20 Italian Restaurant Chains Celebrated For Their Meatball Subs

Craving a saucy, cheesy meatball sub that drips with marinara and comfort in every bite? You are in the right place because these beloved chains have perfected the formula for molten mozzarella, tender meatballs, and crusty bread.

Some are national giants, others are regional legends, but all deliver that craveable hot sub satisfaction. Let’s find your next go to submarine hero and make lunch a little more legendary.

1. Subway

The Meatball Marinara at Subway is the definition of a comfort fix. You get a soft, warm roll, saucy meatballs, and a gooey layer of cheese that melts right into the marinara.

Add onions, peppers, or Parmesan for a little extra oomph, and suddenly it feels custom.

What I love here is the reliability. No matter the location, you know exactly what will land in your hands.

It is simple, nostalgic, and endlessly tweakable with bread choices and toppings.

2. Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs serves meatball subs hot and steamy, exactly how they should be. The toasted roll holds up against the generous sauce, and the melted provolone blankets everything in cozy richness.

You get that signature Firehouse warmth the moment the wrapper opens.

It is also a perfect match for their hot sub format. If you like extra cheese or a hit of Italian seasoning, they make it happen.

Every bite feels hearty, indulgent, and fully satisfying.

3. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s takes the hot sub lane seriously, and the meatball and cheese is a dependable favorite. The roll is sturdy yet soft, catching every bit of marinara without falling apart.

Cheese melts into the crevices, so every bite hits saucy and savory.

Ask for extra sauce if you like a messy masterpiece. Their seasoning blend adds a familiar Italian deli vibe.

When you want something straightforward and filling, this is a reliable choice that never feels short on comfort.

4. Quiznos

Quiznos built its reputation on toasting, and meatballs absolutely thrive under that melty heat. The bread crisps just enough to contrast with tender meatballs and bubbling cheese.

Marinara sinks into every nook, creating that perfectly balanced bite of crunch and comfort.

If you like a little char on the cheese, this is the spot. Add peppers or mushrooms for extra depth.

The toasted approach transforms a classic into something a bit more decadent without overcomplicating it.

5. Potbelly

Potbelly nails the cozy sandwich shop vibe, and the meatball sub fits right in. The bread has a toasty chew that stands up to the marinara, while provolone melts silkily across the top.

Meatballs are tender and generously portioned, making it a solid hunger crusher.

Customize with hot peppers or extra cheese when you feel bold. The balance between sauce and bread is spot on.

It is the kind of warm, satisfying sub that feels homemade but conveniently speedy.

6. Which Wich

Which Wich shines when you want to customize every layer, and the meatball sub benefits from that freedom. Start with marinara and mozzarella, then add roasted peppers, spicy giardiniera, or extra garlic.

You get a personal creation that still hits classic comfort notes.

The bread warms nicely without losing structure. If you prefer a saucy sub, ask them to go heavy on ladles.

That flexibility makes it an easy pick when your cravings change from week to week.

7. Penn Station East Coast Subs

Penn Station leans into hot, made to order subs, and their meatball sandwich feels extra fresh off the line. Cheese melts completely, and the bread is warmed until just crisp outside.

Pair it with their fries for the full experience, salty and saucy together.

Ask for extra sauce if you like a drippy, glorious mess. Everything feels hearty and satisfying.

It is the kind of sub that keeps you full for hours without feeling heavy on seasoning.

8. Blimpie

Blimpie brings old school sub shop comfort, and the meatball sub tastes like childhood memories. The roll is soft and simple, perfect for soaking up marinara.

Cheese melts into that stretchy, nostalgic pull that makes each bite a throwback to classic deli counters.

It is not fancy, but it is dependable and satisfying. Add onions or peppers if you want a little bite.

For fans of straightforward, saucy goodness, Blimpie delivers exactly what you expect.

9. Cousins Subs

Cousins Subs has a loyal regional following, and their meatball sub earns it honestly. The bread is substantial, keeping structure under plenty of sauce and melty cheese.

Meatballs are pleasantly seasoned, leaning savory without going overly herby.

Get it with extra provolone if you like that indulgent stretch. The hot sub lineup is where Cousins really shines.

This one feels like a local favorite you are happy to discover on a road trip.

10. Togo’s

Togo’s serves a meatball sub that feels big, bold, and West Coast hearty. The roll has substance, and the portion size is generous enough to tackle serious hunger.

Expect a rich marinara and plenty of cheese, melding into a saucy, satisfying bite every time.

