Two new restaurants that we’ve been talking about for months have finally opened, and they’re already drawing crowds.
Polpette, which we had thought was going to be called Nicky Meatballs, just opened at 483 Amsterdam Avenue (84th) in the former home of Good Enough to Eat. Don’t worry, there are meatballs are on the menu, including an appetizer described as “Stolen three meatballs snatched fresh from the frying pan crispy outside and deliciously moist inside.” There are also “Brooklyn Hero” sandwiches for $12, slider for $10 and lots of pasta. A half portion of pasta is $11 and a full portion is $16. The full menu is here.
Tessa, the high-end Mediterranean spot in the former home of Time Out bar on 77th street and Amsterdam, opened last week. Peeking in a couple of days ago, it was clear that the word has gotten out. The whole place was packed, and the wraparound bar was bustling with a well-dressed crowd. The ceiling is decorated with security gates. That’s one way to keep out the riffraff!
The dining room seats 75, and the menu features octopus, clams, pork belly and pork cheeks, among other delicacies. Entrees are in the mid-to-high-$20 range. We’ve posted the dinner menu below and you can access the PDF here. Oh, and here’s the dessert menu.
For other recent UWS openings and closings, click here.
Polpette is really good! The meatballs are perfect–tender and juicy. They were wonderful all alone and with a generous portion of spaghetti, true Red Sauce Italian. The pricing is excellent too! Altogether a home run from Nicky Meatball.
My wife and some friends ate at Tessa last Sunday. The atmosphere and ambiance are terrific. A beautifully designed restaurant with great food and great service. HOWEVER, be wary of the price of drinks and review your bill. When our bill came the price of 2 gin on the rocks were $15/each or $30 for these 2 drinks (pricey for the one shot of gin, but within the UWS higher end price range), BUT they also charged $4 for ROCKS! When we questioned the $4 charge, they said, since we had ice in the glass there is an incremental charge – yes believe or not! After complaining to the manager, they remvoed the $4 charge, BUT the revised bill reflected 3 gins at $45!!! They said that was a terrible mistake and they once again revised the bill. So, if you patronize (which I will not go back), review your bill and be prepared to pay for ice.
Polpette is great! Still working out some small kinks but offers delicious, well-priced food and stellar service. After one visit, Brad the bartender remembered our names and drink order. Already has a nice neighborhood feel.
Looking forward to trying Tessa.