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We sat at the bar for lunch and had an amazing experience with Elise leading us in what we should look at on the menu and specials and giving us advice on wine pairings. The food was exceptional! Loved the giant traditional ball over pan fried gnocchi and the truffle chicken meatballs over Napoli sauced perfectly al dente oricchiette. Wow! What amazing flavors. Loved everything about your balls out restaurant!!!
Meatballs is a decent choice of restaurants in Melbourne. The food and bar menu is somewhat limited. In what has to be a first, we were informed that the bar only had one shot of Ketel One remaining. Huh? The explanation was that they primarily sold the other two Australian vodkas. Weird. We ordered pork/beef meatballs with red sauce on pasta. Meatballs were good. Pasta kind of clumpy. Mushrooms were good. Staff was nice.
Great balls. No doubt. Not so great customer service. Slow also...case(s) in point: - was not even asked for water or drink order for over 10 minutes while sitting at the bar (we were the only 3 girls at the bar) - were not asked if we wanted our entrees when they were actually ready! Our apps were close to done but until we asked, they didn't tell us our food was ready. The pasta+balls option could have been better with just a little bit more sauce. It was not enough to support 3 big balls sitting on a bed of pasta. Also one of the staff had little idea if what the menu was (maybe he was new...). He didn't know what the house pasta was & he didn't know if it was house made!
A small joint with, well, great balls! The meat ones of course! I had the 'giant' single ball and it was awesome. Great variety of different balls and if you don't like balls; there's always chicken to choose as well! No, if you are a vegetarian, I will kindly recommend to stay out of this one, cause there's really not much options. My friend she doesn't like cream or cheese, and even then she can only have the chicken wings and nothing else, so yeah. The joint it self is a little small, but closey. Not tight. It is very dark so you will never know if the place is dirty or if thigs are under cooked. Lots of rustic feel settings. Lovely joint. Recommend to try!
Last day in Melbourne, I was wondering around for lunch joint and stumbled upon it. Little did I know, it happened to be next to the sandwich shop I like(Kinetic Cafe). There was a noticeable "Meatball" sign hanging in front. And the venue's name has "meatball"... They must be really proud of their meatball then. So, I ordered. There were 3 big meatball bedded with mash potatoes. They were bit dry for my preference but tasty. Portion was quite satisfying. Waiter was very attentive and my overall experience was pleasant. I'd definitely come back here to try another dish. And preferably at night so that I can try their wine.
You know, I could take the easy route and fill this review with innuendo and double entendre... but let's face it, most of my reviews have that so this one I'm going to write completely straight. Poker faced. This is SERIOUS business folks. (attempts to look serious) Instead, let me say that when I was taken here for lunch recently I was very excited when I sat in front of the menu. I can't wait until they open for dinner so I can graze a little more and try some of their wines which you can get by the glass, 250ml and 500ml. Genius. There's five types of balls to try - pork, beef, chicken, fish and veggie. Yup, vegetarian meatballs. Vegeballs? Fauxballs? I tried the pork and beef and was surprised that they managed to get so much flavour in there without a whole lot of fat. This is premium meat, no gristly "weird" stuff put in there to fill out the mince, and it turns out that they're baked rather than fried. Choose the tomato sauce and get them served with the "market greens" (I had broccoli) and hey presto that's a pretty healthy, high-protein lunch right there. Of course, get me on one of my less virtuous days and I'll be getting the creamy sauce and the soft polenta because I'm pretty sure that they'll nail that too. And let's not forget the cheese. Oozingly soft mozzarella that tastes like the fields in spring and smoked mozzarella that is worth "accidentally" stabbing your dining companions for so you can have the last piece. You definitely need to have that to start. I'll be back. Soon.
Definitely a scene--dark and blasting music inside and out. You order your type of meat, red or green sauce, and a bed for the meatballs. I went with chicken, green pesto sauce, on a bed of polenta--perhaps not what I'd want regularly, but it was unusual and interesting. It was quite good. There was a bit more sauce than i wanted but not everyone might agree. The polenta was creamy and good. The wine selection was weirdly limited, there was no Sauvignon blank, but whatever they have me instead was close. I needed to get in and out quickly, so I told hem and they accommodated, although I think they're pretty quick generally.
