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

Downstairs, Gazette, the hotel’s Parisian-style bistro, serves up hearty French classics like brie baguettes and croque monsieur for breakfast. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Loungers set under an arched cover make an excellent spot to catch up on your reading in the afternoon sun, while a bistro dining set overlooking the village of Ménerbes and its surrounding mountains is better than any dinner reservation, in our opinion. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

There are many great dining options available on-site, too, including Flannel seasonal bistro and The Roost, which serves elevated bar food. —Kristine Thomason, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026

The street front space has been reinvented by Michael Lester and wife, Regina, as a romantic French bistro. —Providence Journal, The Providence Journal, 7 Mar. 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