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Guide to Nolita

Meatball lunch spots

Meatballs that are substantial enough for a lunch main instead of just a small appetizer.

Based on 579 Opinions
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01
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Corner location with seamless indoor and outdoor seating creates an airy, chic atmosphere. Large sidewalk patio with heated terrace offers comfortable al fresco dining. Wide open dining room with garage door style windows enhances the spacious, relaxed vibe.

Offers a quick lunch service with delicious pasta dishes like Garganelli with wild mushrooms. The spot is family friendly and provides a beautiful setting for a midday meal.

Perfect texture and rich flavor define the meatballs here. They pair well with the tagliatelle bolognese, making a satisfying dish.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pasta dishes, like the Campanelle with shrimp, are delicious."

"The meatballs here are just amazing."

"The meatballs were tender, flavorful, and memorable."

Good to know

1

The brunch-only menu ends at 1:45 PM on Saturdays.

2

It is a good idea to make reservations because the place is always full.

3

You need to have a reservation for dinner or try your luck at the bar.

02
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Tiny Italian restaurant with limited indoor seating and a bar area alongside outdoor dining. Atmosphere feels intimate and lively, often enhanced by staff engaging guests with music. Known for friendly service and a cozy vibe despite the small space.

Affordable prices make it easy to grab a quick lunch without breaking the bank. Seating is usually available without a wait, and the food delivers amazing flavor for the price.

Meatballs come out very flavorful and pair well with spaghetti or fresh mozzarella. The meatball parm sandwich stands out as a great choice among other Parmesan dishes.

People are saying

"The meatballs and meatball sandwiches taste amazing."

"The meatballs here are firm, flavorful, and slightly crispy."

"The service at this lunch spot is amazing and super friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available at the bar with great deals on drinks.

2

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is known for its affordable prices, making it a good lunch option.

03
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Narrow space with a NYC vibe and tight seating creates an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere. Calm music and great air conditioning balance the energy, making it comfortable despite the crowd. Frequent door traffic can cause temperature shifts, adding to the dynamic environment.

Lunch offers large portions of pasta and pizza with top service even during busy times. The spot works well for groups and delivers a great experience consistently.

Meatballs come in various forms here, including spaghetti with meatballs, Italian meatball subs, and pasta with meatballs. They pair well with dishes like Caprese and are available in gluten-free options.

People are saying

"These meatballs are top notch and super tasty."

"The pizza here is outstanding, especially the thin crust."

"The meatballs and pasta are delicious and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made 1 or 2 days in advance.

2

The usual wait is 45-60 minutes, not 90+ minutes.

3

You need to be punctual as they mean it when they say you have ten minutes to get there after the text.

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Giant wood-fired pizza oven behind the bar anchors a space with cozy Italian decor and beautiful outdoor patio views. Fantastic music sets a lively yet pleasant mood, making it ideal for conversation and relaxed dining.

Lunch offers pizza and pasta with a $25 lunch special that provides good value. The setting includes Italian music and al fresco dining with cozy hospitality.

Spaghetti with meatballs comes in a rich red sauce. The meatballs have a great texture and full flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs with spaghetti."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was fabulous and friendly."

"The meatballs pasta was amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant was busy during the San Cerano festival.

2

The total cost for 2 people was $250.

3

The restaurant automatically charges 18% gratuity even for a party of 2.

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Cocktail bar with pink decor creates a charming atmosphere filled with good music and photo opportunities. The vibe suits lively gatherings, especially for groups seeking a visually striking setting. Drinks feature well-balanced cocktails including standout lavender and spicy margaritas.

Lunch offers flavorful dishes in a trendy setting popular with tweens and teens. It suits casual meals and works well on rainy days.

Chicken meatballs stand out for their tender texture and a marinara sauce that tastes like a secret family recipe. The chicken peperonata meatballs offer a rich, flavorful bite that many find impressive.

People are saying

"I love grabbing cute drinks and sharing lunch here."

"I had the best chicken meatballs I have ever tasted."

"Lunch here is perfect for family and rainy days."

Good to know

1

You need to reserve on Resy to get a spot since seating is limited.

2

It is highly suggested to get reservations due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

If your whole party isn't there on time, your indoor dining is cancelled.

06
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Italian restaurant offers lively atmosphere with packed seating and beautiful outdoor dining. Bar area provides entertaining pizza-making views while indoor space feels energetic but often too loud for conversation.

Outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe for afternoon meals. Lunch service runs Wednesday to Friday with attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages booking dinner right after.

Meatballs come with a lot of filling and appear alongside mozzarella on bianco bread. They stand out among other dishes like crab pasta and pizzas.

People are saying

"The spicy coppa pizza here is unique and delicious."

"I thought the meatballs here were excellent and very juicy."

"I loved getting a lunch reservation and enjoying lunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a personal-sized pizza.

3

A corkage fee of $65 applies if you bring your own bottle.

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Small space with Fiat 500 model displays and Italian-style decor creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Both indoor and outdoor seating offer pleasant spots to enjoy meals in a quiet, European-inspired atmosphere. The place operates on a cash-only basis with an ATM available downstairs.

Lunch offers great pasta and a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. It suits casual meals, coffee breaks, or dates with friends and family.

Pasta dishes come with tasty meatballs that pair well with marinara. The meatballs have a good flavor but do not seem homemade.

People are saying

"This lunch spot feels like a cozy, clean second living room."

"The pasta with meatballs was good."

"Lunch is nice but can feel crowded sometimes."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only; an ATM is available on-site.

2

Brunch is served daily, featuring popular dishes like Eggs Benedict.

3

Breakfast is available all day, catering to various cravings.

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Small dining space with family-style Italian seating creates a lively, old school atmosphere filled with celebrity photographs and a sense of history. The environment is loud and energetic, especially in the front room, encouraging conversation and laughter. A hidden back room adds a private, exclusive feel reminiscent of classic Italian dining spots.

Lunch offers a cool atmosphere with generally no wait, unlike dinner. The owner greets guests warmly and encourages choosing any comfortable table.

Spaghetti and meatballs stand out with fabulous flavors and a crazy mix when paired with Caesar salad. The meatballs deliver a rich, memorable taste that complements other dishes well.

People are saying

"The meatballs are tender, juicy, and truly outstanding."

"This lunch spot felt like a magical journey to Italy."

"The meatballs here are legit, truly elite."

Good to know

1

Get there before 5 to avoid a long wait.

2

Tuesdays feature a recurring theme event.

3

They only accept walk-ins and donโ€™t seat you unless the entire party is present.

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Small pizzeria with old-world Italian decor and a bustling yet warm atmosphere. Coal-fired ovens create a crispy, unique crust on pizzas, contributing to a historic dining experience. Seating is limited, often requiring outdoor arrangements with heaters and plexiglass for crowd management.

Lunch includes options like double pepperoni pizza and salad. Quick lunches to go are available, and sometimes they offer surprises like cherry cheesecake.

Grandma's meatballs come with a super flavorful sauce and stand out as exceptional. The meatball pizza also pairs well with the classic meatballs, both offering a delicious experience.

People are saying

"The meatballs were tasty and unforgettable."

"This lunch spot's pizza has a fantastic char and generous portions."

"These meatballs are large and just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Lombardi's is a cash-only establishment.

2

Be prepared to wait unless you come for lunch.

3

Peak hours are typically Friday and Saturday evenings between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

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Nolita, New York

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