OK I don't usually do this, but I'm literally writing this review, at the Meatball and Wine, halfway through the meal. Recommended by fellow Yelper in town at the Elite Event not 2 days ago, I was looking forward to coming here already. Arrived early and solo, I was comfortably sitting in front of the bar and greeted by the bartender. He's nice enough to offer help, just to make sure I know how to order, but I had already made up my mind. I went with a beef meatball + white sauce + house pasta combo. I also double checked with the staff to make sure the portion is large enough for a skinny Asian. Ordered a glass of pinot grigio, so that it fits the name meatball and wine. And then, food was served in front of me and after the first bite, my face must have looked so amazed. The bartender asked how was it, and I said I'd never had any meatball taste that good before, and I actually meant it. Particularly because I never liked the usual beef meatball with tomato sauce combo, so the option of having white creamy sauce instead was just gold. The housemade pasta was really good too, and I felt very welcomed even though I was dining alone. Seats are filling up pretty quickly as we speak (actually now it's full just before I hit the submit button), so be early or make sure you got a reservation.
My boyfriend almost imploded with excitement when we stumbled across this place on a recent holiday in Melbourne. A restaurant specializing in varieties of his all time favourite dish - could it be true?! The waitress was a great help, and made us order the chicken meatballs with the salsa verde on smashed potato which was easily the highlight of the meal, and I would have never ordered it without her guidance. Oh and we started with a charcuterie plate which was perfection too. In keeping with their brand of awesome-meets classic-meets New York cool, they create a variety of ice-cream sandwiches on the dessert menu. We didn't get one, but I spent the rest of the day regretting it.
Absolutely amaze-BALLS! The plan tonight was to check out Cumulus INC, coming from Sydney with limited time I had already bookmarked all my meals but it was Friday night and there was an hour wait, which led to a stroll where I discovered this gem. There was 1 table for 2, as if it had my name scrawled into it's wooden top I decided to put my plans aside and experience what all the other sassy & cool Melbournians were feasting on... What a perfect surprise! We ordered the 2 specials; Mini Meatballs in chilli infused tomato sauce with Basil & the Beef Sliders with Zucchini Pickles & BBQ onion chutney & added abit of green with the Fennel & Orange with Candied Walnuts. So simple, wholesome and tastebud friendly! The menu is a step by step how to order, basically you choose from the sort've meatballs you want - beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegan. Then you tell them what staple you fancy - polenta, mash, smashed peas, pasta. And then what sauce you want it Ll drenched in - tomato red sauce, verde pesto or some white sauce I didn't pay any attention to. Love that you can have it your way... Make your own meal, love the freedom it provides!
The ambiance is hip with dim lighting and a mix of high tables for 4ppl, outdoor seating, window seats and a long bar. As you can guess, all of the dishes are centered around various types of meatballs (beef, chicken, pork and veal, fish and even vegetarian). I had the beef balls with house pasta (pappardelle) and Italian tomato sauce. The meatballs were some of the best I've had. Even some of the most raved meatballs around are still a bit dry in the middle, but these were not. The pappardelle was cooked well, but the serving of tomato sauce was so scarce I wonder if they were running out. There was barely enough to cover half of the dish. We were both stunned when it was placed in front of us. There was also a pool of water at the bottom of both of our dishes. Not sure if the pasta had not been drained enough or they were trying to water down the sauce. It wasn't a deal breaker, but still surprised it left the kitchen like that.
