db Bistro moderne

(212) 391-2400

55 W 44th St
New York, NY 10036 40.7555 -73.9816

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Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown

danielnyc.com/dbbistro.html

Hours:

Mon, 7am-10am, noon-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm

Tue-Thu, 7am-10am, noon-2:30pm and 5pm-11pm

Fri, 7am-10pm, noon-2:30pm and 5pm-11:30pm

Sat, 8am-2:30pm and 5pm-11:30pm

Sun, 8am-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 9.13.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Breakfast, Hotel Restaurants, Brunch, Theater District Dining, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Hamburgers, French, Seafood

Notable Chef:

Daniel Boulud

What People Are Saying About db Bistro moderne

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – The famous chef may call his third restaurant a bistro, but to leave it at that would be a little misleading. No bistro in New York has loftier aspirations, a fact that becomes plain the moment you enter. Decor is visually arresting--photographs of flame-red dahlias that evoke a hell-risen legion of Georgia O'Keeffes are particularly memorable. – – The Food – Though cheaper than Daniel or Cafe Boulud, a meal here still guarantees at least one or two moments certain to leave the average diner stumbling for superlatives. The perfectly attuned crunch of sliced…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Boulud's signature eatery, Daniel, is one of the best restaurants in New York.
Breakfast:
The breakfast menu includes dishes like French toast and omelettes.
ambiance
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. Maybe Daniel Boulud is a genius, but he sure didn't give a flying one about the the people shelling out for what's supposed to be a very romantic holiday.
  2. have wined and dined in NYC for many years and I must tell you that DB Bistro is a great location with an incredible menu.
  3. The decor is modern with clean and classic lines.
  4. cool, modern interior and also has a great location for Theatre.
  5. The place is cozy and friendly.
  6. Great location for a theatre night.
  7. Location: Great location just East of the Theater District
  8. The decor is depressing.
  9. The less formal food and atmosphere make this a great place to sample Boulud fare at more reasonable prices.
  10. had salmon tartare that was very fresh and tasty, and my friend had the yellow split pea soup which was a fun change from green and was very smooth and creamy.
  11. Great location, great food, great martini and I just HAD to try that outrageous burger.
  12. The food, the service and the ambiance were superb.
dessert
95.83000183105469% positive
  1. While our starter (lentil soup) was excellent, the entrees were not above average and the desserts were a bit disappointing.
  2. The duck is superb and chocolate desserts are delectable.
  3. but the real kicker was when i ordered dessert (heavenly pumpkin chocolate mousse), i made a joke about also ordering an umbrella since it had just started raining outside, and the waiter went into the hotel next door and got us one!
  4. However the fantastic tuna tartare set the bar very high and I had high expectations for the main courses and desserts, although they were tasty, never quite lived up to my expectations.
  5. could not even bring myself to order dessert.
  6. The desserts were really excellent too.
  7. Desserts were pretty good, but then again even I could whip up a pretty good melted chocolate and melted caramel pudding.
  8. went for my birthday dinner and the kitchen prepared a nice dessert that had "happy birthday heather" on it -- a nice touch.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. The wine list had several amazing wines from which to choose.
  2. Had the db burger, which was juicy and delicious as always, at the bar.
  3. The waiter recommended a perfect wine, exactly what i had described to him.
  4. The 5 of us really enjoyed our food, the wine list is interesting and overall, it's not that pricey (well, compared to Daniel anyway!)
  5. However the fantastic tuna tartare set the bar very high and I had high expectations for the main courses and desserts, although they were tasty, never quite lived up to my expectations.
  6. the sommelier really knew what he was talking about and my friend who is an aficionado of wine himself ended up chatting up for a good 20 mins at the end of the meal.
food quality
80.83000183105469% positive
  1. The friend potato puffs were an interesting take on your classic fry, and added to the enjoyable experience.
  2. The food was excellent - my parents who came in from out of town thoroughly enjoyed the meal despite the price.
  3. have been wanting to try the famous db burger, but the dinner menu was so attractive and mouth watering, I decided to pass and try it another time.
  4. Each ingredient they use may be of good quality, but as one dish it does not combine well, therefore the overall taste is really not unified.
  5. We had an exquisite lobster bisque and the famous tomato tatin.
  6. The duck was tasty and well cooked with a fantastic sauce.
  7. the sommelier really knew what he was talking about and my friend who is an aficionado of wine himself ended up chatting up for a good 20 mins at the end of the meal.
  8. If you don't mind the noise, and can deal with crowds, db does dish up some increidbly tasty food.
