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Guide to Cincinnati

Meatball spots

Meatballs that hold their own as a main course instead of just being a filler for the pasta.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pastizza's Pizza and Pasta image 1
Pastizza's Pizza and Pasta image 2
Pastizza's Pizza and Pasta image 3
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Italian restaurant

Thin crust New York-style pizza defines the menu in a cozy space with old school vibes and a family atmosphere. The setting feels like a grandma's kitchen, simple and inviting, with small tables and fun decorations. The place draws a steady crowd who appreciate authentic flavors without fuss.

Food features fresh ingredients and is made from scratch. Service is polite and food arrives quickly, served in cute little booths. The dishes offer great value and consistently taste delicious.

Meatballs here stand out for their freshness and huge proportions. The meatball sub and spaghetti with meatballs both feature exceptionally good meatballs that leave a lasting impression.

People are saying

"I had the best New York style pizza I've ever had."

"I found the calzone to be always delicious."

"The food here is amazing, with the freshest ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant primarily offers takeout service.

3

A large pizza costs $23, making it an affordable option.

02
Tonyโ€™s Family Italian Restaurant image 1

Small, quaint Italian diner with cozy atmosphere and intimate seating. Clean and simple space offers an old school charm with a casual, homey vibe. Limited seating fills quickly, creating a quiet, relaxed energy.

Food here stays fresh and hot even when busy, with excellent portion sizes and reasonable prices. The menu offers consistently delicious Italian dishes that make the wait worthwhile.

Large, delicious meatballs come with spaghetti loaded with meat sauce. The meatballs stand out for their size and flavor.

People are saying

"The cheese tortellini here is excellent and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The meatballs here are large and delicious."

Good to know

1

They do not accept reservations, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Expect a short wait during busy times like Father's Day.

3

You can bring your own wine with no corking fee.

03
Mid City Restaurant image 1

Eclectic cuisine unfolds in an urban setting with thoughtfully low lighting and interesting decor that adds to a warm, cozy atmosphere. The space can become loud and echoey, especially when large groups gather, which affects conversation. A bar area offers a distinct spot to enjoy drinks alongside the dining experience.

Eclectic cuisine offers unique food choices like bread with pickle butter, sweet potato fries, mushrooms, and a burger with crab cake. Drinks pair well with the food, and the service guides the perfect order sequence.

Buffalo meatballs stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Meatball skewers offer a satisfying bite alongside dishes like croquettes and tempura poblano peppers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and creative."

"The cocktails were serious, well-crafted, and delicious."

"I tried the buffalo meatballs and they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a rotating menu with unique food choices.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

04
Goodfellas Pizzeria - OTR image 1

1920s speakeasy theme shapes a small pizza restaurant with a top-end bourbon bar upstairs and rustic lounge seating. Atmosphere blends great music and a lovely outdoor space allowing eating, drinking, and smoking. Pizza ranks among the best in town, served quickly in a chill environment with lively energy.

Great food arrives quickly, with a whole group served in about 15 minutes. The menu offers family-friendly pizza that stays consistently delicious.

Meatball subs come large and loaded with meatballs, often described as exceptional and fantastic in flavor. Sandwiches reach a foot long and deliver a hearty, satisfying experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"The food here is delicious, especially the pizza with its chewy crust."

"I thought the meatball sub was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer 50% off on their 12-inch pies every Monday.

2

The lunch special is a fantastic value.

3

Parking is available just down the block or through street parking.

05
Strong's Brick Oven Pizzeria image 1

Big brick oven dominates an open, modern space with a clean, welcoming vibe. Noise levels run extremely loud, making conversation difficult. Friendly staff serve phenomenal pizza and house-made lager.

Food stands out for its amazing quality and attention to food safety. The kitchen handles allergies seriously, making it safe for people with celiac disease.

Huge meatballs appear in salads and appetizers. They taste phenomenal and stand out as amazing in flavor.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza has a great crust and is loaded with toppings."

"The Caesar salad here is the best around."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The lunch special from Tuesday through Friday for $13 is a good deal.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait during peak lunch hours.

3

You cannot order pickup online; only call for takeout.

06
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Pleasant Ridge image 1

Pizza restaurant combines upstairs speakeasy bar with outdoor balcony patio for a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting inside to incredible back patio vibes outside. Frequented by those who enjoy top-notch pizza paired with craft cocktails and bourbon tastings upstairs.

Food here is consistently delicious and served with friendly service. Every visit delivers perfect meals and a great dining experience.

Meatballs come perfectly seasoned and juicy with melted mozzarella cheese that complements the fresh, toasted bread well. The Meatball Sub offers a comfort food vibe with a solid balance of flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"The upstairs bar has an incredible atmosphere and holiday decor."

"I thought the food and pizza here were great."

Good to know

1

Goodfellas offers different food and drink specials every night.

2

Parking can be tricky, so plan ahead.

3

There is typically a 30 to 50-minute wait at most.

07
Werkhaus Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, local pizza shop with a homey, cozy atmosphere and lively energy when busy. Tables fill quickly in a somewhat crowded, nostalgic space that feels like an Italian friend's dining room. Known for authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza and a strong family vibe.

Food stands out for its great quality and excellent Italian dishes. Soups never disappoint and meals arrive sizzling hot with consistent good service.

House-made meatballs appear in several dishes like spaghetti and chicken parmesan. They have a solid, straightforward flavor that fits well with the pasta and sauces served.

People are saying

"You should save room for the delicious desserts here."

"I found the food here to be top notch and served sizzling hot."

"I loved the spaghetti with meatballs and sausage."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and fills up quickly, so arrive early.

2

A buy one, get one half off deal is available on medium and large pizzas.

3

Expect to take home leftovers as portions are generous.

08
Vivaldi Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy ambiance with live jazz trio setting a romantic mood. Space features small tables and walls decorated mostly with AI-generated art. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dishes alongside unique seasonal menus and specialty drinks.

Food here is consistently fantastic and reasonably priced. The kitchen is very accommodating for allergies, making dining safe and enjoyable.

Delicious and filling meatballs stand out as a key appetizer. Chef Tonya crafts perfect meatballs that pair well with dishes like spaghetti carbonara.

People are saying

"The food here is hot, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"The Italian food here is delicious and authentic."

"These meatballs are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is a good idea, especially for more than 2 people.

2

Live jazz music is featured on Thursday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Fridays and Saturdays feature the best jazz in an intimate setting.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

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