Good food, terrible service. Witnessed the owners making fun of older patrons and nearby tourists eating next to us. Extremely unprofessional and disrespectful and I will never eat here again. read more

The meatballs here are delicious! Had them sauced with marinara and they were so soft and tender. I can see why they were voted best in the area. We also had the ravioli with vodka sauce and their black linguini special. We scarfed down all the dishes immediately! I believe it's run by a sister and brother and the dishes come from their own recipes. Would highly recommend to those in the area. read more

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I grew up in an Italian-American family and can say with 100% certainty that Polpette 71 serves up authentic, delicious, Italian food. The meatballs are the best of any restaurant I've found. Period. I take pride in my own and am often reluctant to order meatballs at a restaurant. Polpette 71 is the only place that I know they're made correctly. (Soft, moist, & flavorful). I currently live in Boston but lived in Manhattan for a few years when I was younger. I'm back in the city regularly and always make a point of heading uptown to have a cozy meal with my friends Lou & Nicky at Polpette 71. They always make me feel like family and the meals are exceptional every time. Apart from the meatballs, be sure to try the rollatini and listen up for the nightly specials. They do amazing things with chicken and salmon. I highly recommend Polpette 71 and look forward to my next visit in the week to come. Warm regards, Chris D read more

I have eaten here a few times and always enjoy the experience. Good, simple, Italian food you can count on to satisfy. Service is always friendly and attentive. I'll be back again. read more

Enjoyed our meals! Service was great! Management could NOT have been friendlier or more accommodating.

We had a reservation for 8 yesterday. Got there early. Had cocktails before we were seated. The hostess, bartender, maitre d', and server Lou took care of everything. She immediately felt like a cousin or sister in law... made us feel like family. We took her recommendations. Food and services were excellent. Make sure you try the famous meatballs. (Read that last sentence again). We enjoyed it enough to try to get back tomorrow! Did I mention the meatballs? read more

Fantastic neighborhood restaurant with some absolutely delicious food. Best vodka sauce I have ever had, and the meatballs live up to the hype! Accommodating, friendly and fun staff- will certainly be back! read more

I started off with a drink but i totally forgot the name of it. Was so amazing to start off the meal. End up getting a second. The meatballs were very soft and warm to the touch easy to break apart. The fettuccine carbonara was Heavy I did like it. Was very good. read more

Polpette 71 - Fettuccine Carbonara and Garlic Bread Contorni - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Hands down our absolute favorite neighborhood restaurant. We have been comig here for 20 years. The food is always amazing. The only restaurant on the uws that actually makes the effort to have specials on the menu. The staff is great, Lu and Nick are great.. we eat here.twice a week every week and have enjoyed every meal. Service , food and consistency..you can depend on Polpette to do it ! Leslie and Lionel read more

I used DoorDash to order a meatball sandwich from this restaurant because it stated that the sandwich came with a side pasta. I went to pick up my meal and was told first by the hostess that their online menu was incorrect and that the side pasta only applies to entrees. Well, my logic was that regardless of what their actual policy is, that's not what they advertised on their delivery/takeout online menu and the restaurant should honor what they've shown. When I expressed my logic to a second, middle aged female member of the staff, she refused to do so, and instead loudly and obnoxiously asked in front of the other patrons, "who would consider a meatball sandwich to be an entree?!" Clearly, I did, and I am sure others may have thought the same as that was what was stated on their online menu! Middle aged Italian woman brought over the manager, or possibly the owner, who agreed to give me my side pasta but avoided eye contact and mumbled under his breath the entire time. Fair is fair - don't cop a negative attitude or act appalled because you failed to correctly represent your menu and had to give up half of a cup of cold (and gross) pasta to a paying customer. The situation could have been handled very differently by this restaurant and it's management team, but the way in which the situation was handled has ultimately lost them a customer who lives within a five block radius and could have become a regular! Not only that, the restaurant loses integrity and class when the way in which they handle an opportunity to honor their menu is with dismissive attitudes. As an FYI, the restaurant has since updated their menu to remove the side pasta with an order of their sandwiches. You are welcome, Polpette 71, for bringing to your attention your own error - thanks to me, future customers won't be disappointed when they realize an item is missing from their order. read more

Visited multiple times and sampled various dishes: meatballs, penne vodka, vongole, tiramisu. All were average, with some friends noting they could make better at home. 3 stars.... read more

I wasn't impressed. The meatballs fell severely short of all the accolades they gave themselves on the menu..."voted best meatballs in the city" etc...I think not. My side salad was just ok. Our server got kind of rude and angry when we just ordered a few light appetizers. It was late night and we didn't want to eat a heavy meal or drink at that point. There was no reason for him to get all uppity about it. read more

Polpette 71 - Garden seating in back. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

From the customer service to our three-course lunch, Polpette 71 was perfetta. We were the four-top, which meant that our table became a sampler party. Our order was massive: meatballs (voted the best in the five boroughs), zucchini fritti, veal stuffed tortellini, shrimp parmigiana, gnocchi marinara, penne nonna pasta, tiramisu, and espresso coffee. Every bite was savored. Deliziosa! read more

