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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Diego

Meatball salad spots

Made for those who want the clean, refreshing bite of a salad paired with the hearty, protein-rich comfort of seasoned meatballs.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pazzos Italian image 1
Pazzos Italian image 2
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Southern Italian restaurant

Small family-run Italian spot offers a warm, welcoming vibe with a neighborhood pizza joint atmosphere. Guests can enjoy making their own pizza and pasta while watching games on big, nice TVs. The place feels chill and family-friendly, often hosting little helpers and allowing dogs inside.

Salads come in enormous portions that work well for sharing. The Caesar salad features house-made croutons that are soft and flavorful, and dressings are consistently great and well-balanced.

Meatballs come with a light texture and a balanced sauce and cheese mix. Spaghetti and meatballs taste like a homemade masterpiece.

People are saying

"The pizza here is fantastic, especially the Sicilian style."

"The meatball sub was one of the best I ever had."

"The Caesar salad's croutons were soft and yummy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, providing a homey atmosphere.

2

Pizza slices are a great size for the price, typically around $10 each.

3

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

02
ARTIFACT at Mingei image 1

Open-concept design inside a museum creates a classy, modern vibe with a loud, energetic atmosphere that sometimes resembles a cafeteria. Outdoor seating offers scenic park views and a quieter experience. The space combines clean European decor with a casual, inviting feel.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients like avocado and Asian pear. The avocado bowl with pistachio dukkah and the beet salad stand out for their flavors.

Vietnamese pork meatballs stand out with bold fusion flavors and a juicy, tender texture. They pair well with other dishes like the Meatball Lettuce Wraps, showcasing a mix of cultural inspirations.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is tasty and beautifully presented."

"The Vietnamese meatballs were incredible and flavorful."

"I found the avocado bowl salad with pistachio dukkah to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited hours.

2

Parking can be challenging around the museum location.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

03
The Whaling Bar image 1
Restaurant

Vintage decor blends with modern touches to create a warm ambiance that suits romantic dinners and casual drinks. The space features carefully preserved historic elements alongside flawless design, offering a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. Cocktails and food receive high praise, enhancing the top-tier atmosphere.

Caesar salad stands out with giant crispy croutons that are creamy inside, creating a unique texture. Celery Salad offers a fresh twist, and the Urfa Chicken adds a flavorful, distinctive touch.

Duck meatballs melt in your mouth with a rich, tender texture. The menu also features Urfa chicken and Zatar fried chicken, alongside a notable de ricotta dish.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so welcoming and kind."

"The cocktails here are inventive, fun, and perfectly balanced."

"You have to try the Caesar salad; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5 p.m. with limited menu options.

2

Valet parking is available at the connected hotel.

3

The kitchen closes at 10 p.m., not 11 p.m.

04
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.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like arugula, watermelon, and feta with perfect dressings. They offer a vibrant, refreshing contrast to richer dishes.

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 summer salad with watermelon and feta is super fresh."

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

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.

05
Best Pizza & Brew image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with a large dog-friendly patio and sports TVs creates a lively, social atmosphere. Bright, modern interior offers comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. Music plays loudly, adding to the energetic vibe favored by families and groups.

Fresh and flavorful chopped chicken salad comes with house-made dressing. Salads arrive in generous portions and pair well with wings and sandwiches.

Meatballs stand out with amazing flavor and quality. Options include a meatball sub and dog menu meatballs that get strong approval.

People are saying

"The staff here are amazing and genuinely happy to be working."

"I loved the Greek salad because it had lots of vegetables."

"I found the meatballs to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4 PM daily with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Wednesday is pint night with brewery-sponsored free glasses.

3

Expect $2 slice pizzas during happy hour, making it a budget-friendly option.

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.

Salads come fresh and vibrant, packed with bursting flavor. The Caesar salad stands out as a distinctive dish beyond just a side.

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."

"I've never had pasta this good since visiting Italy."

"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
Trattoria da Sofia image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic Naples vibe with quaint, detailed decor featuring football shirts and painted marble. Atmosphere feels lively and transporting diners to Italy, with live music enhancing energy. Indoor and outdoor seating provide charming views and accommodate various group sizes.

Salads feature fresh dressing and a well balanced mix of flavors, like in the beet and fennel salad. The Caesar salad stands out with its delicious taste.

Fresh, home made meatballs come tender and packed with flavor. The sauce adds a delicious touch that complements the dish well.

People are saying

"The pasta here is so fresh, made in house."

"I could have eaten the entire Caesar salad myself."

"The meatballs here are so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 5 PM with generous portions of bites and drinks.

3

Parking can be challenging; expect to drive around to find a spot.

08
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.

Salads come out crisp and tasty, with options like Greek and Caesar. Staff fix any issues quickly, such as missing chicken on a salad.

