Polpette
“I had a great experience here, even got to meet Nicky himself.”
“Originally I wondered how this place would compete with the Meatball Shop which is opening soon nearby, since Polpette touted it's meatballs as well.”
“The much-hyped stolen meatballs are great for the same reasons – 3 perfect meatballs, fried until crispy, and served simply with a sprinkle of parsley.”
Polpette
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
So yes, the meatballs are great. As is the tomato sauce. It was very flavorful, which doesn't always happen. The pasta is cooked al dente and was good, but nothing fantastic. I got the pesto sauce and that was too oily for me. Though, the leftovers the next day were great cold. They had a lobster mac and cheese, and I found that more exciting on paper than it actually tasted. There were just no explosions of flavor and that's what I was expecting. They brought out bread to start but it was very little and they did not offer to refill.
The ambiance was very nice. It's a super small venue but they decorated well. A nice Italian interior decoration. Because of the size, though, it's the type of place where you would be able to hear the conversation at the adjacent tables.
The waitstaff was really nice and made me feel very comfortable. Also the AC wasn't working so it was quite uncomfortable but hopefully that was a one-time thing.
Overall, I'd say it was fine but it definitely did not blow me away.
Visited Polpette with my fiance for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the meal. Great ambiance with candles and chandeliers, plus the music was pretty good. With a proper dining environment, the food tasted evermore delectable.
Started the meal with the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Sliders. Well seasoned sauteed broccoli rabe and juicy sausages on a decently thick mini bun. It does get a bit messy with the oils expelling from the sausage. We also tried their Straccietella, spinach and egg drop soup. Very reminiscent of the Asian style egg drop soup, but with a twist. I also enjoy trying something that's a bit familiar yet not exactly the same. The soup came in a fairly large bowl, much bigger than I had expected since you normally get small portions for soups in other places.
For the main we had ordered their Classic, spaghetti and meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Black Linguini with seafood. The spaghetti and meatballs were fantastic, and one of the best meatballs I've had in the city. The meatballs are nice and big, while tender and cooked with steamy moisture inside. A well balanced herb like flavor infused to the meat that is cooked perfectly. Certainly a must try for those who enjoy the classics. The Black Linguini was mixed with salmon, mussels, shrimp, leeks, tomatoes, garlic & olive oil. The linguini was a bit softer than I expected from a pasta and the sauce was a bit on the buttery side, I can't say it's the best rendition of the pasta I've had in the city, but nonetheless a good dish. Maybe it could've been better with squid ink pasta, but that's a personal preference.
The meatballs and eggplant parm really are very good, but the overall experience was a solid 3.5 stars.
It was a bit off-putting that Christmas decorations were still up as it is nearly February. I don't mean just the lights, which can be cute and cozy, but like dusty Santa Claus statues on the mantle. The waiters were initially very attentive, but disappeared for long periods of time — it took us nearly 20 minutes to flag them down for the check. One waitress was seemed a bit grumpy when my companions and I inquired as to the size of the different entree options, as if that was a ridiculous question to ask. It also took ~35 minutes for the food to come out.
I would go back for the happy hour and half-price meatballs on Friday, but probably not for anything else.
Came here for dinner after hearing about the meatballs! I am a huge meatball lover and couldn't wait to try the "best meatballs in the 5 boroughs". Well these did not disappoint. We got them sauced, The marinara was great and the balls themselves were juicy, delish and a bit peppery. Not sure if they were the best ever but pretty damn tasty.
For entrees we ordered fettuccine carbonara (homemade pasta) and linguine di mare. Everything came out piping hot with generous portions. I got through half my carbonara and was so full but just could not stop eating. The carbonara was prepared more like an Alfredo, as there was no presence of egg or cracked black pepper.
Our waitress was Italian and really allowed us to enjoy the dining experience (encouraging us to take our time!) would def come back here and recommend.
I was hungry and Polpette was calling my name. In I went into this enchanting little restaurant. Everything on the menu was looking delizioso, but I guess I can't have it all. Below is what you need to know:
-Complimentary bread: Don't try it. It was a bit on the stale side.
-Sliders: meatball and pomodoro on brioche rolls for $10 – The meatballs were nice and piquant BUT it was served somewhere between room temperature and warm.
-Truffle parmesan french fries for $8 – These were bangin'; they were zesty, served at the right temperate and oh so good. After all, they have truffle!
-Mozzarella fritti for $10 (a.k.a. mozzarella sticks) – Well, these may have been much better had they come out hot rather than barely warm.
Overall: not a winner.
I've never sat in but I love taking out from Polpette!
The polpette and eggplant sliders are delish. It's always fresh and piping hot PLUS.
I realize it's tough to choose between the meatball shop and polpette but I say if you're looking for a more intimate experience.. Choose polpette. Super cute interior 🙂
Here's my 08/28/2015 update: Polpette earns the 5th star. I've eaten at Celeste up the avenue a few times, and I've had the opportunity to compare. Polpette's sauces and bolognese are better. Here's some new deets:
Calamari fritti, 13 – no tentacles, boo!
Pollo scarpiello, 20 – delicious platter of chicken and sausage in a tasty sauce – plenty for two, with leftovers
Rigatoni marinara, 1/2 portion, with a meatball, 15 – we loved this; we'd been missing out on the marinara. Combined with the chicken scarpiello, we easily had a delightful meal for two.
BONUS – good value
BONUS – nice outdoor seating
SHOUT OUT to Christina for making us feel welcome
This is a really great neighborhood place. It is good enough to bring your guests. The prices are reasonable.
Here's the deets from my most recent meal there, with one guest and the GF (10/11/14):
Sicilian platter (meats and cheeses) – 14
Insalata tre colore – 8
Sauced polpette, 3 excellent, light meatballs in sauce that are better than what you can get at The Meatball Shop, just down the street – 12
Parpadelle Bolognese, homemade pasta and excellent Bolognese worthy of 5 stars – 19
Pollo Piccata – 19
TOTAL – 78.39, with tax
NOTE: we had a $38 bottle of wine that paid for at the bar.
TIP: The outdoor seating is small and just on the sidewalk.
TIP: Big screens at the bar for watching sports.
TIP: Ask for the bottle menu if you want some reasonably-priced wine selections beyond the glass menu.
BONUS: The menu has some casual, lower-priced selections, like sandwiches, for a nice bar meal.
BONUS: Shout-outs to the host (Adam) and the bartender for great service and recognition of us as repeat diners
The meatballs here were absolutely fantastic! A small group of us came for someone's birthday, and it was a spectacular meal. It's a tad pricey, but the food is worth the price. Service was efficient, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
Great spot! Make sure to get a meatball appetizer! You'll be glad you did!