Been wanting to try this place for a while but have been turned off by the long lines. Finally decided to try as we were walking past and luck was with us as my friends and I were walked in and were escorted directly to a table for 3. But from there my meatballs started to roll down hill quick fast - We had to wave down a waitress as we were forgotten after we were seated. The toilets were smelly. I ordered the pork meatballs with the pasta of the day...the pasta was served cold My friend ordered the beef meatballs with vegetables...the waitress advised the veggies were beans, the meal arrived with broccoli Ordered the garlic bread and it honestly arrived on our table as a door stop - it was so hard ( beyond crunchy) I am suprised I did not loose the crown on my tooth eating it. The bottle of wine was bloody terrible too they didn't have the Pinot Grigio on the menu and the waitress 'recommended' an alternative, it was very harsh and made us feel unwell! Overall my other friend had the chicken meatballs with potato mash and they were delicious. Both the pork & beef meatballs were full of flavour (but not so much the rest of the meal).
The Meatball and Wine Bar do great meat balls there is no secret about that. But they now do breakfast. I was slightly skeptical when I first heard about it, but gave it a go. Following their meatball offering, you can choose from a range of egg balls (scrambled eggs slow cooked and formed into balls) sauces and accompaniments. They also do baked eggs with meatballs, sliders, corn fritters, and other non ball related breakfasts. I tried the creamy egg balls topped with pesto sauce and a side of avocado. It was delicious. The eggs were nicely cooked, not dry at all and the pesto packed some flavour and served with nice bread on the side. To top it off, the coffee was in fine form. I will be back. Probably for ball and non ball related eating.
3 months ago
Surprisingly great food! We were skeptical when we first saw the name, but wow! It was actually some of the best sliders, brisket w/their special sauce, and a bit of spicy oil that I've ever had. Bravo Melbourne, you've got a great restaurant here. The service team was outstanding along with the atmosphere; very laid back. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
We got the lamb meatballs and my better half got beef, mine was low carb so it was on roasted zucchini. Everything was fantastic, they are open late and I strongly recommend reservations. read more
2 years ago
We sat at the bar for lunch and had an amazing experience with Elise leading us in what we should look at on the menu and specials and giving us advice on wine pairings. The food was exceptional! Loved the giant traditional ball over pan fried gnocchi and the truffle chicken meatballs over Napoli sauced perfectly al dente oricchiette. Wow! What amazing flavors. Loved everything about your balls out restaurant!!! read more
3 years ago
Meatballs is a decent choice of restaurants in Melbourne. The food and bar menu is somewhat limited. In what has to be a first, we were informed that the bar only had one shot of Ketel One remaining. Huh? The explanation was that they primarily sold the other two Australian vodkas. Weird. We ordered pork/beef meatballs with red sauce on pasta. Meatballs were good. Pasta kind of clumpy. Mushrooms were good. Staff was nice. read more
Great balls. No doubt. Not so great customer service. Slow also...case(s) in point: - was not even asked for water or drink order for over 10 minutes while sitting at the bar (we were the only 3 girls at the bar) - were not asked if we wanted our entrees when they were actually ready! Our apps were close to done but until we asked, they didn't tell us our food was ready. The pasta+balls option could have been better with just a little bit more sauce. It was not enough to support 3 big balls sitting on a bed of pasta. Also one of the staff had little idea if what the menu was (maybe he was new...). He didn't know what the house pasta was & he didn't know if it was house made! read more
A small joint with, well, great balls! The meat ones of course! I had the 'giant' single ball and it was awesome. Great variety of different balls and if you don't like balls; there's always chicken to choose as well! No, if you are a vegetarian, I will kindly recommend to stay out of this one, cause there's really not much options. My friend she doesn't like cream or cheese, and even then she can only have the chicken wings and nothing else, so yeah. The joint it self is a little small, but closey. Not tight. It is very dark so you will never know if the place is dirty or if thigs are under cooked. Lots of rustic feel settings. Lovely joint. Recommend to try! read more