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."

"They can do a salad version for those who can't do sub rolls."

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.

09
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.

Salads feature arugula and endive with crispy cheese balls and a classic Caesar option. They pair well with pizza and wine for a solid meal.

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 Caesar salad was almost as good as in Mexico."

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

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.

10
Romanella Cucina Romana image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers elegant dรฉcor 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 tiramisu here is one of a kind."

"The oxtail meatballs were super tender and flavorful."

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.

11
Morton's The Steakhouse image 1

Elegant interior with dark walls and dim lighting creates a cozy yet slightly dated atmosphere. Crowd tends to be more casual than expected for a fine dining steakhouse, with a vibe suitable for date nights and group events. Service includes thoughtful touches like framed photos for special occasions, enhancing the overall experience.

Chopped salad stands out with its excellent freshness. Wedge salad pairs well with steaks, making for a solid combo.

Wagyu meatballs stand out as a rich, flavorful appetizer. They pair well with other hearty dishes like the Prime Cajun Ribeye and double pork chop.

People are saying

"This steak was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing."

"The chopped salad here is so delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for special occasions like anniversaries.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers on weekdays.

3

Expect a total price of around $100+ per person for a full meal.

12
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.

Antipasto Salad stands out as a top choice, often paired with pizza. Large Caesar salad options are available for sharing, and salads come included with entrees alongside soup and bread.

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."

"The dinner salads here are huge and fresh."

"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.

13
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.

Beet salads stand out with fresh arugula and vibrant flavors. Caesar salad comes with perfectly cooked salmon. Bacon and cheese add a rich touch to the greens.

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."

"I wish I had the salad dressing on the side."

"The lamb and beef meatballs were outstanding."

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.

14
CinKuni (Italian & Japanese Cuisine) image 1

Spacious restaurant blends Japanese and Italian culture with art-filled walls and a visible brick pizza oven. Atmosphere feels upscale and casual with loud 80s-90s music and a lively vibe. Features include a big screen TV lounge and a dog-friendly patio.

Strawberry salad stands out with its fresh fruit and flavor. Burrata salad includes arugula, though some leaves show yellowing.

Meatballs appear as a standout appetizer and also feature in dishes like ramen and a bowl with Italian sausage. They pair with various meals, adding a hearty touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The Gnocchi Urbino was delicious and tender."

"The ramen here is delicious, with good noodles."

"I found the meatballs to be really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 p.m. on industry Mondays with great drink selections.

2

Every Wednesday, there are free comedy shows starting at 8 p.m.

3

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10 p.m. with a two-drink minimum.

15
VULTURE image 1
Restaurant

Speakeasy-style restaurant with unique, otherworldly decor and a red curtain entrance creates an intimate, elegant atmosphere. The vibe blends 80's music with a warm, inviting energy that suits a night out. Fully vegan menu offers plant-based fine dining with standout cocktails and memorable dishes.

Table side preparation brings a classic touch to the Caesar salad. A vegan Caesar option exists without anchovies.

BBQ meatballs come with a simple apricot BBQ sauce that adds a sweet touch. Cocktail meatballs offer a flavorful, straightforward bite that pairs well with other dishes like crab cakes.

People are saying

"I can't wait to return for the amazing vegan options."

"The Lilโ€™ Gem Caesar salad dressing is creamy and delicious."

"The BBQ meatballs were an experience, so good."

Good to know

1

A reservation is needed to dine at VULTURE.

2

VULTURE adds an automatic 20% gratuity on all checks.

3

Many items on the menu were unavailable during my visit.

16
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.

Salads feature seasonal greens and fresh ingredients like radicchio y carciofi and mozzarella with tomatoes. Servers often highlight options like the Caprese and Misticanza estiva salads.

People are saying

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

"The salads here feel like Grandma's cooking."

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

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.

17
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.

Salads come in small antipasto and Caesar styles. Lunch specials include a salad paired with spaghetti for under $10.

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."

"The antipasto salad dressing tasted better at Little Italy."

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.

18
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern, chic steakhouse with a live DJ creating a lively, fun atmosphere. The space includes a rooftop bar and a stylish, energetic vibe suited for celebrations rather than quiet dinners. Cocktails and steaks receive high praise, enhancing the overall experience.

Wedge and Caesar salads stand out with freshness and shareable portions. Asparagus adds a crisp touch, often enhanced with a bit of salt.

Meatballs come in different styles here, including Wagyu meatballs that offer good value. They range from delicious to just okay depending on the visit.

People are saying

"I loved each dish I tried; the food was spectacular."

"The servers here are so knowledgeable and helpful with the salads."

"I started with the meatballs, which were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2:30 to 6:30 pm with great deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging during holidays due to downtown location.

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