Meatball Bar Will Finally Solve Hayes Valley’s Meatball Shortage

The Meatball Bar, the FiDi restaurant focused solely on spherical meat, will expand into Hayes Valley in February 2018. This will be the second location of the casual restaurant, which comes from restaurateurs Gianni Chiloiro and Angelo Sannino, also owners of Doppio Zero in Mountain View and Cupertino.

The idea behind the meatballs at Meatball Bar is not strictly Italian-focused, though there will be a traditional red sauce option. Chiloiro and Sannino are continuing to focus on the meatballs themselves: Diners can choose their balls (like turkey, lamb, pork, chicken, or Italian classic), then pair them with a sauce. Korean gochujang, truffle fondue, and classic tomato sauce are just a few of the flavors; all are served with ciabatta bread. Add sides like spaghetti or risotto to soak up all the sauce with those balls.

The 50-seat restaurant at 602 Hayes Street (at Laguna) will be similar to the original, but with the addition of casual table service and outdoor seating. There’ll also be weekend brunch, and more options for dessert, beer, and wine. Per usual, takeout and delivery will also be available.

Though Hayes Valley has a growing restaurant scene, there is very little meatball competition. A Mano, Wise Sons Bagels, Souvla, and Petit Crenn all offer casual dining options nearby; Salt & Straw recently opened on the same block.

• All-Meatball Restaurant Rolling Into FiDi [ESF]
• Where to Eat and Drink in Hayes Valley [ESF]
• The Meatball Bar Plans Expansion [Hoodline]
• Meatball Bar [Official]