(718) 721-1933

19-33 Ditmars Blvd (21st Street)
Astoria, NY 11105 40.781131 -73.917796

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Neighborhood: Ditmars Steinway

bistro33nyc.com

Hours:

Serving dinner nightly starting at 5pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Notable Beer List, Outdoor Dining, Notable Chef, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

French, Asian, Seafood, Sushi

What People Are Saying About Bistro 33

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Blending French and Asian culinary influences for lunch and dinner, including a sushi bar; wine and sake also served.

ambiance
92.8600025177002% positive
  1. It's great food in a relaxing atmosphere.
  2. Food was amazing, new location is wonderful
  3. Astoria/LIC. Great food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. came all the way from Rockland County to enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere of LB33.
  7. the food is consistently good and the atmosphere is engaging.
  8. got the fast breaking news that there's a cozy, warm & simple restaurant out there in Long Island City.
  9. The food, service and atmosphere were very good.
  10. tried to keep an open mind but found the atmosphere too park-slope like, and the food overpriced for the quality.
  11. Bonus- Nirvana makes a fine soundtrack for a romantic dinner for two.
  12. The place is so romantic too.
  13. It's small, romantic atmosphere is fitting for its addictive food.
  14. The food was amazing, and we love their new location.
  15. 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.
  16. The ambience is nice, but it was a touch hot with the kitchen being right there.
  17. It is romantic and delicious and an overall feel good experience.
  18. The menu is so interesting, along with the romantic atmosphere, and charming decor.
  19. The space is warm, cozy and intimate.
  20. just like what my gf said after having dinner in this very romantic, yet simple but nice restaurant.
  21. Service extremely friendly & attentive;the small bistro atmosphere quaint and we were never felt rushed!
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. 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.
  2. the chocolate souffle was soft in the middle, warm and delicious, but my favorite was a white chocolate cake with blueberries.
  3. everything was good except the crab cake(it wasn't horrible but i've had better).
  4. The Salmon and the Duck entrees were superb and we were glad we saved room for dessert!
  5. The desserts were great - a white chocolate souflee, a chocolate souflee, and a ginger creme brulee.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. love the desserts, but I wish they would bring back the banana crepes!
  9. Shrimp stewed in coconut milk and the crab cakes entrees were wonderful.
  10. The desserts are outstanding, with Warm Banana Coconut Crepes the overall best choice.
  11. Amongst the food, right from the soups, salads, appetizers, through the main course and the desserts - everything was excellent.
drinks
85.71000099182129% positive
  1. We were able to sit outside and people watch while we enjoyed great food and drinks.
  2. They have some interesting sake drinks and a pretty cool beer selection and the sushi bar is open late if you want a snack.
  3. 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.
  4. Coffee was undrinkable - kept at bar in a thermos - stale, bitter and luke warm.
  5. And the banana crepes with the green tea syrup was a delicious cap to lunch.
  6. More burgers and beer, sounds good to me.
  7. This is a great restaurant for appetizers and drinks or to eat a series of gourmet courses, all in a warm and inviting environment.
food quality
90.1099967956543% positive
  1. The fish just melts in your mouth and the sunflowers seeds are crispy and a little salty, it's a great combination.
  2. But the best part is their awesome food and the great prices!
  3. The desserts were great - a white chocolate souflee, a chocolate souflee, and a ginger creme brulee.
  4. The food, service and atmosphere were very good.
  5. They perfectly blend french & asian inspired cuisines and come up with a unique and amazing food!
  6. The portions were huge and the food just melted in your mouth.
  7. The most surprising thing was the bill, We've never paid so little for food so good.
  8. We were able to sit outside and people watch while we enjoyed great food and drinks.
  9. The plum vinagrette on my spinach salad was great.
  10. From the attentive service to the complex flavors of each dish, I would completely recommend Lil' Bistro to anyone who loves to eat.
  11. Probably the best sushi I have had in Astoria,hands down!
  12. Astoria/LIC. Great food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff.
  13. And the fish was extraordinarily fresh.
  14. The sushi is excellent and now I can get it seven days a week.
  15. Loved the lamb chops.
  16. More burgers and beer, sounds good to me.
  17. The sushi rolls were fresh and original.
  18. The service is wonderful and the food is absolutely to die for!
  19. The food with a touch of french and asian cuisines is so fabulous and check it out, the price is very reasonable.
  20. The fries were good.
  21. while the hangar steak was good, the sweet potato "fries" that were supposed to come with it were undercooked, greasy, and completely limp.
  22. However, EVERYTHING else was stupenduously delicious.
  23. 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.)
  24. The Shrimp in Coconut Milk and Crab Cakes were delicious and filling.
  25. Great food, great staff
  26. the food is consistently good and the atmosphere is engaging.
  27. came all the way from Rockland County to enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere of LB33.
  28. It is romantic and delicious and an overall feel good experience.
  29. So, we left and headed down the block to Agnanti where the service (as always) was great and the food FABULOUS.
