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Meatball spots in Los Angeles

A midday meatball fix that feels like a substantial meal instead of a snack you have to supplement later.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Ceci's Gastronomia image 1
Ceci's Gastronomia image 2
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Italian restaurant

Small storefront with cozy indoor space and cute patio seating on the street creates a chill vibe. Friendly atmosphere feels like a welcoming counter shop with a dog-friendly environment. Crowd enjoys authentic Italian-style coffee and food with a focus on quality ingredients.

Offers a friendly atmosphere for groups and serves consistently for workday lunches.

Meatballs come in a sandwich on focaccia with burrata, creating a satisfying combo. The meatballs themselves are very good, though some find the sandwich pricey and less flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the focaccia here was the best I ever ate."

"The meatball sandwich on focaccia is amazing."

"I highly recommend this place as a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough because street and metered parking are limited.

2

The prices were high for the quality and quantity of food served.

3

There are a few tables outside that can fill up quickly.

02
Saijo - Los Angeles - Culver City image 1

Small, intimate bar-style seating with Asian-inspired decor creates a focused dining experience. Atmosphere feels sleek and inviting with dim lighting and a lively vibe despite the compact space. Fresh sushi and hand rolls prepare quickly in front of diners, emphasizing quality and swift service.

Lunch offers great value with amazing specials that taste good. Deals stand out as very good for the price.

Skewers highlight plump chicken meatballs and flavorful beef. The grill enhances the juicy kushiyaki chicken meatballs.

People are saying

"The Japanese food omakase here is excellent and a great value."

"The chicken and beef meatballs were my favorite skewers."

"The hand rolls here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has only bar seating, which may not suit larger groups.

3

Lunch specials offer great value, with deals around $24 for five hand rolls.

03
Hui Tou Xiang image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small space with disco ball ceiling and modern decor creates a casual, bustling vibe. Bar seating and open kitchen window add to the intimate, creative atmosphere. Music and lighting give a relaxed, jazz bar feel.

Quick lunch options come with clear menu guidance and curated dishes that make the meal spectacular and satisfying.

Braised pork meatballs stand out with their incredible tenderness and bursting flavor, easily cut with chopsticks. Fried meatballs do not carry a frozen pork smell, maintaining a fresh taste.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, flavorful, and handmade."

"This lunch spot has really spectacular food across the board."

"The braised pork meatballs are tender and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or call ahead.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find.

04
Eastside Italian Deli image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school Italian deli with cozy, inviting atmosphere and walls filled with nostalgic decor. The place has a busy counter and comfortable seating, creating a friendly, genuine vibe. It blends classic Americana with Italian charm, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy sandwiches.

Casual spot serving filling Italian grinders for a quick lunch. Offers good food in a relaxed setting popular for midday meals.

Four to five perfectly cooked meatballs come covered in sauce and cheese on the Italian Meatball sandwich. The meatball sub pairs well with cooked peppers and is consistently satisfying.

People are saying

"The kindness I received here made my day."

"This place has a cool, old-school vintage feel with amazing food."

"I found the classic sandwiches here to be filling and great for lunch."

Good to know

1

They close at 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

3

Free street parking is available nearby.

05
Anna Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cozy space blends modern elegance with old-school touches and a family photo wall that adds warmth. Atmosphere feels like a community gem with a relaxing, authentic Italian vibe. Guests enjoy NYC-style pizza with fresh ingredients in a setting that suits casual dates and family hangouts.

Open for lunch with options to dine in or order out. Offers a casual spot suitable for both lunch and dinner meals.

Meatballs come tender and homemade, with a light and airy texture. The meatball sub features soft yet crunchy bread that complements the filling well.

People are saying

"This New York-style pizza is chewy and delicious."

"The pasta here tastes just like Nonna's."

"The meatballs were so light and airy, it felt like magic."

Good to know

1

A slice costs $4-$6, making it an affordable option for lunch or dinner.

2

Anna Pizza offers a big selection of dishes, catering to various tastes.

