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 French bistro isn’t known as a soccer bar. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Other, more casual options include Bar Oso, a tapas restaurant with creative twists on traditional Spanish dishes, and Lorette Brasserie, a French bistro with an incredible brunch. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

Residents packed a bistro off Biscayne Boulevard for a community meeting organized in part by Caitlin Dydzuhn, who was attacked May 19 outside her condo. —Abby Dodge, CBS News, 9 June 2026

The new bistro is one of the first projects unveiledf under the leadership of Poliform’s new chief executive officer, second generation family member Marco Spinelli. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 June 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