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

For dining, Mandala Society, a healthy bistro, serves international dishes like avocado toast and smoothie bowls, while Azouka Eatery, run by a Norwegian-Moroccan couple, offers an unmissable farm-to-table experience. —Livia Hengel, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Ikea The Swedish furniture retailer is giving away frozen yogurt at its bistros on Election Day. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024

Madeleine, crafted by chef Rik de Jonge, focuses on classic French bistro fare with contemporary flourishes, like escargot, oeuf mayonnaise, and poulet noir with lobster sauce. —Gurdeep Loyal, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024

Think of it as a harmonious haven under one roof: a restaurant, bistro, tea room, cocktail spot, and venue for everything from business lunches to romantic dinners. —Jenn Rice, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

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