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Meatball spots in San Diego

A meal of meatballs is a comforting choice, especially when the arrival is as simple as the food itself.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chef Zhu 老正兴 image 1
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Chinese restaurant

Restaurant blends traditional and modern design with a stylish interior and an inviting bar area. Atmosphere feels lively and comfortable, with a buzz that suits both casual meals and special occasions. Space is often busy and noisy, reflecting its popularity and energetic vibe.

Plenty of free parking spots exist in the shopping center. Access stays easy with a large parking lot serving the small shopping district.

Lion’s head meatballs offer great flavor with subtle spices and a texture that melts in your mouth. Braised meatballs also stand out as a favorite dish here.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and cooked to order."

"I found plenty of free parking available."

"These meatballs melt in your mouth with great flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Wednesdays.

2

The restaurant can be full, so expect wait times during peak hours.

3

Parking is free in the shopping center, making access easy.

02
VIET NOM image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor featuring colored lanterns and fans creates an inviting atmosphere. Music plays a lively R&B throwback playlist, adding energy to the cozy setting. The vibe is welcoming and comfortable, ideal for conversation and enjoying meals.

Parking availability varies by location. One spot near a mall offers plenty of parking and is easy to find, while another location has limited parking.

Pho features flavorful meatballs paired with short ribs, often boneless. Broth is rich and complements the perfectly cooked noodles.

People are saying

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

"The pho short rib and meatballs were packed with tender, flavorful meat."

"It's easy to find plenty of parking available here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

03
Romanella Cucina Romana image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers elegant décor with frescoes and portraits of Rome creating a warm, cozy, and classy atmosphere. The space balances intimate indoor seating and a pleasant outdoor ambiance with lively energy during busy times. Guests enjoy a convivial vibe complemented by carefully curated drinks and fresh, flavorful dishes.

Oxtail meatballs stand out for their super tender texture and rich flavor. They pair well with other dishes like pizza and pasta, adding a hearty touch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The oxtail meatballs were super tender and flavorful."

"It's got plenty of parking available."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs daily from 2-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of cocktails and small plates.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

04
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.

Parking is generally easy to find before noon with minimal waiting time. Spaces are available without hassle during early visits.

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."

"Parking was easy and available."

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.

05
Massachusetts Mike's Pizzeria image 1

Small pizza restaurant with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mural and a charming urban kitchen feel. Atmosphere is welcoming and upbeat, energized by lively staff and nostalgic 70s dance music. Seating includes small tables and benches, supporting both dine-in and pick-up.

Parking requires some effort but is available. The pizza quality makes the parking worth the hassle.

Meatballs come tender and very tasty here. The meatball sub stands out as fabulous and no joke.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"Their gluten-free food options felt safe and tasted delicious."

"I should remember to get the garlic knots and wings."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Dinner and comedy shows are available on select nights; check the schedule.

3

Parking costs $8 for two hours in the rear lot.

06
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.

Street parking is the main option with very few spots in front. Finding parking is usually manageable but can get difficult at times, so allow extra time.

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."

"Parking can be difficult, so plan ahead."

"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.

07
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Spacious showroom-style layout presents furniture in stylish, cozy rooms that feel like flipping through a live Pinterest board. Cafeteria offers Swedish meatballs, veggie options, and a large dining area with real silverware. Kids find activities engaging, making the place feel like an amusement park for families.

Plenty of parking spots make access easy and convenient. Parking in front allows quick loading for large orders.

Swedish meatballs come with mash and have a rich flavor that draws many for a meal. Veggie meatballs offer a top-notch alternative alongside the classic option.

People are saying

"I went for the Swedish meatballs and they were delicious."

"I found stylish and affordable furniture for all tastes here."

"I found plenty of parking available here."

Good to know

1

IKEA offers furniture at affordable prices.

2

I found plenty of parking at IKEA.

3

IKEA Family members can get two free kids meals with one adult entrée on Wednesdays.

08
Elvira image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with old-school charm and villa-inspired decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio features space heaters and throw blankets for comfort. Guests enjoy a quaint, intimate vibe reminiscent of a traditional trattoria.

Free parking exists and parking is easy to find. The lot offers convenient access with no hassle.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and incredible."

"I'd rate the meatballs here a 10 out of 10."

"Parking available was easy and the lot was spacious."

Good to know

1

It's advisable to make a reservation at Elvira because it can get busy.

2

Gnocchi night happens every Thursday, which is a popular event.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options.

09
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa image 1

Spacious Italian restaurant with full bar and comfortable outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels less lively without traditional wine bottle decor, offering a quiet, relaxed vibe. Tables and booths are well spaced, making it suitable for large groups and families.

Parking offers ample spots with no waiting. Access is easy off the 163, making arrival and departure smooth.

Meatballs here are gigantic and flavorful. They come in sandwiches and with spaghetti, both served with great meat sauce.

People are saying

"I've been coming here for decades for their phenomenal pizza."

"This lunch spot is a great value, I got a complete meal for under $10."

"Parking available was easy with plenty of spots."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $9.60 and includes soup or salad and bread.

2

Filippi's offers a $32 family meal on Sundays, perfect for large groups.

3

Parking is easy with many spots available right off the 163.

10
Pho Nom image 1
Pho restaurant

Interior features modern decor with flowers and lanterns creating a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere. Music plays a chill, well-curated playlist that complements the vibe. The space feels authentic and thoughtfully designed, inviting a relaxed dining experience.

Parking includes 2 hours of complimentary spots and ADA accessible spaces. Weekday visits show ample availability without much hassle.

Pho bowls come with tender meatballs alongside short rib and brisket. Each bite mixes fresh herbs and thinly sliced beef with the meatballs for a flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The pho with short rib and meatballs is delicious."

"Parking was a little tight and hard to find open space."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2–5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

11
Sardina's Italian Restaurant and Bar image 1

Italian restaurant with warm, inviting atmosphere and lively noise levels that vary between rooms. Decor features Italian style art and a modern, clean interior with two outdoor patios where dogs are allowed. The space balances a family-owned feel with areas suitable for quiet conversation.

Free parking sits in a nice location nearby. It fills up quickly, but there is overflow parking available.

Meatballs here have a homemade Sicilian style that stands out. They appear in various dishes like spaghetti, subs, and calzones, all with a rich, satisfying flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is out of this world, especially the pasta."

"There's plenty of parking available, with street space too."

"These meatballs are just like grandma used to make."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is free but can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers a half and half pasta menu for a great price.

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San Diego, California

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