Bistro 33

I was there 2 weeks ago, I walk into the store and there was only 2 people inside, I sat on a 4 people table and the waitress gave the dirty look and said to me "Sir you have to sit on 2 people table because we are getting busy.... I said you are kidding me there are only 2 people here.... anyway I let it go... last nigh the same thing happens again, no people in the store I sat on 4 people table and the waitress comes and tells me that she will have to move me cause they are busy,... I mean are you kidding me????? That why you don?t have any people. Cause you are never busy!!!!! IM NOT GOING AGAIN THAT WAS VERY OFFENSIVE! Keep you empty tables because you are going get busy one day??. When they change waitress!

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

Posted 11/09/09

I had HIGH hopes for Bistro 33. It's so close to my house...it broke my heart when I went there and everything seemed over priced and the shrimp dish I ordered came and was TINY. 3 Tiny shrimp and about a 1/4 of a cup of salad for 18$. Go with the Dragon Roll or something a little more reasonable and I think you'll be happier with your visit.

Pros: Location, Atmosphere, Nice wait staff, Not crowded

Cons: Too expensive, small portions,

Posted 08/02/09

I was excited when this place opened up in my neighborhood. It's a short walk from my apartment and the food is AMAZING. But I've been screwed twice. I've given them every chance and they've failed to redeem themselves. The last two times I've been there have been disastrous and I'm never going back.

Instance 1) I went with my wife and ordered what at point was my favorite dish: hangar steak - rare. The steak arrived and it was well done. Ok, no problem everyone has on off day. I hate to complain but I can't eat steak cooked that way. I called the waiter over and he agreed that the steak was unacceptable. He apologized, took it away and I was pleased. Ten minutes later he brought me a freshly cooked steak. When I cut into it and took a bite I realized that again it wasn't rare; instead it was uncooked. It was seared on the outside and cold on the inside. Basically it was raw. Again, reluctantly, I called the waiter over and pointed out the steak wasn't rare, it was raw. At that point I thought the best thing to do was have the steak wrapped up. Which they did. I took it home, finished cooking it and it was delicious.

Instance 2) New Years Eve 2009. Prix Fixe, wife and I went with another couple. We were excited. Trouble started before very long. It was a brutally cold night and we were sitting directly under a heating vent. After no more than 10 minutes we were all completely uncomfortable from being toasted with the heat at full blast. We quickly realized this would be a problem and mentioned it to management. They did their best to mollify us but the heat didn't stop. To make a long, unpleasant evening short: we were never appeased. We were uncomfortable throughout our meal. Again, it was prix fixe, with wine paired with each course. In addition we had cocktails and three bottles of wine. We ended up dropping over $700 for the four of us and I never felt that we were well taken care of. In the end we left before the dessert course and I felt ripped off.

Pros: Brilliant chef, interesting menu, delicious food.

Cons: uncaring service, they'll take your money and thank you but don't expect to be taken care of

Posted 02/23/09

I was at the restaurant on Friday night. The owners seemed to be having a fight amongst themselves that went outside in heated discussion. However the very professional staff kept their heads above the fray. The service was great. The Shrimp main course was excellent; the cous cous was exceptional. The incessant ringing of the bell for food pick up gets a bit annoying. However, this does not take away from the service and the quality of the food. So, overall I strongly recommend it.

Pros: Excellent food, wide choice of items

Cons: owners squabble and annoying bell

Posted 01/25/09

Every experience I have had at this restaurant has been delightful. I have nothing but great things to say about the food and the service. I have been fequenting the restaurant since its opening and find the food to be unbelieveably consistent and the service to be informative, friendly, without being obtrusive.

Posted 01/24/09

We tried this place a year ago, and although the service was not special, inventive menu & impressive skills of the chefs made us recommend this place to friends all over. To all people saying that Astoria had lost it, we would say - "- no it didn't - try Bistro 33 !". Finally, we were back in the neighborhood and without doubt went there. What a disappointment ! I understand that brush waiters, begging for service and complete rudeness of the staff might be considered "Great Service" by recent transplants, who are tired of Cheesecake Factory cheerfulness. But after a hard day of work, being on tight schedule, (some people have kids), you would like to put your drink order in, without yelling at the waiter for 3 times, you would also like to be accommodated when you are the ONLY couple in the restaurant. Our request to be moved to a larger table was met with "We do mind you moving there, you'll need to sit at the smaller table". Great way to keep a customer happy, especially when yours is the ONLY party there! The food was inconsistent, with some appetizers being awesome and others making us wish that they had a Mustard-Ketchup-Salt&Pepper tray on the table. I understand that the restaurant's exceptional menu & owners' media connections had made this little place a financial success, but "professional" restaurant hunters will soon find a new little "gem" in Brooklyn, while these two local diners will not come back. And guess what, the larger table was still empty when we were leaving, because there was still ONLY one couple at the restaurant, crammed at the tiny table trying to place all the plates on the tiny surface.

