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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Little Italy

Meatballs

You have a specific expectation for how a meatball should be prepared.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pep's on Grand image 1
Pep's on Grand image 2
Pep's on Grand image 3
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Italian restaurant

Modern dining space offers wood-fired oven pizzas and mouth watering meatballs like Nona made. Lively atmosphere with huge bar serves strong cocktails including espresso martinis. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide a welcoming spot for great food and drinks.

Mouth watering meatballs come as a perfect appetizer and a main dish just like Nona used to make. They pair well with other dishes like penne A la vodka and prosciutto pizza.

People are saying

"I thought pizza couldn't surprise me, but this was seriously delicious."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is amazing and authentic."

"The meatballs were just like Nona used to make."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advised for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

2

Happy hour specials are available on Saturdays from 3-6 pm.

3

The restaurant can accommodate a group of 30 people for events.

02
Lunella image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor patio offers a cozy garden vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. Meatballs shine with rich tomato sauce and tasty pasta. Drinks like Aperol Spritz and espresso martinis add to the lively, warm Italian atmosphere.

Sauce stands out with rich, tomato flavor that complements the very good meatballs. Pasta pairs well, making the dish satisfying and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pasta dishes."

"The spaghetti with meatballs was spectacular and the best I had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a pasta/app/glass of wine special during happy hour.

2

Happy hour drinks are a $10 summer special from 4-7pm.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

03
Sofia's of Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot boasts classic meatballs with rich flavor alongside exceptional cocktails like espresso martinis. Cozy vibe shines with a beautiful terrace and views of the Empire State Building. Live jazz adds an energetic atmosphere that can get loud.

Spaghetti comes with classic meatballs made from the right ingredients. The meatballs have a rich flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is exceptional and delicious."

"The Dairy Free food here is delicious."

"The meatballs here are so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers buy one get one cocktails, making it a great deal.

2

During happy hour, customers may need to ask multiple times for drinks.

3

An automatic 22% tip is included in the bill.

04
Casa D'angelo New York image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with homemade meatballs juicy and saucy, perfect with fresh pasta made in view. Cozy space glows under soft lights, alive with live opera singing and a local band outdoors. Dining feels intimate and vibrant.

Homemade meatballs come with a tasty sauce and stay juicy. They pair well with pasta and make a fantastic starter or main dish.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is top-notch and perfectly cooked."

"The service at these dinner spots was so attentive, especially from Irvin."

"I found the homemade pasta and meatballs fantastic."

Good to know

1

A special menu is offered for Thanksgiving dinner.

2

Happy San Gennaro is celebrated with vibrant festivities.

3

A mandatory 18% gratuity is added to all bills.

05
Piacere image 1
Italian restaurant

Open windows show a blazing pizza oven, creating a rustic vibe. Meatballs offer traditional flavors that taste like home cooking. Cozy space with large tables and a bar adds to the authentic Italian feel.

Traditional flavors define the meatballs here, offering a taste that recalls classic home cooking. The menu pairs them with pasta and panna cotta, highlighting a well-rounded Italian meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I had the best Tiramisu Iโ€™ve ever had."

"I thought the meatballs here were the best in New York City."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash and American Express; no Visa or MasterCard.

2

Payment can only be made with a physical American Express card or cash.

3

They charge a tip or service fee of over 21% without disclosing it first.

06
Zia Maria Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with house-made meatballs in a rich sauce, perfect alongside Penne Vodka. Live accordion music and table-side pasta prep create a homey atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a view of the Empire State Building with heaters for cozy dining.

House-made meatballs come with a well-balanced sauce that satisfies even picky eaters. They pair well with pasta dishes like Penne Vodka and complement drinks such as Sangria.

People are saying

"The pasta here is fresh and prepared right in front of you."

"I considered the lobster ravioli the best I had ever had."

"These homemade meatballs are delicious and taste so fresh."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a fun serenade by the wait staff.

2

The restaurant dims the lights around 4:40 PM for dinner ambiance.

3

An automatic 18% service charge is included for parties of two.

07
Buona Notte image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with cozy atmosphere and a lively vibe. Spaghetti and meatballs deliver amazing flavor and great presentation. Outdoor seating offers a quiet back patio with city views for a relaxed meal.

Spaghetti and meatballs stand out with amazing flavor and a spectacular presentation. The meatballs pair well with pasta, creating a great dish.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food here, especially the carbonara, is the best I've ever tasted."

