Seemor

Quality BistroA-Worth Trying

Name: Quality Bistro
Address: 120 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, New York, United States
Rating: 4.5

120 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019 · French restaurant, Bistro, Cocktail bar · 4.5/5 Google (1454 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Polished Midtown French bistro with standout butter service, strong seafood and steaks, lively scene, and inconsistent host stand; great for celebrations if you can handle premium pricing and bustle.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Quality Bistro delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like French onion soup and scallops, paired with attentive service and appealing midtown setting. However, occasional seasoning inconsistencies and peak-time operational friction—crowded foyers and host delays—prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants for celebrations and special occasions.

Restaurant Summary

A Midtown room that feels warm and bustling, where servers sweep by with seafood towers and the famous butter cart. Guests describe it as polished yet lively, with moments of gracious manager attention: "We felt very taken care of." Be aware that peak nights can bring crowded foyers and long waits at the host stand. The kitchen leans classic French with playful flourishes: onion soup with a serious cheese pull, tender scallops, and steaks seasoned boldly, plus the crowd-pleasing corn creme brulee. The culinary approach reads elevated traditional (innovation level 6.2): mostly bistro comfort with some theatrical touches rather than chef-lab experiments. Best for diners who enjoy rich flavors, strong seafood, and celebration-ready plates. Families do fine here thanks to accessible dishes like steak frites, lemon chicken, mac and cheese, and fries. Portions are generous and staff can accommodate gluten-free or allergy needs. There is no formal kids menu, so choose familiar items and skip the more adventurous options if your crew prefers simple favorites.

At a Glance

Signature butter service is theatrical, generous, and delicious
Strong core classics (onion soup, scallops, steaks, corn creme brulee)
Reservation delays and crowded entrance at peak times
Occasional seasoning inconsistency (salty pasta, chewy steak, overdone fries)

What Sets It Apart

tableside_butter_service
seafood_plateau_centerpiece
midtown_pre_theater_location
polished_bistro_design

What People Love

The fun, tableside butter ritual
Rich, comforting French flavors
Beautiful room and presentation
Attentive servers who make it feel special
Generous portions and desserts

Points of Concern

Host stand can run significantly behind reservations on busy nights
Some upselling pressure and bottled water billing confusion reported
Inconsistent execution on fries and occasional chewy steak
Solo diners at the bar sometimes feel overlooked

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$90-120 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Share one rich starter (butter service) plus lighter crudo before a fish or steak main
Pair steaks with pommes puree over fries if you prefer softer textures
Dessert share: Nutella Opéra Cake or Espresso Crème Brûlée

Perfect For

Pre-theater dinner with time to spare
Birthday or milestone celebration
Seafood and steak date night
Business dinner with polished ambiance

Location Insights

Area: Busy Midtown West near theaters and offices; draws pre-show diners and celebratory groups.

Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe with strong street lighting; crowded at peak times.

Nearby: Near Broadway theaters, Carnegie Hall, hotels, and 5th/6th Ave shopping; parade route proximity mentioned.

Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a diverse range of restaurants from casual eateries to upscale dining. The area has a lively, urban atmosphere with a strong connection to the nearby Theater District, attracting both locals and visitors looking for quality food and nightlife.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Tuesday11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Wednesday11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Thursday11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Friday11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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