Pros: Unusual Menu, Easy Parking

Cons: You are transparent to the staff, they're waiting for Cinthia Nixon

Posted 01/22/09

So after all this hype in the yellowcab ads we thought we'd find a new favorite in our hood but walked away really dissappointed. The place was dingy (dirty floors and smudged tables, stained chairs with crumbs on them at beginning of brunch service) with old beat up tables and chairs. There were only two other couples in the place at the hight of brunch time - now we know why. Coffee was undrinkable - kept at bar in a thermos - stale, bitter and luke warm. It took 20 minutes for only one of our orders to arrive, waited another 5 minutes for the other - it's been a long time since we saw a restaurant not even make an apology about not bringing both orders at same time. It seemed the chef forgot the second order. The food was dissapointing. Omelette was ok although like warm at best, grits were brought cold and oversalted. Will not go back.

Cons: Food, service, location.

Posted 01/10/09

The one thing working against Bistro 33 is its size- the place is downright small. That being said, the service is pretty good, the specialty cocktails are tasty, the ambiance is nice, but it's the food that takes it to the next level. The sushi rolls are inventive combinations that work well together. I heart a place that can serve duck that has a crispy skin but isn't greasy. The special foi gras burger was so decadent I just might burst a vein if I had it more than twice a year. None-too-pleased with the lamb chops though; they were prepared too rare for me. Outer boro is the place to go for good eats. Hop on the N and go on an adventure.

Pros: Great sushi rolls, great specials.

Cons: Quite small, not good for parties larger than 4.

Posted 12/31/08

One of the best meals I've had in New York.

Went to dinner with my boss and two clients from Japan and the whole dining experience was impeccable...everything from the food to the service.

My table manners and etiquette shined that night.

Simply classy, graceful and almost perfect.

Pros: ambiance ,food, service

Cons: nothing

Posted 10/04/08

Holy hell this restaurant is amazing! The food is excellent, the service is great, the atmosphere is relaxing and upbeat, the waitstaff is courteous, well versed in the menu, and fun.

The first time I ate at Bistro 33, I was a little anxious that the prices would break my pocketbook, but No! It was a Wednesday. The DUCK CONFIT was fantastic and was exactly as you'd want it--it had the most perfect crispness to the skin and exact degree of richness without feeling fatty or like too much.

The second time I went I had the TOFU STEAK and holy hell again; I had NO idea what to expect but left soooo satisfied. Plus the deserts are almost beyond imagination.

I go more during the weekday versus weekend, as it is a small space and reservations for weekends are muy muy hard to get. So if you want a weekend date, plan ahead and call for reservations a few days in advance.(That should be obvious for any popular intimate restaurant, I think). On the weekdays, you can step in without too much work. They are very accommodating.

Pros: Food and Service

Cons: ??????????????????

Posted 07/05/08

Didn't know anything about this place, but my friends all raved about this place so I went with them the other night. Everything was great! My girlfriend got a bunch of sushi and I had a short rib burger that was awesome. Great beer selection too. The service was friendly and the chef came out invite us to a party they are having to celebrate their 1 year anniversary. More burgers and beer, sounds good to me.

Pros: Brunch

Posted 05/23/08

I had read a good review about this restaurant in TONY and I decided to try it out for brunch with my husband and his cousin. The server was very pleasant, but we should have taken our first cue from the fact that there was only one other occupied table. One of our meals (apple and brie omelet with a mixed greens salad) had a PIECE OF LATEX GLOVE in it. That meal was comp'ed, but the server told us that we would still be charged for the mimosa... by the way, the mimosa is INCLUDED in the price of the brunch, which is too expensive for the quality of the food. I had the banana and walnut pancakes, which were mediocre and were served with syrup that tasted like Log Cabin.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this restaurant for brunch. Save yourself $2 a head and walk to Crescent street and Ditmars, home of Fatty's Cafe... the food is consistently good and the atmosphere is engaging.