"I had the spaghetti and meatballs, and it was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for New Yearโ€™s Eve to secure a table.

2

Happy hour offers $10 cocktails and $5 wine deals.

3

A 20% tip is automatically added to the bill.

08
Umbertos Clam House image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with generous meatballs that taste slightly sweet and pair well with pasta. Outdoor seating offers city views and heaters for comfort. Lively vibe pulses with energetic music and a bar serving notable cocktails.

Meatballs come in generous portions and lean toward a slightly sweet flavor. They pair well with linguine or spaghetti and are consistently described as delicious and very good.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the baked clams, is classic NYC comfort food."

"The linguine with clam sauce has a clean, salty seafood flavor."

"The linguine with meatballs was excellent and a good portion."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers reasonably priced drinks from 4-6pm daily.

2

The restaurant automatically adds an 18% tip to your bill.

3

Garlic bread costs $10 and is not complimentary.

09
Frankie's Restaurant Arthur Avenue image 1

Brick-lined walls and warm lighting create an intimate, family-friendly vibe with spontaneous music. Meatballs are tender and perfectly seasoned, served with spaghetti that enhances their flavor. Cocktails like salted caramel espressotinis add a unique touch to the authentic Italian menu.

Meatballs here are very tender and perfectly seasoned, practically melting in your mouth. They come with spaghetti that complements their incredible flavor well.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is so warm and inviting."

"The spicy rigatoni alla vodka was properly spicy and delicious."

"The meatballs are so soft, tender, and juicy."

Good to know

1

The family style menu at Frankie's costs $45 per person.

2

The entrรฉe of pasta and shrimp costs $36.

3

Frankie's serves nice sized portions.

10
Emilia's image 1
Italian restaurant

Old World Italian charm shines with a cozy atmosphere and a mini waterfall patio. Meatballs come tender with rich sauce or dry with raisins, perfect with ricotta and parmigiano reggiano. Soft music and live singers create a warm, inviting vibe for quiet dinners.

Meatballs come in two styles here: tender and flavorful with a rich sauce, or dry with raisins inside. The tender ones pair well with ricotta and parmigiano reggiano and work great in rigatoni.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and sauces, is fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and the sauce is amazing."

Good to know

1

Emilia's is open from 12pm Wed-Mon and is closed on Tuesday.

2

You should make a reservation.

3

Finding parking is a little difficult.

11
Amici Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy brick and wood interior with a heated outdoor patio sets a warm scene. Soft, tasty meatballs shine in vodka sauce alongside well-seasoned pasta. Family-friendly vibe with live music and sports streaming makes it perfect for gatherings.

Soft, tasty meatballs come with vodka sauce and well-seasoned pasta. The spaghetti with meatballs offers a satisfying portion and a delicious tomato sauce distinct from other dishes.

People are saying

"The pasta here is authentic, home-cooked Italian food."

"The meatballs here are soft and tasty, just like grandma's."

"I found the Caesar salad here exquisite."

Good to know

1

Dinner is treated as an event, similar to traditional European dining.

2

A 20% tip is automatically added to the bill.

12
Il Piccolo Bufalo image 1
Italian restaurant

Open-air dining offers a chill vibe with authentic Italian feel and buffalo decor. Meatballs shine in the scratch-made tomato sauce, especially in the Spaghetti Meatballs dish. Inside, a brick oven and fantastic music complete the Little Italy flair.

Meatballs and tomato sauce made from scratch feature on the lunch menu for $13.95. The Spaghetti Meatballs and meatball appetizer come highly regarded, though some servings like penne vodka include just one meatball in a small bowl.

People are saying

"The homemade Italian food, especially the pasta, is so good."

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

"The meatballs here are awesome and made from scratch."

Good to know

1

An 18% tip is automatically added to the bill.

2

The restaurant requires cash payments; card payments incur additional fees.

3

Expect to pay full price for menu items, as specials may not apply.

13
Jose Luis Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with huge meatballs served over spaghetti or gnocchi, perfect with a martini. Lively 90s tunes set a party-like atmosphere in a comfortable, dog-friendly space with outdoor seating. Great for groups and casual dining.

Huge, large meatballs come with spaghetti or gnocchi and pair well with martinis. The meatballs have a homey feel and stand out for their size and flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The happy hour sangria here is amazing and only $5."

"I found the spaghetti with meatballs very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 wine, beer, and sangria until 10 PM.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to the bill.

