12 Restaurant Chains In New York Known For Amazing Spaghetti & Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs might sound like a classic comfort food, but in New York, it’s practically a culinary art form.
From cozy neighborhood spots to bustling chains, some restaurants have perfected the balance of tender meat, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Whether you crave a traditional recipe or a modern twist, these chains bring the kind of platefuls that turn simple spaghetti into unforgettable meals worthy of seconds.
1. Tony’s Di Napoli
Family-style feasting reaches legendary status at Tony’s Di Napoli, where portions arrive big enough to feed a small Italian village.
Their meatballs, roughly the size of baseballs, come seasoned with a secret blend of herbs passed down through generations. Regulars rave about the tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
The restaurant’s warm, nostalgic atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been invited to Sunday dinner at an Italian grandmother’s house.
2. Carmine’s
Crowds line up outside Carmine’s for a reason. Their softball-sized meatballs have achieved almost mythical status among New Yorkers seeking authentic Italian-American cuisine.
The recipe hasn’t changed since 1990, and nobody’s complaining. Each meatball contains the perfect blend of beef, pork, and veal.
When paired with their slightly sweet, garlic-infused tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti, you’ll understand why this Times Square institution continues to pack in both tourists and locals alike.
3. Carbone
Velvet ropes and celebrity sightings might be common at Carbone, but the real star is their spicy rigatoni vodka with added meatballs.
This Greenwich Village hotspot transforms humble pasta into a high-end affair worth the hefty price tag. Tableside service adds theatrical flair as waiters in maroon tuxedos serve up perfectly cooked pasta.
The meatballs contain prime beef with a hint of nutmeg that’ll make you close your eyes in pure bliss. Just be prepared to book your reservation weeks in advance.
4. Rao’s
Securing a table at Rao’s might be harder than getting tickets to Hamilton, but their legendary meatballs justify the effort.
This tiny East Harlem institution has been serving the same recipe since 1896, creating a cult following that includes celebrities and politicians.
The meatballs feature a unique blend of beef, veal, and pork, soaked in a slow-cooked sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering since the restaurant opened.
Their sauce became so popular they now bottle it for nationwide distribution.
5. The Meatball Shop
Build-your-own meatball heaven awaits at this aptly named hotspot. Unlike traditional Italian joints, The Meatball Shop revolutionized the humble meatball by offering multiple varieties from classic beef to spicy pork and even vegetarian options.
Mix and match your balls with different sauces and bases. Try the classic beef with tomato sauce over spaghetti for purists, or venture into chicken meatballs with mushroom gravy.
Their customizable menu makes this spot perfect for adventurous eaters and traditional pasta lovers alike.
6. Serafina
Fashionistas and pasta enthusiasts collide at Serafina, where the people-watching is almost as delicious as the food.
Their spaghetti and meatballs elevate the classic dish with imported Italian ingredients and elegant presentation.
Yellow walls and Mediterranean vibes set the scene for their signature meatballs, which incorporate breadcrumbs soaked in milk for extraordinary tenderness.
The sauce contains San Marzano tomatoes for authentic Italian flavor. With multiple locations throughout Manhattan, a Serafina fix is never far away.
7. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Comfort food reaches new heights at Maggiano’s, where the Chef’s Famous Meatballs arrive swimming in marinara that begs to be sopped up with warm bread. Their generous portions ensure you’ll never leave hungry.
The half-pound meatballs contain a blend of beef, pork, and veal mixed with herbs and ricotta cheese for extra moisture.
First-timers should try their Monday special when spaghetti and meatballs come with a second pasta dish to take home, creating tomorrow’s lunch before you’ve finished today’s dinner.
8. Olive Garden
Unlimited breadsticks might be their claim to fame, but Olive Garden’s spaghetti and meatballs deserve recognition too.
Their Times Square location serves as a familiar comfort zone for tourists seeking reliable Italian-American cuisine in the big city.
The meatballs arrive perfectly browned outside while remaining juicy inside. Made with beef and Italian sausage, they deliver a satisfying herb-forward flavor.
While food snobs might scoff, there’s something undeniably satisfying about twirling fork-fulls of their consistent, crowd-pleasing pasta.
9. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Sizzling skillets of goodness define the Carrabba’s experience, where their Mama Mandola’s meatballs recipe dates back generations.
Their Brooklyn location offers a taste of the popular chain with a New York twist.
The meatballs contain a unique blend of beef, pork, and veal mixed with romano cheese and Italian parsley. The sauce simmers for hours, developing deep flavor from fresh basil and garlic.
Their open kitchen concept lets you watch as chefs prepare your pasta with theatrical flair.
10. Spaghetti Warehouse
Vintage trolley cars and antique decor create a quirky dining experience at Spaghetti Warehouse, where their 15-layer lasagna gets most of the attention, but insiders know their meatballs steal the show.
Their Syracuse location maintains the chain’s nostalgic vibe. Each handmade meatball contains a blend of beef, Italian sausage, and secret spices. The sauce follows an old-world recipe simmered for hours to develop rich flavor.
Their famous sourdough bread makes the perfect tool for soaking up every last drop of that magnificent red sauce.
11. The Cheesecake Factory
Hidden among 250+ menu items at The Cheesecake Factory lies a surprisingly excellent spaghetti and meatballs. Their Queens and Manhattan locations serve up massive portions that could feed you for days.
The softball-sized meatballs come perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs. The pasta arrives properly al dente, coated in a rich marinara sauce with just the right thickness.
While the encyclopedic menu might overwhelm first-timers, pasta veterans know to bypass the distractions and head straight for this classic dish.
12. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Crayons on the table cloth set a playful tone at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, where their Mama’s Trio lets you sample different meatball varieties in one go.
Their Staten Island location brings this national chain’s charm to New York’s most overlooked borough.
The classic beef and pork meatballs come simmered in pomodoro sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and acidic.
Tableside Italian serenades add entertainment value while you twirl forkfuls of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Don’t miss their house-made focaccia with herb-infused olive oil.