Eat more meatballs at these Italian restaurants in Toronto
When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, there’s nothing like a savoury meatball to satisfy your hunger. Toronto chefs place meatballs atop heaping piles of spaghetti, stuff 'em into sandwiches and serve them solo drowning in tomato sauce. Take a bite out of the tasty morsels on offer at these local restaurants.
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen
382 Yonge, Toronto, ON M5B 1S8The meatballs at this Italian kitchen on Yonge Street are a serious endeavour. The half-pound balls — made with fresh ground chuck, ricotta cheese and parsley — are marinated with garlic, black pepper, porcini mushrooms and olive oil. The balls then simmer in a slow-cooked tomato sauced laced with parmesan and pancetta. The flavourful morsels (available in classic style or stuffed with peperoni and mozzarella) are served straight up, on a bun or atop a plate of fresh spaghetti.
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8This buzz-worthy pizzeria might be known for its authentic Neapolitan pies, but you’re missing out if you don’t start your meal with a nibble from the appetizer menu. Chef Rocco Agostino packs beef chuck, pork shoulder and veal belly together to create his signature meatballs that are bathed in tomato sauce and grana padano and served with a crostino on the side. If you want to add a little spice, ask for a side of hot peepers or chili oil.
Lil' Baci
892 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J3Enjoy contemporary Italian cooking in a cozy setting at this trattoria with outposts in Leslieville and midtown. The menu features not one but three different meatball varieties (or “baci balls”). The classic is made with pork and beef cooked in pomodoro sauce with parmigiano cheese. The roasted lamb is a creamy indulgence prepared with pesto, mascarpone cheese and pecorino. Finally, the duck combines panna, oyster and crimini mushrooms with parmigiano and truffle oil. Your best bet: ask for the baci ball trio to sample all three savoury variations.
Banh Mi Boys
399 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1S9Fancy some handheld fusion food? This Queen West takeout joint from brothers David, Peter and Philip Chau specializes in banh mi — Vietnamese-style baguette sandwiches — stuffed with savoury ingredients. The meatball banh mi (a staff favourite) features juicy meatballs made with barbecued pork sausage and ground beef. The spicy orbs are layered into a fresh baguette topped with cucumbers, picked carrots, cilantro and a tomato hoisin sauce.
Seven Numbers Restaurant
516 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1A5Your Nonna would definitely approve of the honest Italian cooking at this family-owned restaurant with locations on the Danforth and Eglinton West. Chef Rosa Marinuzzi’s famous veal meatballs (Polpette D’Rosa) are baked in tomato sauce enjoyed a la carte or as part of a family-style set menu ($30 per guest).
Gio Rana's Restaurant
1220 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L7Known to locals simply as “The Nose” (thanks to the oversized nostrils hanging over the storefront), this Leslieville restaurant specializes in crowd-pleasing Italian fare and a fun, boisterous ambiance. You better bring your appetite if you plan on ordering the grande meatball; the oversized meatball has an almost creamy texture and is served smothered in savoury tomato ragu sauce topped with shredded Parmesan cheese. This crowded hotspot fills up fast so be sure to arrive early if you want to snag a table without a wait.
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