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

Food and drink Emil, the on-site restaurant, does contemporary bistro fare with a Mediterranean twist (lots of fish and vegetables) but doesn’t come cheap. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

Choose a seat in the downstairs bistro, maybe the coveted window seat, or in the cozy sofa lounge upstairs. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Church Avenue is revived, nearly every storefront occupied, jazz clubs mixing with Haitian bistros, home-loan shops, day-care centers, and Jamaican fish shacks. —Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

This four-star, chalet-style property offers half-board rates and has a bistro with an à la carte menu, plus an outdoor pool and a spa. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 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