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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the South Village's best

Meatball spots

You are looking for meatballs made with the same care and tradition you would expect from a home kitchen.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Little Charli image 1
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Pizza restaurant

Tiny, cozy space centers on wood-burning brick oven pizzas with a smoky flavor. Dim lighting and intimate atmosphere create a chill vibe suited for quiet evenings. Open bay windows add fresh air, while stylish decor complements the relaxed setting.

Neapolitan pizzas have a crunchy crust and authentic flavor like traditional Italian cooking. The menu offers a good selection of Italian wines and beers including Menabrea birra and Franciacorta.

Exquisite texture and rich flavor define the meatballs here. They pair well with pizza and stand out as some of the best in the city.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing and delicious."

"The meatballs were delicious and very tender."

"The pizza here is so authentic, just like in Italy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for weekend classes, so book in advance.

2

The pizza-making class lasts about 45 minutes, including cooking and eating.

3

The class is suitable for all skill levels; no prior cooking experience needed.

02
Raffetto's Fresh Pasta image 1

Compact pasta shop with old Italian atmosphere and shelves stocked with artisanal sauces and cheeses. Offers fresh homemade pasta and a wide variety of Italian delicacies at affordable prices. Energy is calm and intimate, reflecting a neighborhood gem with a long family tradition.

Fresh pasta delivers authentic flavors with every bite. Products maintain a fresh, genuine quality throughout.

Turkey meatballs come moist and flavorful, paired well with pasta tortellini. Both sausage and turkey meatballs offer a satisfying taste without dryness.

People are saying

"I found the fresh ravioli here to be outstanding pasta."

"I loved the fresh, authentic pasta here."

"I loved the turkey meatballs; they weren't dry at all."

Good to know

1

Cash is the only accepted payment method at the restaurant.

2

The store offers fresh pasta cut to order, a unique feature in the area.

3

Expect crowds during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

03
Ferdi image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with family-run charm and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Dining room features creative decor and a tableside gelato show that adds a special touch. Offers a classic Italian menu passed down through generations, paired with a notable selection of Italian wines and cocktails.

A warm welcome from the owner and chef sets the tone for an authentic homestyle Italian experience. The menu features authentic Italian cuisine paired with a superb collection of Italian wines in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Fresh and mouth-wateringly delicious meatballs stand out here, paired well with eggplant and seafood. The meatballs hold their own alongside frutti de mar and chicken scarpariella.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the unique Chicken and Veal Sofia."

"The food here is amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The meatballs here have a great texture and perfect sauce."

Good to know

1

Ferdi offers complimentary desserts for special occasions like birthdays.

2

The restaurant can be booked for private events at a reasonable price.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

04
Foursome Bar and Restaurant image 1

Bright, spacious setting blends minimalism and artistic flair with authentic Turkish vibes. Warm, cozy atmosphere features friendly service and a personal touch from management. Small tables create an intimate feel, suitable for casual meetups or cozy dates.

Brunch offers rich, authentic flavors with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. The spot captures authentic Turkish vibes and serves a cozy, traditional breakfast experience.

Juicy meatballs come in generous portions and pack a lot of flavor. They stand out as a highlight alongside other mains like sumac-charred salmon and crispy truffle fries.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be delicious and satisfying."

"The meatballs here are delicious and full of flavor."

"It's an authentic Turkish breakfast with fresh, high-quality spreads and cheeses."

Good to know

1

Expect small portion sizes; dishes are often half the amount shown in photos.

2

Prices are high; a breakfast plate costs $35 and may not be worth it.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to limited seating.

05
Song' E Napule image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, intimate space decorated with Maradona tributes and Neapolitan-style tiling creates an authentic Italian vibe. Loud music and lively chatter fill the air, making it energetic but not suited for quiet conversations. Outdoor seating offers a chance to enjoy the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

Neapolitan pizza features a very tender crust, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Italian food uses wonderful ingredients and stays true to traditional flavors.

Tender and juicy meatballs come with a fantastic sauce. They pair well with pasta and stand out as some of the best around.

People are saying

"The Pasta alla Nerano is one of the best I've ever eaten."

"I found authentic Neapolitan pizza with light dough and perfect char."

"The meatballs with sauce were spectacular."

Good to know

1

Booking is recommended as the restaurant is always full.

2

The restaurant gets busy on Friday nights, so expect longer wait times.

3

If itโ€™s your birthday, theyโ€™ll dim the lights and play music for a fun experience.

06
John's of Bleecker Street image 1

Nearly 100-year-old coal-burning oven creates a thin, crispy crust and historic vibe with celebrity photos and wooden booths. Atmosphere feels like a return to another era, cozy but sometimes cramped inside. Outdoor seating includes heaters, making it comfortable even in cooler weather.

Pizza delivers a classic New York style with a thin crust and a charred edge that feels genuine. The atmosphere matches the food, offering an authentic NYC vibe throughout.

Meatball appetizer stands out as outstanding and comes with a cheese option that impresses. A meatball with a candle adds a unique touch to the dish.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing."

"You have to try the spaghetti with meatballs; it's amazing."

"I loved the authentic Italian pizza here."

Good to know

1

Get there early to avoid waiting; a line forms 20-30 minutes before opening.

2

Expect to wait over half an hour during peak lunch and dinner times.

3

They only serve whole pies, no slices available.

07
Faiccoโ€™s Italian Specialties image 1

Deli-style shop with no indoor seating and a mean looking butchery at the front creates a chaotic yet authentic Italian American atmosphere. The vibe is warm and welcoming, evoking an old-school neighborhood feel with laid-back energy. Outdoor tables offer limited seating, while the space feels full of character and history.

