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

• nightclub
• cafe
• 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

Their patios are furnished with rattan bistro chairs like these from Martha Stewart’s furniture collection. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 5 July 2025

If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025

However, the Beavercreek location is the second Dayton-area bistro to close in the past month, following the Austin Landing restaurant, which closed in December. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Table Kobus in Epernay is a fantastic bistro with four prix fixe options including French classics like Foie Gras and duck magret. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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