Think you’ve had a good meatball? Think again. We asked professional chefs across the country to reveal the meatballs they dream about—and their picks are anything but ordinary.
In this flavor-packed roundup, we explore 10 unforgettable meatball masterpieces from coast to coast that go beyond spaghetti and red sauce. From L.A.’s ricotta-topped perfection at Jon & Vinny’s to Portland’s rustic triple-meat blend at Via Vecchia, each ball tells a story of heritage, technique, and pure culinary love.
You’ll find NYC’s most iconic twists—from Rubirosa’s cheesy, crispy-edged beauties to Locanda Verde’s bold lamb-and-goat-cheese fusion bombs. In Las Vegas, LAVO goes big with softball-sized Kobe beef indulgence, while San Francisco’s Bi-Rite Market proves grocery-store meatballs can stand with the best of them.
This list doesn’t stop at tradition. The Meatball Shop in NYC offers build-your-own bliss with sauces and proteins for every mood, while Brooklyn’s Frankie’s 457 surprises with pine nuts, raisins, and soul-warming gravy that’s worth the flight alone.
Whether you’re a diehard meatball purist or a curious foodie ready to explore bold new takes, this is your ultimate guide to the best meatballs in America—as recommended by the chefs who know flavor best. Bring your appetite. And extra napkins.
1. Jon & Vinny’s (Los Angeles)
Chef Tyler Fenton of Tucson’s Bata can’t stop raving about these perfectly seasoned spheres of joy. “They nail the texture every time – tender without falling apart,” he explains. The magic happens when they’re paired with creamy, cloud-like ricotta and crispy grilled garlic bread that soaks up all the savory goodness.
These meatballs represent everything great about Italian-American cooking – unpretentious yet expertly crafted. Weekend tip: Arrive early or expect a wait, as locals flock here for their meatball fix. The restaurant’s bright, modern diner atmosphere adds to the experience without distracting from the star of the show.
2. Via Vecchia (Portland, ME)
Nestled in Portland’s cobblestone Old Port district, Via Vecchia serves meatballs that transport you straight to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Chef Mike Allen can’t help but applaud their rustic charm.
The triple-meat blend combines pork, beef, and veal for perfect flavor balance, while San Marzano tomatoes create a sauce so rich you’ll want to bottle it. Each bite delivers a different note – herbs, cheese, meat – in perfect harmony. What makes these special is their unapologetic simplicity.
No fancy tricks or modern twists, just old-school Italian cooking that honors tradition while satisfying modern cravings.
3. Rubirosa (New York City)
Family recipes shine at this Nolita hotspot where meatballs aren’t just a side dish – they’re a main event. The secret? A generous hand with the Parmesan that creates crispy edges while keeping the centers moist.
Served alongside fresh spaghetti alla chitarra (square-cut pasta made on a guitar-string-like tool), these meatballs have developed a cult following among NYC food enthusiasts. The texture contrast between the al dente pasta and pillowy meatballs creates a perfect bite every time.
4. Bi-Rite Market (San Francisco)
Who says great meatballs only come from restaurants? San Francisco’s beloved Mission District market proves grocery stores can compete with the best. Their oven-baked meatballs showcase locally-sourced beef from farms just outside the city. The unexpected secret ingredient? A touch of ketchup that adds tangy sweetness without overwhelming.
These standalone stars don’t need pasta as a companion – grab them from the deli counter for an instant gourmet meal at home. Local chefs often stop by for inspiration, studying how Bi-Rite balances traditional techniques with California’s farm-to-table ethos.
At under $5 each, they’re also one of the most affordable gourmet meatballs in America.
5. LAVO (Las Vegas & NYC)
Size matters at LAVO, where their famous meatballs arrive at your table with all the fanfare of a Vegas show. Nearly the size of softballs, these massive creations combine Kobe beef, heritage pork, and milk-fed veal into a monument to excess.
The long simmer in tomato sauce keeps them impossibly juicy, while the finishing touch – a generous dollop of freshly whipped ricotta – adds cool creaminess to each hot, savory bite. The $34 price tag reflects their luxury status.
Celebrity chef Mario Carbone calls them “the perfect marriage of Italian technique and American abundance.” Order one for the table; these giants are meant for sharing and Instagram-worthy food moments.
6. Locanda Verde (NYC)
Andrew Carmellini breaks meatball tradition at this TriBeCa hotspot with his Mediterranean-inspired lamb creations. The unexpected pairing of spiced lamb with tangy goat cheese creates flavor fireworks that have made these a signature dish.
Served on Parmesan-onion rolls instead of pasta, they’re crowned with a house-made pickle that cuts through the richness. The combination sounds unusual but works brilliantly – the earthiness of lamb finds its perfect match in the bright, creamy cheese.
7. Frankie’s 457 Spuntino (Brooklyn, NY)
Hidden on a tree-lined Carroll Gardens street, Frankie’s 457 serves beef meatballs that might change how you think about this classic dish. The unexpected addition of pine nuts and raisins creates pockets of sweetness and texture that make each bite an adventure.
Their famous Sunday gravy – a slow-cooked tomato sauce that simmers all day – forms the perfect bath for these tender spheres. A finishing shower of sharp Pecorino adds the perfect salty contrast to the sweet-savory balance. T
he vintage tin ceiling and brick walls create the perfect backdrop for what many regulars call “the best thing on the menu.” Pro tip: They’re even better the next day, if you can manage to save any.
8. Dolce & Clemente’s (Robbinsville, NJ)
In an unassuming New Jersey strip mall, culinary magic happens daily at this authentic Italian deli. Chef Holden discovered these meatballs during a wrong turn on a road trip and calls them “the most tender I’ve had in my entire life.”
The family-run shop guards their recipe closely, but the whisper-soft texture suggests panade (bread soaked in milk) and a gentle hand when mixing. These aren’t fancy or reinvented – just perfect examples of Italian-American craftsmanship.
Locals drive from hours away for these meatballs, often buying them by the dozen for family gatherings. At just $2.50 each, they’re proof that extraordinary food doesn’t require extraordinary prices.
9. The Meatball Shop (New York City)
Meatball democracy rules at this beloved NYC chain where customization is king. Choose from beef, chicken, veggie or spicy pork balls, then pair with your favorite sauce – classic tomato, mushroom gravy, or creamy parmesan. The genius lies in their format flexibility.
Want a hero sandwich? Sliders? Over polenta? With spaghetti? All possible here. Budget-friendly prices (around $12 for a hearty meal) make this a rare NYC spot where quality doesn’t break the bank. Their “Naked Balls” option – just meatballs and sauce – has become a low-carb diner’s dream.
Several chefs mentioned stopping here after late-night shifts, drawn by consistent quality and the comfort of building exactly what they’re craving.
10. Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace (Philadelphia, PA)
Philadelphia’s Italian Market district houses this unassuming deli where time-honored family recipes create meatball magic. The third-generation owners still use the same techniques their grandparents brought from Sicily in the 1920s.
These no-frills meatballs deliver pure comfort – slightly larger than a golf ball, with a tender interior and savory crust from proper pan-frying before they’re finished in marinara. The meatball sub, priced under $10, has sustained Philly workers for decades.
“They remind me of Sunday dinners growing up,” says local chef Maria Rossi. “Nothing fancy, just honest food made with care.”
The marketplace atmosphere adds to the experience – grab some fresh mozzarella while you’re there!
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