Restaurant 718 (duplicate)

Went here with my boyfriend a few days before Valentine's Day. Made reservations, was seated promptly, liked the table we were seated at and the service was very good that evening, contrary to some other reviews. However, the decor was a little cheesy, and I don't just mean cause it was Valentine's Day. The appetizer was just so-so. I received a very pureed, overpriced, butternut squash soup. Yet the entree was great, flatiron steak, with great flavor. The trio of creme brulee for dessert was an interesting presentation, and fun to try, although not the best brulee. My concern was, not to talk about other restaurants, but there are other French and Spanish restaurants in Queens with spectacular food that charge a bit less. However I would like to go back to try their braised short ribs w/ foie gras appetizer. So thumbs up to some of the selections. Pros: good service, decent food Cons: overpriced, overpriced wine more

718 is a nice departure from the other restaurants in Astoria. It's cozy inside, it has a well-thought out menu, and they add the extra touch of a belly dancer. The fact that it hopping every night is a sign that Astoria is looking for more restaurants like this, however, I hope if more like 718 come along they don't mimick their high prices! Entree range from $20-30, but they do have less expensive options like the pizzas. The steak, lamb chops, and crab cakes are delicious and expertly cooked (the spinach, sauteed in peanut oil, is esp. good). Service was about 75% (busy), cocktails were tasty and creative. You can tell the owners care about creating a nice atmosphere and a serving a good meal. Just wish it was less expensive. Pros: house wine is great, nice size portions, atmosphere Cons: pricey, service lackluster more

I have such a love/hate relationship with 718. LOVE: It's a nice change from the local places in Astoria. The wine is actually pretty good, particularly the Cote du Rhone. The appetizers and tapas are very good. And although the decor isn't boring/garish/obnoxious/etc. Seating is pretty quick too. HATE: The entrees just don't live up to their descriptions, especially the tortes a.k.a. uncooked thin-crust pizzas. Your hair could be on fire and the staff still wouldn't notice you. The hostess, above everyone else is extremely snotty and rude. On one occasion she completely ignored myself and another couple as she yapped into her cellphone, then had the nerve to make a comment about my date's attire to one of the staff lounging nearby. Pretty ballsy, considering I've seen classier acts at truck stop diners. Pros: Decor, Wine, Appetizers Cons: Service, Portions, Entrees more

I went with a friend for brunch one Sunday and we were treated horribly. The inappropriately midriff-baring hostess laughed at me when I asked her a question about the menu. The waiter only came to our table to take our order and then never showed up again. I asked passing servers and the hostess three times for more water and was blatantly ignored. Oh and ""Tortes"" are actually - get this - thin crust pizza. I knew those crazy French were mistaken for Centuries... Don't waste your time it was not a pleasant experience. Pros: Decent Food Cons: Over Priced, Terrible Service, Pretentious Decor more

I went to 718 with a few friends, and we were all impressed. The food is fab and the prices are reasonable. The portions aren't as large as many are used to, but then there's room for dessert!! more

A friend and I trecked up to 718 for a mid-day Sunday meal. We weren't sure if we wanted a sandwich or a full meal, and were up for the adventure. The service was non-existent once we placed our order. Apparently flat water is not sufficiently chi-chi. (Our mimosas were the norm.) When we asked about the fixed priced our horrible waitress , literally, laughed at us. After being pointedly ignored for over a 1/2 hour waiting for water (no one ever asked how our meal was), we gave up. Mind you - we were seated IN FRONT OF the service/bar area. As a catty comment, the level of attire expected of hostesses has diminished over the years. I draw the line at being exposed to someone's underwear. Ugh. The lack of service ruined the meal (which was well prepared). Don't go. Pros: Food, Price Cons: No Service, Rude waitstaff more

I really can't say good thing about this place other than the belly dancing. Their cookings are way too sweet....Maybe it is the pseudo-Latin flavor. Ordered an entree of hanger steak. It came with home fries and the sauce just ruined this nice piece of meat. Tried their chocolate molten cake for dessert and the winner goes to Duncan Hines Brownies Mixed..No sighting of beer on their drink menu...might beer drinkers are bunch of rednecks or hicks. Was told that the best selling beer there are Bud and Coors. Wine list are decent but $$ for a bottle of mediocre wine. But I must admit that the hostess are friendly. I will only go back there if there is an improvement. Also don't go there if you expect a great portion. The orders came in kiddie special. Pros: Belly Dancing, Hostess, Decor Cons: Sauce, Fusion Wannabe, Portion more

I just went to 718 last Friday and I went purely on the recommendations from CitySearch. I'm really glad I went. The food was excellent. Not a HUGE selection of entrees, but it's a pretty new place, so hopefully they will add to the menu. Also, the entrees are slightly overpriced (by $2 or $3), but appetizers and desserts are well priced. The decor was FABULOUS. It's a nice addition to Astoria. I will definitely go there again. more

I've eaten at 718 three times. Consistently the food, service and ambience are highly impressive. There are few restaurants even in Manhattan that are such wonderful creations as this place. Pros: Very reasonablePrices, Excellent food, excellent ambience more

My Wife and I went to 718 last night and had a wonderful evening. We made reservations an hour earlier and were able to be seated at 8pm. I found this place a chic with a none of the attitude. The service at this restaurant is exceptionally good and the food to match. My only complaint is that the portion size was a little lacking for the price. I do recommend this restaurant. Pros: Amibance, Service, Tasty Food more

Went there the other night on a Tuesday and there was a nice little crowd there. Not too expensive for the delicious food. The olive oil dip to begin was the best I've ever had...full of freshly crushed olives....mmmmm.......The service was great - the food delicious - very tasty. Will make it a point to go back several times to this cozy little restaurant. Pros: Delicious Food, Friendly Staff, Olive oil dip more

I'm jealous that this restaurant is in Astoria and not in my neighborhood in Manhattan. There are many things to choose from on the menu. The roasted tomato and mozzarella salad is delicious, and we also tried the grilled calamari special that was tasty(and the size of an entree!). The chicken and trout entrees were also delicious. The chef has a way of using spices to create some wonderful and unexpected flavors. We happened to be in Astoria visiting someone and needed a place to eat, and were pleasantly surprised by the food and atmosphere at this place. It was a dining experience and dinner for 2 was only $80 for 3 courses with wine and tip! If only they'd move to NYC... Pros: great food, excellent value, cozy atmosphere more