With so many Italians in this city, it’s not hard to find a good meatball. But do you know where to find the best? Here are our five picks for the best NYC meatballs:
5. Motorino
You may have heard that Motorino serves great pizza, but they serve great meatballs too! They’re simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce for a tangy taste and a soft, velvety texture. If you want to get crazy, you can order them on your pizza.
4. Rubirosa
Rubirosa‘s meatballs are tender and meaty with plenty of parmesan. They’re the perfect accompaniment to the spaghetti alla chitarra, which is apparently out of this world. Add the tomato sauce and you’ve got a winning dish.
3. Red Rooster
Red Rooster owner and head chef Marcus Samuelsson is still using the same Swedish meatball recipe he learned from his grandmother, Helga. The meatballs are made with veal, pork, ground beef, and a blend of seasoning. For a complete, hearty meal, they’re served with buttermilk mashed potatoes and braised cabbage.
2. Locanda Verde
Apparently, one of the owners of this restaurant is Robert De Niro, and we bet he loves the meatball sliders. They’re made with lamb, slathered in tomato sauce, and topped with a type of goat cheese. The buns that hold them are also made in-house.
1. The Meatball Shop
They are dedicated to meatballs, and they deliver. Part of what makes The Meatball Shop so great is their selection. Their balls come in beef, pork, chicken and even veggie! They also serve a daily special. You can get your meatballs with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or in a salad, but no matter which way you order them, they taste great.
Cover photo credit: L.A. Foodie/Flickr