Meatball madness

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Salumi meatballs? Though it might sound a little strange, handmade salumi, a soft salami, is added to the ground veal base, as well as lardo, which is pretty much what it sounds like (cured pork fat if you really want to know). The chefs add some burrata cheese, gently melted over the top, and simple tomato sauce.

* Meatballs, $12. 4722 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, (562) 434-1313.

Minibar

Ground veal is augmented with spicy chorizo to make the one-bite-size cuties at this groovy small-plates specialist. They are served in a little aromatic tortilla broth and finished with a hint of cilantro oil. The idea is to get a little of the broth and oil in the Japanese soupspoons provided, add a ball, and eat.

* Meatballs, $9. 3413 Cahuenga Blvd., Universal City, (323) 882-6965.

Al Gelato

Though best known for its sweet treats, specifically dreamy gelato, this cafe also turns out some savories, including softball-size all-beef meatballs. The meatball “sandwich” features two of these babies on a thick slice of homemade white bread. Tomato basil sauce is spooned over the whole. This isn’t the sort of sandwich you can eat with your hands.

* Meatball sandwich, $11.25. 806 S. Robertson Blvd., L.A., (310) 659-8069.

Dominick’s

The pingpong-ball-size crowd-pleasers at this easy Italian American eatery with the irresistible patio out back begin with a mixture of ground beef and pork. Onion, garlic, chili flakes and fennel seed are among the seasonings. Have them as a side, blanketed with Bolognese, or over spaghetti.

* Spaghetti and meatballs, $13. 8715 Beverly Blvd., L.A., (310) 652-2335.

Ciudad

The flavors of Algeria and the Mediterranean are the inspiration for the mini lamb meatballs served weekdays at happy hour and Sundays on the all-tapas menu. They are topped with a minted chimichurri (an herb sauce). On Sundays, they also come with a spiced yogurt.

* Meatballs, $4 at happy hour, $6 on tapas menu. 445 S. Figueroa St., downtown L.A., (213) 486-5171.

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-- Leslee Komaiko