Pros: friendly wait staff

Cons: unsatisfactory food quality

Posted 05/17/08

The food and atmosphere in this restaurant our great. I have been there a few times for dinner and it is wonderful. The service is very nice once you are sat. There is even a great outdoor area. The service was even nice enough to put me on an outside table so my dog could sit. The prices are right for the food. Good wine selection also. I would highly recommend this place.

Pros: near park

Posted 05/05/08

I gave this place a try .I thought it would be good.... ughhh old nasty sushi. I returned two pieces and did not bother eating the rest...it truly was old and nasty...never going back

Pros: Good beer selection

Cons: Nasty raw fish

Posted 03/27/08

Great food in terms of tase and quality. Unique menu, prices a little bit high,but it's worth it. Loved the lamb chops. Just wish it was a bit bigger.

Pros: Great food

Cons: Can't go there with a big party.

Posted 03/22/08

I have been there several times and have never been disappointed. The cuisine is out of this world, I've had my share of sushi and the sushi here is excellent, very fresh and well prepared. If you're not in the mood for sushi and instead want one of the courses (such as the lamb chops!!!) you have a good selection and every so often the chef will surprise with you a special that's not on the menu (Ostrich!!!). The chocolate souffle is a sin that's how good it is. My son often stops by on his way home from school for the sushi or the chocolate souffle. I have always had excellent service, everyone there is very attentive. I celebrated my son's 13th birthday there and the waiter was a riot...it was great. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this establishment the only one thing that would improve it is to expand the space and make it bigger it gets filled up on weekends.

Cons: Space

Posted 03/06/08

Small place, but the food is delicious!!! Probably the best sushi I have had in Astoria,hands down!
Wait staff was very curteous.
I will def. be going back there again.

Posted 03/03/08

I THOUGHT SUNDAY NIGHT would be a good time to visit Bistro 33. No such luck. They only have about eight tables for two and four bar stools. Then they cram in another two tall, bar-style tables and stools in the middle of the "room." It's more the size of an alcove studio with attached kitchen. THE PRICES are expense for what it is. As for the Japanese-fusion...I didn't see it. There were sushi dishes, regular American style chicken and pork entrees and steak. MY WAITER was very nice, attractive with a good sense of humor. The bartender (and possible owner) was just as nice. THE MOST ANNOYING PRACTICE that restaurants employ is violating credit card policies by either not taking the credit cards they advertise or maintain a policy of requiring minimum charges for credit cards. Merchants must follow certain acceptance rules in order to be granted the privilege of accepting VISA, MasterCard or American Express cards. VISA, MasterCard or American Express acceptance rules prohibits merchants from establishing any minimum amount below which the merchant won't accept payment via VISA, MasterCard or American Express cards. IN CASE YOU FEEL LIKE STANDING UP for your consumer rights, search "How To Report Merchants For Requiring A Minimum Purchase" to report a merchant that participates in this practice.

Pros: Large selection on menu; good looking and clean bathroom

Cons: Expensive for what it claims to be; they violate credit card merchant policy

Posted 03/02/08

I saw a lot of negative reviews on here but I really liked this place. The waiter was very friendly and attentive/actually had a sense of humor. I had a fresh raspberry sake-tini that was delicious and their sushi was as well.... interesting combos like spicy white tuna/asparagus roll....yum! I liked that their menu had a mix of traditional American & Asian foods. I had a traditional salad & dessert but all sushi for dinner (good mix). I would definitely come back in the warm weather to enjoy the outside seating!

Posted 02/17/08

I was a huge fan of Lil' Bistro 33 when it was located on 36th Ave. I thought it would be a great idea to try out their new digs on Ditmars for New Year's Eve dinner BUT, I was wrong. I called in a reservation a week in advance and was advised that they would have a veggie option on the menu (with no mention of a prixe fix menu). Upon arriving at the restaurant my fiance and I were met with a prixe fix menu that did not include ANY veggie option (even the soup was made with fish). Upon notifying the waitress of the discrepancy, she disappeared to the back (probably to speak with the chef). After a very long pause, she returned to tell us that there was no veggie option and that was that. NO, SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. NO, CAN WE DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR YOU. NOTHING. So, we left and headed down the block to Agnanti where the service (as always) was great and the food FABULOUS. Because of this experience, I will not patronize Bistro 33 and I will spread the word of their ill-manners, poor customer service and lack of loyalty to customers that supported them when they were, literally, a whole in the wall!

