Meatball Spot's Beef meatballs
Town Square’s new temple to meatballs reimagines the red-sauce restaurant staple in myriad forms: pork, lamb, turkey and even lentil. But the basic beef version — seasoned with Italian spices and made feather-light with ricotta — is comfort fare at its finest. Keep it traditional with classic tomato sauce and a blanket of melted mozzarella on top. Your Nonna would wince at the slice of French bread on the side, but it’s just enough to sop up the extra sauce that pools at the bottom of your bowl. — Debbie Lee
Meatball Spot town square, 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 641-7768, meatballspot.com
Island Flavor’s kalua pig & cabbage
Nothing is subtle about the offerings from this Hawaiian stalwart, as plates are always overflowing. Generally considered the best “local” valley restaurant among transplanted islanders, the portions are overwhelming — and overwhelmingly delicious. The kalua pig is among their best choices. With its smoky, shredded swine served alongside cabbage, mac salad and white rice, the dish evokes a luau. If you’ve finished your plate, you may not feel inclined to do much else besides hum “Tiny Bubbles” and bask in Hawaiian heaven. — Jim Begley
Island Flavor 8090 S. Durango #103, islandflavorlv.com