The Meatball Cafe

2412 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island - 78597
428 reviews
Italian Pizza Seafood
(956) 299-4605

Overpriced Italian. We really weren’t that impressed with the food. It didn’t seem much different than what you would find elsewhere. The pizza sauce was really sweet.

Liz was my waitress and did an extremely good job very attentive and friendly she needs a raise . I tasted all the food as like to be able to give reviews on the items I post pictures of. Fettuccine Alfredo was one of the best I’ve ever had 10 out of 10 scale. The stake was very definitely premium cut and the chef definitely knows how to cook a steak top 5 stake I have ever had being from Kansas City area and stakes are hard too beat this one was amazing 10 out of 10 . The was spaghetti and meatball was pretty good 7.5 out of 10. Wings 5 out of 10. Im a buffalo sauce wing guy grandma ordered honey garlic. So the flavor choice would have been different if I would have ordered wings

We were delighted to find this gem on the island. It made for a nice change from all the fried seafood. Upon arrival, we were seated quickly. They have a large covered patio area which makes for a very pleasant leisurely dining. The wait staff was good. This place serves handmade pastas & pizzas & breads. The menu is quite extensive with all possible pastas, paninis, pizzas, kids menu, desserts etc. We started off our evening with old fashioned & Bellini. I would highly recommend the Bellini! The drinks were accompanied by complementary bread & olive oil. Though staples of Italian establishment, these were better than usual. For dinner, we tried Mama's special ravioli & seared sea scallops Toscana. One can order soup or salad with entree. The entrees took some time to arrive. The wait was noticeable but the food made up for it. The mama's special ravioli was nice but could do with a tad more filling. The sea scallops were succulent and pesto based sauce made for a nice change. Again, the portion sizes are huge. One could easily share the entree between two adults, if inclined to do so. We were quite full so could not sample their desserts. If they reduced the portion sizes a bit, it will leave room for desserts. But a great place! Do visit if you are ever on the South Padre island & want a break from typical seaside fare! This place will not disappoint!!

We had dinner here on Monday of our week long vacation and went back on Thursday because we enjoyed it so much! Thanks to Joe's amazing service and the delicious food we had to be repeat offenders. Joe was very attentive and answered all of our questions. He made sure the glassesstayed full and had a pleasant personality.Will recommend

No wait for an inside table. Our kids enjoyed their pizza and bread.Our adult meals were simply just okay. A little overpriced for what we got in our opinion. Bathrooms were clean and the staff was attentive but seemed tired (totally understandable!).I would eat there again if just ordering pizza.

Great Food, Drinks and we were able to see perfectly the fireworks right across the street, perfect atmosphere if you want more of a meal

We didn't expect to eat here...as ball n chain wanted to eat Mexican food...but as i was passing by, i saw the place was packed...and it was Tuesday ??...So i thought to myself...they must be doing something right...We opted to have dinner here and i was blown away with the service...taste of food...and my beer was super cold.The meal was all freshly handmade..with original recipes(no meatballs out of a can??)...I have NEVER had Italian food SOOOO good...the taste and texture are out of this world......South Padre Island is not the place I'd expect to find such a hidden gem of an eatery...The price is proper for the food quality and ambience...This is a place i am recommending with 6 stars...YOU SHOULD TRY IT OUT!Mike

We had a great lunch here! Juan, our server was terrific and saw to our every need. We loved the antipasto tray, the delicious bread, the risotto balls, and of course the meatballs! My husband enjoyed his happy hour margarita!

The worst italian I've had in a very long time. I don't know what the other reviewers are smoking, but pasta was overdone, sauce wasn't good. Even the burata sucked. No flavor. And they take a fee for using a credit card. Which is against visa and Mastercard rules.

The parking is always crowded here because it is very popular. Inside you step into a little Italian themed restaurant. Its not unusual to see one or both of the owners hustling around helping the staff. The staff are very friendly and efficient. There's no seating for large groups inside. Outside they do have it if you can tolerate the heat. This place is on the main drag so its easy to find. They make fresh dough for the bread, pizza and pasta so its really tasty. The antipasto is like a charcuterie with cheese, fruit, meat and pickled veggies. They have a really good beef tartar. Most all the pasta dishes are really good. The meatballs are huge. I particularly love the eggplant parmegiano. Try the chiant, its a taste of Italy. The desserts are really good too. I'll be there next week and hope to see you there.