  9. The appetizers were well done and our main courses ($30 burger and Crispy Duck) were absolutely wonderful.
  10. The restaurant did have a unique menu of seafood that i regret not trying.
  11. Okay, the food sucks and the service is lousy.
  12. The less formal food and atmosphere make this a great place to sample Boulud fare at more reasonable prices.
  13. The Alsantian was extremely disappointing, it was basically a mini pizza.
  14. There was a great energy throughout the meal.
  15. also had gnocchi with a mushroom sauce that was kind of rich and filling, but really delicious.
  16. had salmon tartare that was very fresh and tasty, and my friend had the yellow split pea soup which was a fun change from green and was very smooth and creamy.
  17. The waitter told us the signature dishes were the Alsantian (can't quite remember the name so forgive me if this is wrong) and the famous DB burger.
  18. Best meal, best service in the heart of midtown!
  19. Good food , good service , nice place and people, good for after theater dining.
  20. The standard bistro fare was well executed, Great burger with cute condiments display.
  21. Excellent all the way around with perfect service, exemplary menu and the best burger in all of NYC.
  22. Great location, great food, great martini and I just HAD to try that outrageous burger.
  23. Only problem was - an older gentleman (well-dressed but a little enebriated) chose to sit down right next to me - despite the fact that all 15 other seats were free - order himself a martini, and then describe how dry and dissapointing the burger was when
  24. The burger was fantastic - the stuffing was full of flavor, definitely making the burger.
  25. This is my first time to NYC and I come from a small town, so I may not be the best food critic.
  26. And then a cherry cheescake with a sorbet on top (I think it was cherry too) which was so fresh and fruity.
  27. The expensive "colossal" shrimp were 4 extra large bland shrimp.
  28. do not mind paying for good food but this was a rip-off
  29. The food was not heart-stopping, but it was very, very good, especially for this touristy part of town, where I am forever trying to find a nice lunch spot to visit with familly or friends during my workday.
  30. The tuna tartare was melt-in-your mouth delicious, and the beet/blue cheese/walnut salad was a sublime rendition of oft-combined ingredients.
  31. thought it was good, portions were a tad smaller than my liking but service & food taste was good.
  32. The food is always well made, never too complex, but always with a tasty twist.
  33. but the food was delicious.
  34. Not just a great burger
  35. great food experience
  36. We came to enjoy a very expensive meal with the expectation of great food and a great experience.
  37. The food was terrible.
  38. The food was outstanding.
  39. Seems pretentious, but walk in for lunch and order one of their famous $26 burgers - with perfect fries and high-end service, it's worth every penny.
  40. The beef was excellent and the martini's are HUGE.
  41. The food, the service and the ambiance were superb.
  42. tarte flambee, tuna tartare and spearfish rounded out an all around great meal.
  43. To me, this excuse only proof three things: 1) the restaurant is usually empty so they would never had to deal with a full restaurant on a regular basis or 2) the kitchen and staff is totally unprepared for the night or 3) our waiter just don't know that
  44. great food for any night.
  45. The food is great, the place has great energy (always packed) and the staff is very helpful.
  46. The sourdough bread they brought to our table was divine, however, my duck and wild mushroom entree was just ok - not as flavorful as the same dish at Balthazar.
  47. The second course was some sort of white fish rolled with spinach, it was also terrible, tasted like a cheap appetizer plate at a bad wedding.
  48. But the food was so lousy it indicated to me a complete lack of respect for their clientele, and maybe that's something you'd want to know about.
  49. great burger, annoying patron
  50. we started with the butternut-squash soup and the artichoke soup, both which has such unbelievable flavors, then we all shared the unbelievable shrimp risotto, the burger of course, and the special skate, which was hands down the best fish dish i've had i
  51. So aside from the yummy food, the staff was very friendly as well.
  52. This is what the maitre d said in a most obnoxious manner we are a bistro, well they certainly do not charge bistro prices for $250 meal for 2, I think I would have been happier chomping on a McDonalds burger.
  53. The burger was still very good, however not sure if it's worth the money or the hype.
  54. Finding good food elsewhere is not far.
  55. At that price, the food and service, the overall experience was ridiculously disappointing.
  56. The 5 of us really enjoyed our food, the wine list is interesting and overall, it's not that pricey (well, compared to Daniel anyway!)
  57. Luckily, our neighbors were nice, and the food was terrific.
  58. There was a short rib on the entree plate which was excellent, but the meat and veggies were rubbish.
  59. Don't let the famous name trick you into thinking that you're going to get a great meal.
