We're getting really, really hype about Italian food in New York City these days. There are a couple reasons for our all-encompassing food craze.

The first is because NYC's got to be the epicenter of Italian food in America. We mean, we've seriously got it going on when it comes to Italian food, and meatballs specifically. 

The second reason is because we're ecstatic about the upcoming San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy and Ferragosto on Sunday in the Bronx, at which we will definitely be chowing down on some amazing meatballs.

Basically, what we're trying to say is that if there aren't meatballs in Valhalla, we're not going. 

Read on to discover 7 of the most amazing meatball joints in NYC.

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1. The Meatball Shop (various NYC locations)

For tender, juicy, huge, and some of the tastiest meatballs under the sun, make your way to any of The Meatball Shop's locations.

With meatballs as the centerpiece here, you get to choose your meat first. You can choose naked balls (you're so punny Meatball Shop!) sliders, sandwiches, or the meatball smash. If you choose naked balls you get to choose between classic beef, spicy pork, chicken, veggie, or special.

The Meatball Shop's sauces are in a league of their own, with choices ranging from classic tomato to mushroom gravy and parmesan cream. 

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Let us just put it this way: the Meatball Shop will completely rock your world. Like, completely.

If by some Herculean twist of fate you manage to save room for dessert, you have to-- we mean absolutely have to --try their homemade ice cream sandwiches. You'll feel like you went to heaven and back.

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2. Locanda Verde (377 Greenwich Street)

Locanda Verde serves up the urban Italian soul of TriBeca, all meticulously whipped together by Chef Andrew Carmellini. We're writing this article with the deliciousness of the meatballs we ate there still warm in our stomachs.

Locanda Verde has got to be one of the best Italian restaurants in the whole of NYC, with amazing service and life-altering meatballs. Their lamb meatball sliders are succulent and juicy, and explode with flavor in every bite.

Their pasta portions are jaw-dropping, as in gigantic, and their crushed potatoes will send an explosion ricocheting through your tastebuds. 

This cozy, bustling corner restaurant cultivates a comfortable ambiance with Italian spirit and heartfelt cooking. If you're a meatball fanatic, you've got to get to Locanda Verde as soon as you can.

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3. Rubirosa (235 Mulberry Street)

Rubirosa is a family-run neighborhood Italian-American restaurant. They've been bringing some of the tastiest, most satisfying meatballs on the planet to their patrons for generations.

With options like meatball bruschetta, meatball sliders, the Rubirosa Supreme (life-changing pizza with pepperoni and mini meatballs), and their spaghetti alla Chitarra (which you have to add the meatballs to), this snug Nolita restaurant will change your for the better. We mean it.

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They also offer an Italian-focused array of wines, cocktails and spirits if you're trying to get a buzz on while your meatballs twirl down your stomach. 

If you want to eat something besides meatballs (we couldn't imagine why) the vodka pizza is pretty life-changing too.

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4. Carmine's (various NYC locations)

With huge portions, incredible, piping hot food, and rich, juicy meatballs, Carmine's is a must-visit for all the meatball lovers of the world.

It's a family-style restaurant, so you'll have to order other options besides the meatballs. Might we recommend the chicken parmesan? The penne alla vodka will also enhance your experience of the world in the best way possible. 

Again, you've got to try the meatballs. Did we mention they're huge? Order them over angel hair pasta for a truly blissful dining experience.

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5. Benito One (147 Mulberry Street)

Benito One's portions are so huge you'll think they were curated to feed a small town. With authentic Italian recipes, homemade, tasty marinara sauce, and fresh, tender meatballs.

Let's just put it this way: Benito One's meatballs are perfect. Get the penne arribiatta with meatballs to swim in a sea of food happiness. They've been bringing this cuisine glory to the public since 1968.

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You can get meatballs as a side on their own, or on top of succulent sausage. Either way, they're bound to be some of the best you've ever had in your life.

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6. Pepe Rosso Social (173 Mott Street)

Here's the thing: Pepe Rosso has incredible food options bursting from their menu, from top to bottom. 

The fettuccine with wild mushrooms and truffle oil will bring you one step closer to self actualization. Their penne salmon will drench your tastebuds in waves of ecstasy, and their chicken with spicy sausage, roasted sweet potatoes and white wine lemon sauce is perfect.

The star of the show, though, are the meatballs. Their cavatelli meatballs are to die for.

They've also got $4 beers Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for those looking to turn up amidst meatball fanaticism.

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7. Pisticci Ristorante (125 La Salle Street)

If you want a bang for your buck, humongous portions, and incredible spaghetti and meatballs, you need to get to Pisticci Ristorante for your next night on the town.

They've got authentic Italian food, garlic bread with goat cheese that bursts in flavor, and incredible housemade pastas. 

They've also got some of the best meatballs in Manhattan, and maybe in all the world.

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A nice side note: they also have an excellent selection of bottled craft beer. 

If you want to eat something besides meatballs (which we will never understand), then you can't miss the creamy polenta. It'll be the creamiest polenta you've ever tried. 

And if you like delicious desserts, try the coconut cake.

Check out 15 Best Italian Restaurants That Exist Right Now in NYC. 

[Feature Image Courtesy of: Instagram]