  30. disgusting raw fish
  31. Good sushi rolls and specials- now get the storefront next door and expand
  32. I'm not a big eater and I could have eaten 4 of this small $9 entree, if not for the disgusting sauce.
  33. everything was good except the crab cake(it wasn't horrible but i've had better).
  34. 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.
  35. The duck spring roll and the salmon tartare was sooo tasty.
  36. there are so many delicious and affordable restaurants already, why run them out with another completely unneeded japanese joint?
  37. She loved the food and thought it was fancy.
  38. interesting combos like spicy white tuna/asparagus roll.
  39. Great food in terms of tase and quality.
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. Really good food!
  43. If you want great food at a reasonable price.
  44. The food is outstanding and so is the service.
  45. The fries were so good - they bring out a yummy dipping sauce - a spicy mayo.
  46. Best food in Astoria, worth the trip from Manhattan.
  47. Great food, great time
  48. They have some interesting sake drinks and a pretty cool beer selection and the sushi bar is open late if you want a snack.
  49. ughhh old nasty sushi.
  50. hear the BLT Roll served at brunch is delicious, so I will probably try it soon.
  51. It's great food in a relaxing atmosphere.
  52. It's small, romantic atmosphere is fitting for its addictive food.
  53. The salmon was very good.
  54. Instance 1) I went with my wife and ordered what at point was my favorite dish: hangar steak - rare.
  55. Creative chef, delicious foods!
  56. Amongst the food, right from the soups, salads, appetizers, through the main course and the desserts - everything was excellent.
  57. 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.
  58. tried to keep an open mind but found the atmosphere too park-slope like, and the food overpriced for the quality.
  59. the chocolate souffle was soft in the middle, warm and delicious, but my favorite was a white chocolate cake with blueberries.
  60. 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.
  61. This place is a stunning gem of a restaurant - real food with incredible
  62. It is slightly expensive but for the kind of food that they serve the prices are reasonable.
  63. Svc was horrible and the food was overpriced.
  64. 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.
  65. called the waiter over and he agreed that the steak was unacceptable.
  66. Seemingly everything is good at this place -- try the pan seared salmon, their roasted duck, or even simple dishes like chicken teriaki.
  67. had a fresh raspberry sake-tini that was delicious and their sushi was as well.
  68. sushi roll, and my entree was great.
  69. 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.
  70. It's a short walk from my apartment and the food is AMAZING.
  71. And the banana crepes with the green tea syrup was a delicious cap to lunch.
  72. My girlfriend got a bunch of sushi and I had a short rib burger that was awesome.
  73. Shrimp stewed in coconut milk and the crab cakes entrees were wonderful.
  74. It's much more expensive than it should be, but the food is certainly delish!
  75. The food was amazing.
  76. perfectly roasted piece of salmon with crispy skin drizzled with a two tone cappuccino tasting sauce.
  77. I'm so glad that we did because the food was excellent and the service matched it.
  78. Small place, but the food is delicious!
  79. The food was amazing, and we love their new location.
  80. and pricing his dishes at Manhattan prices is a big turn off.
  81. The service was excellent, but food was just awful.
  82. 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.
  83. As always, the food was amazing (best in the 'hood), but we were also treated to the experience of watching Chef Gary in action.
  84. The best and most interesting dish of the night was a cappuccino roast salmon fillet.
  85. 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.
  86. Chef is clearly ambitious and arrogant, but food is mediocre and overpriced.
  87. The crab salad appetizer with mango and avocado is highly recommended, and all of the sushi was fresh and delicious.
  88. The food was just delicious!
  89. 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!
  90. Even the tofu steak - which, definitely was the best I've tasted anywhere.
  91. by the way, the mimosa is INCLUDED in the price of the brunch, which is too expensive for the quality of the food.
menu variety
95.0% positive
  1. like the variety.
  2. 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.
  3. Everything on the menu sounded fantastic so, we ordered it all!
  4. The menu was interesting, very eclectic (brie and sliced apple omelette), everyone could definitely find something they liked.
  5. Overrated, interesting menu, tight seating.
  6. The menu is so interesting, along with the romantic atmosphere, and charming decor.
  7. They have some interesting sake drinks and a pretty cool beer selection and the sushi bar is open late if you want a snack.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. Unique menu, prices a little bit high,but it's worth it.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. just like what my gf said after having dinner in this very romantic, yet simple but nice restaurant.
  2. This is a great restaurant for appetizers and drinks or to eat a series of gourmet courses, all in a warm and inviting environment.
  3. Seemingly everything is good at this place -- try the pan seared salmon, their roasted duck, or even simple dishes like chicken teriaki.
  4. What a great place to hang out.
  5. 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!
  6. great place
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. 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
  2. would definitely come back in the warm weather to enjoy the outside seating!
