We. Love. Meatballs. Meatballs are on the level of comfort food like a burger and fries or bowl of pasta without the major commitment and stomach ache afterward (unless you eat too many, which is quite easy to do). To honor this wonderful dish for National Meatball Day on March 9th, we’re bringing you some of our favorite meatball go-tos in the area. Read on for the best meatballs in Hoboken and Jersey City, for your red sauce consumption.
Hoboken
Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street
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Meatballs with bucatini, capers, and pecorino — ’nuff said. Anthony David’s is known for its yummy eats, and the meatballs should be included in that assumption.
Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street
Another legendary spot in town, Augustino’s serves delicious Italian food — making it a challenge to score a reservation. Try the meatballs instead of the pork chops next time — or all of the above!
Read More: This Hoboken Restaurant Has Pasta Flights So You Don’t Have to Choose
Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street
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There’s nothing that goes better with meatballs than wine. So we had to mention Bin. For the wine and tapas lovers, Bin 14 serves a variety of delectable menu items which includes meatballs with marinara and pecorino: the ideal appetizer.
City Bistro | 56 14th Street
This local spot makes ultra-traditional pork and veal meatballs, and trust us, they’re something to write home about. These are bound to make any Italian mother proud. Order them ASAP.
Johnny Pepperoni’s | 219 11th Street
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Spaghetti and meatballs = an obvious yet often overlooked combo. There is also a meatball pizza on the menu. And when it comes to Johnny Pepperoni’s, the spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parm is our go-to order.
Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street
Serving the Hoboken community since1939, Leo’s specializes in Italian classics (including meatballs) and cocktails — and we can’t forget to mention its one-of-a-kind Sinatra decor.
Lisa’s Italian Deli | 901 Park Avenue
This family-run staple serves up a mean cold-cut sandwich and you guessed it, meatballs, cooked to perfection.
Otto Strada | 743 Park Avenue
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There are two meatball moments on the menu at Otto Strada: a meatball pizza, and a 16-oz meatball entree. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a one-pound meatball that is sure to combat those carnivorous cravings once and for all. This is a 16-ounce meatball that does *not* disappoint.
Napoli’s | 1118 Washington Street
Go for the pizza but stay for the meatballs. Napoli’s serves up a side of two meatballs in sauce. The penne slice is another must-try. Meatballs are also available in two other classic forms, in a sub, and with spaghetti.
Panello | 720 Monroe Street, C105
The smell of the wood-fired pizza oven greets diners at Panello, and that’s just a clue about how tasty the meal is about to be. Meatballs at Panello are made with a trio mixture of veal, pork, and beef and served in tomato sauce.
Rosticeria Da Gigi | 916 Washington Street
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We know there are many Italian spots in town that serve meatballs that are quite delicious, but Rosticeria Da Gigi served us some balls and served them well. They were big, juicy, and topped with some parmesan. Two classic meatball options are available: a meatball parmesan sub, and a spaghetti and meatballs entree.
San Giuseppe | 1320 Adams Street
Tucked away under the viaduct is this Italian gem. The portions are generous and the dishes are flavorful. Opt for a side of meatballs next time you stop in and don’t forget that it’s BYOB. Or, go for the garlic knot meatball sliders to start a meal off with a bang.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
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Sorellina is an uptown wine bar serving small plates and house-made pasta. Don’t miss the fettucine and meatballs, served at brunch. The meatballs are turkey meatballs and the dish is topped with a fried egg, making it the ultimate in breakfast plus lunch combos. For a taste of tradition, at dinner, order Nonna’s meatballs made with marinara, braised veal, and ricotta.
Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street, Hoboken + 363 Grove Street, Jersey City
Known for innovative classics, Tony Boloney’s never disappoints. If you’re in the mood for meatballs but not in the typical sense, opt for the Gepetto or Shorty subs that both include meatballs. We won’t spoil the surprise of finding out what else the sandwiches are made with — just do yourself a favor and try one.
Vito’s Deli | 806 Washington Street, Suite A
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We couldn’t complete this list without some Italian deli meatballs in the mix. Vito’s deli serves turkey meatballs and the option for a turkey or “hot hero,” which is a nice change of pace from the typical beef.
Jersey City
Cangiano’s Marketplace | 225 Pavonia Avenue
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This Hamilton Park spot’s menu items have clearly been tested over time — how else could the team achieve such perfection? On the hot bar, both traditional meat-and-marinara and house specialty chicken meatballs in vodka sauce are available. On the sub menu, the meatball parm has you covered.
Carmine’s Italian Deli | 165 Mallory Avenue
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Carmine’s Italian Deli is known for its homemade, Italian cooking — and the meatballs are no exception. The spot claims that its meatballs are the “Best in the Business”.
Chickie’s | 236 Pavonia Avenue
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This Jersey City Italian spot serves up a variety of meatball dishes. Choose from the three meatballs with ricotta + basil; the beefcake with meatball, sausage, pepperoni, + scallions (served classic or vodka-style); the smashed meatball with gravy, ricotta, + mozzarella; a meatball calzone; or the meatball parm platter with melted mozzarella, gravy, + spicy rigatoni.
Laico’s | 67 Terhune Avenue
Located in Jersey City’s West Side neighborhood, in the form of a house, Laico’s is a purveyor of fine Italian dining. There’s a good reason why the meatballs from this spot have made the list.
Luna | 279 Grove Street
At Luna, patrons can order three big meatballs in the signature Luna tomato sauce with basil-walnut parmesan pesto.
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue
The meatballs at this downtown spot are hand-rolled daily, and since Porta prides itself on preparing food in a homestyle way, you know they’re going to be good. The meatballs are available as an appetizer or on a pizza.
Renato’s Pizza Masters | 278 Central Avenue
Sure, you can have meatballs on the side, but it’s worth trying on a good slice too. Renato’s serves up a meat combo pizza pie that features meatballs on top.
The Roman Nose | 125 Newark Avenue
The sauce for this infamous bowl is deemed the best in all of Jersey City — and it’s pretty good. Order some extra sauce when you get this dish to make sure that there isn’t a spoon-fight for it at the end.
Razza Pizza Artigianale | 275 Grove Street
Meatballs smothered in sauce and topped with cheese are ideal in a meatball-loving world, and when it comes to Jersey City, Razza is a pizza spot that has the best of both worlds: pizza and meatballs.
See More: The Best Meatball Spots in the Montclair Area
Tino’s Artisan Pizza | 199 Warren Street
The meatballs at Tino’s Pizza are made with grass-fed pork, veal, and beef, and then smothered in that Jersey delicacy, Sunday Sauce. Meatballs are available as an appetizer, on pizza, in a sub, and with spaghetti. The Paulus Hook location has a walk-up window, making ordering and takeout a breeze.
Villa Borghese III | 475 Washington Boulevard
Villa Borghese III serves up modern Italian cooking paired with creative cocktails. That being said, the meatballs are worth a try and so are the cocktails.
