Fodor's Expert Review Polpetto

Smashing the ruff 'n' tumble Soho dining scene with its Venetian-style small plates, Polpetto is a feminine wonderland of white linen–covered hanging lamps, distressed Farrow & Ball duck-egg-blue plaster walls, a tintile ceiling, and glowing maple-wood tabletops and flooring. The regional and seasonal Italian ingredients do all the talking, from a dazzling creamy Puglian burrata with agretti (monk's beard) to simple crab and chili linguine. Besides favorites like pork and fennel meatballs or pistachio and polenta cake, you'll swoon over heartier dishes like beef-shank pappardelle with rich chicken-liver ragù. Note that reservations are only accepted for lunch.