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

Born into a family of restaurateurs, twins Margot and Félix Dumant are on a quest to resurrect the traditional Parisian bistro, a concept some think is an endangered species in a fast-changing restaurant scene. —Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

The hotel has an on-site bistro serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026

The main building holds 41 rooms alongside a bistro and fine dining restaurant, while a winding path through the park leads to a seaside restaurant and a barbecue terrace. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 25 May 2026

From omakase to Taiwanese bistros to kava cafés, here are the new openings, menu updates and anticipated spots to know now. —Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 22 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