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Meatball spots in Costa Mesa

A bowl of meatballs that feels like a proper meal rather than a sad, overlooked side dish.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Globe Delicatessen image 1
Globe Delicatessen image 2
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Small deli offers a cozy atmosphere with a true German vibe. Hot meatball sandwiches on C'est Si Bon bread are a standout. Enjoy a great German beer selection alongside exceptional sandwiches.

Hot meatball sandwiches come on C'est Si Bon bread and taste delicious. The meatball sub stands out in a German deli setting.

People are saying

"I loved the German beer selection here."

"I thought the homemade potato salad was the best I ever tasted."

"I thought the meatball sandwich was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday afternoons.

2

Goulash is a generous portion for $20.

3

The deli sources high-quality meats from a small company.

02
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs crafting authentic Aegean cuisine with care. Juicy Butterfly Chicken Meatballs and large meatball sandwiches highlight the menu. Warm, cozy vibe with live music creates a peaceful dining experience loved by regulars.

Juicy Butterfly Chicken Meatballs and flavorful grilled beef meatballs (kรถfte) stand out here. The meatball sandwich is very large and filling, while the Izmir meatballs offer a taste of the Mediterranean.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and seasoned perfectly."

"The Turkish food here is amazing and reminds me of home."

"These meatballs taste like authentic home-style Turkish food."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush hours.

3

The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.

03
Trenta Pizza & Cucina and Trenta Lounge image 1

Outdoor dining shines with a heated patio and lively live music, creating a warm, authentic Sicilian vibe. Beef meatballs stand out with a rich, traditional flavor and generous portions perfect for sharing. Indoor space feels cozy but can get cramped during busy times.

Beef meatballs offer a hardy, rich flavor that recalls traditional Italian recipes. The appetizer portion is generous, enough for sharing among four people.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, tasted like it was from Italy."

"It's a cool spot with a great outdoor atmosphere."

"These meatballs taste like Noni used to make them."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; valet service is the only option available.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating.

3

The kitchen closes 10 minutes before the restaurant closes.

04
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1

Family-owned spot offers a cozy vibe with spacious tables and low-volume TVs for a chill feel. Enjoy homemade all-beef meatballs served hot and fresh, perfect for quick meals. Halal options and a kid-friendly environment make it great for families seeking tradition and comfort.

Homemade meatballs come in an all-beef recipe that satisfies. Spaghetti and meatballs arrive hot and ready quickly. The meatball sub is decent but less favored than the pizza.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, fast, and delicious."

"The pasta here is delicious, especially the lasagna."

"The spaghetti and meatballs were delicious and hot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch deal from 1-3pm for $8.

2

Halal options are available, which are rare in the area.

3

Parking is convenient and easy to find.

05
IKEA Restaurant image 1
Swedish restaurant

Cafeteria-style dining offers a lively, nostalgic canteen vibe with bright windows and a relaxed pace. Swedish meatballs are super juicy with rich gravy and cranberry sauce, served with mashed potatoes and peas. Prices stay affordable while portions remain large.

Swedish meatballs come super juicy and moist with a flavorful gravy and cranberry sauce. Meals include mashed potatoes and peas, with options for 16 meatballs or a smaller pasta portion at a low price.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the perfectly cooked and seasoned salmon."

"You can get an affordable pasta with meatballs for just $1.99."

"You can get a great portion of pasta with meatballs for the price."

Good to know

1

Tuesday offers 50% off all adult entrees.

2

The restaurant is a cafeteria-style dining experience.

3

Sides are affordable at $2 or $3 each, perfect for kids.

06
IKEA Costa Mesa image 1
Furniture store

Maze of showrooms offers an adventurous shopping experience with spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities like a kids area. Classic Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes provide a comforting meal, while plant-based options cater to diverse tastes. Lively food court and bright dining space complete the visit.

Classic Swedish meatballs come with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal. The plant-based meatballs offer a notable alternative. These meatballs serve as a satisfying reward after exploring the store.

People are saying

"This furniture store is surprisingly fun and playful, like a giant maze."

"I loved the sweet meatballs there; they're a great value."

"I found the parking ample and easy to find."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, IKEA offers 50% off meals at their restaurant.

2

On Wednesdays, they offer Buy 1 Adult Entree, get 2 kids meals free.

3

Members receive free coffee at the cafรฉ from Monday through Friday.

07
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Cozy rustic decor and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere. Meatballs shine with perfect spice and rich marinara, especially in the Sunday gravy. Adjacent fresh pasta market and bakery add authentic East Coast deli vibes.

Meatballs come with perfectly spiced flavors and rich marinara sauce. The Sunday gravy adds a deep, savory touch, and the meatball sub stands out for its delicious taste.

People are saying

"The Grocery Store staff is so helpful and attentive."

"The Chicken Parmigiana here is outstanding and clearly homemade."

"The spaghetti and meatballs were filled with the perfect amount of spices."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during dinner hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; one lasagna can easily serve two people.

08
Al's New York Cafe image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small outdoor spot serves authentic New York-style pizza with thin, foldable crusts and quick service. Meatball subs feature plentiful meatballs and pair well with garlic bread. Warm, friendly vibe draws those seeking affordable classic slices and sandwiches.

Meatball subs come with plentiful meatballs and pair well with garlic bread on the side. The sandwiches stand out for their perfect balance alongside cheese pizza.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is hot, crispy, and flavorful."

"The cafe staff's kindness and generosity made me feel like family."

"I thought the meatball subs here were pure perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

2

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating.

3

Expect a busy lunch hour; consider ordering ahead.

09
Vaca. image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant shines with lively atmosphere and a heated outdoor patio for comfort. Meatballs, especially Wagyu and lamb, offer rich flavor and bold seasoning. Pair dishes with Tempranillo wine or seasonal cocktails for a full experience.

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."

"The cocktails here are truly amazing and well-crafted."

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

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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Costa Mesa, California

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