This is an amazing restaurant, the food is cooked to order, plenty of Gluten Free choices. The Meatballs live up to the reputation of The Best Meatballs! The Shrimp Scampi was amazing, my mom had the Stuffed Chicken special that was over the top! Dad, had the fettuccine Carbonara, he loved every bite. You will love this restaurant! read more

I do not understand the good reviews here. Sat down and ordered food. Waited about 45 minutes. Asked for salmon to be "well done" when ordering. 45 minutes later salmon was served to me raw in the middle. Pasta side was ice cold. Asked for salmon to be redone. Instead of fresh salmon they literally warmed up the one I gave them... and it was still not cooked fully. Broccoli rabe was so bitter it was impossible to eat. Also ordered diet soda- they stuffed the glass full of ice and then filled it with flat Diet Coke- $5 for third glass of Diet Coke. And on top of that they charge a supposed 10% "Covid surcharge". Very disappointing. As to the owner's response - yes broccoli rabe is a bitter vegetable but I've ordered it all the time at other places it's never been this disgusting. Also, if they truly don't charge the "Covid charge" they should have taken it off the menu. read more

Solid and affordable neighborhood Italian place. Meatballs were quite delish. Lobster ravioli was perfectly cooked and stuffed with lobster. Food and drink fairly priced. Server was lovely. Nice outdoor dining. Would return. read more

Nicky Meatballs never disappoints. The veal piccata is also very excellent and the wine list is reasonably priced. This is by far my favorite Italian on the UWS. It's also great for takeout/delivery! Friendly, hardworking staff and low-key ambiance with a great back patio when the weather is nice! You should eat here. read more

My fiancé and I went here recently to try a new Italian spot on the UWS and this place was perfect. It is relatively small and you will more than likely have a wait like we did but it was worth it (they don't do reservations unless you have 4+ ppl). We passed on ordering drinks but will order next time. I got the lobster ravioli with the vodka sauce (it doesn't normally come like this so ask) and it was one of the best pastas I've had this year. The table bread was crazy good as well. The staff was great and the owner was very attentive to all the guests which was cool. He helped us select a desert. We got the tiramisu which was authentic and satisfying. Will be returning!!!! read more

Polpette 71 - Lobster ravioli with vodka sauce - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Perfect meal. The meatballs were truly outstanding . We devoured them. Also loved the sauce. The focaccia and olive oil were great. I had and loved the vongole with black linguine. Thank you to the chef for being so accommodating. My sons had the pasta Nona special which we all tasted and loved enough to reorder next time. My husband ordered the chicken special which was layered with fontina, prosciutto and mushrooms. Our favorite dish. Staff were kind, genuine, fun and very attentive. Great wine selection. Great value. We'll definitely return. read more

Beautiful garden and a great staff but the food... Joan's said that her shrimp scampi on risotto was excellent, but about the anchovies on my Cesar Salad she complained "I am surprised you can eat that" and when the server removed my empty plate... "I was waiting for her to take that". Way too many anchovies. And Spaghetti Carbonara is not Linguine Alfredo Carbonara, chump move on my part. Five tiny bits of bacon? Ug, there is a point when too much "al dente" translates to uncooked. The tomato sauce on my kids $23 plate of spaghetti was unreasonably spicy. Not appreciated. The bread was great! Once here is enough unless someone else is buying. read more

I had supper last evening at Polpette 71 with my husband and three friends. It was a wonderful experience. The food was amazing. I shared the cold antipasto with my husband and had spaghetti and meatballs as my entree. Both were great choices. The meatballs were among the best I have ever had in my 70 years. I had tiramisu for dessert. It was so smooth and creamy (and huge). Our waitress was lovely and the support staff was very efficient and responsive. Polpette 71 is a happy restaurant and Lu who greeted us at the entrance set the tone for our lovely evening. read more

Polpette is a rare find on the Upper West Side! We uncovered this treasure several years ago and always enjoy the food and service! Best "meatballs" in the world and all of the food is delicious! Nicky "meatballs" and "Lou" will be sure you have a great experience!!!! All the staff is friendly, and you will feel welcome! Make sure you try the meatballs and their specials! read more

Just meh ...4 star for ambience 21/2 for food. It was really bland. I really did not understand the four and five star reviews for this.

Everything is consistently so good! Any time of year. In a competitive area. this is a neighborhood jewel. Small or large party. Warm friendly service. Comfortable atmosphere. Delicious Mediterranean grilled vegetable antipasto. Champion meatballs. Especially recommend pasta with vegetables, pasta with clam sauce & also pasta with vodka sauce. Specials of the day are excellent. Tiramisu is heavenly. Since discovering this place, always look forward to return. read more

Excellent food, the owners and staff make you feel like family. Top-notch spot for an Italian meal.

