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

• boîte
• cabaret
• café
• cafe
• club
• nightclub
• nightspot
• nitery
• niterie
• roadhouse
• supper club

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

Consider snapping up this bistro table set that’s an excellent bang for your buck at just $120. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 3 May 2025

In the afternoon, the café-style windows are thrown open as its bistro tables spill out onto the sidewalk, ready to hold gigantic Aperol spritzes in burgundy glasses. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 May 2025

Dining Sets Make your backyard more functional by incorporating a petite dining set or bistro table into the space. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

There’s even a designer-lookalike bistro table that’s more affordable but just as stylish. —Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025

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