The Best Places to get Meatballs in San Francisco
National Meatball Day
National Meatball Day is here, and San Francisco is a perfect place to celebrate with meatballs from all over the globe that are guaranteed to make your taste buds tingle. For most Americans this means large juicy pork and /or beef meatballs with tangy, garlicky marinara sauce and gooey, melted cheese. Visions of the most iconic moment in Disney Film history, the “Bella Notte” spaghetti scene in 1955’s Lady and the Tramp and the garlic slicing scene in Martin Scorcese’s 1990 film, Good Fella’s”, immediately enter many of our minds. This classic comfort food goes way beyond the American style version we pile onto spaghetti marinara, with a generous heap of Parmesan.
Meatballs have been around for thousands of years, so pinning down their exact origin is tricky. Some point to ancient China as a place of origin. Modern day Iran (ancient Persia) is another strong contender, as kofta emerged as a staple of the Persian culinary tradition long before Italian immigrants stepped foot on American soil. It seems like every culture has their own version of meatballs.
Both Spain and Mexico have a version of meatballs known as albóndigas, which, aside from the name, are very different dishes. Albóndigas means something along the lines of “little round ones” in Spanish. In Spain they are a tapas or small bite, served in a sauce, often with a smoky, savory taste and sometimes served along with potatoes. In Mexico albóndigas can be served in sauce along with tortillas, rice and beans or can be a meatball soup, loaded with fresh veggies.
In Eastern European Countries, such as Russia and Ukraine they serve a mildly seasoned version of meatballs, called tefteli. The meat is combined with rice that sometimes pokes out earning them the nickname “little porcupines” or “little Hedgehogs”. Mongolia has its own version of tefleti, as well.
The Japanese have several meatball dishes. Niku-dango is a pork based meat ball often served in sweet and sour sauce, often offered as part of hot pot stews. Tsumire is made from fish and offered in soups and stews. The most well known and popular Japanese meatballs, however, are tsukune, chicken meatballs that are grilled and go excellently with Sake.
The “Italian” meatballs we often enjoy with Spaghetti, are an Italian American creation. True Italian meatballs are known as “polpette”. They are much smaller. They are one of the foods that developed over time. Original versions made from meat, can be traced back to ancient Rome in the fourth or fifth century AD. A cookbook from the era, “Apicius” is the first place recipes are known to be recorded. Initially the Romans served these meaty versions as delicacies.
During hard economic times throughout Italy’s history, Italians adopted a no waste philosophy, especially when it came to food. Instead of throwing out avanzi, i.e. leftovers or literally “yesterday’s food”, they would use them to create new and flavorful dishes. It was the Italian way of living the “waste not, want not” lifestyle. Polpette was made not only from meat scraps but from grains, vegetables and fish.
Many popular Italian dishes were created out of hard times and the no waste philosophy, including Panzanella ( Tuscan Bread Salad, using day old bread), Pasta e Fagioli or e Patate (hearty pasta and bean or pasta and potato dishes using scraps) and of course Polpette. Polpette, particularily, were so popular that regional versions were created throughout Italy over time. It seems like many delicious comfort foods we love today were created out of necessity during hard economic times. Polpette is no exception.
In San Francisco there are many places to enjoy mouth watering versions of these authentic Italian meatballs. We recommend you try these delightful meaty treats at “Italian Home Made Company” in Cow Hollow or North Beach, Seven Hills Restaurant in Russian Hill, Gold Mirror Restaurant in the Outer Sunset or Flour and Water in the Mission District. You will not be disappointed.
When Italian Immigrants arrived in America, they were able to make larger polpette out of meat, as it was more accessible and affordable in the new world. The Romans enjoyed Polpette as a special treat during special celebrations. For this reason, I do not see spaghetti and meatballs as the bastardization of authentic Italian Cuisine but rather a celebration of the bounty of food available to all those who started their new life after they exited the boats that brought them to Ellis Island.
Before diving into our picks for the 10 best spots in San Francisco to savor meatballs on National Meatball Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate what makes American food so special. One of the most wonderful things about the United States is how it blends flavors and traditions from around the globe. Immigrants chasing the American Dream brought their recipes here, and something magical happened. Those dishes evolved into bold, new creations that feel uniquely American.
I don’t see American cuisine as a knockoff of other cultures’ foods. It’s more like an awesome remix, taking the best ideas from everywhere and turning them into something fresh, comforting, and equally enticing. After all, imitation really can be the sincerest form of flattery and in this case, the results are often downright delicious.
With the 4th of July 2026 approaching fast, marking the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, there is even more reason to celebrate. It is the perfect time to appreciate how food brings us together, no matter where our ancestors came from.
San Francisco captures that welcoming energy like nowhere else. Here you can savor authentic Italian polpette (bursting with nonna approved flavor) smoky Persian kofta, savory Swedish meatballs, and countless other traditional styles, then just as easily indulge in those hearty, saucy American style meatballs that practically define classic comfort food and, in a way, are a symbol of the American Dream. It is a tasty reminder that a many choices in the Bay Area makes every meal an opportunity for a new adventure.
The Best Meatballs in San Francisco
Best Swedish Meatballs
Kantine
Duboce Triangle
Köttbullar or Swedish meatballs are one of the most popular Scandinavian comfort foods among Americans. Chef Nichole Accettola, who studied at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) and spent nearly 15 years living and working in Copenhagen, Denmark before she and her husband ( a native of Denmark) moved to San Francisco and opened Kantine. Today Kantine is the go to spot for authentic Scandinavian food in San Francisco. Swedish meatballs are often featured on the menu. Sometimes they are served as a small plate with Lingonberry Sauce and sometimes in a hearty soup. This is our go to spot to get a Swedish Meatball fix.
