A Ballsy New Restaurant has Just Opened at Tramsheds

From the team behind A Tavola and Flour Eggs Water comes Palle, a new restaurant in Tramsheds dedicated entirely to the art of the meatball.

Palle meatballs with spaghetti — Image: @pallemeatballs

Within the bustling market and dining destination, Tramsheds, a new venue has announced itself.

With bright colours, a cheeky menu, and the wafting scents of Nonna’s cooking, Palle has made a grand entrance into the Sydney foodie destination.

Opened by Eugenio Maiale, the chef and founder behind some of Sydney’s favourite Italian restaurants, this cheery venue has a balls-to-the-wall approach serving up a select menu centred around the humble meatball. Much like Maiale’s other venues, A Tavola and Flour Eggs Water, Palle is centred around the chef’s passion for the art of feeding and entertaining.

Just as Maiale’s mother inspired his famous pasta dishes at A Tavola, she also handmade meatballs from a recipe passed down through the family for generations. Needless to say, the familial vibes go far beyond the recipes — it’s hard not to feel like family the moment you step into this welcoming space.

Vibrant palle front entrance — Image: @tramsheds

“Mum's recipe was basic but it was full of sustenance and love,” shares Maiale. “It took a pandemic to make me wonder why the meatball has taken a backseat in the dining scene. Palle is all about bringing back comfort, nostalgia, and love, in a fun and playful way. Mixed with a caring hand, rolled with intention, and baked or fired ready for the grand finale—meatballs spark joy and they scream love and good times!”

The Food

parmesan covered meatballs — Image: @pallemeatballs

While a menu of only meatballs might sound a little limited, Palle is anything but. With an abundance of balls to choose from, this restaurant is proof of Maiale’s genius, as he works within constraints to produce a spread so fun and creative that you’re sure to be coming back for more.

Before digging into the main event, whet your palate with some small snacks. If a meat feast is just what you’re after, charcuterie lovers can choose between a selection of mortadella, prosciutto, and bresaola. For those more vegetally inclined, olives and fried zucchini flowers with sweetcorn and ricotta should fit the bill.

Once you’ve had a bit of a graze, it’s time for the main event: The meatballs!

The meatballs are served up in a set of 2 or in a bucket which includes 12. No frills included. Though perfectly rich and juicy on their own, you can also pop them in a sub or pair them up with spaghetti. While the classic meatballs are served with your choice of mama’s tomato sugo or broth, there are several other styles of balls to choose from.

Chicken Parmy balls, meatballs with 3 cheese and tomato, cod and potato balls, lamb and fetta meatballs and a porcini truffle option for non-meat eaters dot the menu.

If you need something to accompany these savoury, spherical goodies, the side dishes are just as impressive as the main event. Choose from loaded fries, cheesy garlic bread, bright salads and a classic slaw to round things out.

Make sure to save a little room, though, because you don’t want to miss dessert. Keep the ball rolling with bombolini in fun flavours — think cinnamon, raspberry, Nutella and dulce de leche. Simply divine!

The Details

If you’re keen to be one of the first to try Palle’s succulent meatballs, head over to Tramsheds in Forest Lodge. Dine-in to enjoy the Tramsheds experience or take away if you’re looking to take the balls and run.

Already know you’ll be stopping by soon? Head over to Palle’s website to view the menu and make a booking, For the latest updates and drool-worthy pics follow @pallemeatballs on Instagram.

Love Italian food? You MUST try Nour’s Sicilian-inspired specials throughout the month of May.