bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbē-(ˌ)strō  ˈbi- 

plural bistros

1

: a small or unpretentious restaurant

2

a

: a small bar or tavern

b

: nightclub

Synonyms of bistro

• nightclub
• cabaret
• club
• café

Examples of bistro in a Sentence

a bistro in Paris that serves veal chops and hearty stews

a section of the city populated with casual bistros offering entertainment to suit nearly every taste

Recent Examples on the Web

Spilsbury, a native Southern California who previously owned her own café, describes Cbar as a welcoming coastal bistro with worldly flavors, especially from the regions where its wines are sourced. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

The second is Bar Alimentar in Príncipe Real, a cozy Italian-Portuguese fusion bistro where the walls are lined with wine bottles and white taper candles. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Now Noah Sandoval and Larry Feldmeier are gearing up for their next chapter with All Well, a new American bistro coming to the West Loop neighborhood this spring. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

Downstairs, Gazette, the hotel’s Parisian-style bistro, serves up hearty French classics like brie baguettes and croque monsieur for breakfast. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbēs-(ˌ)trō  ˈbis- 

: a small or modest restaurant