3

The restaurant is family-owned, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

06
Cricca's Italian Deli image 1

Italian deli shop with casual, friendly atmosphere and lively kitchen sounds. Sandwiches feature high-quality ingredients on crunchy Dutch Crunch bread. Dog-friendly space includes a small market and treats for pups.

Specialty subs and a hot sub make up the lunch offerings. It gets busy quickly during lunch times.

Meatballs come in a hot sub with crispy fresh bread and work well in a grilled ciabatta. The meatball tray serves well for dinners, and adding cherry peppers brings some heat.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were great."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches have fresh ingredients and generous portions of meat."

"The meatball sub here is really, really good."

Good to know

1

There is a waiting line during peak hours, especially at lunch.

2

Calling ahead is recommended as they get busy quickly.

3

The deli has limited dine-in space; takeout is more convenient.

07
Busy Bee Market image 1
Sandwich shop

Small corner store combines old-school deli vibe with a mini market stocked with snacks and beverages. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and authentic, reminiscent of an '80s New York deli. Sandwiches stand out as exceptional and cash-only, served from a modest rear counter.

Quick service handles busy lunch hours well. Sandwiches come in large portions, enough for two meals. This spot suits those who want a hearty lunch and leave feeling full.

Hot meatball sandwiches feature meatballs cut into quarters with a generous amount of sauce, ensuring meat in every bite. The meatball sub stands out as a top choice alongside sausage and pastrami options.

People are saying

"I thought their sandwiches were the best I ever had."

"The meatball sandwich is excellent and worth trying."

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Busy Bee Market only accepts cash payments.

2

There is an onsite ATM available if you forget to bring cash.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early to find a spot.

08
HATCH image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful space with calm, peaceful vibe suited for intimate dining. Loud 90s music and low lighting create a lively yet dim atmosphere. Bar seating provides views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes stand out alongside interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey.

Fixed price lunch menus offer good value with reasonable pricing around $25. Portions seem small but leave you feeling full and include options to share extra dishes.

Three meatballs on a stick come tender with a large fry. Chicken Meatball with egg yolk and tare offers a rich but balanced flavor, alongside options like chicken & green onion and bacon wrapped asparagus.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer unique, crispy squid ink karaage and perfectly grilled yakitori."

"The chicken meatballs with egg yolk and tare are rich without being overpowering."

"The food here is tasty and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.

09
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.

Offers a casual lunch setting with a pleasant atmosphere. Good spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in vibrant surroundings.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's pasta is authentic, fresh, and cooked perfectly al dente."

"The spaghetti and meatballs were amazing and filling."

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.

10
Pirozzi's Italian Deli image 1

Old-school Italian deli with authentic sandwiches and quality meats creates a family-oriented atmosphere. Mainly takeout with cozy outdoor seating, it offers large portions and a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of 1950s delis.

Quick lunches include an Italian sub on a baguette. Sandwiches come recommended for a fast meal. Meat cuts are also available to take home.

Meatball sandwiches have a mix of reviews. Some find them good and even excellent, while others report issues like pink meatballs and missing extra meatballs. One report mentions a plastic piece found in the sandwich.

People are saying

"Their sandwiches are packed with flavor and made with fresh ingredients."

"This lunch spot's Italian subs have fresh, delicious ingredients on a crispy baguette."

"I found the meatball sandwich to be excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pirozzi's Italian Deli is mainly a takeout place with outdoor seating.

2

The portions are very large for an affordable price.

3

Expect a busy lunch hour with potential wait times.

11
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.

Outdoor patio seating next to the pool hosts lunch with no indoor dining. Wagyu burgers and fries feature on the menu. Staff like Zoe and Danny provide attentive service that stands out.

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."

"Our server made our lunch an enjoyable experience."

"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.

12
Miceli's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school Italian restaurant with live piano and singing wait staff creates a nostalgic, elegant atmosphere filled with rustic wood detailing and hanging wine bottles. The vibe recalls classic Hollywood charm and transports guests to a bygone era.