Pros: Close to Astoria Park and more accomodating restaurants

Cons: Too many to list.

Posted 01/02/08

why is this here? astoria is a diverse family neighborhood being gentrified at an alarming pace and restaurants like this don't help. I tried to keep an open mind but found the atmosphere too park-slope like, and the food overpriced for the quality. there are so many delicious and affordable restaurants already, why run them out with another completely unneeded japanese joint?

Posted 10/28/07

Went to brunch on Sunday there for my first time, and there were people there but it was not overcrowded. The menu was interesting, very eclectic (brie and sliced apple omelette), everyone could definitely find something they liked. I got the pancakes with blueberry compote and they were out of this world! A side of andouille sausage was delicious too! We didn't question the bill, but it seemed a bit high, but we didn't care. I definitely would go again, just to try the other items they have to offer!

Pros: Food, atmosphere

Posted 09/30/07

Bistro 33 is a great addition to Astoria. I'm so glad they relocated from 36 Ave! The space is more than double and there's an outdoor Bistro now. This weather is so perfect for outdoor dining and brunching!
I have eaten several dinners and brunches at Bistro since they opened at the beginning of Summer. The sushi is excellent and now I can get it seven days a week. I usually opt for several rolls and/or appetizers. I like the variety. I've also sampled the sea bass and salmon entrees and they are both great choices. I love the desserts, but I wish they would bring back the banana crepes!! I hear the BLT Roll served at brunch is delicious, so I will probably try it soon...maybe today! Try Bistro33. Bring a friend, dine alone. It's great food in a relaxing atmosphere.

Pros: Great food, great space

Cons: Wish we could dine outdoors all year!

Posted 09/01/07

What a great addition to the neighborhood. I saw this place on my way down to Astoria Park for some sun one afternoon and came back for dinner. We were able to sit outside and people watch while we enjoyed great food and drinks. I started with their sake mojito, which was great, really refreshing on a warm evening. The sushi rolls were fresh and original. The waitress recommended a new "white" roll that had white tuna, asparagus and some other stuff. All I know is it was really good.

After sharing a bunch of appetizers, spinach salad, crawfish tempura and crab salad, we finished with a white chocolate cake with blueberries...sooo moist and delicious. Everyone was really friendly. I will definitely be back!

Pros: Outdoor seating, sake drinks, cool staff

Cons: don't accept Amex, no Corona on the beer menu

Posted 08/07/07

What a great place to hang out. Stopped by Saturday night around midnight with a few friends. They have some interesting sake drinks and a pretty cool beer selection and the sushi bar is open late if you want a snack. The smokers in the group really appreciated that they could light up at the outdoor tables

Pros: late night lounge

Cons: no after hours

Posted 08/07/07

Staff was rude. Chef is clearly ambitious and arrogant, but food is mediocre and overpriced. Atmosphere (or lack thereof) and ordinary food do not justify the price. Do not recommend eating here.

Pros: easy to get to

Cons: bad chef/food, bad service, bad ambience

Posted 08/02/07

Come for the food, leave for the 'tude. That's what we did last night, our second and final visit to Bistro 33. Upon arrival of our appetizers, Crawfish tempura and Bistro's 3- yellowtail, tuna and salmon sashimi with a twist- of yuzu, ginger and truffle oil, we were met with an ornery chef. Who was our waitress last time? Ummm...? Who was it, because whoever it was I'm going to fire her. Ummmm...??!!?! Who gave you the sushi roll substitution last time? I would NEVER approve that flavor substitution, so whoever was your waitress went behind my back, and now I'm going to fire her. Well, we asked for a substitution due to a food allergy. I would NEVER approve that flavor substitution! Well, we have a food allergy, so could you be accomm- (cuts us off) In MY KIT-CHEN these are MY rules, and whoever went behind MY back BROKE my rules and will be FIRED. Who was it? You can't remember? (and we're thinking a simple I'm sorry, we don't make substitutions would suffice) Needless to say, we walked out.

This is a nice neighborhood in Queens, not a Reality TV show recruiting Type A Narcissistic Michelin-star Wannabes. But what less could you expect from a Queens cook in a Yankees hat...

