Battista's Hole in the Wall — Restaurant in Paradise

This is a true "Old Vegas" experience that should not be missed. From reading reviews, we knew reservations were a must. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to our reservation time, which was about 5 minutes before they opened for the evening, and had to wait outside until doors opened. It was kind of fun to be able to mingle and talk to others who were visiting from all over the world and get their take on Battista's. As soon as we were allowed inside, we were immediately seated. If we had not done our "research" we would have been confused as to the menu and how to order as our waiter was not very friendly, ok, he was downright grumpy. We were not about to let this ruin my daughter's birthday celebration and just laughed it off. The most delicious bread was immediately brought to our table, and there was a ton of it! Seriously some of the best bread I have ever had! We were also given the choice of white or red wine. We don't drink but still wanted the "experience"and ordered the red. We didn't care for it, probably because we aren't drinkers. We were a bit surprised at how our water glasses were not filled when empty. That garlic bread made us thirsty and most of the meal we were wanting water. We were not asked if we wanted soup or salad and the wrong choice was made for us. Once we were able to get the server's attention, we were brought our salads.Salad was fresh and good, just not great...nothing special.Service was pretty quick and our main course was brought out in a very short amount of time. Both of our meals were absolutely delicious and were very large servings. I have honestly not had better manicotti in my life. My daughter order the chicken alfredo, and it too was delicious. The chicken was superb. It was a beautiful color and was very moist. We were brought our "cappuccino" which was delicious, but I am 99.9% convinced it was Swiss Miss Cocoa with spray whipped cream on top. I love Swiss Miss, so that was not an issue, but it did give me a chuckle at the thought of the raving reviews about the cappuccino. Since we were celebrating my daughter's birthday, a brownie with a candle was brought out to her. Our server, literally, threw it on the table, mumbled happy birthday, and walked away. Again, we had a good giggle! The food here was delicious and we will make it a point to visit again. And, it was a fun experience, even if our server was having a bad night, we were not about to let him ruin our night. The food was a 5, the service was about a 2 or 3, but I still enjoyed the night and opted for a solid 4...

I have mixed feelings about my dinner here. Here’s why:

Immediately upon entering, I smelled what I can only describe as “wet dog.” You know that smell of an old place that needs some type of inexplicable cleaning? Perhaps mold? I adjusted to this until I got up to leave; it came back to assault my senses.

The restaurant was also hot. I had to wipe my brow a couple times. I don’t know how the staff deals with it running around and all. And it was in the low 60s outside.

The hostess was incredibly pleasant. She had to ask someone where there was availability for where to sit me. As a solo diner at 9:00 pm on a Monday, you’d think this wouldn’t be an issue. When leading me to a table, an older grumpy woman cawed “56 is all we have!” And shrugged her shoulders. I’m sorry - am I being an inconvenience in a restaurant less than half full?

Things turned around when I met my server Christian. He was obviously overworked running around, but he was very friendly and super attentive. I read some people complain about the $20 split charge, but he described it to a table that it covers the garlic bread, salad, wine, and cappuccino. I think that is an incredibly fair deal!!

The salad was very good, and the garlic bread super tasty. I had to stop myself from eating too much as I still had chicken parmigiana coming. I loved the entree. Many places have sauces that are too salty; it was perfect here. I ate nearly all of it! The old fashioned was a bit of a letdown because it was not served with a big cube. Anyone who follows me knows that using regular ice cubes or chipped ice waters it down too quickly. I also had an espresso martini, which was probably the best I had during my trip. I wanted another, but I recognized the restaurant was closing so opted not to. The house red wine was ok as well.

All the food was fantastic and came out quickly. Almost too quickly. It makes me guess how freshly made my entree was. It came out within minutes of ordering.

The restroom was clean, and the wall of liquor bottles was very cool.

Overall this was a good night. An initial odd seating experience made up by Christian’s service...

Battista's Hole in the Wall is an absolute treasure nestled in the heart of Las Vegas. From the moment you step through the charming entrance, you are transported to a bygone era of classic Italian hospitality and warm, inviting ambiance.

The dining experience at Battista's is nothing short of magical. The interior exudes an authentic, old-world charm, with dim lighting, rustic decor, and an intimate atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like part of the family. The ambiance alone is worth the visit, but it's the culinary delights that truly steal the show.

The menu at Battista's is a celebration of Italian comfort food, prepared with love and authenticity. The garlic bread, a simple yet sublime starter, sets the tone for the feast that awaits. The pasta dishes are a revelation, showcasing homemade sauces and perfectly cooked noodles that transport you straight to Nonna's kitchen.

What truly sets Battista's apart is its all-inclusive approach. The unlimited salad, garlic bread, and house wine offerings make it not just a meal but an experience. The generosity of portions ensures that you leave with a satisfied heart and a contented palate.

In a city known for its extravagance, Battista's Hole in the Wall stands out as a timeless gem, a haven for those seeking genuine Italian flavors served with a side of nostalgia. If you're looking for an authentic, soulful dining experience that feels like a comforting embrace, Battista's is a must-visit. It's not just a restaurant; it's an institution that captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition and leaves you with memories that linger long after the last bite. A resounding five stars for Battista's Hole in the Wall! We come here every time we...