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A beloved Italian restaurant at Mohegan Sun is getting a bold new twist — and with Long Island name recognition.
Ballo Italian, nestled within Mohegan’s Casino of the Earth, will soon be reborn as The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun — a transformation guided by the appeal of a rustic feel and refined flavor.
Slated to reopen shortly after Memorial Day Weekend, The Farm Italy is the latest evolution from restaurateur John Tunney, whose group also runs The Shed and Besito Mexican Restaurants.
The Farm Italy first opened to fanfare in Huntington in April of 2023. Later that same year, it was listed among OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in the U.S.
Tunney announced last year another Farm Italy would be opening in Westbury.
Connecticut will make three for the growing brand.
At Mohegan, it won’t be just a fresh name, but a reimagined menu and a completely new vibe.
“Transforming Ballo into The Farm Italy is more than a facelift — it’s a whole new heartbeat,” Tunney said. “We’re bringing that handcrafted warmth, the gorgeous design, the deep love of food, and giving it a new home at Mohegan Sun.”
Photos from the existing Farm Italy location in Huntington. (courtesy)
The architecture of Ballo will remain, but the interior is getting a serious glow-up — think countryside estate meets modern flair.
Expect artful lighting, striking décor and a menu rooted in seasonal, scratch-made Italian classics, Tunney promises
But what about the drinks and dishes?
The Farm Italy team provided Greater Long Island with a sneak peek.
Guests can look forward to handmade pastas, branzino, chicken parm described as both classic and elevated, and a 16-ounce New York strip from Double R Ranch.
Starters include warm, house-baked bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
The Farm Italy’s bar will feature craft cocktails like the Blood Orange Margarita with Fresno chile and a basil salt rim, and a Strawberry Basil Aperol Spritz reminiscent of the warmer months in the Northeast.
Or, if you’ve already had a rough night (or day) at the resort, you could order off the mocktail menu, where you’ll find a cucumber spritz.
Jeff Hamilton, the president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, called the rebrand a “refreshing evolution” of a long-standing partnership between Tunney and the casino.
“We’re thrilled to continue delivering top-tier dining experiences, and this one is going to wow our guests,” Hamilton said.
Ballo Italian will close its doors on May 5, making way for the debut of The Farm Italy later that month.
Reservations are expected to book up fast. Click here to learn more.
