Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Meatball Madness!!! Best Meatballs South Florida





An updated ranking of one of my all time favorite comfort foods, the meatball was long overdue.

For those keeping score at home, I like my balls to be pillow-y soft on the inside with great meat flavor and they MUST be paired with outstanding sauce. Keep those dense balls away!!

This is a short list. The places listed are head and shoulders above the rest in town.

TIER ONE

Cafe Martorano- (Ft. Lauderdale) As good as a meatball gets.

Macaluso's- (South Beach) Chef D'Andrea serves an outstanding meatball. Tip, you can get them for lunch or to go at their market next door.

Macchialina- (South Beach) A dynamite new addition to the list.  Chef Pirolo's balls are made with delicious veal cheek and pork and paired with amazing sauce.  The best sauce of the bunch.

I would love to do a side by side tasting to determine a winner.

TIER TWO

Noodles Panini- (Ft. Lauderdale) Aunt Marion's meatballs are no joke.

Frankie and Johnnys- (Ft. Lauderdale)  Fluffy, meaty and with nice sauce.

Fulvio's- (Hollywood) An underrated meatball in the area that always hits the spot.


HONORABLE MENTION

Sonnys Famous Steak Hogies (Hollywood) Sonny serves a great meatball hogie BUT it is impossible to pass on their cheesesteaks. (TIP- get one to go or go hungry and get a cheesesteak with a meatball hogie on the side)


TO EAT LIST

Randazzo's (Coral Gables) I still have not been to Randazzo's.
Cafe La Buca (Pompano) I'm a big fan but still haven't tried their meatballs.  I suspect that they are tier one or two worthy. We shall see.
Prime Italian (South Beach) I've heard very good things about their meatball.
Anthony's Runway 84 (Ft. Lauderdale) I have not had their meatball in years but recall it being good.


I need some good meatballs for the next rankings.  Toss me some recs...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Andiamo has amazing Meatballs. The appetizer with ricotta & fresh basil. Frankie's Meatball Parm Sandwich is great!

The Chowfather said...

Anon, that's the fist I'm hearing about Andiamo. Thanks for tip.

gourmandj said...

Martorano's aren't meatballs they are heavenballs. what I want to know is when is fucking serfer going to make some. you reading this serfer?

The Chowfather said...

GJ, YES and he can even use the PMuff...

Anonymous said...

try the meatballs at Dolce Italian -- really nice, light and airy too

The Chowfather said...

Anon, new spot at The Gale? Will do. Thanks for tip.

Anonymous said...

this list seems kind of silly if you havent tried the sausage/ricotta meatball at prime italian