When Battista’s opened its doors in Las Vegas on May 1, 1970, it could only seat 14 people. According to Battista Locatelli, founder of Battista’s, it was “a real hole in the wall.” Over the following years, thanks to its success, Battista’s expanded into three more adjacent spaces within the strip mall, increasing its capacity to 290 guests across various rooms and unique dining areas.
The Beginning
OF OUR HISTORY
Let's
FLASHBACK
Battista Locatelli was born in Bergamo, an Italian town near Lake Como. With an American father, Battista held dual citizenship and moved to the United States in 1949 at the age of 18. He met his future wife, Rio, in Santa Cruz, California. After marrying, they settled in Los Angeles, where Battista found employment as a waiter and bartender at the renowned La Scala restaurant and later at the Bel Air Hotel in Beverly Hills. He recalls, “Many movie stars would come in, and I would talk to them. I was also a part-time singer and would sometimes be asked to perform a few songs at events.”
Viva
LAS VEGAS
In 1969, Battista, Rio, and their four children relocated to Las Vegas. Battista initially pursued a singing career, and when plans didn’t materialize as he had hoped, Battista’s Hole in the Wall was born. Initially serving only breakfast and lunch, the restaurant quickly gained popularity, due to Rio’s traditional family recipes and Battista’s singing performances. It was a family-run business; Rio cooked, Battista ran the front of the house, and their children assisted in serving and bussing tables.
Battista’s connections in Hollywood brought numerous celebrities to the restaurant, leading to a shift to dinner-only service. Performers like Norm Crosby, Sergio Franchi, Robert Goulet, and Pat Cooper would invite Battista to sing at their shows. The restaurant walls were adorned with photos of celebrities, among them Glenn Ford, Betty Grable, Johnny Weissmuller, Jimmy Stewart, and Clint Eastwood, to name a few.
Over the years, Battista’s walls and ceilings have been decorated with an eclectic mix of items, including license plates, wine bottles, and even a Cape Buffalo head named Toro. The restaurant boasts one of the world’s largest collections of miniature liquor bottles, with over five thousand in the collection.
Battista's
ENTERS A NEW ERA
Battista’s has always been popular for group gatherings, with the ambiance of a traditional family dinner. Dinners include a choice of minestrone soup or Italian salad, garlic bread, a pasta side, homemade Battista’s-style cappuccino, and complimentary house wine. Menu selections are displayed on boards mounted on the walls, with favorites like lasagna, Veal Marsala, and Battista’s-style cioppino.
Battista and Rio retired in 2005, passing on the restaurant’s legacy to a dedicated team that continues to uphold “Battista’s Way.” After over 50 years, Battista’s remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors in Las Vegas, celebrated for its hospitality, exceptional food, value, and unique atmosphere.
Located at the corner of Flamingo and Linq Lane, Battista’s starts cocktail service at 4:30 PM and dinner at 4:45 PM nightly. Battista’s, where a meal shared with family, is always a great meal.