I relaxed at the bar with a book & enjoyed the regulars engage with this awesome steam! Meatballs are delish - I look forward to trying them a few different ways. Love love loved the tiramisu. It's homemade, light but rich. Thank you! read more

This adorable family-run place is a new favorite! Just the spot for a cozy meal and vibe. Service was excellent and really tried to over deliver in every possible way, and food was amazing. Pasta was fresh and perfect, garlic bread was wonderfully filling, great wine selection also. I don't eat beef or pork, but for those who do - their meatballs are apparently the best anyone ever had in all 5 boroughs! Will definitely be back, and can't wait to return already. read more

What a great new Italian spot!! They were slammed, but the waitress was attentive and made sure we were doing okay the entire dinner. We had the veal parm, eggplant rollatini, and the mushroom tagliatelle. Each dish was amazing, although my girlfriend and I agree the pasta was a bit dull. But once you added parmigiana to the dish and mixed it around, it became one of the best pastas I've eaten! Docked a star for not being entirely COVID safe. read more

This was an experience! the food was beyond delicious. the ambiance charming. the service impeccable. highly recommend. Feels like you're walking into the home of a generous and brilliant chef who's done you the favor of inviting you over. perfecto. read more

We happened upon this spot after a show and had a delicious late night meal. We shared the hand-rolled gnocchi with homemade marinara. It tasted like what a gnocchi should taste like - it's authentic. And the serving size is generous. You get your money's worth. The three sausage and broccoli rabe sliders were served on the softest brioche, and slightly oily, the double-bite sandwiches had the perfect amount of salt. The combination of the meat and the veggie was well balanced. You have to go done stairs to enjoy this spot. Don't miss it- it's well worth the visit. read more

Polpette 71 - Sorry for the poor lighting. Here is the hand-rolled gnocchi with homemade marinara. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Unbelievable food!!!! And if the owners sister recommends something, order it immediately! Had burrata salad, ravioli with vodka sauce, meatballs sauced (of course). Amazing!!!!! read more

A family owned west side restaurant. We had a nice table in a cozy back corner. Lou Anne one of the family members waited on our table. She gave us great suggestions as to what to order. We started with the famous meatballs. They were light, fluffy not overly seasoned. Another appetizer was the creamy mushroom soup. Not too heavy and perfectly balanced. My husband had a chicken special and I a sautéed salmon special with spinach and crispy potatoes. All were delicious. Lucky we got there before the dinner rush because the restaurant was getting busy. I highly recommend!! read more

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This is my husbands and I go to Italian place. The food is delicious and the customer service is 10/10. Every time we go everyone is so friendly. From the wait staff to the owner. We're big on service especially in the food industry. We just had one of the specials today which was recommended by the wonderful Kevin. The lasagna and the chicken spinach and mozzarella.. loved it. One of our go-tos restaurants for sure. We appreciate the food and warmth of this place. Perfect spot to go with family or on a date. read more

I have been eating at Polpette 71 for the longest time. Possibly my favorite thing about this restaurant is how CONSISTENTLY delicious the food is. They have SUCH fresh ingredients and I love how friendly the wait staff is. Nicky, the owner is the nicest guy. He does a great job at greeting everyone and making guests feel welcome, even during Covid. It was freezing tonight, but their outdoor setup was heated perfectly I could even take my coat off. I am so grateful to have SUCH a delicious Italian restaurant in my neighborhood. 100% get the meatballs, I can't describe how insanely tasty they are. read more

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Had an amazing meal here (this was a return visit). So welcoming and friendly and delicious food. I highly recommend and will be back again in the future. read more

While the food at Polpette 71 was fine (even good!), the service was abhorrent. We were scoffed at for not ordering alcohol, and when we opted not to order an appetizer special due to the price (which we had to ask for 3 times), our waitress rolled her eyes, laughed, and dismissively said, "okay girls." We were then outright ignored for 2 hours and had to physically flail our arms in the air to get anyone's attention for the check. And that was just the tip of the iceberg! Sorry we didn't spend enough money for you, Polpette 71; I can sure as heck give you about 71 reasons we won't be returning. read more

Fantastic! Best vodka sauce I've ever had! Amazing restaurant and service! Backyard is beautiful! Chicken Parm Garden in Back Meatballs Nicky Meatballs read more

Exciting Italian restaurant situated in the upper west side. Made reservations to sit in the outdoor eating area located at the back of the restaurant. While this place is not fine dining, the service was prompt, food was good, and enjoyed wine paired with our dinner. Prices are reasonable, and the menu offers a nice selection. I've only eaten here once, and for my experience on this particular occasion, I'm giving 4 stars. read more

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Love the food, the seating at the back garden is amazing Servers are very nice, cocktails are great and the bread is so good read more

Polpette 71 - Love it, very charming place, patio garden seating area Very nice servers Food is delicious - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

The ambiance was very comfortable and getting to sit at a table owned by the restaurant owners family was special. The food was delicious and delivered in a timely manner. The cold cucumber soup was refreshing on a hot summer night. Our server Luann was friendly and attentive. read more