Katie Holmes moved on after her split in August 2019 from Jamie Foxx with New York City chef Emilio Vitolo Jr. The two's romance lasted eight months, and they were spotted
on numerous public date nights in the city throughout their relationship.
The pair was first captured by TMZ in August grabbing dinner at the Mediterranean restaurant Antique Garage in Manhattan. That was followed by a makeout session in the outdoor dining area of Peasant Restaurant, as reported by the Daily Mail. They also pulled their masks down for a kiss while grabbing coffee days later.
"They adore each other and can't get enough of one another," a source told Entertainment Tonightlast month. A second insider said, "In the past it seemed like Katie would sort of mold to her partners' lifestyle. But with Emilio, Katie is so authentically herself."
The two ultimately ended their relationship in late April. Her rep told Us Weekly, “the pair have parted ways amicably but remain friends.”
Ahead, here's what we know about Vitolo, including his celebrity hotspot restaurant and rumors he ended his engagement for a relationship with Holmes.
Holmes and Vitolo broke up after eight months of dating but remain friends.
Sources spoke to Peopleand Us Weeklyon May 13 about what happened between the two. “Their relationship fizzled,” Us's source said. “They figured out they’re better off as friends. There’s no drama that went down with the breakup and in fact, they’re still friends. Katie and Emilio really enjoyed their time together—it just simply didn’t work out. She’s focusing on being a mom and her upcoming projects.”
People was told by a source, “They split several weeks ago. There was no drama. It was amazing while it lasted, but they are at very different places in life. Emilio has no hard feelings. His life is in NYC. Katie can't wait to get back to work and to travel again.”
He's a chef at a celebrity favorite Italian spot.
Vitolo and Holmes' dinner dates were no doubt delicious, considering his post as chef at Emilio's Ballato in Soho. According to an InStyleprofile, his father, Emilio Vitolo Sr., opened the Italian restaurant in the early '90s. The business is a family affair for the Vitolos, as both his parents and two brothers work alongside him.
“It’s a seven-day-a-week commitment,” he told the outlet. “If you’re going to do a restaurant the right way, you always have to be there.” The one exception: Sundays, when Vitolo says his father takes the day off and his Peruvian mother cooks.
The restaurant is quite the celebrity hotspot and has hosted high-profile guests like Whoopi Goldberg, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Bradley Cooper, Lenny Kravitz, and even former President Barack Obama. According to its Facebook, Emilio's Ballato doesn't take reservations, but does have an outdoor dining area in compliance with NYC's COVID-19 safety restrictions.
On November 10, photographers spotted Holmes and Vitolo outside of the restaurant with his father.
He's an actor.
When he's not serving A-listers pasta, Vitolo also has an acting career. He's appeared in several movies and TV shows, including a six-episode arc of Royal Pains, a guest spot on Inside Amy Schumer, and a role in the 2019 indie film Tapestry.
He and Holmes were reportedly "serious" early in their relationship.
Only two months after the couple's first outing, Us Weeklyreported that Holmes and Vitolo were getting "serious." A source explained, "Katie has been on cloud nine ever since Emilio came into her life. She doesn’t care what people may say about rushing into the romance. In her mind, this is the real deal, they’re riding a beautiful wave together, and she’s already decided it’s got the potential to go all the way.”
As for Emilio, a source said he "doesn’t seem to have a negative bone in his body and he treats her like a total princess. For the first time in longer than she can remember, there’s a guy by her side whom she knows has her back no matter what, and that counts for so much."
However smoothly things were going, Us Weekly reported that those close to Holmes have "some concern" about the fast-paced relationship. A source maintained that Holmes can decide for herself: "Nobody deprives her of that [freedom], and if she wants to make things official with Emilio, then the common view is good for her," the source told Us Weekly. "She’s got some seriously protective friends and family though, so he’d better carry on treating her this well if he knows what’s good for him!"
He has a lot of celebrity friends.
During his downtime, Vitolo hangs out with several high-profile friends. Everyone from Danny DeVito to Omar Epps to Cuba Gooding Jr. has graced his Instagram feed. Most notably, Vitolo has close ties to Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner. In 2018, they spent New Year's Eve together and he was on hand to celebrate Jonas's 30th birthday in August 2019. Vitolo has also made
