Mouth-Watering Meatballs for Right Now
Siena Tavern
If you’ve ever watched that scene in “The Lady and The Tramp” where Tramp gives the last meatball to Lady, then you know meatballs are definitely a sign of love. And we LOVE meatballs! While there are a lot of times where it’s tempting to get a more extravagant meal at a restaurant, there are just as many days where a good old plate of spaghetti and meatballs is the perfect comfort food. No matter if you want a fancy meal or something more laid back, we have our favorite spots for all things meatballs. Lady would be so proud :)
Siena Tavern {51 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.595.1322}
If you have family or friends in town and want to take them to a place that never misses, head to Siena Tavern in River North. Their menu is full of Italian classics like the Margherita Pizza and Baked Lasagna with bellwether ricotta, meat ragu and parmesan. But most importantly, don’t forget to try their Wagyu Beef Meatballs served with roasted tomato sauce and bellwether ricotta. They’re HUGE on Instagram, and in person.
Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}
Another restaurant that is continuing the family culinary tradition is Mable’s Table. There are a ton of menu items to choose from at this Bucktown joint, but we of course suggest the Mae’s Famous Meatballs served with parmesan and red sugo. It’s mama’s recipe that takes hours to create, and you can taste all that love and care in each bite.
Gino's East {Multiple Locations}
We can’t talk about Italian food without including the Chicago classic that is Gino’s East. While you can eat meatballs many different ways, one of the tried and true favorites for many is having them on a sub. If you’re not feeling pizza or salad, grab the Meatball Sub on a french roll with marinara and mozzarella cheese.
Riccardo Trattoria {2119 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.549.0038}
Long-time Lincoln Park locals know and love Riccardo Trattoria. For nearly 20 years this neighborhood spot has been a favorite to many, and for good reason. Try some of their amazing dishes, including their Risotto Capesante Pancetta E Zucchine with Saffron risotto, scallops, bacon, zucchini and grape tomato as well as their Tegamino Di Polpettine Di Vitello — veal and ricotta meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce.
Quartino {626 North State Street, Chicago; 312.698.5000}
Here’s to another long-time Italian staple in Chicago! As a River North treasure, this classic Italian eatery offers everything you could want for your next feast. Have a glass of wine from their extensive wine menu while you snack on a Veal Slider with pomodoro sauce and giardiniera.
Monteverde {1020 West Madison Street, Chicago; 312.888.3041}
We can’t forget about Monteverde, a West Loop restaurant and Pastificio that prides themselves on creating hand-crafted meals with simple and fresh ingredients. The Soppressata Meatball is made of mangalitsa pork, pomodoro, pecorino romano and wild oregano. It doesn’t get better than that!
Formento's {3358 North Paulina Street, Chicago; 773.248.5222}
There’s no doubt that most of us got our love of food from our families and if you come from a big family where your grandma always had a special dish, this one’s for you. Located in Fulton Market District, Formento’s is an Italian spot that combines new world culinary imagination with generational favorites. Start your evening off with Whipped Ricotta and Nonna's Meatballs and end it with the Tortelloni with black truffle ricotta, burro fonduta peas and fennel.
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar {3358 North Paulina Street, Chicago; 773.248.5222}
If you love pizza and basically all things Italian food, you have to check out Frasca in Lakeview. Begin your meal with the Meatballs and Marinara made of beef and pork covered in marinara and served with toasted Ciabatta before you move on to the Pappardelle, which has Nonno’s bolognese and parmigiano reggiano.
By Madison Freeman, Special Correspondent