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POLPETTE 71

Updated

Phone: (212) 875-1512

Address: 71 WEST 71 STREET 10023

TLDR

Renowned for the city's best Italian meatballs and authentic red sauce, this cozy UWS gem offers an inviting atmosphere and heavenly house-made desserts.

Reddit Sentiment for POLPETTE 71(based on 105 Reddit opinions)

33% Positive33% Neutral33% Negative

Tags

american 97italian 10meatballs 96pasta 6poke 3View All

Neighborhoods

Upper West Side

Instagram Posts References

Polpette71 is praised for its in-house crafted desserts made with fresh ingredients by talented chefs. The post emphasizes that these desserts offer a superior experience, describing them as a 'taste of heaven'. The restaurant, located on the Upper West Side, encourages patrons to visit and indulge in their extraordinary sweet offerings.

Details

Located on the Upper West Side, this neighborhood favorite is widely celebrated for its exceptional Italian cuisine, specifically earning a reputation for serving some of the city's finest meatballs [1]. Diners frequently praise the authentic red sauce and high-quality pasta [2], while the atmosphere is noted for being cozy and perfectly suited for both intimate dates and group gatherings [1]. The experience is further elevated by expertly crafted, in-house desserts that are described by visitors as a true taste of heaven [3].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on classic Italian comfort, with the meatballs consistently cited as the standout dish [1][2]. Customers also highly recommend the pasta and fresh seafood [1], while the in-house desserts, such as the tiramisu and cheesecake, are frequently highlighted as extraordinary additions to the meal [3].

Highlights / Recommended

"The Italian meatballs are widely considered the signature dish [1][2]. Other highly regarded options include the fresh pasta, seafood dishes [1], and the house-made tiramisu and cheesecake [3]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • kitchen sink(3)

Customer Sentiment

Feedback for this establishment is exceptionally positive, with patrons consistently praising the food quality and welcoming dining environment [1][5].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About POLPETTE 71

This post features a high-quality recommendation for the restaurant, specifically noting its excellent meatballs, pasta, seafood, and cozy atmosphere suitable for a special occasion.
A user specifically notes having a great meal at this location.
The restaurant is briefly mentioned as a top recommendation for those seeking quality meatballs.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Looking For Simple Delicious Meatballs Of Any

"Briefly mentioned for meatballs."

Neutral
Jul 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recommendation For Special Occasion Restaurant

"The original poster mentioned having had a great meal at Polpette 71."

Positive
Jun 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity

"In a humorous suggestion for trying beef, the user lists pastrami, burgers, hot dogs, meatball, cheesesteak, and steak from various places."

Neutral
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user explains the difference between spaghetti and linguine, noting that while they are distinct, they are often confused."

Neutral
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This former employee clarifies that the commissary kitchen was used for only about two years and that meatballs were made in-house at the Bedford location for the last seven years before the menu changed and quality declined."

Neutral
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user states that the initial period from 2010-2018 was the restaurant's prime, implying that visiting only a few years ago meant missing the best years."

Positive
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user, a former employee, details the operational hours and the shift in company ethos after the original owners sold the business."

Neutral
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user states that the original Lower East Side location was spectacular."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user recounts a negative experience where they found a piece of wire in their food and were offered only a glass of wine as compensation."

Negative
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user strongly disliked the restaurant, calling it 'bland pretentious shit-bucket'."

Negative
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user expresses sadness about the closure."

Negative
Apr 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user asks which location is being discussed, noting that the Upper East Side location closed some time ago."

Neutral
Apr 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user also had their second date at The Meatball Shop with their now long-term boyfriend."

Positive
Apr 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user fondly remembers the 'Kitchen Sink' dish from about 10 years ago."

Positive
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user expresses sadness and gratitude for the memories of the restaurant, which provided comfort food after long workdays."

Negative
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user will miss the restaurant and its cookbook, specifically mentioning the mint ice cream."

Negative
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user states they did not like the restaurant at all."

Negative
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user misses the earlier popularity of poke, specifically mentioning Poke Bowl in Union Square."

Positive
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user harshly criticizes the food as 'awful' and 'commissary prepped slop', comparing it unfavorably to other establishments."

Negative
Apr 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Meatball Shop Has Closed Permanently

"This user confirms both original owners sold the business; one is in the wellness industry, and the other opened a pizza restaurant in California."

Neutral
Apr 8, 2026View Comment →

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