Photograph by Edmund Barr
An impressive meat-to-roll ratio makes this a standout. Sidestep the deli line, head to the hot-food counter to order, and watch the sub get a final sprinkling of Parmesan before it’s swaddled in paper. » 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-395-8279.
2. Fraîche
On a menu rife with delicate dishes such as farro salad is a walloping meatball sub. Sharp tomato sauce and melted fontina blanket light but mighty meatballs. » 9411 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310-839-6800.
3. Mario’s
These meatballs are so dense that we’re tempted to call them sausages, each packed with spices. The puffy roll all but disintegrates in their presence. » 740 E. Broadway, Glendale, 818-242-4114.
4. Jar
On “Mozzarella Mondays” you can sit at the bar and dig into this open-faced sub. Large meatballs sit atop a layer of burrata in a semolina roll. » 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323-655-8613.
Photograph by EDMUND BARR
