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Meatball spots in California

Meatballs that use truffle to elevate the dish rather than using it to hide a lack of seasoning.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ilya image 1
Ilya image 2
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Food and drink

Stone details and Cycladic-inspired dรฉcor create a warm, coastal Mediterranean atmosphere with a relaxed indoor-outdoor flow. Soft lighting and heaters keep the space cozy, while attentive service supports a luxury dining experience. The vibe suits both intimate dates and lively group nights.

Truffle Tagliatelle shines with a creamy parmigiano sauce that feels indulgent yet light. The pasta dishes, including truffle pasta paired with escargots, offer a blend of comfort and sophistication.

Packed with flavor and well paired with sauce, the meatballs stand out as a must for an appetizer. They consistently deliver delicious taste alongside other dishes like lobster spaghetti and octopus.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The truffle pasta was so rich and creamy, it's to die for."

"You have to try the meatballs; they're packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, but street parking can be challenging.

3

Expect to share plates, as the menu is designed for communal dining.

02
Decore image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant with gorgeous interior featuring warm colors, rustic touches, and intimate lighting creates an elegant, romantic atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic Italian cuisine paired with rare wines like Ruche and unique cocktails. The vibe suits romantic dates, friendly gatherings, and small private parties.

Dishes highlight truffle ravioli with rich cream and oil, offering an earthy, decadent flavor. Options like oxtail pasta and wild mushroom ravioli also feature truffle accents that stand out.

Rich and flavorful meatballs stand out, cooked perfectly with a satisfying texture. They pair well with other starters like Suppli and Brussels sprouts, making them a memorable part of the meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pasta and lasagna."

"The meatballs were rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"The truffle ravioli is earthy, decadent, and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are limited to 90 minutes for dinner service.

2

Decore charges a $25 corkage fee for bringing your own wine.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

03
Fortuna Ristorante Italiano image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant blends modern design with traditional elements in a warm, inviting ambiance. Outdoor seating offers heated, shielded comfort ideal for conversation, while indoor space feels lively and energetic. Seating inside can be uncomfortable due to chair design.

Handmade pappardelle features truffle oil and parmesan, paired with Italian sausage and mushrooms. The dish balances earthy truffle notes with creamy and savory elements.

Meatballs come as a top-rated appetizer and pair well with gnocchi. They show up in various dishes like lasagna and ravioli, always well done and flavorful.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes straight out of Italy."

"The pappardelle with truffle was divine and flavorful."

"The meatball appetizer here was a 10/10."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded during weekends.

04
North Italia image 1
Italian restaurant

Spacious layout includes indoor and outdoor seating with an open kitchen design and ample bar seating. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with dim lighting and candles, supporting easy conversation under high ceilings. Music leans casual, contrasting with the high-end Italian decor.

White truffle garlic bread stands out as a signature item. Meatballs and truffle cheesy bread also feature as popular appetizers.

Spicy meatball pizza stands out as a lunch option. Meatballs come in pork or chicken, with the latter available on request. They pair well with white truffle garlic bread as an appetizer.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are amazing, especially the squid ink tonnarelli."

"The white truffle garlic bread is pure heaven."

"You have to try the meatballs; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dining times to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour pricing helps offset the high prices.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor seating area.

05
Romanissimo Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian music softly playing. Well-spaced tables and beautiful Roma decor create a warm, inviting setting. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide privacy and comfort, enhancing the dining experience.

Rich, creamy pappardelle made in a cheese wheel stands out with silky texture and bursting flavor. Bruschetta with pears, truffle honey, and whipped ricotta offers a unique sweet and earthy twist.

Spaghetti with meatballs offers a solid, enjoyable dish. Oxtail meatballs stand out as authentically Italian and amazing in flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes like you're actually in Italy."

"The oxtail meatballs are super comfort food you can only get here."

"The cheese wheel pappardelle with truffles is rich, silky, and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a variety of food options during happy hour for around $60 total.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio for those with pets.

06
Capri Lasagneria image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with cozy, charming ambiance and retro projections of Italy on the walls. The space feels like a romantic oasis with vibrant music and attentive service, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant alternative to the fairly loud interior.

Truffle ravioli stands out with rich, earthy flavors and a creamy sauce. The bolognese lasagna also features a notable truffle touch. Truffle risotto pairs well but may not always be available.

Meatballs come out super flavorful and easy to pull apart. The sauce pairs perfectly for dipping bread, making them a standout appetizer.

People are saying

"The homemade Italian food, especially the lasagna, was fantastic."

"The lasagna's spicy Italian sausage was out of this world."

"The mushroom ravioli with truffle sauce was extraordinarily delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take reservations.

2

Expect to wait a few minutes during busy hours.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food.

07
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar image 1

Majestic olive tree anchors a spacious patio with live piano music enhancing an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. Playful industrial loft design blends tradition with innovation, inviting guests to linger. Energy shifts smoothly as live music transitions to a DJ deck later in the evening.

Truffle dishes feature balanced flavors with pasta cooked al dente. The agnolotti shows clear passion in preparation and plating.

Wagyu meatballs stand out with their excellent flavor and texture. They come as part of a solid appetizer selection including zucchini fritters and tuna tartare.

