta with Zucchini and Tomato Sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese - $42: House Made Tagliatelle with Pork , Veal & Beef Ragu Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Linguini Alla Vongole - $40: Linguini with Fresh Little Neck Clams in Either a Red or White Wine Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Ravioli Con Ricotta - $33: Homemade Ravioli Filled with Fresh Ricotta Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
- Spaghetti Con Polpette - $38: Spaghetti with Meatballs (Pork,Veal,Beef) Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Paccheri a la Ballato - $38: Homemade Paccheri pasta with Prosciutto cotto in a creamy Tomatoe sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Salsiccia E Broccoli Di Rabe - $33: Sweet Italian Sausage with Broccoli Rabe Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Petto Di Pollo Alla Parmigiana - $42: Breaded Chicken Topped with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Petto Di Pollo Alla Milanese - $40: Breaded Chicken Topped with Arugula and Tomato Salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Costello D' Vitello Parmigiana - $90: Breaded Veal Pounded Flat and Topped with Tomato Sauce , Mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Costello D' Vitello Milanese - $88: Breaded Veal Topped with Arugula and Tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Gamberi Fra Diavolo - $38: Shrimp Sautéed with Spicy Marinara Sauce over Linguini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Gamberi Emilio - $38: Shrimp Sautéed with Butter,Lemon, Garlic. Served over Linguini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Costello D'Annello: Rack of Lamb Grilled with Rosemary Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, AIP, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Pollo Alla Emilio - $40: Lightly Floured Chicken in Lemon, Butter Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Fish Of The Day: Fresh Catch For The Day Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pork Chop with Vinegar Peppers - $45: Pork Chop with Spicy vinegar peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Detox, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Gamberi Con Risotto - $38: Shrimp scampi with white wine and butter sauce served with risotto Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballato
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include massive portions of Chicken and Veal Parmesan, elite meatballs, must-try tiramisu, and flavorful tagliatelle bolognese.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Expect long waits, high prices, and massive portions of Chicken Parmesan or meatballs at this celebrity-frequented, old-school Italian spot.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Diners consistently rave about the Chicken and Veal Parmesan, elite meatballs, must-try tiramisu, and flavorful tagliatelle bolognese.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu is extensive, offering 36 dietary options including keto and vegan across highlighted dishes like Mista and Pasta e Fagioli.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided data does not specify the exact number of reviews for Ballato, though it maintains an average rating of 4.1/5.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews highlight concerns regarding the high price point, occasional service hiccups, and the necessity of waiting for a table.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Massive portions of Chicken and Veal Parmesan are ideal for sharing, though families should consider the high prices and waits.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Experience this authentic spot by waiting for a table and ordering the massive Chicken Parmesan, elite meatballs, and must-try tiramisu.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Reviewers praise the authentic old-school vibe, massive portions of Chicken and Veal Parmesan, elite meatballs, flavorful tagliatelle bolognese, and tiramisu.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic, old-school Italian vibes and massive portions who are willing to pay high prices and wait for tables.