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

This modern bistro set invites your furry friend to join the party. — Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2026

For more modest setups, consider this three-piece bistro set that is ideal for a front porch or small deck. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

For hard evidence of this, go to up-and-coming Micklegate Street, a cobbled thoroughfare lined with intimate eateries like cottagecore coffeehouse Partisan, tapas spot Sotano, and contemporary British bistros Skosh and The Rattle Owl. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 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