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Local picks

Meatball ham spots in California

You want a meal that highlights both the depth of ham and the comfort of meatballs.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Papa Duke's Deli & Grill image 1
Papa Duke's Deli & Grill image 2
Papa Duke's Deli & Grill image 3
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Deli offers indoor and outdoor seating with umbrellas in a cool, sporty atmosphere. It draws those seeking authentic East Coast sandwiches including rare items like Taylor ham and Italian beef. The vibe stays relaxed and charming, with easy parking outside peak hours.

Taylor ham stands out as a distinctive offering here, especially for those from New Jersey. Sandwiches like the grilled ham and cheese and the ham with hot sopresata combine fresh mozzarella, arugula, and Italian vinaigrette for balanced flavors.

Meatball sandwiches come with homemade sauce and Italian sausage options. The meatball parm and hot meatball sub stand out for their rich flavors.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are huge and delicious."

"You can get Taylor ham here, just like back in Jersey."

"I had the best meatball sub I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at lunchtime.

2

The menu includes many authentic East Coast items.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

02
Prontos' Gourmet Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store combines indoor and outdoor seating with a varied menu of prepared foods, deli items, and desserts. Atmosphere is lively around lunchtime, attracting a local crowd for quick stops or relaxed meals. Known for fresh, generous portions and a wide selection of quality products.

Taylor Ham features prominently with options like a ham and Brie sandwich with apricot jam and a peas and ham soup served with molasses bread. Custom sandwiches with ham, cheese, mayo, mustard, and pickles are also available.

Soft fresh bread holds beautifully made meatballs with the perfect amount of cheese in the sub. House-made meatballs come in sandwiches that taste very good and pair well with freshly made sauces.

People are saying

"I had the best Reuben sandwich in California here."

"This lunch spot has great sandwiches and salads."

"The ham and Brie sandwich with apricot jam was ridiculous."

Good to know

1

There is nearby free parking available.

2

Indoor and outdoor patio seating are available.

3

Prontos' Gourmet Market offers many pre-made meals available to go.

03
Banh Mi Ba Le image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop buzzes with Vietnamese chatter and a family-run vibe. Known for authentic, top-notch banh mi, it operates only on weekends with limited hours. Cash is preferred, and parking is available in the back.

Ham sandwiches feature perfectly balanced flavors of ham, head cheese, and pork paste. The #2 Special Combo and Cold Cut Ham Combo Banh Mi stand out for their rich taste and quality ingredients.

Meatball with egg pairs two unexpected flavors that work well together. The #5 Meatball sandwich stands out as a favorite choice.

People are saying

"I found the Vietnamese sandwiches packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"This ham banh mi is packed with flavor and value."

"You have to try the meatball with egg sandwich."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only opens from 7 AM to 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

2

They accept cash only, with a small convenience fee for credit card use.

3

Parking is available in a lot behind the restaurant.

04
Uptown Provisions image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with cozy indoor seating and cute outdoor tables along the sidewalk creates a chill yet lively vibe. Staff enjoy making sandwiches, adding to the friendly, neighborly atmosphere. Limited seating and no air-conditioning make it better suited for quick visits or outdoor dining.

Ham sandwiches come with cheddar, gouda, or spicy gabagool. Options include kurobuta ham and classic combinations like ham and cheese.

Meatball sandwich stands out with its rich flavor and satisfying texture. The meatball sub earns a spot as a must-try item here.

People are saying

"I loved their sandwiches; they were truly fabulous."

"I loved the ham and cheese sandwich; it always hit."

"You have to try their meatball sandwich; it's out of this world."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid up to an hour wait during busy times.

2

Parking is difficult due to limited storefront options on a residential street.

3

The restaurant has an A food health safety rating.

05
Macarena Restaurant in Palo Alto image 1

Upscale space blends marble tables, checkerboard floors, and wood accents for a stylish, intimate vibe. Warm, lively atmosphere transports diners with a Spanish-inspired energy. Cocktails and tapas complement the elegant setting, creating a distinctive dining experience.

Ibรฉrico ham stands out with perfect seasoning and outstanding quality. It pairs well with authentic Spanish dishes like paella and octopus.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the suckling pig."

"The Ibรฉrico ham here is seasoned perfectly and of outstanding quality."

"These meatballs taste just like childhood memories."

Good to know

1

Reservations are needed at peak hours to secure a table.

2

Expect a long wait if ordering the paella, as it takes time to prepare.

3

The catch of the day costs $78, so budget for higher-priced items.

06
Thien Huong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese eatery with communal seating and limited tables creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. The space fills quickly, leading to waitlists outside during busy times. Known for authentic banh cuon and unique menu options, it offers a genuine taste of Vietnam's culinary traditions.

Vietnamese ham appears in several dishes, paired with rice cakes, meatballs, and seasoned ground pork. It often comes with eggs, hot dogs, fried onions, tofu, and dipping sauce.