Last day in Melbourne, I was wondering around for lunch joint and stumbled upon it. Little did I know, it happened to be next to the sandwich shop I like(Kinetic Cafe). There was a noticeable "Meatball" sign hanging in front. And the venue's name has "meatball"... They must be really proud of their meatball then. So, I ordered. There were 3 big meatball bedded with mash potatoes. They were bit dry for my preference but tasty. Portion was quite satisfying. Waiter was very attentive and my overall experience was pleasant. I'd definitely come back here to try another dish. And preferably at night so that I can try their wine. read more
8 years ago
You know, I could take the easy route and fill this review with innuendo and double entendre... but let's face it, most of my reviews have that so this one I'm going to write completely straight. Poker faced. This is SERIOUS business folks. (attempts to look serious) Instead, let me say that when I was taken here for lunch recently I was very excited when I sat in front of the menu. I can't wait until they open for dinner so I can graze a little more and try some of their wines which you can get by the glass, 250ml and 500ml. Genius. There's five types of balls to try - pork, beef, chicken, fish and veggie. Yup, vegetarian meatballs. Vegeballs? Fauxballs? I tried the pork and beef and was surprised that they managed to get so much flavour in there without a whole lot of fat. This is premium meat, no gristly "weird" stuff put in there to fill out the mince, and it turns out that they're baked rather than fried. Choose the tomato sauce and get them served with the "market greens" (I had broccoli) and hey presto that's a pretty healthy, high-protein lunch right there. Of course, get me on one of my less virtuous days and I'll be getting the creamy sauce and the soft polenta because I'm pretty sure that they'll nail that too. And let's not forget the cheese. Oozingly soft mozzarella that tastes like the fields in spring and smoked mozzarella that is worth "accidentally" stabbing your dining companions for so you can have the last piece. You definitely need to have that to start. I'll be back. Soon. read more
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MeatballsW B.
Hi Tresna! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a…
Definitely a scene--dark and blasting music inside and out. You order your type of meat, red or green sauce, and a bed for the meatballs. I went with chicken, green pesto sauce, on a bed of polenta--perhaps not what I'd want regularly, but it was unusual and interesting. It was quite good. There was a bit more sauce than i wanted but not everyone might agree. The polenta was creamy and good. The wine selection was weirdly limited, there was no Sauvignon blank, but whatever they have me instead was close. I needed to get in and out quickly, so I told hem and they accommodated, although I think they're pretty quick generally. read more
OK I don't usually do this, but I'm literally writing this review, at the Meatball and Wine, halfway through the meal. Recommended by fellow Yelper in town at the Elite Event not 2 days ago, I was looking forward to coming here already. Arrived early and solo, I was comfortably sitting in front of the bar and greeted by the bartender. He's nice enough to offer help, just to make sure I know how to order, but I had already made up my mind. I went with a beef meatball + white sauce + house pasta combo. I also double checked with the staff to make sure the portion is large enough for a skinny Asian. Ordered a glass of pinot grigio, so that it fits the name meatball and wine. And then, food was served in front of me and after the first bite, my face must have looked so amazed. The bartender asked how was it, and I said I'd never had any meatball taste that good before, and I actually meant it. Particularly because I never liked the usual beef meatball with tomato sauce combo, so the option of having white creamy sauce instead was just gold. The housemade pasta was really good too, and I felt very welcomed even though I was dining alone. Seats are filling up pretty quickly as we speak (actually now it's full just before I hit the submit button), so be early or make sure you got a reservation. read more
13 years ago
My boyfriend almost imploded with excitement when we stumbled across this place on a recent holiday in Melbourne. A restaurant specializing in varieties of his all time favourite dish - could it be true?! The waitress was a great help, and made us order the chicken meatballs with the salsa verde on smashed potato which was easily the highlight of the meal, and I would have never ordered it without her guidance. Oh and we started with a charcuterie plate which was perfection too. In keeping with their brand of awesome-meets classic-meets New York cool, they create a variety of ice-cream sandwiches on the dessert menu. We didn't get one, but I spent the rest of the day regretting it. read more
12 years ago
