Palle

Sure, sometimes you want variety. Sometimes. But a restaurant solely dedicated to meatballs? Well, that’s got our attention. Introducing Palle: the ballsy restaurant from the team behind A Tavola and Flour Eggs Water that’s landed at Tramsheds.

If you’re looking for an easygoing, fun-loving Italian joint slinging Nonna-level comfort food, Palle is it. Chef and Founder Eugenio Maiale is serving up family meatball recipes that will have you saying "mamma mia!" at first bite. 

Here the menu is concise—and, while you may have caught on by now, Palle’s speciality is its meatballs. Palle does mean "balls", after all. But, there's more than just the classic Italo balls smothered in rich tomato sauce here (although these are a highlight). Other knockout meatballs include salted cod and potato served with aioli, tender lamb with tangy tzatziki, chicken parmigiana, and mushroom and rice balls with almond skordalia. Each of the meatball dishes can be ordered. And honestly, who needs spaghetti with balls this good?

But if you are looking for some carbs to accompany them, you can order a classic spaghetti and meatballs. Chef's kiss. You'll also find three different meatball subs—the Classic, the Chicken Parmigiana, and a Meditteranean lamb one with whipped feta and herbs. Plus, a ton of sides to go with your balls—think loaded fries, a few salads, ciabatta, and cheesy garlic bread.

And for dessert? The balls continue with Palle's four bomboloni flavours—cinnamon, raspberry, Nutella, and dulce de leche. There's also an ice cream sundae loaded with crushed peanuts, crushed Oreos, milk chocolate, and caramel sauce. As for drinks, there are Italian spritzes, aged negronis, bellinis, beers, and Italian and Australian wines.

And while you can order to-go, we recommend dropping in on your lunch break or for your next casual date night because the vibes here are high. Expect rainbow-speckled terrazzo tabletops and bright orange and teal hues in this part of the already buzzy dining precinct. The fun and playful interior of Palle harps back to its values of family, nostalgia, and cheek. 

Image credit: Dexter Kim