Cons: Food not good enough to compensate for chef's Drama

Posted 08/01/07

I am glad I did't read the last 2 reviews before going to Bistro 33 this weekend or I probably wouldn't have gone. My friends chose the place because they had been there before and everyone thought it was great! We shared a bunch of sushi and appetizers, the crab cakes were really tasty with just a little bit of spice and I loved the corn that came with it. We also had gyoza, the lamb chops (which I tried under protest and then ended up wanting more). I thought the sushi is some of the best I've had in Queens and even better than a lot of places in Manhattan. I tend to like the "special" rolls (with lots of different combinations) as opposed to being a sushi purist, but my friend ordered the sashimi and liked that as well. I had the sea bass with sunflower seeds for an entree and it was sooo good! The fish just melts in your mouth and the sunflowers seeds are crispy and a little salty, it's a great combination.

We also shared a few desserts...the chocolate souffle was soft in the middle, warm and delicious, but my favorite was a white chocolate cake with blueberries. The prices are totally reasonable. We were full, happy and even had a few drinks (try the sake mojito) for about $40 bucks a person...a real bargain in my opinion. The chef even delivered our dessert himself and he was really nice. We asked if he was going to have brunch, because there aren't that many places around that offer it . He said they are starting this weekend and gave us a menu. It looks really good...they even have blueberry pancakes! I have to try that next time.

Pros: Sushi, White Chocolate cake, friendly service, reasonable prices

Cons: a little small, can get crowded

Posted 07/29/07

Visited bistro a few nights ago.... all I can say is it is "OK."
Although the chef has interesting ideas, one can taste the use of bottom-shelf ingredients... and pricing his dishes at Manhattan prices is a big turn off.
I would suggest visiting some of the other superb seafood restaurants in Astoria, if you are going to make the trip out from Manhattan (as I did.) As far as asian fusion, trend-following places like these are a dime-a-dozen... if you want to spend 100+ on dinner for two, stay in the city!
P.S. - Amenities include "notable chef"? I have never heard of this guy, and apart from a certificate that looks like it was printed off the 'net and an armful of prison tattoos... there is not too much that is "notable" about anything at this location.

Pros: desserts are OK

Cons: cramped quarters, unsanitary conditions

Posted 07/28/07

Of the two times i dined here, earch was marred by some of the most horribly prepaed food Ive ever seen. The title 'french-asian fusion' is trendy, and pulled off well by some, but not here. On my first visit, we had sushi apps, they were nothing spectacular. The entrees were two disasters. I had the cappuccino salmon. First off, the samlon was burnt. but you didnt notice the burn salmon unless you 1) tasted it, or 2) moved over the foamed milk part of the 'cappuccino.' It was served with bok choy. Bok choy that was so over cooked it looked like frozen spinach after youve defrosted it. Cappuccino does not go with salmon! this plate was not french. and the only asian thing about it was the bok choy. which any asian would cringe at it being so over cooked. My friend had the grilled hangar steak. The fries were good. the salad was overdressed, and the beef...the beef...the poor cow died to be used like this?! medium rare is apparently medium well in Astoria. My next visit began with a crab salad and ceviche. The ceviche was confusion in a martini glass...why was my shrimp and fish cooked? why was my octopus frozen? the crabcakes were decent. but the corn and salad made no sense. again...asian? the night our entrees were duck....served again with our soggy, limp friend formerly known as bok choy. and a cherry sauce. If you order a medium rare duck breast you get medium, oh! it also comes with a braised duck leg. which is dry, which leads me to believe if it was actually braised. Again, bok choy is the only asian thing. the other entree on our table was teriyaki chicken. With guess what? Soggy bok choy! The chicken was overcooked by far! it was dried out and tough. you can get better teriyaki sauce in a jar from your local supermarket. The desserts are afterthoughts - if even. 'Crepes' were a joke. Chocolate souffles are burnt. The menu seems like a failed attempt to be different. thank god it was cheap or it wouldve felt like an even bigger waste of money. Dont Go!

Pros: uh...read above

Cons: everything about the food, soggy bok choy in 3 of 4 plates, the lack of effort from the kitchen

Posted 07/22/07

The food was amazing, and we love their new location. The interior is beautifully done--it's about 3 times bigger than the old place (which is not saying much)--and the atmosphere was simultaneously casual and romantic. It's a perfect date spot. The crab salad appetizer with mango and avocado is highly recommended, and all of the sushi was fresh and delicious.

Posted 06/26/07

Seemingly everything is good at this place -- try the pan seared salmon, their roasted duck, or even simple dishes like chicken teriaki. You won't be disappointed. It was much better when it was a BYO place. It's much more expensive than it should be, but the food is certainly delish!

