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Crab cakes and meatballs

A meal is only as good as its starters, and you require both a crab cake and meatballs to be done right.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse image 1
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse image 2
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse image 3
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Steakhouse offers impressive city views and a remarkable wine cellar in a beautiful venue with multiple dining areas. Atmosphere ranges from lively and noisy in main dining rooms to more intimate settings like private party rooms and mezzanine seating. Guests often enjoy high-quality steaks paired with excellent cocktails and wines.

Crab cakes come with complimentary bread and pair well with lobster mac and cheese. Each crab cake is cooked to perfection with thoughtful flavors that complement the meal.

Meatballs come with a spicy kick that stands out. They pair well with other flavorful dishes and desserts like chocolate mousse and butter cake.

People are saying

"I found the steak cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious."

"The crab cakes here are packed with fresh crab and perfectly seared."

"The veal meatballs were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

The Valentine's special includes a complimentary glass of champagne.

3

The New Year's Eve experience features a special menu and live music.

02
Barrottaโ€™s Supper Club image 1

Live 3-piece jazz band plays in a low-lit, intimate setting with careful attention to detail. Atmosphere blends classy, relaxed vibes with energy reminiscent of a New York City club. Guests enjoy excellent cocktails and a speakeasy-style upstairs party room.

Top-tier crab cakes stand out with rich flavor and perfect texture. They rank among the most memorable dishes alongside lobster ravioli and beef Wellington.

Meatballs come tender and melt in your mouth, swimming in a rich sauce that stands out. They pair well with pasta and chicken parm for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The jazz here is divine, with food that's delicious and perfectly prepared."

"The meatballs were so tender they melted in your mouth."

"The crab cakes were beyond perfect, truly to die for."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances occur on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

2

Fridays and Saturdays feature a live band with a fixed-price menu.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like tribute nights.

03
The Tav'ery image 1
Restaurant

Elegant, bright space combines sports bar TVs with a cozy dining room separated from the bar noise. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, encouraging conversation and socializing. Drinks stand out with a large bourbon selection and well-crafted cocktails.

Crab cake sandwich offers a rich, soft texture but comes with a bun that feels oversized. The crab cakes stand out as a light snack option and pair well with other dishes like burgers and steak sandwiches.

Veal meatballs come tender and packed with Marsala flavor. They work well as a small bite appetizer or a satisfying dish on their own.

People are saying

"This juicy burger was one of the best I've had."

"The veal meatballs were delicious and tender."

"I thought the crab cake was incredible, truly top 3 ever."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Fridays with great prices and selections.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties due to limited seating.

3

The menu features elevated bar food with a limited selection.

04
Bocca di Bacco Chelsea image 1
Italian restaurant

Stylish Italian restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a warm, inviting atmosphere and dimmed lighting for privacy. Music varies from quiet and calm to loud and energetic, affecting the vibe. Large venue suits both intimate dinners and big celebrations.

Large portions make the crab cakes suitable as appetizers or entrees. They have a delicious flavor and pair well with dishes like linguine pesto and fungi.

Meatballs come as a dry and dense appetizer. Previously, happy hour featured $1 meatballs alongside dollar oysters. They pair well with octopus and arancini dishes.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, tasted so good."

"The meatballs and sauce were great."

"The crab cakes were amazing and superbly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers solid options for drinks and oysters from 4-7 PM.

2

They offer 2 hours of unlimited drinks during brunch.

3

Expect to spend $50 per person with the bottomless option.

05
Monkey Bar image 1
American restaurant

Bar area features Jazz Age murals and dim, intimate lighting that create an elegant, old-school Manhattan vibe. The space combines classic New York decor with lively jazz music and a bustling bar scene. Patrons enjoy carefully crafted cocktails and a setting that feels like stepping into another era.

Crab cakes stand out as a favorite dish here. They deliver awesome flavor and pair well with rich sides like short rib pasta and truffle mac and cheese.

Wagyu meatballs stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. The angus meatballs also offer a hearty, satisfying bite.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the cheeseburger, is outstanding."

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

"The crab cakes have a crisp exterior and a tender, meaty center."

Good to know

1

A reservation is effectively REQUIRED to be seated for dinner service.

2

They take reservations 14 days in advance at 9am.

3

Without wine, expect to spend at least $100-150 for a meal.

06
DelBianco Italian Restaurant image 1

Chic blend of classic and modern styles creates an intimate, warm atmosphere with soft lighting and stylish decor. Conversations flow easily in a space that balances elegance and relaxation. The vibe suits special occasions and dates, drawing those who appreciate authentic Italian flavors and quality steaks.

