Tacombi has amazing Mexican food. I'm not talking about the typical Tex Mex style food which is often heavy. They use the freshest ingredients and they make everything from scratch on a daily basis. When you enter the restaurant the first thing you see is a VW bus that was converted into a taco stand in Playa del Carmen where there were selling tacos from it on the beach! The atmosphere of the restaurant is exactly that of sitting outdoors at the beach!

I had the avocado tostada, Chilango campechana and a watermelon drink! It was fabulous and the waiter was as well. Not very expensive and a friendly and casual atmosphere. I'll return! 

Tacombi, 267 Elizabeth Street..

For about 20 years I always ate at the same Italian restaurant and I like many New Yorkers was sad when they closed. Ever since then I have been looking for a new Italian restaurant to eat at. The search is now over.

Emilio’s Ballato is a fabulous restaurant in so many ways. First of all it is small and it has a rather retro feel to it. The walls are covered with photos of the famous people that have eaten there. I always sit at the table next to photos of David Bowie. He lived a few blocks away.

The food is exquisite. There are many restaurants in NYC led by named chefs. Not Emilio’s Ballato. They don’t rest their reputation on that. Last time I was there I ordered a ravioli dish and the waiter told me that that’s what Obama ordered!

Like most Italian restaurants in NYC, they don’t take reservations. They do take credit cards though which is not always true of other Italian restaurants. I will say that I have once again found my favorite Italian restaurant in this city.

They now have a website!

Emilio’s Ballato 55 East Houston near Mott Street (212) 274-8881