>>21518397 (OP)
OP, was it sold as a side?
Then it's a side, because you wanted them.
Was it sold as an appetizer? Then it's an app to sample before your meal and share with your other guests.
How is this a question, really. Italian restaurants can be known for their own unique recipe for meatballs. They can be a blend of veal, beef, pork, even pork italian sausage. There may be different herbs, spices and cheese blended in, parm, romano, even fresh mozz in the center. They can be soft or firm. Browned, simmered in sauce, or both.
Ordering them on the side might be something you want to do just to see if it's amazing, but obviously not part of your chicken entree or and steak and risotto plan for the night. Imagine dining solo so often that you don't understand a family choice, which is one of the typical ways to order in an Italian situation. When in Rome...expect to have several courses, not combo meals.