The Meatball and Wine Bar to Open New Smith Street Location

It's not hard to believe that delicious Italian cuisine and persistent ball jokes are a recipe for success. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the Meatball and Wine Bar is extending their wildly successful restaurant franchise to a third location. Complementing the CBD flagship on Flinders Lane (Cityballs) and the southside follow-up on Swan Street (Richballs), the northern eatery will sit on the ever popular Smith Street — affectionately dubbed Smithballs.

Sadly, this great gain comes with a small loss. Smithballs will be taking over the former location of much loved head-to-toe eatery, Josie Bones. But all is not lost. The former owners, Julia Jenkins and Chris Badenoch (of Masterchef fame) will now be turning their attention to a microbrewing venture in North Melbourne called Boneyard Brewing. And if any carnivores who haven't got the memo stroll into the old location, I doubt they'll be disappointed by the hearty ball-based foods on offer.

For those not yet familiar with the meatball madness that has now officially taken over Melbourne, the Meatball and Wine Bar is your premier destination for innovative decadence and ball-shaped indulgence. Think truffle salami (aka small slices of heaven), meatball sliders and Tuscan Sangiovese. But this new location is about to take things one step further.

Not only will they be serving a stellar dinner and lunch menu (think sandwiches with pea, mint, fregola salad and chicken balls), Smithballs will also be upping the stakes at their bar. A new pilsner and ale, appropriately named Balls Beer, have been created for the venue by Mildura Brewery and — ready yourself for this one — the bar will have Negroni cocktails on tap. Freshly made cocktails at the same speed and convenience of a pint of draught. We're sold.

Smithballs will be officially opening its doors tomorrow: Friday, April 18. But get in quick. If there's one thing Melbournians love it's a new restaurant opening on Smith Street (and being the first ones to wrap their mouths around its balls).