  60. The presentation is second to none, and the dishes are very unique combining ingredients I've never before considered!
  61. However the fantastic tuna tartare set the bar very high and I had high expectations for the main courses and desserts, although they were tasty, never quite lived up to my expectations.
  62. The world famous burger was bland and the fries were no mcdonald's fries that's for sure.
  63. The food was utterly mediocre, but more annoyingly, the service was not just inattentive, but borderline hostile.
  64. Had the db burger, which was juicy and delicious as always, at the bar.
  65. The service was good and attentive but the food I thought was average for the price and the reputation of the place.
  66. My friend had the beef dish (I don't remember the french name it was called), but it had lots of nice vegetables, and they even came to the table with a kettle-type thing to pour the broth on top.
  67. The food is great especially the seafood.
  68. Instead, I enjoyed every spoon of a chilled pea soup that was an ode to the season.
  69. The food was truly awful and the service complacent (including the waiter that spilled a tray of water on me and refused to apologize b/c it was water.)
  70. However the Tuna tartare was amazing and easily the best dish of the night.
  71. While our starter (lentil soup) was excellent, the entrees were not above average and the desserts were a bit disappointing.
  72. Every meal has been quite good and the waitstaff very friendly.
  73. It was the worst burger I have ever had!
  74. Sublime food; perfect pre-theater
  75. Good food!
  76. It is no regular bistro the food is amazing!
  77. wonderful food - prefect setting - professional service.
  78. The lump crab appetizer was amazingly fresh and tasty, the tuna tartare left something to be desired.
  79. Granted, I've yet to have a great experience with the "budget" dishes offered for restaurant week, but I really thought that DB's name would assure at least a certain level of quality.
  80. The Maine halibut that followed, on a bed of delicate fava beans and a wonderful broth was also delicious.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. Excellent all the way around with perfect service, exemplary menu and the best burger in all of NYC.
  2. The restaurant did have a unique menu of seafood that i regret not trying.
  3. have wined and dined in NYC for many years and I must tell you that DB Bistro is a great location with an incredible menu.
  4. delicate flavors, interesting menu
  5. have been wanting to try the famous db burger, but the dinner menu was so attractive and mouth watering, I decided to pass and try it another time.
  6. Had a very good dinner before theatre (great menu).
overall
92.8600025177002% positive
  1. Good food , good service , nice place and people, good for after theater dining.
  2. The food is great, the place has great energy (always packed) and the staff is very helpful.
  3. The less formal food and atmosphere make this a great place to sample Boulud fare at more reasonable prices.
  4. My favorite restaurant when I want some place special.
  5. The service was good and attentive but the food I thought was average for the price and the reputation of the place.
  6. Granted, I've yet to have a great experience with the "budget" dishes offered for restaurant week, but I really thought that DB's name would assure at least a certain level of quality.
  7. This was the first time I've ever left a paltry tip at a nice restaurant -- for the worst service I've ever received at one.
return potential
50.0% positive
  1. Still, the place is overpriced and I won't go back.
  2. Our waiter was very professional and we'll defenitely go back.
service
74.01000022888184% positive
  1. The service was good and attentive but the food I thought was average for the price and the reputation of the place.
  2. Our waiter was very professional and we'll defenitely go back.
  3. The restaurant was in full swing and the servers and busboys coordinated every move.
  4. The maitre d' and host were very polite and accomodating, though we had a collection of various waiters and busboys attending to us, which did cause a bit of confusion.
  5. The place is cozy and friendly.
  6. our waitress (who was ok) disappeared in the middle of our dinner, leaving us to an obnoxious amateur (must answer the phones or something) who could not answer our questions and treated us extremely rudely.
  7. The staff was friendly and mello.
  8. Excellent all the way around with perfect service, exemplary menu and the best burger in all of NYC.
  9. the service was abysmal.
  10. but the real kicker was when i ordered dessert (heavenly pumpkin chocolate mousse), i made a joke about also ordering an umbrella since it had just started raining outside, and the waiter went into the hotel next door and got us one!
  11. The food was truly awful and the service complacent (including the waiter that spilled a tray of water on me and refused to apologize b/c it was water.)
  12. Every meal has been quite good and the waitstaff very friendly.
  13. Maybe Daniel Boulud is a genius, but he sure didn't give a flying one about the the people shelling out for what's supposed to be a very romantic holiday.
  14. Our waitress was nice, although she almost seemed embarassed to be working at such a pretentious establishment.
