Just Opened: Bistro 33's new Side Door Cafe serving Ice Cream, Coffee Drinks, Smoothies, Light Lunches and more...open daily 11am - 11pm

(718) 721-1933

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

Get Map & Directions »

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

The Owner

Bistro 33

Owner

"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]

Provided by CityGrid

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

11/10/09

.... Bad Service

by NYCNICKK at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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

As Seen In…

Message from Bistro 33

  • Patio Seating
  • Full Sushi Menu
  • Saturday & Sunday Brunch 11am - 3:45pm

"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]

Bistro 33
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