Restaurants, French Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants, Asian Restaurants
$$$$, Date Spot, Lunch Spot, Notable Beer List, Notable Chef, Notable Wine List, Outdoor Dining
"Seared Tuna & Foie Gras is spectacular" [Time Out NY] "Downtown style with a softer edge...Bistro 33 is a capital addition to the neighborhood's global cuisine" [**Newsday]
Located in Long Island City, LilBistro 33 is only 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan via train. Its prime location just off of the N, W, G, R, or V line make it LIC's best-kept secret.
The plating of the food is done with class and flare however; it is second compared to the distinct flavor of the meal. The menu features a fusion of rich foods from Asian and French origins. The Lil' Bistro has an intimate atmosphere perfect for that first date or lone diner looking for a quiet savory dinner. Beware, in addition to your meal you just may fall in love with the charming staff of chefs. Sitting at the bar provides you with a close up view of the kitchen's inter-workings and an opportunity for conversation with the chefs.
Prices are reasonable for the overall experience, service is timely, and usually reservations are not needed during the week.
PROS: Cozy space, warm decor, excellent food
CONS: You may not want to leave
Posted 06/07/05 | Report Abuse
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This place might be small and hidden but it has a quaint charm with great flavors.
Pros: good food, nice ambience, good value
Cons: small
Posted 08/31/05
WHEN I FISRT STEPPED FOOT INTO THE DOORS OF BISTRO, I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT THAT THIS SMALL PLACE HAS FABOLOUS DISHES. THE CEVICHE IS SO GOOD, EVERY BITE MAKES YOU WANT MORE. THE GUAVA SAUCE SPICED UP WITH THAI CHILIES,UNBELIVABLE AND MOUTHWATERING. I HAD THE DUCK WITH CHERRIES AND LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, THE SAUCE AND CHERRIES COMPLIMENT THE DUCK LIKE YOU WOULDNT BELIEVE. THE BEST PART OF THE MEAL IN MY EYES IS THE DESSERT. (OMG) THE BREAD PUDDING AND THE CHOCOLATE OR WHITE CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE ARE ALL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE WHO HASENT HAD THEM YET. THUMBS UP FOR CHEF GARY AND HIS DISHES!!!!
Pros: INEXPENSIVE, ROMANTIC, IRRESISTABLE
Posted 07/14/05
Thanks to citysearch I actually found this place. My boyfriend and I had our first of many wonderful dinners there. The owners are such nice people, they really cater to their clients. The chef and part owner is so into his new restaurant that his excitement is part of the experience of dining there. But the best part is their awesome food and the great prices! Their weekend sushi is out of this world and there is a lot to choose from. It is romantic and delicious and an overall feel good experience. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!!!
Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive, Romantic
Cons: Small
Posted 02/17/05
I went there with my colleagues and we tried everything on the menu. The food was just delicious! After stuffing ourselves silly, we still ordered all the desserts and finished them in no time. Need I say more?
Posted 02/16/05
I highly recommend this delightful dining spot. The menu is so interesting, along with the romantic atmosphere, and charming decor. The food presentation was done to perfection! And it wasn't just looks, it tasted delicious. We started with some sushi, my wife had the Godzilla Roll, she raved about it all weekend! I had duck for my entree, excellent! and my wife had the red snapper which she also loved. They also have some counter seats where you can see the Chef preparing the meals and the sushi!
Pros: Excellent Food, Ambience, Friendly Service
Posted 02/14/05
Just checked out Bistro33 at its new location (even better because it's closer to where I live). The food is even better than before and they now serve sushi all the time! I think it's the best in the neighborhood (and many places beyond). The new space is bigger and much more open than before..a corner location with windows that open all the way so you feel like you are outside. The only problem what that they don't have a liquor license yet, but they said they are getting it soon.
Pros: great food, relaxed friendly atmosphere
Posted 02/11/05
My colleagues and I went to Lil' Bistro 33 to celebrate the holiday season. Everything on the menu sounded fantastic so, we ordered it all! Each dish was different and they were all amazing. Even the desserts are works of art. What a wonderful introduction to this terrific find in Queens. This is a great restaurant for appetizers and drinks or to eat a series of gourmet courses, all in a warm and inviting environment.
Posted 02/11/05
Slightly bigger than a Manhattan apartment's kitchen, seats about 18 people, and is pretty non-descript from the outside. HOWEVER: the food is unparalleled, the service most excellent, and the prices, though not "dirt cheap", certainly not exhorbitant, and definitely great value for money.
Amongst the food, right from the soups, salads, appetizers, through the main course and the desserts - everything was excellent. We were a group of 12 people and thus had the ability to taste almost everything on the menu. The crabcake, though not at all bad, does not match up to the rest of the items on the menu - which far far exceed anyone's expectations. The edamame were not the best ever, either. However, EVERYTHING else was stupenduously delicious. Even the tofu steak - which, definitely was the best I've tasted anywhere. Amongst the desserts, the Chocolate dish and the banana coconut crepes are the yummiest.
Pros: food, service, price
Cons: , lack of ambiance
Posted 12/29/04
everything was good except the crab cake(it wasn't horrible but i've had better).
i don't know if this is a place to take your date to..i didn't think it was all romantic...looked more like a cafeteria with nice candle lights but their service was outstanding..they explain your questions thoroughly.
Try their new zealand lamb chops and banana crepe dessert. they are really good and affordable.
