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

Betsy falls into the category of ambitious American bistro, powered by a central open hearth. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Located in an old house on Piedmont Avenue once home to the French bistro Atmosphere (and, before that, Cafe Anis), the restaurant has a tiny parking lot and zoning regulations that require valet parking. —Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Taste of Belguim has closed eight bistros since 2023, most recently its first-ever in Over-the-Rhine, which closed in September. —Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Jan. 2026

The neighborhood’s Oval Pool features cabanas, a poolside bistro, and a concierge. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 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