  15. If you're thinking of going here, save your money and go to the plethora of good restaurants where the staff doesn't make you feel like they're doing you a favor by taking your moeny.
  16. Good food , good service , nice place and people, good for after theater dining.
  17. This was the first time I've ever left a paltry tip at a nice restaurant -- for the worst service I've ever received at one.
  18. The food, the service and the ambiance were superb.
  19. The wait staff is very nice, but we were rushed out in about an hour AND on Valentine's Day!
  20. Best meal, best service in the heart of midtown!
  21. Service was attentive, music was perfect I enjoyed it.
  22. Perhaps Mr. Bolud should replace this rude individual from the place to make it a perfect 10.
  23. The waiter recommended a perfect wine, exactly what i had described to him.
  24. We had a wonderful experience at this new Times Square bistro, except for the rude uncooperative and obnoxious maitre d'.
  25. The servers were excellent and never too far or too busy to see that our every whim was met.
  26. would definately recommend the restaurant to other people whether it was restaurant week or not.
  27. Although our server disappeared from the beginning but the manager made it up, he was very sincere and provided good recommendation.
  28. wonderful food - prefect setting - professional service.
  29. The service is attentive, but will admit the aura is a bit on the snobby side.
  30. The food was utterly mediocre, but more annoyingly, the service was not just inattentive, but borderline hostile.
  31. The wait staff was incredibly knowledgeable of things they don't normally don't know (what's the differnce between bacalao and cod?)
  32. So aside from the yummy food, the staff was very friendly as well.
  33. thought it was good, portions were a tad smaller than my liking but service & food taste was good.
  34. Okay, the food sucks and the service is lousy.
  35. The service was rude.
  36. Our server was outstanding professional yet friendly, a balance other restaurants miss.
  37. Seems pretentious, but walk in for lunch and order one of their famous $26 burgers - with perfect fries and high-end service, it's worth every penny.
  38. To me, this excuse only proof three things: 1) the restaurant is usually empty so they would never had to deal with a full restaurant on a regular basis or 2) the kitchen and staff is totally unprepared for the night or 3) our waiter just don't know that
  39. At that price, the food and service, the overall experience was ridiculously disappointing.
  40. While a bit cramped, service was attentive and pleasant.
  41. To the contrary, my server here was exceedingly pleasant and polite, as was every waitstaff person who came by to check on me or deliver or remove a plate.
  42. The food is great, the place has great energy (always packed) and the staff is very helpful.
value
65.63000202178955% positive
  1. The second course was some sort of white fish rolled with spinach, it was also terrible, tasted like a cheap appetizer plate at a bad wedding.
  2. The less formal food and atmosphere make this a great place to sample Boulud fare at more reasonable prices.
  3. The burger was still very good, however not sure if it's worth the money or the hype.
  4. taste of Boulud at a reasonable price
  5. We came to enjoy a very expensive meal with the expectation of great food and a great experience.
  6. At that price, the food and service, the overall experience was ridiculously disappointing.
  7. The service was good and attentive but the food I thought was average for the price and the reputation of the place.
  8. This is what the maitre d said in a most obnoxious manner we are a bistro, well they certainly do not charge bistro prices for $250 meal for 2, I think I would have been happier chomping on a McDonalds burger.
  9. Still, the place is overpriced and I won't go back.
  10. The expensive "colossal" shrimp were 4 extra large bland shrimp.
  11. There are so many wonderful bistros in this city, please do not waste the money or a night out on this one.
  12. The food was excellent - my parents who came in from out of town thoroughly enjoyed the meal despite the price.
  13. thought it was good, portions were a tad smaller than my liking but service & food taste was good.
  14. Seems pretentious, but walk in for lunch and order one of their famous $26 burgers - with perfect fries and high-end service, it's worth every penny.
  15. If you're thinking of going here, save your money and go to the plethora of good restaurants where the staff doesn't make you feel like they're doing you a favor by taking your moeny.
  16. The 5 of us really enjoyed our food, the wine list is interesting and overall, it's not that pricey (well, compared to Daniel anyway!)
wait time
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. The long, narrow room is uncomfortable.
  2. the sommelier really knew what he was talking about and my friend who is an aficionado of wine himself ended up chatting up for a good 20 mins at the end of the meal.
  3. we started with the butternut-squash soup and the artichoke soup, both which has such unbelievable flavors, then we all shared the unbelievable shrimp risotto, the burger of course, and the special skate, which was hands down the best fish dish i've had i
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/08/11