People are saying

"The live music here creates amazing vibes and ambiance."

"The short rib was ultra tender and fantastic."

"The wagyu meatballs were excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9pm.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

08
Nado Republic image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a stunning aesthetic featuring exposed ceiling studs, antique books, and a spinning disco ball. Outdoor seating feels cramped but cozy with heat lamps close by. Energetic, hip music plays, enhancing the fun, lively vibe.

Warm bread comes with truffle butter that adds rich flavor. Pasta dishes like Alfredo and truffle pasta stand out with their creamy, earthy taste.

Meatballs appear as a standout appetizer and feature in dishes like gnocchi and spaghetti. The veal meatballs and those paired with sausage receive consistent praise for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to the spectacular and personable service."

"The meatballs here are amazing, especially as an appetizer."

"The truffle pasta dishes were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect to pay around $60 per person, especially with drinks.

3

They charge $6 for bottled water; no tap water is available.

09
Pho REDBO - Garden Grove image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern and clean space with spacious seating and live orchids adds a touch of elegance. Atmosphere balances casual dining with an upscale feel, creating a comfortable and relaxing vibe. Bright and minimalist interior emphasizes quality without pretension.

Wagyu meatballs feature prominently in the pho dishes. They come in a combo with various wagyu cuts and also star in a dedicated wagyu and meatball pho.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing, rich, flavorful broth."

"The golden truffle fries with the sauce were amazing."

"The wagyu meat in the meatballs just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available in the Kong parking lot nearby.

3

Halal options are available, but not all menu items are halal.

10
Beeside Balcony La Jolla image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Truffle fries stand out with a rich flavor. Dishes like scallops and octopus feature subtle truffle touches, including a lemon truffle vinaigrette and truffle ketchup that add unique depth.

Lamb and beef meatballs come with a sauce and feta that pair perfectly. They appear alongside a trip of dips and homemade pita, making for a solid savory option.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and did not disappoint."

"The lamb and beef meatballs were outstanding."

"The truffle fries were great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

11
Pasta Corner image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and marble countertops create a chic, lively atmosphere within a bustling farmers market setting. Communal seating and freshly made pasta add to the casual, inviting vibe. Noise and occasional draftiness contrast with the cozy, fun energy.

Pasta dishes come with a generous amount of black truffle that adds strong umami flavor. The tagliatelle black truffle pasta stands out as flavorful with every bite and pairs well with chicken.

Spaghetti comes with tender meatballs that have a homemade taste. The dish is filling and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the pasta here to be fresh and delicious."

"The spaghetti and meatballs were amazing and filling."

"The black truffle pasta here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a pasta dish.

2

The restaurant opens at 11 AM, so plan accordingly.

3

Dine LA offers special deals, making it a great time to visit.

12
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern, spacious steakhouse with live DJ and club-like atmosphere creates an energetic, loud vibe. Guests enjoy chic decor and upbeat music that balances liveliness with conversation. Birthday celebrations often include sparklers, adding to the festive mood.

Truffle pasta stands out with rich flavor and reheats well. The truffle fries offer a crispy, intense taste. Filet topped with truffle butter adds a savory touch.

Meatballs here vary in quality. The wagyu meatballs are decent but not remarkable, while some versions stand out as outstanding.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the steaks and potatoes."

"You have to try the steak with truffle butter; it's amazing."

"I loved the meatballs; they were my favorite."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 5 pm with drinks under $10.

2

Cocktails are $9 and appetizers range from $3 to $9 during happy hour.

3

DJ plays on Thursday nights, enhancing the happy hour experience.

13
Lorenzo California image 1

Small restaurant with few tables and a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Deep house and nightclub-like music create a vibing energy that fills the space. Known for artisan sandwiches that draw strong praise for freshness and flavor.

Rich truffle cream and truffle oil shine in the Cotto sandwich, paired with prosciutto cotto, Brie, and lemon zest. The bread has an authentic European style that complements the strong truffle flavor.

Wednesday features a special meatball dish. Penne pasta pairs with the meatballs for a solid combo.

People are saying

"The Special Crudo sandwich is my favorite in LA."

"Their sandwiches were always packed with meat and never missed."

"This tuna salad sandwich is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the garage on 461 N Bedford, which offers the first two hours free.

2

Prices are high, but the quality of ingredients justifies the cost.

3

The restaurant is very small with limited seating.

14
Arden Restaurant image 1

Space combines floral dรฉcor, gas fireplace, and outdoor seating to create a gorgeous atmosphere. Music from a DJ booth adds a lively, club-like energy. A hidden speakeasy with creative cocktails and a magic show offers a unique feature for diners.

Truffle pasta and truffle eggs appear regularly and stand out. The menu features truffle pizza and creamy truffle polenta, plus truffle fries noted for their flavor.

Wagyu meatballs come with Foccacia bread and stand out for their rich flavor. The menu pairs them with truffle fries and other fresh, seasonal dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious."

"I loved the truffle scramble and the truffle eggs."

"I had the Wagyu meatballs and they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The speakeasy bar opens from 8:30 PM to 1 AM on Thursdays through Saturdays.

2

Expect a magician performing at the speakeasy on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

Valet parking is available, but no other parking options are mentioned.

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