Absolutely amaze-BALLS! The plan tonight was to check out Cumulus INC, coming from Sydney with limited time I had already bookmarked all my meals but it was Friday night and there was an hour wait, which led to a stroll where I discovered this gem. There was 1 table for 2, as if it had my name scrawled into it's wooden top I decided to put my plans aside and experience what all the other sassy & cool Melbournians were feasting on... What a perfect surprise! We ordered the 2 specials; Mini Meatballs in chilli infused tomato sauce with Basil & the Beef Sliders with Zucchini Pickles & BBQ onion chutney & added abit of green with the Fennel & Orange with Candied Walnuts. So simple, wholesome and tastebud friendly! The menu is a step by step how to order, basically you choose from the sort've meatballs you want - beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegan. Then you tell them what staple you fancy - polenta, mash, smashed peas, pasta. And then what sauce you want it Ll drenched in - tomato red sauce, verde pesto or some white sauce I didn't pay any attention to. Love that you can have it your way... Make your own meal, love the freedom it provides! read more
The ambiance is hip with dim lighting and a mix of high tables for 4ppl, outdoor seating, window seats and a long bar. As you can guess, all of the dishes are centered around various types of meatballs (beef, chicken, pork and veal, fish and even vegetarian). I had the beef balls with house pasta (pappardelle) and Italian tomato sauce. The meatballs were some of the best I've had. Even some of the most raved meatballs around are still a bit dry in the middle, but these were not. The pappardelle was cooked well, but the serving of tomato sauce was so scarce I wonder if they were running out. There was barely enough to cover half of the dish. We were both stunned when it was placed in front of us. There was also a pool of water at the bottom of both of our dishes. Not sure if the pasta had not been drained enough or they were trying to water down the sauce. It wasn't a deal breaker, but still surprised it left the kitchen like that. read more
9 years ago
Been wanting to try this place for a while but have been turned off by the long lines. Finally decided to try as we were walking past and luck was with us as my friends and I were walked in and were escorted directly to a table for 3. But from there my meatballs started to roll down hill quick fast - We had to wave down a waitress as we were forgotten after we were seated. The toilets were smelly. I ordered the pork meatballs with the pasta of the day...the pasta was served cold My friend ordered the beef meatballs with vegetables...the waitress advised the veggies were beans, the meal arrived with broccoli Ordered the garlic bread and it honestly arrived on our table as a door stop - it was so hard ( beyond crunchy) I am suprised I did not loose the crown on my tooth eating it. The bottle of wine was bloody terrible too they didn't have the Pinot Grigio on the menu and the waitress 'recommended' an alternative, it was very harsh and made us feel unwell! Overall my other friend had the chicken meatballs with potato mash and they were delicious. Both the pork & beef meatballs were full of flavour (but not so much the rest of the meal). read more
13 years ago
The Meatball and Wine Bar do great meat balls there is no secret about that. But they now do breakfast. I was slightly skeptical when I first heard about it, but gave it a go. Following their meatball offering, you can choose from a range of egg balls (scrambled eggs slow cooked and formed into balls) sauces and accompaniments. They also do baked eggs with meatballs, sliders, corn fritters, and other non ball related breakfasts. I tried the creamy egg balls topped with pesto sauce and a side of avocado. It was delicious. The eggs were nicely cooked, not dry at all and the pesto packed some flavour and served with nice bread on the side. To top it off, the coffee was in fine form. I will be back. Probably for ball and non ball related eating. read more
8 years ago
Ordered beef sliders and chicken meatballs in pesto salsa verde sauce which came with peas, amazing! Had the Aperol spritz which was good. For dessert we had Ferrero Rocher ice cream between ginger and pistachio biscuits! AMazing and well worth a visit! Waiter was very friendly. read more
11 years ago
First thing's first: I don't like meatballs. However, my friends were going and insisted it was good so I said: "Why not? How bad can it be?" Oh boy how I was wrong. The place was aesthetically beautiful and the service was phenomenal. Our waitress was very knowledgable about the menu and tended to all of our needs. So I applaud her. The place was pricy. I had a really difficult time deciding what I wanted. In the end I shared with a friend and we got the chicken meatballs with white sauce and pasta. Pasta serving could've been bigger and more flavorful. The only way I could afford this place was to share. The next morning I woke up feeling ill, and a few hours later I got the stomach flu. Fever, diarrhea, the whole shabang. There's no proof that it was this place that caused it, but it was the last thing I ate. So I would just caution you. read more
