Kenosha has deep roots in Italian culture. Immigrants from Italy came to the area now known as Kenosha in the late 1800s and started organizing cultural clubs over 100 years ago. Cosenza, Italy is a sister city of Kenosha’s, as many immigrants from that region found their way to Kenosha. Today, restaurants owned by families who have been in the area are run by second and third generations. Recipes have crossed oceans, survived time, and are still delighting diners today. Over a dozen locally owned establishments serve up their takes on authentic Italian Cuisine, included tasty meatballs. From homemade sauces to popular meatballs, here is a guide to delizioso dining!
Casa Capri
In addition to their popular pizza, and homemade baked lasagna, Casa Capri offers Ma Rose’s Favorite Stuffed Shells. Shells are filled with a special blend of ricotta and spinach and covered with homemade sauce. Pro Tip: add a meatball or two to your stuffed shell order!
Cut Stone
You may know Cut Stone as the Fire Truck that serves pizza, but their downtown dining room offers fresh flavors year-round. The signature dish is the wood-fired pizza, but the same fire bakes off the popular wood-fired meatballs, which are made from a custom pork and beef blend from the local Hometown Meats, along with fresh herbs and bread crumbs, and served with scratch-made marinara and Paielli's bread.
Italian American Supper Club
Offering a little bit of everything, the Italian American Supper Club is known for hearty portions of homemade food. The Italian Combo reflects the variety on the menu featuring a taste of Lasagna, mostaccioli, gnocchi, meat and cheese raviolis, Italian sausage, and of course the homemade meatball!
Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen
Stuffed Green Peppers, Stuffed Shells, and plenty of additional pasta dishes are on the menu at this south-side eatery. All the dinners at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen are served with salad, Italian bread, and parmesan cheese, and many include a meatball!
Morelli’s Deli Catering
While the deli menu focuses on sandwiches and take-and-bake pizzas, the Italian specials are popular at Morelli’s Deli Catering. The hot beef and meatball bombers are among the most popular items. Both are available hot and ready, or to take home by the pound.
Oakfire Pizza & Italian
Oakfire started in 2015 with a Kenosha location opening in 2023. Pizza is at the heart of the from-scratch menu with ingredients that are locally sourced or imported from Italy. Pizza pairs perfectly with the meatball appetizer – made with beef and pork, house marinara, and mozzarella.
Slip 56 Bar & Galley
The Meatball Platter at Slip 56 is an appetizer that stands out! Four large meatballs are served with sweet peppers, mozzarella cheese, and a perfect marinara sauce. These beauties also come on the Meatball Bomber. The full menu includes everything from pasta and seafood to pinsas and specialty salads.
Sturino’s
Known for the giant ravioli with meat, cheese, or mushroom filling, portions are huge at this north-side restaurant. At Sturino’s, the meatballs are a must, too – as a bomber or as an addition to any entrée.
Tavern on Sixth
Here you can get a bucket of balls! Sure, it’s a pun on the in-house golf simulator at Tavern on Sixth, but these house-made meatballs are delicious. They are served with marinara and Tavern BBQ Sauce – trust us on the BBQ!
Tenuta’s Delicatessen and Liquors
Tenuta’s Deli is one of the most iconic destinations in Kenosha. The market boasts kitchen staples for Italian cooking at home, along with a stocked freezer section to make Italian dining a breeze. Meatballs in sauce are always available in the deli case, or grab a hot-and-ready bomber to go!
Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant
Whether you want an appetizer or a whole catering sized portion of meatballs, Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant has it! The family style gnocchi or lasagna are both popular options, and meatballs make the perfect pairing with both.
Tuscany Bistro Bar & Grill
The elevated Italian menu at Tuscany Bistro offers traditional red sauce dishes, as well as higher-end seafood creations. The Linguine and Meatballs are a classic, and the Linguine and Clams are a great twist for the Northern Italian Cuisine.
Valeo’s Pizza
Known for their popular pizza creations, Valeo’s is so much more! The Meatball Bake features the family’s homemade Italian meatballs baked in house sauce and covered in cheese. A side of breadsticks makes this appetizer a meal in itself.
Villa D’ Carlo
Focused on serving food from the heart, “Carl’s” has been preparing family recipes for Kenosha since the 1950s. Offering a supper club style restaurant, with an available relish tray even, the Italian specialties are popular. The meatballs and Italian sausage, along with their ravioli and red sauce, are all made in-house at Villa D’ Carlo.
