National Meatball Day is March 9: Celebrate at Italio, Prato and Taverna Opa

March 9 is National Meatball Day! Mangia! If you didn’t give up red meat for Lent, celebrate locally with three local spots below. Got other suggestion? Let us know in the comments.

• ON-THE-GO: Italio (276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789) If you’re looking for fast-casual, no-fuss Italian food, look no further than Italio. Their meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, and blended to perfection with a blend of Italian seasonings.
• REFINED: (124 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, Fl 32789) Prato Located on Park Avenue, the modern Italian restaurant has meatballs as a staple on their rotating menu. Their meatballs are made from a highly guarded recipe, though we do know they include garlic, onions, bread crumbs, egg and a mixture of veal, beef and pork, which are ground in house.
• CULTURED: (9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819) Taverna Opa Orlando If you’re in the mood for something different, indulge in Keftedes, traditional beef Greek meatballs, seasoned with herbs and imported olive oil. This appetizer is best paired with Opa’s house made tzatziki sauce.