service
82.5% positive
  1. So, we left and headed down the block to Agnanti where the service (as always) was great and the food FABULOUS.
  2. 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.
  3. Staff was rude.
  4. 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.
  5. From the attentive service to the complex flavors of each dish, I would completely recommend Lil' Bistro to anyone who loves to eat.
  6. Food is amazing, the service ruins it.
  7. The service is wonderful and the food is absolutely to die for!
  8. The service was friendly and the chef came out invite us to a party they are having to celebrate their 1 year anniversary.
  9. The service was even nice enough to put me on an outside table so my dog could sit.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. However the very professional staff kept their heads above the fray.
  13. The service was great.
  14. I'm so glad that we did because the food was excellent and the service matched it.
  15. The food, service and atmosphere were very good.
  16. 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!
  17. looked more like a cafeteria with nice candle lights but their service was outstanding.
  18. Astoria/LIC. Great food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff.
  19. We were able to sit outside and people watch while we enjoyed great food and drinks.
  20. The waitress recommended a new "white" roll that had white tuna, asparagus and some other stuff.
  21. The service is very nice once you are sat.
  22. Service extremely friendly & attentive;the small bistro atmosphere quaint and we were never felt rushed!
  23. The service was great and if you get there a little early you find yourself with few other people.
  24. 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.
  25. Everyone was really friendly.
  26. 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.
  27. An overall good dining experience was marred by our waitress' bad additudes.
  28. The waiter was very friendly and attentive/actually had a sense of humor.
  29. The owners are such nice people, they really cater to their clients.
  30. have always had excellent service, everyone there is very attentive.
  31. The food is outstanding and so is the service.
  32. The bartender (and possible owner) was just as nice.
  33. called the waiter over and he agreed that the steak was unacceptable.
  34. And the staff were so so nice.
  35. Great food, great staff
  36. 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.
  37. The server was very pleasant, but we should have taken our first cue from the fact that there was only one other occupied table.
  38. 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.
  39. The service was excellent, but food was just awful.
  40. would NEVER approve that flavor substitution, so whoever was your waitress went behind my back, and now I'm going to fire her.
value
73.68000030517578% positive
  1. Svc was horrible and the food was overpriced.
  2. Chef is clearly ambitious and arrogant, but food is mediocre and overpriced.
  3. little pricey, but definately worth a try at least once.
  4. It's much more expensive than it should be, but the food is certainly delish!
  5. The portions were huge and the food just melted in your mouth.
  6. The prices are totally reasonable.
  7. It is slightly expensive but for the kind of food that they serve the prices are reasonable.
  8. 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.
  9. If you want great food at a reasonable price.
  10. But the best part is their awesome food and the great prices!
  11. and pricing his dishes at Manhattan prices is a big turn off.
  12. 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.
  13. Unique menu, prices a little bit high,but it's worth it.
  14. Best food in Astoria, worth the trip from Manhattan.
  15. by the way, the mimosa is INCLUDED in the price of the brunch, which is too expensive for the quality of the food.
  16. there are so many delicious and affordable restaurants already, why run them out with another completely unneeded japanese joint?
  17. tried to keep an open mind but found the atmosphere too park-slope like, and the food overpriced for the quality.
  18. 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.
  19. The food with a touch of french and asian cuisines is so fabulous and check it out, the price is very reasonable.
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. To make a long, unpleasant evening short: we were never appeased.
  2. After no more than 10 minutes we were all completely uncomfortable from being toasted with the heat at full blast.
1 Star Rating: Poor

11/10/09

.... Bad Service

by NYCNICKK

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
3 Star Rating: Average

08/03/09

Order Rolls not Shrimp

by parisgreen04

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,
1 Star Rating: Poor

02/24/09

Food is amazing, the service ruins it.

by forzato

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/26/09

Great food Excellent service despite slight annoyances

by salonikamama

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/25/09

Food great Service Great

by cillmylandlord

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.

The Details on Bistro 33

Place Categories:

  • amazing great food
  • great service
  • great place
  • not recommend restaurant
  • reasonable prices
  • romantic atmosphere
  • excellent sushi
  • overpriced food
  • good seemingly everything
  • rude staff
  • good dining experience
  • interesting menu
  • original sushi rolls
  • warm space
  • romantic dinner
  • outstanding desserts
  • superb salmon
  • superb duck entrees
  • stale undrinkable
  • incredible flavors
  • favorite dish
  • unpleasant evening
  • delightful dining spot
  • stunning gem
  • never approve flavor substitution

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