MomSkoop
When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Florida offers numerous restaurant chains where you can twirl your fork into this classic Italian-American dish. From family-style eateries to upscale dining experiences, these establishments serve up generous portions of pasta topped with savory meatballs and rich tomato sauce that will transport you straight to culinary bliss.
1. F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen
Nestled in Orlando’s Hourglass District, F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen crafts artisanal spaghetti and meatballs that locals rave about. Their hefty plate features two quarter-pound house-made meatballs perched atop al dente pasta, all smothered in a slow-simmered marinara sauce. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere enhances the dining experience, with wood-fired ovens visible from most tables. At $17, this signature dish delivers exceptional value considering the quality of ingredients and generous portion size. F&D sources local ingredients whenever possible, creating a fresh, authentic taste that stands out among chain restaurants.
2. Pasghetti
Would you believe there’s a restaurant dedicated almost entirely to spaghetti and meatballs? St. Petersburg’s Pasghetti has built a cult following around this single dish, perfecting it to an art form. The fast-casual spot serves tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. Their signature red sauce simmers for hours, developing deep, complex flavors that elevate the humble pasta dish to something truly special. Affordably priced between $10-20, Pasghetti proves that doing one thing exceptionally well beats doing many things adequately.
3. Caragiulo’s Italian American
Family recipes shine at Sarasota’s beloved Caragiulo’s, where the spaghetti and meatballs have remained unchanged since 1989. The Caragiulo brothers brought their grandmother’s secret meatball recipe from Brooklyn to Florida’s Gulf Coast, creating an enduring culinary landmark. Each meatball combines beef, pork, and veal with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices. The pasta comes perfectly al dente, and the marinara sauce achieves that elusive balance between sweet and savory. The restaurant’s charming Palm Avenue location and old-world atmosphere make this an ideal spot for date nights or family gatherings.
4. Denny’s
Sometimes comfort food cravings strike at midnight—that’s when Denny’s shines. Their Brooklyn Spaghetti & Meatballs might surprise you with its quality and generous portion size. Three well-seasoned meatballs crown a mountain of pasta covered in a surprisingly robust tomato sauce. The dish comes sprinkled with Italian cheeses and accompanied by buttery garlic toast perfect for sauce-sopping. Available 24/7 at most locations across Florida, Denny’s offers this satisfying plate at an accessible $10-20 price point. For late-night comfort food that exceeds expectations, this diner chain delivers consistently.
5. Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Family-style dining reaches epic proportions at Buca di Beppo, where the spaghetti and meatballs arrive on platters large enough to feed an Italian wedding party. Their half-pound meatballs have achieved legendary status among Florida diners seeking Instagram-worthy food moments. The restaurant’s quirky décor—walls covered with vintage photographs and the famous “Pope Table” in the kitchen—creates a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrations. Their homestyle marinara sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, creating that authentic Italian-American flavor profile. With multiple Florida locations including Davie, this chain delivers consistent quality and memorable dining experiences.
6. Columbia Restaurant
Florida’s oldest restaurant might surprise you with its exceptional spaghetti and meatballs. Since 1905, Columbia Restaurant has blended Spanish, Cuban and Italian influences to create a unique take on this classic dish. The Tampa institution serves meatballs infused with subtle Spanish spices, setting them apart from purely Italian versions. Their house-made sauce incorporates a hint of sherry, creating depth that keeps patrons returning generation after generation. The historic Ybor City location features stunning architecture and hand-painted tiles, making your dining experience as visually rich as it is delicious. Though primarily known for Cuban fare, their spaghetti deserves equal acclaim.
7. Divieto Ristorante
The theatrical flair of Divieto Ristorante in Doral elevates spaghetti and meatballs from comfort food to culinary performance. Their signature Ruota di Parmigiano preparation involves tossing hot pasta inside a hollowed wheel of aged Parmesan cheese before your eyes. The meatballs feature a blend of veal and beef, rolled by hand daily and simmered in a San Marzano tomato sauce. The restaurant’s 1920s New York-inspired décor creates a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. With additional locations throughout Florida, Divieto offers consistency without sacrificing quality. The tableside cheese wheel preparation adds $10 to your dish but creates an unforgettable dining memory worth every penny.
8. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Founded in Houston but now a Florida staple with dozens of locations statewide, Carrabba’s serves spaghetti and meatballs that taste remarkably homemade. The secret lies in their commitment to scratch cooking—the meatballs blend beef, pork, and Italian herbs using a recipe from founder Damian Mandola’s family. The pomodoro sauce simmers for hours each morning, developing rich flavors that cling perfectly to the pasta. Carrabba’s offers a cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen where you can watch flames leap from the grill. Their Spaghetti Weesie variation adds sautéed shrimp and scallions in a garlic butter sauce for those wanting an upscale twist on the classic.
9. Olive Garden
The unlimited breadsticks might get all the attention, but Olive Garden’s spaghetti and meatballs deserves recognition as a reliable comfort food option throughout Florida. Their meatballs recently underwent a recipe upgrade, now featuring a blend of beef, pork and garlic for improved flavor and texture. The marinara sauce strikes a family-friendly balance—not too spicy, not too sweet—making it appealing to diners of all ages. During their never-ending pasta promotion, you can refill your spaghetti and meatballs bowl as many times as your appetite allows. With over 50 Florida locations, Olive Garden remains a convenient, consistent choice for Italian-American classics.
10. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
“Well-done is not burnt” reads the motto at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, where high-temperature ovens create distinctive char on everything—including their exceptional meatballs. Though pizza headlines the menu, regulars know to order the spaghetti with two coal-oven roasted meatballs. The meatballs develop a caramelized exterior from the 900-degree oven while remaining tender inside. Served atop al dente pasta with house marinara and ricotta cheese, this dish exemplifies simple ingredients prepared with extraordinary technique. With multiple Florida locations from Miami to Jacksonville, Anthony’s brings authentic New York Italian flavors to the Sunshine State.
11. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Massive portions and vintage charm define the Maggiano’s experience, where spaghetti and meatballs comes with a cherished bonus—take home a second portion free with their “Today & Tomorrow” deal. Their half-pound meatballs contain a surprising ingredient: raisins, which add subtle sweetness and moisture. The Orlando location features elegant dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and black-and-white photographs that transport diners to 1940s Little Italy. Servers in formal attire deliver massive platters family-style for sharing. Though pricier than some chains at $20-30 per entrée, the take-home portion essentially halves your cost while doubling your enjoyment.
12. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Upscale yet accessible, Bravo! Italian Kitchen elevates spaghetti and meatballs with sophisticated presentation and quality ingredients. Their “Pasta Bravo” features three house-made meatballs alongside perfectly cooked pasta tossed in pomodoro sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The restaurant’s Roman ruins-inspired architecture creates a memorable atmosphere at their locations in Naples, Orlando, and Sarasota. Floor-to-ceiling columns and warm lighting make even a casual weeknight dinner feel special. Happy hour specials from 3-7pm include half-price appetizers and $5 martinis, making this an excellent choice for combining comfort food with cocktails in a refined setting.
13. Macaroni Grill
Crayons on the table and paper coverings invite artistic expression while waiting for Macaroni Grill’s rustic spaghetti and meatballs to arrive. Their distinctive preparation includes pancetta in the meatball mixture, adding a savory depth that sets them apart from competitors. The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch chefs hand-roll meatballs and stir enormous pots of bubbling sauce. A complimentary loaf of rosemary peasant bread arrives warm from the oven—perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. With locations in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville, Macaroni Grill offers a middle ground between casual chains and upscale Italian dining.