Kantine
1906 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Best Greek Meatballs
Kokkari Estiatorio
Financial District
Kakkari is a highly rated restauarant that offers the best authentic Greek Food in San Francisco. The lamb dishes at Kokkari are stand out favorites. Soutzoukakia or lamb meatballs are among the menu offerings that get consistant praise from their guests. The grilled meatballs are boldly flavored and juicy and come with a hearty tomato sauce and greek yogurt sauce. For lamb meatballs, cooked to perfection, you cannot go wrong at Kokkari.
Kokkari Estiatorio
200 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Best Mongolian Tefteli
Naadam Mongolian Authentic Cuisine
The beef Tefleti at Naadam are simmered in a creamy tomato sauce and served with rice and fresh cabbage and carrot slaw. They offer a generous portion of the savory comfort food. They are a great way to get warm after being out in the San Francisco fog. For tefleti, we highly recommend Naadam.
Naadam Mongolian Authentic Cuisine
653 Clay Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Best Tsukune
Isakaya Rintaro
Isakaya Rintaro is San Francisco’s favorite Izakaya style restaurant in the city right now. Their Tsukune definitely live up to all the hype. The delicious, savory chicken meatballs are formed into little logs and cooked over binchotan charcoal, creating a nice crispy char on the outside and a juicy, tender inside. They are, hands down, our favorite spot in SF for Tsukune.
Isakaya Rintaro
82 14th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Best Mexican Meatballs
El Buon Comer
The Mission
The albóndigas at El Buen Comer are second to none. This family run restaurant, led by chef and owner Isabel Caudillo, offers delicious Mexico City style cuisine. Their meatballs are not served in a traditional soup, but as sirloin meatballs simmered in a tomato chipotle sauce, giving them a hearty, smoky flavor. They make a satisfying meal with a side of rice, beans, and fresh tortillas. We highly recommend you try these savory delights at El Buen Comer.
El Buon Comer
3435 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Best Traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tony’s Nepolitana and Capo’s
North Beach
Many consider Tony Gemignani the best pizzaiolo in San Francisco, and even in the United States. One thing is for sure, he makes a damn good pizza. That is not all he is known for, though. Many also consider his meatballs among the best in the city.
He serves his pork and beef meatballs in a traditional spaghetti and meatballs entree at both his flagship restaurant, Tony’s Neapolitan, and his Chicago style pizzeria, Capo’s. Tony’s is also known for the “Gigante” meatball appetizer, a giant meatball topped with things such as wild mushrooms, pancetta, robiola cheese, and more. Get to Tony’s restaurants early on National Meatball Day, or any day of the year, to avoid a long wait in line.
Tony’s Napolitana
1570 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Capo’s
641 Vallejo Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Best Meatless Style Spaghetti and Meatballs
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
The Mission
North Beach does not have a monopoly on classic checkered tablecloth, red sauce Italian joints. The Mission’s own Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack serves simple but delicious Italian American cuisine that many people rave about. If you are looking to celebrate National Meatball Day with friends or family who are vegetarian, Emmy’s is a solid option. They offer a delicious, straightforward spaghetti and meatballs in red sauce, plus an Impossible meat version that gets quite a lot of praise as well.
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
3230 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Best Meatball Pizza
Outtasight Pizza
Tenderloin
Outta Sight is one of the good things that came out of the pandemic. A couple of chefs opened a pop up in 2020 in Hayes Valley, selling New York style pizza with a San Francisco twist. They soon built a cult following and opened a brick and mortar spot in the Tenderloin.
The meatball pizza topping is solid: beef and pork meatballs, perfectly seasoned, cooked in marinara, and generously scattered over the pies. The meatballs can also be enjoyed as a stand alone appetizer or sub. This is one meatball pizza that is absolutely worth venturing into the Tenderloin for.
Outtasight Pizza
422 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fun Fact: Rumor has it, the team from Outtasight just took over the space, formerly known as Shovels, on Polk Street. They will be running a bar with a food menu there later this year.
Best SF Style Meatball Sandwich
Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Marios is a beloved North Beach legacy business, well known for its hot sandwiches served on focaccia from Liguria Bakery, another cherished legacy spot in the neighborhood. This corner eatery, located across from Washington Square Park, offers scrumptious comfort food, Graffeo coffee and espresso, and a small selection of beer and wine at very reasonable prices. It is a popular haunt for both locals and visitors alike.
The meatball sandwich is their most popular item. Juicy delicious beef meatballs are topped with marinara sauce, melted Swiss cheese, and sandwiched between two slices of freshly baked focaccia. It is one of the most “San Francisco” ways to celebrate National Meatball Day.
Mario’s is one of North Beach’s most beloved legacy businesses. They are well known for their hot sandwiches, prepared on foccacia bread from Liguria Bakery (also one of the neighborhood’s beloved legacy businesses).This corner eatery, accross from Washington Square Park, served scrumptious comfort food, Graffeo Coffee and espresso, a small selection of beer and wine, at very reasonable prices. It is a popular haunt for locals as well as visitors. The meatball sandwich is their most popular, served with delicious jusicy beef meatballs, marinara sauce, melted swiss cheese and 2 slices of freshly baked foccacia. It is one of the most “San Francisco” ways to celebrate National Meatball Day.
Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
566 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
Deli Meatballs
Molinari Delicatessen
North Beach
If you are planning a meal at home or a picnic on National Meatball Day and do not want to do all the work of shopping, cooking, and cleaning, look no further than Molinari Delicatessen in North Beach. Their meatballs are melt in your mouth delicious and served with fresh marinara sauce and provolone cheese. Molinari is our go to deli for meatballs in San Francisco. Not to mention they have all your other picnic needs from bread to beverages and some of the best sandwiches in San Francisco.
Molinari Delicatessen
373 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
