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

The hotel’s bistro serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks that blend French influences with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Opened in April by chef Kevin Finch and his wife, Alexa, the Greenpoint restaurant is inspired by Parisian bistros, with seasonal dishes that are both comforting and complex. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026

The intimate 34-seat California-American bistro centers on a teensy open kitchen and a seasonally changing menu, with lunch and dinner served Tuesday through Saturday. — Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Mazzei and her sister, Veronica, who co-own a bistro in Cliffside Park, have been checking for updates sent by cellphone from family members and friends since the earthquake collapsed buildings in the country yesterday. — Will Clark, NBC news, 26 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