Pros: Food is amazing. wow.

Cons: Expensive, small, decor is nothing special.

Posted 01/24/07

The 9.1 rating was way overrated. Ambiance was lacking. The place was very 'lil'. Tables were 5" to 6" apart (Do you like to whisper during your meal?). Prices were reasonable. The appetizer was OK. The salmon was very good. The menu seemed to have many tasty items.

Pros: Food

Cons: Ambience, tight seating.

Posted 09/21/06

After reviewing best restaurants in Astoria on citysearch I chose Bistro 33 for a monday night after work dinner. My girlfriend and I had the most amazing dinner ever. We tried battered shrimp and seared tuna, just to die for. For the main course I had crab cakes with corn puree and she ordered Tilapia topped with crab meat. The portions were huge and the food just melted in your mouth.
The place is closing on September 23 and they are relocating to a different area and will reopen by November. You still have time to enjoy it. I definitely recommend it. Was not costly at all! And the staff were so so nice. Just a great monday night experience of Astoria.

Pros: Week nights you will have the place all to yourself.

Cons: Sushi served only Thurs-Sat.

Posted 08/28/06

I went into this restaurant on one of my infrequent trips to queens. My party split a few apps. a sushi roll, and my entree was great. It's small and a little cramped. An overall good dining experience was marred by our waitress' bad additudes. She acted generally annoyed and put out by us, even though we made no special requests, must have just been a bad day.

Pros: food was great, found plenty of parking

Cons: too cramped for more than 3 people, snooty waitress

Posted 08/09/06

Chef Gary did it again the other night. We sat at the counter watching them prepare the meals. Best seat in the house for any foodie with dreams of grandeur.
For starters we had the Crab avocado salad & ceviche. Crab was sublime and the ceviche was unusually prepared and unbelievably fantastic with japanese lemon & guava juices plus spices. Dinner was Goat cheese crab cakes (a must have) and the duck which my friend is still talking about. The best and most interesting dish of the night was a cappuccino roast salmon fillet. A perfectly roasted piece of salmon with crispy skin drizzled with a two tone cappuccino tasting sauce. Bizarre concept... maybe, Utterly delicious and fun... YES! What will this chef think up next? Can't wait to find out. Why go to Manhattan for cutting edge and yummy when its right here in Lil' ol Astoria!

Pros: Creative chef, inspired cooking, cozy room

Cons: not enough seating

Posted 07/14/06

So glad to find a great brunch spot in Astoria. My girlfriend and I stumbled upon this place after an early Sunday movie, and were happy we opted to forgo the popcorn. We ordered truffled eggs with salmon and quiche Lorraine. Both were delicious, as were the Tokoyo Sunrises that came with brunch (think tequila sunrise, but with sake). I can't wait to go back for dinner.

Pros: food, price, service

Cons: small

Posted 04/05/06

We live in Astoria and were so excited to try this place out! The reviews were very good but we were so disappointed when we got there! Svc was horrible and the food was overpriced. Not only for what you got, but for the location and the atmosphere. DO NOT RECOMMEND.

Posted 04/02/06

After a crazy day @ work, & with no reservation, we were so lucky to score a seat at the bar on an incredibly busy evening. We had been there several times before, but never realized what a joy this experience could be. As always, the food was amazing (best in the 'hood), but we were also treated to the experience of watching Chef Gary in action. Not only did we have a top tier dining experience, but his charm & wit were enamoring. Bonus- Nirvana makes a fine soundtrack for a romantic dinner for two.

Pros: good food, intimate environment, charming staff

Cons: small, limited wine list

Posted 02/13/06

I have been finding more and more places to eat in Astoria, but none better than lil' Bistro 33. It's small, romantic atmosphere is fitting for its addictive food. The service was great and if you get there a little early you find yourself with few other people.

Posted 01/27/06

been here three or so times and the food is always fantastic. really superb for the location and price.

Posted 01/23/06

The food, service and atmosphere were very good. It is slightly expensive but for the kind of food that they serve the prices are reasonable. The place is very small but cozy so it is recommended to make reservations.

The only problem was that they advertise that they serve sushi but they had run out of it.

Posted 01/20/06

I was completely impressed with Lil' Bistro. From the attentive service to the complex flavors of each dish, I would completely recommend Lil' Bistro to anyone who loves to eat. The fuzzy tuna roll was so good, we had to order another when our entree came - we had to taste it one more time. The presentation of the food was also beautiful. The most surprising thing was the bill, We've never paid so little for food so good. They could double the price and it still would be worth every penny. Don't miss it.

