Whether you like your meatballs atop a heaping mound of spaghetti, sandwiched between two buns, or simply plated by themselves bathed in a robust tomato sauce, here are the restaurants that dish up the best meatballs in Vancouver.
Ask for Luigi
Photo courtesy of Ask for Luigi
This charming little spot on the corner of Alexander Street and Gore Avenue has become renowned for its delicious Italian-inspired fare. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the eatery serves up some truly delectable home-style meatballs. Made with 100 per cent natural beef from Cache Creek Farm, the trio of meatballs are served with Luigi’s tomato sauce and house-made pane bianco. Pine nuts and golden raisins are included to give the meatballs a Sicilian flavour.
Address: 305 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-2544
Twitter: @askforluigi
Via Tevere Pizzeria
Photo Courtesy of Via Tevere
Via Tevere’s homestyle meatballs are as traditional as they come. These round morsels of goodness, reminiscent of those you would find in Nonna’s Southern Italian kitchen are made with a mixture of beef and pork, and are combined with a range of classic Italian flavours. Seared then braised in a house-made tomato sauce, Via Tevere’s meatballs are finished off with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Address: 1190 Victoria Drive
Phone: 604-336-1803
Twitter: @ViaTeverePizza
Belgard Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Belgard Kitchen
Belgard Kitchen dishes up some sensational meatballs. Cooked in a very traditional Italian-style, the meat, which is supplied from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, is given a extra kick thanks to some crushed chili. When asked why Belgard’s Meatballs are like no other, Executive Chef Reuben Major says, “the trifecta of meat (veal, pork and beef) gives them a much more, well-rounded flavour and texture than most meatballs that are usually just made of beef.”
Address: 55 Dunlevy Avenue
Phone: 604-699-1989
Twitter: @BelgardKitchen
The Parlour
Photo courtesy of The Parlour
Presented on toasted brioche buns, The Parlour’s Meatball Minis are a downright tasty treat. Sandwiched with some sweet and spicy components, the three meat spheres contain ground beef, pork, and veal, and are accompanied by a hearty tomato sauce, sambal spice, caramelized onion, and roasted garlic aioli.
Address: 1011 Hamilton Street
Phone: 604-568-3322
Twitter: @parlouryaletown
Bella Gelateria
Photo courtesy of Bella Gelateria
Offered as an appetizer at the Yaletown location only, Nonna’s Meatballs come bathed in an Italian San Marzano tomato sauce, and are topped with of Parmigiano-reggiano cheese from Italy and hand-cut basil. The meatballs are made daily in-house and are comprised of organic beef and pork from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, Italian bread crumbs, panchetta, fresh herbs, and the restaurant’s own unique spice blend.
Address: 1089 Marinaside Crescent
Phone: 778-737-7890
Twitter: @bellagelateria
Nook
Alongside their mouthwatering pizzas, Nook offers some heavenly meatballs. Cooked to perfection Nook’s meatballs are made from a mixture of veal, pork and beef. For an extra punch, Nook adds onions, ground prosciutto, fennel seed, and chilis. The addition of breadcrumbs and milk makes them lighter to eat. Upon ordering, the meatballs are roasted in tomato sauce in Nook’s pizza ovens and then covered in Parmesan cheese seconds before it lands in front of a lucky diner.
Address: 781 Denman Street
Phone: 604-568-4554
Address: 1525 Yew Street
Phone: 604-734-0099
Twitter: @Nookvancouver
The Uncommon Café
Photo courtesy of The Uncommon Cafe
Powell Street’s Uncommon Café serves up their lip-smacking meatballs on two slices of toasted filone. Made of a 50/50 mix of lean ground pork and extra lean beef Chef Luc Leimanis adds fresh herbs, and shredded parmesan into every batch made. Each ball is stuffed with either bocconcini or double cream brie, and topped with house-made rosemary and garlic confit marinara.
Address: 477 Powell Street
Phone: 604-254-0477
La Piazza Dario Ristorante
Another Italian eatery, La Piazza Dario, at the Italian cultural centre, is an all-time favourite for those seeking a reliable Italian feed. The restaurant evokes Italy with its décor and traditional meals served. Wonderfully seasoned Dario’s meatballs come served atop al dente pasta (Spaghetti con Polpette). Diners who opt for this meal can expect Mamma’s style meatballs swimming in a homemade tomato sauce.
Address: 3075 Slocan Street
Phone: 604-430-2195
Trattoria
Photo courtesy of Glowbal Restaurant Group
Trattoria’s meatballs can either be ordered as a side dish (many people simply drop by just to get their meatball fix), as part of the restaurant’s Spaghetti and Signature Meatballs, or atop the eatery’s Truffled Spaghetti. Trattoria even hosts their own Annual Meatball Eating Competition, which is held during Khatsahlano Fest every year.
Address: Multiple locations (check website)
Twitter: @Glowbal_Group
Scoozis
This casual downtown restaurant is known for their affordable, Mediterranean-inspired menu. In addition to eats like Ratatouille and Spanakopita, Scoozis offers a generous serve of Spicy Meatballs. Moist and lightly spiced, order these mouthwatering spheres as an appetizer (served with tzatziki, feta and warm pita bread), or as part of a platter.
Address: 445 Howe Street
Phone: 604-684-1009
Twitter: @Scoozis
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