Uniquely authentic Italian specialties stand out here, offering Italian comfort food and salumeria-style sandwiches rarely found elsewhere. The deli and sandwich bar serve some of the most authentic Italian bites available.

Meatball parm sandwich stands out with its rich flavor despite a soggy roll. The meatball sub ranks among the top sandwiches, showing clear dedication to authentic taste.

People are saying

"This Italian Sandwich is the best I ever had."

"I found the most authentic Italian deli and sandwich bar here."

"I found the meatball sub to be tasty."

Good to know

1

Using cards incurs a 3% fee; cash is preferred.

2

One sandwich can feed 2-3 people, making it a good value.

3

You need to grab a ticket to order.

08
Torizaku image 1
Asian restaurant

Wooden decor and warm yellow lights create a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like a slice of Japan. The space balances stylish, modern design with a lively yet comfortable vibe typical of an izakaya. It attracts groups and couples looking for a wholesome, relaxed dining experience.

Cozy vibes and authentic Japanese flavors define the atmosphere. Friendly service complements the genuine dining experience.

Skewers feature juicy chicken meatballs with savory flavor and tender texture. Options include chicken thigh with yuzu kosho and chicken breast with scallion, offering fragrant and unique tastes.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is perfectly grilled and smoky."

"The authentic yakitori is perfectly grilled and smoky."

"The chicken meatballs were flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 PM for $16.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of yakitori skewers worth trying.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

09
Maestro Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen with chefs making fresh pasta creates an engaging setting. Swings replace chairs at tables, adding a unique and playful touch. Live music enhances a cozy, authentic Italian atmosphere with handmade pasta, swing seating, live music, and an open kitchen.

Offers authentic Italian flavors with fresh, delicious pasta and dishes. Presents a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere that reflects true Italian culinary traditions.

Meatballs come with a rich sauce that blends Italian tradition and New World flavors. They pair well with pasta like tagliatelle and are served in generous portions, often shared at the table.

People are saying

"The pasta here is handmade and amazingly delicious."

"I found the Italian food here to be authentic and top-quality."

"The meatballs here were amazing and perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with discounted wines before 7pm.

2

Live music is available every Thursday night.

3

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

10
Cotenna image 1
Italian restaurant

Very small space with cramped seating forces diners close together around a communal trough. Atmosphere feels cozy and relaxed, creating a neighborhood vibe despite tight quarters. Energy is calm, suited for those who appreciate intimate settings over spaciousness.

Small size creates an intimate atmosphere inside. Food serves up authentic Italian flavors with a delicious touch.

Shared appetizers include meatballs with mussels that balance taste and texture well. Spaghetti and meatballs come as a solid option, and the meatballs served alone make a great starter.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the spaghetti and meatballs, is so good."

"The pasta here is perfectly al dente with a well-balanced sauce."

"I loved their spaghetti and meatballs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant is small.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special.

3

Cotenna gets crowded, so make sure to place a reservation before you go.

11
Carbone New York image 1
Italian restaurant

Interior spaces are tight and packed, filled with loud traditional music and waiters dressed sharply. Atmosphere shifts between lively energy and a vibe reminiscent of a casual party crowd. The setting blends old New York Italian charm with a modern, bustling feel.

Italian dishes here deliver authentic flavors true to tradition. The setting offers a genuine New York vibe that complements the food well.

Meatballs come as a standout dish, served alongside Spicy Vodka pasta and Caesar salad. They are not on the menu and must be requested directly.

People are saying

"The bread here is cheesy, a bit oily, and delicious."

"The Italian food here is authentic and full of flavor."

"The meatballs were a little pink in the middle."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one month in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect long wait times for the bathroom as there are only two facilities.

3

The restaurant charges $24 for still water, which is not listed on the menu.

12
Pappas New York image 1
Greek restaurant

Massive space with live DJ, belly dancers, and sparklers creates a nightclub vibe during dinner. Loud music and energetic performances fill the air, making conversation difficult. Detailed Greek-inspired dรฉcor and lighting add to the immersive atmosphere.

Authentic Greek dishes include perfectly seasoned gyros and tender slow-roasted lamb. The food reflects true Greek culinary traditions with a warm ambiance.

Greek meatballs serve as a flavorful appetizer alongside dishes like octopus and lobster pasta. The portion size leans toward needing more to satisfy as a starter.

People are saying

"These dinner spots are perfect for a birthday celebration that turns into a party."

"I found the authentic Greek food here to be very well done."

"The meatballs here have an awesome, fun vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations do not guarantee a specific seating time.

2

Live entertainment occurs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

3

The Thursday cooking class is popular and well-received.

13
Bar Pitti image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with handwritten changing menu and packed outdoor seating creates an authentic, bustling atmosphere filled with locals and regulars. Tables sit extremely close together, adding to the cozy yet chaotic vibe. Cash-only policy and on-site ATM support the lively, trendy setting.

Food delivers a truly authentic Italian experience with dishes like tripe in sauce that taste genuine. The style and service reflect classic Italian traditions throughout.

Meatballs range from light and airy to mediocre in flavor. Some dishes pair them with pappardelle or rabbit, but overall they lack strong seasoning.

People are saying

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

"I felt the atmosphere was an illusion of authenticity."

"The meatballs here are light and airy."

Good to know

1

Bar Pitti is cash only; no credit cards accepted.

2

There is an ATM downstairs near the restrooms.

3

A bottle of water costs $14.

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