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Home > Restaurants > DB Bistro Moderne

All Reader Reviews of...

DB Bistro Moderne

55 W. 44th St., New York, NY, 10036
nr. Fifth Ave.
212-391-2400

5.7 "Mixed Reviews"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10		 Write Your Own Review
57% Would you go back?
42% Would you take a date?
14% Would you take kids?
42% Would you go on business?
28% Would you go on a special occasion?
Food: 6.3
Service: 6.0
Décor: 7.0
Value: 5.1
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  • Showing reviews 1 through 7 of 7

Am I supposed to ask?

charmpastry from 90210 | Posted on 6/5/09

Overall Rating: 4 (Not Recommended)
Would you go back? No
Would you take a date? No
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? No
Would you go on a special occasion? No
Food: 5
Service: 4
Décor: 6
Value: 4

The good: nice soup The bad: Too cramped. Slow service. Dry salmon. Thin sauce. The worst: Although too full for dessert, we saw that the neighboring table received a small plate of mignardises at the completion of their meal. In lieu of dessert, I thought I would save space in my tummy for the mignardise instead (normally, complimentary at any fine dining establishment, like amuse bouches are). Alas, we were not given any, just the bill after we declined dessert. Upon leaving, I asked the server if mignardises are only offered to those who ordered dessert, and she said "yes usually, but did you want some, you could have just asked..." Last time I checked, I should not have to ASK for items which should be complimentary to ALL the customers, not just select ones. I would expect more from any calibre of restaurant associated with Chef Boulud. Had I known that I would not receive them, I would have ordered dessert...

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2 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Adding things to bill

diner_ from N1 9SW | Posted on 3/16/09

Overall Rating: 1 (Not Recommended)
Would you go back? No
Would you take a date? No
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? No
Would you go on a special occasion? No
Food: 2
Service: 1
Décor: 4
Value: 1

Horrible experience at this restaurant: booked a table, started up conversation with our neighboring table and at the end of the night a $200 bottle of champagne was on our bill instead of the other table's. Management would not believe us, as the other table had left. Would have been nice to know how that champagne tasted...

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2 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

a classy staple

ceh from 10022 | Posted on 6/21/07

Overall Rating: 8 (Recommended)
Would you go back? Yes
Would you take a date? Yes
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? Yes
Would you go on a special occasion? Yes
Food: 9
Service: 8
Décor: 9
Value: 8

I've been to db for both lunch a dinner a few times, and I haven't had a bad experience yet. The service is about what one would expect- not overly stiff but still has an upscale(ish) feeling. I am a huge fan of the fois gras burger, but the other dishes are equally enjoyable. It can get loud at times, especially during lunch-hour rush or pre-theater, so go a little later if you're looking for a more intimate meal. Presentation of dishes is superb, and the dishes are a little unique- they add a slight twist to traditional French food. db is my "safety" restaurant when choosing a place for a special occassion or a fancier meal. I always walk away satisfied and happy.

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282 out of 600 people found this review helpful.

Good

omeko3 from 10590 | Posted on 6/19/07

Overall Rating: 7 (Recommended)
Would you go back? Yes
Would you take a date? Yes
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? Yes
Would you go on a special occasion? No
Food: 7
Service: 8
Décor: 8
Value: 7

I have been there many times, the foie gras burger is amazing. One time I decided to stray from the usual and chose a lobster salad that was quite good and the duck which was mediocre. The service there is usually pretty good, nothing special but nothing bad about it. Stick with the foie gras burger and you cannot go wrong.

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338 out of 622 people found this review helpful.

Food excels though buzz is gone

wny56 from 10001 | Posted on 2/28/07

Overall Rating: 8 (Recommended)
Would you go back? Yes
Would you take a date? Yes
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? No
Would you go on a special occasion? Yes
Food: 9
Service: 8
Décor: 8
Value: 7

When I dined here two years ago, this restaurant was abuzz with people. The crowd noise was at a high level and the food was too. I dined here recently and was surprised that the restaurant was not full of patrons-maybe it was because of the very cold weather. However, it was a positive that one could now hear one's conversation. The food was still on a high level. The yellowfin tuna was precisely grilled and the scallops were great. And the chocolate clafoutis for dessert still rules.

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315 out of 619 people found this review helpful.

Disappointing Over Hyped Hamburger

TL12345 | Posted on 8/2/05

Overall Rating: 3 (Not Recommended)
Would you go back? No
Would you take a date? No
Would you take kids? No
Would you go on business? No
Would you go on a special occasion? No
Food: 3
Service: 5
Décor: 5
Value: 2

In all honesty, you are not missing anything if you skip DB Moderne. I was lured by the false promise of foie gras in my burger, however at closer inspection, the less than thumb nail sized portion barely is worth the added expense. My after thought is that one should go to Whole Foods and buy some fresh sirloin and go to town for $8/lb as opposed to $30 for a single hamburger and a few fries. My suggestion to all is to skip the over priced, over hyped burger at DB and if you really want a treat, try something unique like the corner bistro burger for less than $5. End of the day, you will have more in your pocket and less headache for having traveled to midtown.

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336 out of 667 people found this review helpful.

A brilliant idea...

huntleysf | Posted on 10/11/03

Overall Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)
Would you go back? Yes
Would you take a date? No
Would you take kids? Yes
Would you go on business? Yes
Would you go on a special occasion? No
Food: 9
Service: 8
Décor: 9
Value: 7

..to provide first-rate French cuisine, quick and sassy, in a hip setting for the pre-theater crowd. DB really is the ideal updated bistro, with great presentation and flavors. It's amazing that this food is so much like the upscale food at Daniel, but there is a bit of sticker shock. You're paying for pretty glamorous food without the glamorous setting. I would go over and over if I had a show to catch, but I'd spend the same money in a fancier place otherwise.

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363 out of 716 people found this review helpful.

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