Pros: Food, Price, Service
Posted 12/22/04
They now have a liquor license and I asked when they will be taking credit cards and they said in two weeks. The service is wonderful and the food is absolutely to die for!!!! Its great to have a great resturant in the neighborhood. The cheif worked at Bond St.
Pros: food, service, price
Posted 10/08/04
If you live in the area...... GO. If you don't live in the area....GO. If you need a nice place to take a date...GO. If you want great food at a reasonable price....GO.
And finially, as a parent, I went with my daughter during the early dinner hour (a time parents should take their kids when at a quaint resturant like this . She loved the food and thought it was fancy.
Pros: Inexpensive, location
Posted 10/01/04
With a modest exterior one can easily miss this bistro...don't ,we highly recommend it. Bring wine, cash. (wine & cards not accepted yet) Specials of the day plentiful! First, we tried duck and vegetable spring rolls, eggplant & spicy seafood soup. All were to our liking. Entrees: Red Snapper, Goat Cheese Crab Cakes and our favorite, New Zealand Lamb Chops...extremely tasteful!! Topped off the evening with three desserts: a heavenly ginger infused creme brulee (very light), banana crepe with ice cream and a cinnamon icecream with apples. Service extremely friendly & attentive;the small bistro atmosphere quaint and we were never felt rushed! Only critique: no espresso to go with dessert! Although, it would seem a perfect idea to keep this place our own secret, we'd rather share our find with others and see this bistro thrive so it will stay open for many years to come!
Pros: good parking, quiet and quaint, superb food/service
Cons: , no espresso, cash only
Posted 09/11/04
My first time here was for lunch with a friend. You HAVE to have the lamb starter. The flavor was amazing! The duck spring roll and the salmon tartare was sooo tasty. The plum vinagrette on my spinach salad was great. And the banana crepes with the green tea syrup was a delicious cap to lunch. I love this place! Can't wait to try their dinner items.
Pros: Excellent Food, Great people, Good prices
Posted 09/10/04
Bistro 33 is a hidden treasure in Long island City. I almost hate to write this for fear that once people know how great the food is I might not be able to get a table. Asian /French fusion is what they call it. I think it's just delicious.The food is outstanding and so is the service. We loved it so much we celebrated our Anniversary there last Friday. Don't miss the Goat Cheese Crab Cakes, the "to die for" Sushi and of course the Chocolate souffle( yum). Remember BYOB!! Keep it up Gary & Jackie! We're sold.
Posted 08/25/04
We stumbled upon this place by looking up restaraunts in City Search! I'm so glad that we did because the food was excellent and the service matched it. Everything tasted so fresh and was blended perfectly. I love to eat and this is the perfect place to indulge. I was too full for dessert, but the tables around me seemed to be very pleased with their dessert results. I know to save room next time.
Posted 07/16/04
I came all the way from Rockland County to enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere of LB33. The space is warm, cozy and intimate. The menu offers a wide selection of reasonably priced starters and entrees. We started with the Gyoza and Shrimp Tempura, both of which were far superior to the ones you get in your average Japanese place. The dishes are creatively presented and the portions are generous. The Shrimp in Coconut Milk and Crab Cakes were delicious and filling. The desserts are outstanding, with Warm Banana Coconut Crepes the overall best choice. LB33 is BYOB, so grab a bottle of wine, drop on in and enjoy!
Pros: Great food, Great atmosphere, Resonably priced
Posted 07/16/04
I must say something about this place because it really did take my breath away! just like what my gf said after having dinner in this very romantic, yet simple but nice restaurant. You better just come! The food is sooooo fabulous. They perfectly blend french & asian inspired cuisines and come up with a unique and amazing food!!! And check this out, the price is right! So where else you can find heaven, only in this New restaurant!
Pros: Food is Fabulous!!, Romantic&Cozy, Service is prompt
Posted 07/07/04
Great new spot in Astoria/LIC. Great food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Perfect place to take a date or to impress visitors from out of town or just other boros.
Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Cozy
Posted 07/06/04
A great place to spend an evening- start with seaweed salad and delicious ceviche, have the steak with blue cheese for dinner and move to dessert crepes to die for! Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy.
Pros: food, broad menu, unique dishes
Posted 07/02/04
Amazing ceviche. Shrimp stewed in coconut milk and the crab cakes entrees were wonderful. Killer banana crepes. Just a short walk from the N/W line 36th Ave stop. Date idea: dinner at Lil' Bistro 33 followed by a movie at Kaufmann/Astoria 14 theater. Highly recommended.
Pros: Inexpensive, Excellent variety, Cozy
Cons: , Cash only
Posted 07/02/04
...that way you can sample more of the excellent menu choices. We started with the Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa and the Crispy Tofu Salad. Both were delicious. The Salmon and the Duck entrees were superb and we were glad we saved room for dessert! The Coconut Banana Crepes were wonderful. (I usually opt for chocolate, but I would order these again...and again!) I think I'll try the Lamb Chops next time and, of course, some of whatever my dinner date is having!!
Pros: great food
Posted 07/01/04
I got the fast breaking news that there's a cozy, warm & simple restaurant out there in Long Island City. And when I checked it out with my boyfriend-we were grateful to our friends who told us about it! The food with a touch of french and asian cuisines is so fabulous and check it out, the price is very reasonable. I just cant wait for my boyfriend to have another date with me there! The place is so romantic too... Congratulations to the Chef and owner himself, you'll see us more often.
Pros: food is fantastic, warm,cozy ambiance, personalized service
Posted 06/29/04