Pros: Food, Service, Selection

Posted 01/15/06

NEW LOCATION IS OPEN!!! Astoria dining just gets better and better. The menu is so unusual. I had the duck with cherry sauce. Perfectly cooked, a little on the sweet side, but delicious. The rest of the table ordered various sushi a la carte items as apps, also delicious. My wife had tuna, and our friends had steak frites, and salmon. The fries were so good - they bring out a yummy dipping sauce - a spicy mayo. And the fish was extraordinarily fresh. We spoke with the owners and they said they go to the Fulton St. market at 4:00am to get the freshest and best of the catch. And they only get sushi grade. So you know the sushi is going to be fresh and just right, and your tuna or salmon entree will be sushi grade too. The desserts were great - a white chocolate souflee, a chocolate souflee, and a ginger creme brulee. All delicious.
Added bonus - the new location still has no liquor license, so it is currently BYOB. That's always a plus. But be assured when they get the license it will still be worth the trip - they used to make all kinds of sake cocktails. I'm sure they'll be bringing those back.
A little pricey, but definately worth a try at least once. And sooner the better - before they get the liquor license.

Pros: Great food, great ambience, romantic

Cons: Small, so get there early, big groups would be difficult, cash only

Posted 01/12/06

We read so many great reviews here, so we gave a try on our anniversary. The service was excellent, but food was just awful. Crews told us that they are experimenting with their menu, but we felt all dishes need more flavors. Perhaps we shouldve avoided Asian dishes? (We ordered mainly Pan-Asian dish, not Western). There was a couple seating next to us, and they were complementing their dish (Western type), so we think thats the trick. We may try again in the future, try our the western dish, rather than Asian. For now we are disappointed.

Pros: Service

Cons: Pan-Asian food, Location

Posted 12/29/05

The prices are over the top for the neighborhood. These people are trying to bring SOHO to Astoria, charging more than what one would pay *in* SOHO. As a vegetarian, the two options on the menu were a cop-out (roasted vegetables or tofu steak). I ordered the tofu steak to find two limp pieces of very soft tofu drowned in a sweet, salty sauce laden with MSG. The only sustenance on the plate were 4 mushrooms (unless you count the half of a handful of "field greens", read: lettuce). I'm not a big eater and I could have eaten 4 of this small $9 entree, if not for the disgusting sauce. Read, if you are going to try to make vegetarian food, do some research and *go* to one of the hundreds of veggie resturants in NYC. Vegetarians need to feel full, too.

Cons: price, portions, flavor

Posted 12/21/05

Very disappointed after hearing such great things. 2 of us came in at 8 pm, ordered 2 appetizers & 2 entrees. The "waitress" interrupted us halfway through our meal to say that if we wanted dessert we had to order it then, because the kitchen wanted to close. Not even 9 o'clock.
while the hangar steak was good, the sweet potato "fries" that were supposed to come with it were undercooked, greasy, and completely limp. totally inedible. the roasted salmon was VERY overcooked, but the bok choy was lovely. the eel tempura appetizer was very good, and the bouillabaise desperately needed seasoning.

It is a shame. Perhaps it was an "off night," but i will not be returning. To have the kitchen staff standing around rolling their eyes and sighing at you while you're trying to finish your meal (at 9 PM!) is NOT a pleasant dining experience.

Pros: cute + cosy

Cons: poor food, overpriced, unpleasant staff

Posted 12/18/05

The food was amazing...the only drawback of this place is its tiny size. Make a reservation! The ambience is nice, but it was a touch hot with the kitchen being right there...but it's certainly worth the food, and it's suprisingly quiet, even with the close proximity to other people. I really recommend this place...

Pros: great food, great value

Cons: a little small, a little hot

Posted 09/19/05

This place is a stunning gem of a restaurant - real food with incredible flavours...brilliant, elegant plate presentations, excellent value, sweet, pleasant service, intimate atmosphere, but you can't say enough about the food - original tastes and textures, brilliantly conceived, ambitious but not overwrought or fussy..a fabulous find that should have a line out the door!

Posted 09/10/05

I love Tuna rolls and can't get enough - Sushi on Thursday nights is the way to go! Try the assortment or order something from the kitchen - either way you will enjoy it immensely!

Posted 09/08/05