NOLITA, MANHATTAN

Emilio's Ballato

No reservations, framed celebrity photos, and tagliatelle Bolognese worth the line on Houston Street.

A family red-sauce room on Houston Street with no reservations and no apologies: you cannot call ahead, you cannot leave your name and go for a drink, you stand in line. The front room's walls are covered in framed photographs of famous guests; a semi-secret, nearly windowless back room takes the groups. Emilio Vitolo runs it with his sons, one in the kitchen and two out front.

Order tagliatelle Bolognese, the chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs, a Caesar, and — if they offer it — the off-menu veal with vodka sauce and crisp prosciutto named for the family. Finish with tiramisu. It is the old Little Italy, held exactly in place.

Editor’s tip

Line up before the doors open, and ask whether the Vitello Antonio is on tonight.

Make an evening of it — beautiful stops nearby

SOHO, MANHATTAN

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

SoHo's living room — a donated library, a mezzanine balcony, and a café where every dollar does good.

Shopping · Free

~2 min on foot

SOHO, MANHATTAN

Crosby Street

SoHo's working back lane — cobbles, fire escapes, and no performance.

Beautiful Street · Free

~5 min on foot

Also in the neighborhood

NOLITA, MANHATTAN

Thai Diner

Uncle Boons' all-day successor in Nolita — Thai tea babka French toast, khao soi and a coconut sundae.

Thai · Brunch · $$

NOLITA, MANHATTAN

Rubirosa

Nolita's thin-crust parlor — the Tie Dye pie, vodka sauce, and a room that hums all night.

Pizza · Date Night · $$

Editorial draft — core details last reviewed October 13, 2026. Confirm practical details with the official site before you go.