Old-style Italian restaurant known for its meatballs, traditional dishes & vine-covered back garden. Based on 349 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery
Address:
71 W 71st St, New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 875-1512
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Tuesday | 4–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4–10 PM |
| Friday | 12–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12–10 PM |
| Monday | 4–10 PM |
Menu
… View more
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Adelson Smania
Italian restaurant located close to Central Park. We’ve been there to have lunch on a Saturday, and the place was not crowded – what was a relief. We’ve been quickly seated on a lovely table outside. Everything was great, really no complaints. We’ve had the limoncello and meatballs to start, and then the Pollo Parmigiana and the Fettuccine Carbonara – all great. The manager was lovely with us the whole time.
… more
Stephanie Johnson
Visiting from Canada staying at Hotel Beacon, this restaurant was a short walk from our hotel. We were looking for a nice sit down NYC experience and this cozy little Italian restaurant delivered. Truly a 5 star experience. We started with the famous saucy meatballs, shared the fettuccine carbonara and finished with salted caramel gelato. Everything was so fresh and delicious, seasoned and made to perfection, and the service was top notch. The atmosphere was cozy but lively. If we get back to this part of NYC in the future we’d definitely return.
… more
Jeff Dyke
My daughter lives around the corner, and insisted we come here. I’m so glad we did – cute, authentic, hole-in-the-wall, New York City, Italian restaurant realness! Outstanding service. Wonderful ambiance. DELECTABLE, DELICIOUS, AUTHENTIC Italian food. Reasonable (for New York) prices. Highly recommended. Pictured – gnocchi, and highly recommended meatballs.
… more
Irina
The gem of the neighborhood. Best food, best service, super cute and cozy. The best! Feels almost like you are in Italy. Ask for Kevin, the best server. Will come back!
… more
Aída Mendoza
The best food and service! The photo is bad but this was one of the dinner specials our server recommended and it was amazing. We also had the classic meatballs served with spaghetti and they truly live up to their reputation. Cocktails were fantastic too!
… more
Ponka Po
Great place
… more
A L
None of the dishes we ordered are considered nyc good. It’s a family owned restaurant and they probably been in the neighborhood for a long time so I understand they have some pride, and you can see that from the waitress/manager lady’s way of talking. Unfortunately the food quality doesn’t justify it.
… more
Flo Eats
i came here without knowing that they were famous for their meatballs. i ordered their spaghetti and meatballs by recommendation of the waiter. the dish was extremely fulfilling and satisfied my pasta cravings. the meatballs have a strong beef flavor with notes of a nutty, pistachio flavor. the pasta had a fantastic homemade, al dente texture, cooked to perfection. the sauce was pretty standard but coupled well with the meatballs. all in all i’d recommend giving them a try.
… more
Alex Siegel
One of the most underrated and delicious Italian places in the Upper West Side. We came on a Friday night, and the restaurant was packed. I wish they had one or two more servers because they were struggling to keep up with the demand! However, the owner is always walking through the restaurant to cross t’s and dot i’s. The main reason Polpette 71 stands out from other Italian places in the city is the pure love they put into every dish. We ordered the Caesar salad to start, and the dressing was fantastic. While it didn’t look like a traditional caesar, their special cheese and dressing made the salad incredible. We also could not resist getting a plate of meatballs, which the restaurant is known for. They were tender and rich, and a perfect appetizer. I ordered my favorite dish on the menu as an entree that brings me back every time: the Lobster Ravioli. I subbed the white sauce it traditionally comes with for a vodka sauce. For the price of these dishes, you get a giant portion of food – the raviolis were stuffed with lobster meat and the plate also came with some delicious shrimp. In all, Polpette is a gem in the UWS that deserves more love for their fresh Italian cuisine and heartfelt environment.
… more
marina dee
Food was really really good. Some of the best penne around. Squid ink pasta was phenomenal. Service was a bit rocky at the start. Didn’t seem very kid friendly at first. By the end everyone was much nicer and we had a really good dinner.
… more
… View more