Meatballs come with rich flavor and pair well with eggs and sausage. Dishes often include beef tenderloin slices and a tasty sauce that blends with eggs.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful Vietnamese breakfast with generous portions."

"The meatballs and beef were very flavorful."

"I loved the rice cakes with Vietnamese ham."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait in line during busy weekend lunch hours.

2

Parking is limited, with no street parking available.

3

A waitlist is started outside when all tables are filled.

07
Santa Fe Importers Seal Beach image 1

Italian deli with freshly sliced cured meats and a wide selection of imported products offers a beautiful interior and authentic Italian groceries. Atmosphere is quiet and unwelcoming, with little staff interaction. Sandwiches and prepared foods showcase high-quality ingredients and classic Italian flavors.

The 10-inch special sandwich features imported ham, salami, and Swiss on a French roll. The ham and cheese salami sandwich offers traditional salami and ham flavors bursting in every bite.

Meatball sandwiches stand out with perfectly seasoned, piping hot meatballs and a divine sauce. Meatballs also appear in ravioli and spaghetti, offering great value and consistent quality.

People are saying

"I'm craving the Special sandwich; it tastes the same after all these years."

"The special sandwich has tons of imported ham and salami."

"I found the meatball sandwich delicious."

Good to know

1

The winery showcase features De Stefani wines from the Veneto Region.

2

Parking is available and generally easy to find.

3

Sandwich prices start at $20, reflecting the quality of ingredients.

08
D'Elia's Grinders Eastside image 1

Big, roomy sandwich shop with an old school and mom-and-pop atmosphere. Outdoor seating area is clean and covered, adding to a relaxed vibe. Known for unique bread and local ingredients that define its sandwiches.

Ham grinders feature prominently with fresh bread and double meat options. The ham stands out as a key ingredient, often paired with provolone and extra tomato for a classic taste.

The meatball grinder features double the meat and a generous topping of cheese, creating a rich and cheesy sandwich. It balances bread and meat well and stays consistently tasty.

People are saying

"You'll find the sandwiches here are fresh and taste great."

"I believed the ham grinder was the best I'd ever tasted."

"I've never had a better meatball sandwich."

Good to know

1

D'Elia's is known for their made fresh bread.

2

I appreciated that the ingredients were local.

3

This restaurant has been a staple in the community for many years.

09
The Original Giuliano's Delicatessen in Gardena image 1

Small deli with authentic Italian atmosphere and vibrant, family-oriented vibe. Outdoor seating offers a sidewalk cafe experience next to a busy street. Shelves display imported Italian goods and fresh-baked bread, creating a lively, old-school feel.

Generous portions of Virginia ham appear on grinders and sandwiches. A nice variety of hams and cheeses complements salads and other offerings.

Meatballs come in a crumbled form for sandwiches and heroes, served on fresh bread. Spaghetti with meatballs features a balanced sauce to pasta ratio and includes three meatballs per serving.

People are saying

"I found the Italian deli sandwiches here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought the meatball sandwich was excellent."

"The Virginia ham and bread were delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch; arrive early to avoid waiting.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving by public transport.

3

Credit cards accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

10
The Grinder image 1

Small deli with church-related decor and a simple menu offers homemade, old school sandwiches that many find excellent and satisfying. The atmosphere is busy and intimate, with a family-owned feel. Sandwiches often feature finely chopped lettuce and hearty meats, making them a meal in itself.

Sandwiches feature thin slices of ham paired with turkey or salami. Options include a half-sized dry sandwich with oil and vinegar on the side and a loaded ham and cheese sub.

Homemade meatballs stand out in the foot-long sub with a classic flavor. The meatball sub itself has a wet dog food smell that affects the taste negatively.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are perfectly made and balanced."

"The ham in the sandwich was just enough to cover its length."

"I thought the classic meatballs were excellent."

Good to know

1

The shop is closed on Sundays.

2

Prices are over $10 for any 6-inch sub.

3

The inside of the shop is small and busy, so expect to wait.

11
Vaca. image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers lively atmosphere with a beautiful outdoor patio featuring heaters for comfort. Indoor seating is packed and close-quartered, creating an intimate but confined vibe. Drinks include seasonal cocktails and a large selection of Tempranillo wine, complementing standout dishes like seared scallops and dry-aged steak.

Fermin ham stands out with its quality and flavor. The tapas menu includes a bikini sandwich with Iberian ham and truffle. Ham pairs well with dishes like wagyu meatballs and sausage.

Wagyu and lamb meatballs stand out with rich flavor and good texture. Lamb meatballs come with bold seasoning that pairs well with other dishes like bacon wrapped dates.

People are saying

"The Spanish tapas and entrees make for a wonderful dinner."

"You have to try the wagyu meatballs; they're cooked so well."

"I found the ham to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking requires a valet.

2

We waited outside for two hours before being seated.

3

The paella takes about 40 minutes to cook.

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