Portions are fairly big, making it easy to have leftovers for lunch the next day. The famous lasagna stands out as a solid choice for a filling midday meal.

Juicy, well-seasoned meatballs appear in appetizers and spaghetti dishes. The meatballs pair well with cheesy bread and come as a fantastic side option.

People are saying

"It's a charmingly old school Hollywood haunt."

"The meatballs here are fantastic, like stepping back in time."

"The singing waiters at this Lunch Spot are incredibly entertaining."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available for two hours with metered parking nearby.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

The restaurant features live entertainment with opera students and a band.

13
Matu Kai image 1
Restaurant

Dark, sleek dining room with a huge wraparound bar and clear kitchen view creates a modern yet cozy atmosphere. Noise rises near the bar where tables sit very close together, requiring raised voices. The space blends warm hospitality with a slightly corporate vibe, attracting a lively crowd especially during peak hours.

Lunch features a cheesecake lunch that stands out. The menu includes a Wagyu Philly cheesesteak sandwich worth trying.

Three meatballs come in a hand-sized portion with room to spare. Pomodoro Meatballs offer a rich, saucy flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

People are saying

"Every bite of these dinner spots was memorable and perfection."

"These meatballs exceeded every expectation and are truly phenomenal."

"You have to try the Wagyu beef Philly cheesesteak at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait about an hour for a seat during peak dinner hours.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

The tasting menu costs $87 per person, which may not match expectations.

14
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Walls display period art prints and numerous photos, creating a nostalgic, homey vibe. Spacious rooms accommodate large groups, with options for private dining. The bar offers full-service cocktails in a cozy setting.

Family-style meals come in large portions that fill up after just the salad. The lunch menu offers cheaper prices and different deals than dinner, with enough variety to feed a group of four.

Spaghetti with meatballs comes highly recommended and pairs well with other dishes like pepperoni pizza. The Meatball Rollato stands out as a favorite, praised for its flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in generous portions."

"This lunch spot has delicious and fresh food."

"I really enjoyed their great spaghetti and meatballs."

Good to know

1

There was no waiting to be seated.

2

There was plenty of free parking available.

3

The pick-up process is straightforward.

15
Maria's Italian Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate outdoor seating and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Music complements the setting, creating a welcoming vibe where people of all ages enjoy generous portions and great value. The space supports both quiet dinners and larger gatherings with private patio seating.

Lunch features a variety of Italian dishes served in a casual setting. The spot offers consistent options for both lunch and dinner with a focus on classic Italian flavors.

Meatballs simmer in sauce for hours, giving them a rich, deep flavor. The spaghetti and meatballs stand out, and the meatball appetizer is solid though it lacks the previously included melted cheese.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the spaghetti and clams, is amazing."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot is amazing and always perfect."

"I recommend the meatball appetizer, but I wish they'd bring back the melted cheese."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure privacy seating.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of kid-friendly menu options.

3

Parking is ample and free, making it easy to visit.

16
Ggiata Delicatessen image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop blends classic East Coast deli vibes with a West Coast kick in a beautiful historic building. Cool, clean atmosphere with nice backyard patio offering outdoor seating and a water station. Sandwiches and wraps stand out as fabulous and highly recommended.

Back patio offers spacious seating for groups or solo lunches. Phone orders get friendly, helpful service even during busy times. Drapers sandwiches feature as a popular lunch choice.

Four decent-sized meatballs come in the meatball parm, which has a light sauce that avoids being too heavy. The dish offers a good balance but could use a bit more meatball overall.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has the best, high-quality sandwiches with amazing flavors."

"The back patio is a great outdoor seating option for groups."

"I found the meatball parm to be delicious."

Good to know

1

This place is carry-out only with no interior tables or chairs.

2

The price of the sandwich ranges from $14-20 including tax.

3

The establishment has limited indoor chairs and outdoor tables.

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