Customize with peppers or extra Parmesan for zing. It is often on the short list when deciding what to order there.

If you want full flavor and a filling meal, Togo’s hits the spot.

11. Port of Subs

Port of Subs leans into hot subs, and the meatball option is reliably tasty. Toasted bread brings a gentle crunch, while marinara keeps things comforting and saucy.

Cheese fuses everything together so the sandwich holds as you devour it.

Add onions, peppers, or a little crushed red pepper for heat. It suits that on the go lunch where you need something hot and satisfying.

Regional, dependable, and pleasantly indulgent.

12. Lenny’s Grill & Subs

Lenny’s specializes in big, hearty hot subs, and the meatball sandwich fully embraces that spirit. The roll is robust, the cheese is generous, and the marinara does not hold back.

You get a filling, rib sticking lunch that feels like a treat.

Ask for extra seasoning or peppers if you like a sharper kick. It is a perfect pick when appetite is serious.

Expect a satisfying balance of soft bread, saucy meat, and melty comfort.

13. Schlotzsky’s

Schlotzsky’s brings bold flavors and that signature soft sourdough, which makes the meatball sandwich stand out. The bread is pillowy yet sturdy, absorbing marinara without collapsing.

Cheese melts into a creamy layer that hugs each meatball.

When cravings lean rich and comforting, this is the move. Pair it with a side salad or chips to balance the indulgence.

The warm, layered flavors deliver a cozy experience that feels a little different from typical sub shops.

14. Capriotti’s

Capriotti’s leans specialty deli, and their meatball sub feels crafted with care. The bread has a nice chew, while marinara leans savory and bright.

Cheese melts thoroughly, giving you those satisfying pulls with each bite.

Add roasted peppers or extra Parmesan for depth. It reads indulgent but not sloppy, with clean, balanced flavors.

When you want deli comfort that still feels elevated, Capriotti’s delivers a memorable meatball option.

15. Fazoli’s

Fazoli’s is built for saucy, baked Italian comfort, so the meatball sub thrives here. Expect marinara bubbling under a golden cheese blanket and a soft roll that soaks up flavor.

It is rich, cozy, and exactly what you want from fast casual Italian.

Do not skip the breadsticks if you love dipping. The whole meal leans hearty and nostalgic.

For a quick pasta house vibe in sandwich form, Fazoli’s makes an excellent case.

16. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches (location dependent)

Jimmy John’s is not known for hot subs, but select markets feature meatball style options as specials. When they appear, the buzz is real.

You get a straightforward, saucy sandwich on their famously soft bread, with melted cheese adding comfort.

Availability varies, so check local menus or seasonal promos. If you catch it, snag one while you can.

It is a fun twist for fans who want a change from the usual cold cuts.

17. Charleys Philly Steaks (location dependent)

Charleys is not strictly Italian, but certain locations sling a solid meatball sub. The grill line energy translates into hot, melty goodness, with provolone blanketing tender meatballs.

Marinara is generous, making each bite bold and satisfying.

Since availability can vary, ask at your local spot. Fans of hot, cheesy sandwiches will feel right at home with this option.

It is a satisfying detour from cheesesteaks when you want something saucier.

18. Mr. Hero (regional)

Mr. Hero thrives in regions where hot sandwiches rule, and their meatball sub is a local love. Expect a hearty roll that holds up, saucy meatballs, and a generous cheese melt.

It is comfort food you can count on.

Locals swear by the portion sizes and that satisfying post lunch fullness. Add peppers if you want heat.

If you are nearby, this regional gem deserves a spot on your meatball tour.

19. Erbert and Gerbert’s (some locations)

Erbert and Gerbert’s is known for quirky names and a unique bread style, and some locations offer meatball options. The soft loaf with a hollowed center cradles sauce nicely, keeping things neat.

Melted cheese ties everything together.

Selection varies by market, so check your local menu. When available, it is a fun, cozy pick that feels different from standard sub shops.

The playful vibe makes the indulgence feel extra enjoyable.

20. Italian Style Pizzeria Chains (regional groups)

Many regional pizzeria chains make underrated meatball subs because they already excel at sauce and mozzarella. You get oven warm bread, bubbly cheese, and meatballs that taste like Sunday gravy.

The vibe feels homestyle but quick, which is perfect when cravings hit hard.

Ask about house baked rolls or sesame seeded heroes for extra texture. These spots often surprise with balanced seasoning and quality ingredients.

When in doubt, a pizzeria chain delivers that classic Italian American comfort beautifully.