Full of real crab meat and rich flavor, the crab cakes come with a remoulade that stands out for its taste. They pair well as a starter and leave a strong impression.

Wagyu meatballs stand out for their incredible softness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The beef flavor is unique and unlike any other, making these meatballs a notable dish here.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is cooked to perfection."

"The Wagyu meatballs just melt in your mouth."

"These crab cakes are full of real crab meat and flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a prix fixe lunch with a changing menu.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for all dishes.

07
IL FORNO NYC - HELL'S KITCHEN image 1

Small Italian eatery with dim lighting and Italy village decor creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Space feels tight, with seating near the entrance and an open front to air. Connected to a hookah lounge, it blends quiet dining with nearby music from the 90's and 00's.

Crab cakes offer a flavorful but not overpowering taste. They appear as a delicious appetizer but sometimes arrive after the main course.

Spaghetti and meatballs come out amazing and excellent, showing consistent quality. Meatballs also pair well with penne alla vodka, adding a delicious touch to the dish.

People are saying

"I had the best penne alla vodka with shrimp."

"The spaghetti and meatballs here are amazing."

"The Crab Cakes were fluffy and seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations may not be honored due to overbooking.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-50 minutes even with a reservation.

3

The bolognese costs $25, while the Caesar salad is $10.

08
Red Hat on the River image 1

Bistro offers cozy indoor seating and open outdoor dining with spectacular Hudson River views from patio and rooftop lounge. Atmosphere feels inviting and trendy yet comfortable, with a relaxed vibe along the river. Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations.

Crab cakes deliver a well-balanced, delicious flavor that stands out alongside other seafood dishes. They pair well with sides like potato puree and offer a fresh, satisfying bite.

Appetizer meatballs stand out with their juicy texture and pair well with the beet salad mix. Nonnaโ€™s meatballs serve as excellent starters alongside the string bean salad.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The view of the Hudson River and Tappan Zee bridge is stunning."

"The meatballs here are really good and juicy."

Good to know

1

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

2

From 3PM to 4PM, only bar seating and drinks are available.

3

Expect high prices for food and drinks, especially during peak hours.

09
Quality Meats image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a noisy, buzzing atmosphere with a lively crowd and occasional loud groups. Outdoor cabins provide private, beautifully decorated spaces that contrast with the busy interior. A well-appointed bar downstairs serves creative cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.

Packed with crab meat, the crab cake pairs well with the sauce on the plate. Served as a starter, it offers a delicious bite.

Porterhouse meatballs stand out as a flavorful starter. The meatballs are addictive and pair well with other dishes like yellow tail tuna tartare and bacon.

People are saying

"The steak was savory and seasoned just right."

"The meatballs with gorgonzola sauce were tender and rich."

"The Crab Cakes are packed with crab and have barely any filler."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

2

Seats will not be available until around 8 o'clock on Wednesday night.

3

The restaurant does not accept international payment cards.

10
ATIK Restaurant image 1
Restaurant

Waterfront dining offers an elegant and relaxing atmosphere with live music and dancers creating a lively vibe. The stunning decor and beautiful city and water views provide a backdrop that feels like an island escape. Guests arrive by yacht to enjoy a mix of entertainment and upscale ambiance.

Crab cake stands out as delicious and pairs well with oysters. The dish fits into a menu with phenomenal seafood options like calamari and lobster ravioli.

Meatballs arrive first and taste delicious. They pair well with the calamari served alongside.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The decor here is stunning, transporting you to the Mediterranean seaside."

"I would not get the Crab Cakes again."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% service fee is automatically added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

The restaurant hosts a show at 7pm, which is a highlight of the evening.

11
Old Homestead Steakhouse image 1

Century-old steakhouse with classic decor and close tables creates a loud, lively atmosphere typical of New York. The space blends old school charm with modern touches like numerous televisions. Dogs are welcome, adding a unique, casual element to the dining experience.

Large chunks of crab make the crab cakes perfectly crisped on the outside and juicy inside. They taste fresh, are well seasoned, and stand out as a top notch appetizer.

Wagyu meatballs appear on the appetizer menu alongside fried calamari and oysters Rockefeller. They offer a meaty texture but deliver an average flavor compared to other dishes.

People are saying

"The steak here is so flavorful and tender."

"I found the crab cakes to be phenomenal, made with large chunks."

"I ordered the steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made on the same day.

2

Expect to spend around $200 for two people.

3

The menu lacks transparency, with no listed prices for wines by the glass.

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