3

The restaurant has a spectacular happy hour with tapas and sangrias for $5.

14
La Bella Vita image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot shines with heated outdoor seating and a live band that lifts the mood. Meatballs come in homemade, generous portions paired with classic sauces like Alfredo. Service stays incredible despite the snug space.

Meatballs come with various pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, and gnocchi. They pair well with sauces like Alfredo and carbonara, offering homemade and generous portions.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and absolutely delicious."

"The lobster ravioli here is amazing."

"The meatballs and homemade fettuccine are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are accepted, but walk-ups are seated first.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for two or more people.

15
Lโ€™Amore Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot offers intimate dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Pasta shines with delicious meatballs on spaghetti, tagliatelle, and fettuccine Alfredo. Wine and cocktails are notable, enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe.

Spaghetti comes with very delicious meatballs that stand out. Tagliatelle and fettuccine Alfredo also feature excellent meatballs that complement the pasta well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing, especially the pasta and pizza."

"The homemade gnocchi here is pillowy perfection."

"The meatballs here are awesome and excellent."

Good to know

1

Drinks at Lโ€™Amore are on happy hour prices for beers, wine, and cocktails.

2

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to the bill.

3

There is an added 3% convenience fee.

16
Gelso & Grand image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta. Elegant interior and a hidden speakeasy create a lively yet intimate vibe. Outdoor patio offers a quiet spot for people watching amid ample seating.

Spaghetti comes with tender, flavorful meatballs that taste like they belong in a classic Italian kitchen. Pasta cooks perfectly, pairing well with the rich sauce and authentic Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pastas, was amazing."

"The service for dinner spots was excellent and so friendly."

"These meatballs are amazing and ranked at the very top."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy hours to secure a table.

2

Brunch can get busy, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant has a $25 cake cutting fee for special occasions.

17
Il Cortile image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with authentic atmosphere and a beautiful garden room perfect for celebrations. Enjoy live music and piano that lift the mood. The meatball appetizer is a must-try, known for its top quality and rich flavor.

Meatball appetizer stands out with its top notch quality and delicious flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food here feels magical, like a fairy tale."

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and truly extraordinary."

"The meatballs here are top notch."

Good to know

1

The wedding is held in the Garden Room this Sunday.

2

Be wary of planning events around the San Gennaro festival due to crowds.

3

The restaurant participates in restaurant week with a special menu.

18
Zero Otto Nove Bronx image 1
Neapolitan restaurant

Spacious interior blends rustic industrial charm with an Italian piazza vibe. Meatballs shine as a delicious appetizer and in baked pasta topped with salami and ricotta. Atmosphere mixes vibrant rock and roll energy with a kid-friendly open atrium perfect for families.

Meatballs come as a delicious appetizer often paired with polenta. Baked pasta includes meatballs with salami, ricotta, and hard-boiled eggs on top.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was totally delicious."

"This pizza is awesome and worth a trip."

"I loved the baked pasta with meatballs and ricotta."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take reservations, so it's best to arrive early.

2

Expect a half-hour wait for a table on Saturday around 6pm.

3

They can accommodate gluten-free options for pastas.

19
Da Nico image 1
Italian restaurant

Wood-burning oven and spacious interior set an authentic Italian scene with indoor and outdoor seating. Meatballs are tender yet resilient, served in a rich sauce that pairs well with spaghetti. Live music adds a lively atmosphere, making it a warm, inviting spot.

Meatballs come tender yet resilient, showing meticulous care in their crafting. They sit in a rich, flavorful sauce that leaves a lasting taste, especially paired with spaghetti.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is the best I've ever had."

"The service at dinner spots was so attentive and friendly."

"The meatballs here are big and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially on busy nights.

2

Expect wait times over an hour during peak dining hours.

3

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

20
Da Gennaro image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating triples indoor space with live Italian music and heaters, creating a lively vibe. Spaghetti and meatballs come in large portions and taste very good. Tables sit close, offering views under an iconic sign in authentic Little Italy charm.

Spaghetti and meatballs come in a large portion and taste very good. The meatballs stand out as especially good and are highly recommended.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and served super fast."

"The staff made fresh pasta right in front of us."

"The spaghetti with meatballs was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour priced drinks are available before 7pm for outdoor seating only.

2

A mandatory tip of at least 18% is added to the bill.

3

The cost for two pizzas and a salad is over $160.

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