The staff was super-friendly and there are a number of outside tables which are great when the weather is nice. Plus, you have unlimited license to make all the ball jokes you want (that they haven't already made). As a vegetarian, I didn't love the veggie balls - it wasn't so much fake meat as quinoa treated liked a pasta accompaniment. The red sauce and pasta was good, but the combo just didn't work for me. The beef balls were fine, but much better with their house chili sauce. The highlight was the Aperol Spritz, which was made with a popsicle - so refreshing on a hot day! read more
11 years ago
I was quite impressed by The Meatball and Wine bar. The portions where large, the flavours where delicious and they make out the menu to be easy but having to make your own mind of combining ingredients is tricky for some haha It's actually quite straight forward. You get to pick a protein such as chicken, lamb or beef meatballs all of which are amazing and sit it on a carb of your choosing. They offer a creamy polenta, mash or a variety of pastas. I opted for the classic spaghetti meatballs seeing as I hadn't had one ever and it was everything I expected. Make sure you to check out their specials, a friend ordered it and it was delightful! read more
8 years ago
As a business woman traveling on my own, it's nice to sit at the bar of an obviously popular restaurant and be treated as if I was a long time regular. Meatballs did just that and helped me forget some of the anxiety that comes with being a solo diner whose only entertains reading an ebook while waiting for a warm, delicious meal. The food was absolutely delicious - I highly recommend the beef meatballs with house pasta! The service was impeccable resulting in a truly nice dining experience read more
8 years ago
Delicious food.... the pasta was so good and the pork meatballs hummm... the place was clean e the people so nicely read more
10 years ago
While it's long since been a favourite for dinner, we popped in recently to suss out the new breakfast menu for the Finders Lane location. You can call in your order and pick it up on the way to work if your a local as well. The breakfast menu is a bit non traditional as it offers toasties (even bolognase ones) for breakfast but you'll also find some 'closer to traditional' dishes with a bit of a spin. Not a bad place for a meeting in the city as well if you want to do a quick and easy coffee and bite to eat, seems popular with the corporate crowd during the morning hours. read more
Flinders Lane is fast turning into a go-street for good food and wine in the CBD. The Meatball & Wine Bar deserves its' spot on this lane, even if it's a little more casual and nostalgic than some of the other options. 1. Choose a ball (oh the jokes that can be made...) - pork, beef, chicken, fish, or veg. 2. Now it's time for the sauce - red (Italian tomato), white (creamy) or green (pesto salsa verde). 3. Something for the balls to sit upon? Again, oh the jokes... Italian beans, mashed potato, homemade pasta, polenta or a veggie special fresh from the market. 1+2+3 = $18 The most difficult part will probably be trying to finalise your combination. Then you have charcuterie boards to choose from, a wine list that tempts you and of course, the whoopie mac dessert of ice-cream smooshed in between a giant macaron! Everything I've tried has been delicious but just remember all these extras will push that price up further. The Meatball & Wine Bar now only offer group bookings so I suggest you pop in early, put your name on the wait list and head to the nearest cocktail lounge as you wait for a text when your table is ready. I personally recommend waiting with a drink at Misty or Eau De Vie. Just remember that you will definitely want to order a bottle of wine at Meatball & Wine Bar too, so it may just turn into quite the boozy night. It's loud and can be a little frantic with packed tables but it creates a certain kind of atmosphere and buzz. I've also visited the New York version and I'm happy to report this Melbourne gem lives up to the hype here! read more
7 years ago
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More info about The Meatball & Wine Bar
135 Flinders Lane
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
Melbourne
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(03) 9654 7545
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http://www.meatballandwinebar.com.au
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The Meatball & Wine Bar - italian - Updated June 2026
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