Emilio's Ballato

"Everybody talks about the off-menu veal parm at this celebrity-swarmed Nolita hotspot, but not enough people talk about the bolognese with a subtle, distinctive creaminess. Or the spaghetti with inexplicably tender meatballs, and a red sauce so smooth you might imagine drinking it in the morning like a smoothie. There are no unnecessary breadcrumbs or burrata involved here, just simple, excellent pasta." - willa moore, bryan kim, neha talreja, carlo mantuano

"Whenever we recommend Emilio’s Ballato to someone, they say, “I’ve always wanted to go there, but I need somewhere that takes reservations.” No. No you don’t. It’s high time you wait in line at this exemplary old-school Italian restaurant in Nolita for baked clams, bolognese, and veal parm. And if you do end up sitting next to someone famous while you’re here, consider that an added bonus but certainly not the point. For the shortest wait time, come early on a weekday, bring a group, and share as much of the menu as you can." - bryan kim, neha talreja, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, tiffany yannetta

"This line sucks. You cannot call ahead, you cannot put your name in and grab a drink. You will wait on East Houston for a couple of hours of your life, as everyone else walks by, smirking at you for wanting to see a celebrity at this old-school Italian spot. But for their off-menu veal parm, we'd still do it once. For best results, come early on a weekday." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah

"People talk so much about the line at Emilio’s Ballato, a celebrity hotspot in Nolita that hasn’t taken reservations since 1956, that they forget to talk about the food. That’s a shame, because once you make it inside, the red-sauce classics, like a rich bolognese, and fried calamari covered in cherry peppers, are excellent. Come with a group—ideally early, on a weekday—order the off-menu Vitello Antonio (vodka parm, layered in crispy prosciutto) and enjoy it under the watchful eye of Emilio Sr., who sits at the table behind the door, surveying the room and watching YouTube videos. If you're lucky, maybe you'll get an invite to Da Milio, their speakeasy next door. For really great food, this is our top pick." - willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah, neha talreja

"It’s no-reservations at Emilio’s Ballato and start-to-finish, it’s a scene, where you’re bound to see someone famous. And that guy at the round table right when you walk in by the door? It’s likely the owner Emilio Vitolo and friends. Start with a glass of house red or white. Make sure you try that focaccia (Emilio started as a baker). Order a plate of red peppers. Consider the tripe. Move on to linguine with white clam sauce. Share a plate of fennel sausage and broccoli rabe. The veal Milanese is pretty great, too." - Eater Staff