Great Burger

by JeNY2005

When my friends visit me in NYC,I always bring them for db Burger!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/10/10

ONE OF THE GREATS

by diskburner1

When my partner and I go out for a nice evening in midtown, db Bistro moderne is the place. We have dinned there over a dozen times and the experience has only gotten better with each visit.

We have had almost every item on the menu and the kitchen is always offering us something off menu. I believe that this is not a usual occurrence so I would not recommend asking.

Our first visit was in the middle of summer and we had just come back from the Hampton’s late on a Sunday evening. I suggested that we go for a late supper somewhere in the theater district due to the late hour and the location of or return. The

Matride' seated us immediately and gave us service like we were formally dressed. We were not, I believe that I had on board shorts flip flop and a baseball cap turn backwards, my partner had on a strapless sundress and sandals. It was no problem at all.

We ere served by Beatrice, lovely women who became our regular guide on our culinary journey thought the wonderful offerings of this Bistro.

We have had most of our more important occasions there, anniversary’s, birthdays and work related celebrations. Each person that we introduce to this establishment remarks on the impeccable service, not just but Beatrice but the entire front of the house. The food arrives promptly and prepared to perfection. It is always a highlight of our guest stay in NYC when they join us there.

I would recommend this wonderful eatery to everyone, but all of this does come at a price. This is one of the more expensive restaurants that we have frequented, but we have always left there with a feeling of having a wonderful meal, great service so that is the value of our visits time and time again. That is a rare sentiment to attain from most restaurants. They achieve it without an effort in my experience

1 Star Rating: Poor

02/16/09

Valentine's dinner FAIL

by chrisishungry

I am reviewing BM's valentine's day fixed menu. Why? Well, I know they won't offer it every again, at least for a year. But the food was so lousy it indicated to me a complete lack of respect for their clientele, and maybe that's something you'd want to know about.

Here's the skinny: There was no decor, no one wished up happy valentines day, waited in the bar for 20 minutes and no one stopped to take our drink order (not very smooth on a romantic date and you can't even get your girl a glass of wine), the lobster first course was overcooked, under seasoned and a generally uninspired dish. Should have sent it back, mad at myself for not. The second course was some sort of white fish rolled with spinach, it was also terrible, tasted like a cheap appetizer plate at a bad wedding. Finally the sirloin was over cooked, juiceless and under seasoned. There was a short rib on the entree plate which was excellent, but the meat and veggies were rubbish.

We came to enjoy a very expensive meal with the expectation of great food and a great experience. We got neither. No one wished us happy valentines day, the server was absentee and didn't seem to care much (maybe it's because they went ahead and included his $70 of gratuity on the check automatically, insulting!) and the food was junk. Maybe Daniel Boulud is a genius, but he sure didn't give a flying one about the the people shelling out for what's supposed to be a very romantic holiday.

  • Pros: none that I can think of
  • Cons: taking a ton of my money for a terrible meal
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/09/08

Nice Birthday

by lakej

Dining at DB Bistro Moderne is an absolut must for anyone living in NY. It's definitely a splurge restaurant, but well worth it.They have a great wine list (although I don't remember anything being priced exceptionally well -- no big surprise there.) I went for my birthday dinner and the kitchen prepared a nice dessert that had "happy birthday heather" on it -- a nice touch.

  • Pros: food,wine list
4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/08/08

Greatest burger I have ever had

by lizzyred8

Dinner at DB Bistro was all that I had expected after reading the wonderful reviews. The lump crab appetizer was amazingly fresh and tasty, the tuna tartare left something to be desired. The burger was fantastic - the stuffing was full of flavor, definitely making the burger. No need for ketchup on this one. The friend potato puffs were an interesting take on your classic fry, and added to the enjoyable experience. Raspberry and chocolate for dessert completed the dining experience, leaving me with a longing to return.

  • Pros: Crab appetizer, burger, wine selection, apertif selection
  • Cons: tastless tuna

The Details on db Bistro moderne

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • famous db burger
  • great food experience
  • very nice wait staff
  • overpriced place
  • great expensive meal
  • favorite restaurant
  • rude service
  • nice dessert
  • great location
  • incredible exemplary menu
  • polite server
  • accomodating host
  • accomodating maitre d
  • worst burger
  • impressive aesthetic
  • of rich gnocchi
  • worst dinning experience
  • great martini
  • very professional waiter
  • bad dining
  • great energy
  • attentive highend service
  • best fish dish
  • classic lines
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