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

The menu is still in the works, but will lean American bistro (think steak frites, burgers, shrimp cocktail) like the other Delilahs. —Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2026

The bright white interior channels a relaxed French bistro, while the experience leans more elevated. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026

This Polish bistro from owners Piotr and Iwona Nowocien expanded from the Miami original to its first Broward County perch in February 2025, across from the Pompano Beach Amphitheater. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026

The result is a mix of old-school hotel bars, downtown Italian institutions and buzzy French bistros — the kinds of places where A-listers tend to turn up again and again. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 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