The meatball sub is a thing of beauty, pleasing to the eyes and a delight to the taste buds. Although the subs vary from place to place, you can expect that age-old combination of juicy-flavored stuffed pork or beef meatballs, swimming in a rich tomato sugo and topped with cheeses. ranging from parmesan to provolone, mozzarella and more.
To figure out where to go for your next fix, here’s where to find the best meatball subs in Melbourne for 2022:
Rocco’s Bologna Discotheque
FITZROY
A true silver lining to lockdown, the creation of Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca has brought us one of Melbourne’s best meatball subs. Led by Poodle’s Josh Fry, Rocco’s sub is a hefty number with beef and pork polpettes, Napoli sauce, grated parmesan cheese and a dash of salsa verde, all resting in a thick-crusted roll . Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca has previously existed as a pop-up in the city for the past few years, and while we wouldn’t be surprised if we see another soon, word on the street is that RBD is opening a permanent location. in the not too distant future. Stay tuned here.
Rocco’s delicatessen
YARRAVILLE
It’s important to pay homage to the makers, and Rocco’s has been one of the quirkiest deli sandwich outlets you’ll find in Melbourne since 1977. Using Nonna’s traditional recipe, their meatball panini sub OG always turns heads. Located in Yarraville, the ultra-authentic trivet offers whole beef meatballs, tomato sugo, and semi-melted pecorino. This one unfortunately isn’t a mainstay on the menu, so keep an eye on Rocco’s gram to see if they’ll be serving it this week.
Smith & Deli
COLLINGWOOD
We can’t let meat eaters have fun; Shannon Martinez’s Smith & Deli is spreading the joy with its very own plant-based meatball sub. “Le Maury Ballstein”, as it has been affectionately nicknamed, offers homemade meatballs in a rich Napoli tomato which is then topped with pesto, arugula and melted cheese. Good for you, good for the planet.
Nico’s
CBD & FITZROY
The sandwich feel of Nico’s is a force to be reckoned with and their two locations in the CBD and Fitzroy just off Brunswick Street are always packed with devotees. Take a look at their meatball and you won’t be surprised why; with a combination of beef and pork meatballs in a smoky tomato sauce, with bone marrow, pecorino and basil on top, giving it a fragrant kick of the heavy flavors.
Derby Hot Sandwiches
FITZROY
The Smith Street storefront which has just opened is a new and real haven of peace. The newly opened operation, Derby is ideally positioned for the northern community and is home to a serious submarine. The ‘Mamma Mia’ is a full flavor sensation with pork meatballs, sugo, basil leaves, a dash of salsa verde and generous shavings of provolone, scamorza and parmesan cheese.
Image credit: (Nicos) Annika Kafcaloudis
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