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

Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

For hard evidence of this, go to up-and-coming Micklegate Street, a cobbled thoroughfare lined with intimate eateries like cottagecore coffeehouse Partisan, tapas spot Sotano, and contemporary British bistros Skosh and The Rattle Owl. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Back at the restaurant, which was transformed into a simple Italian bistro for their Dogue cover shoot, Sansa and Bad Bunny enjoyed a spaghetti dinner worthy of a Lady and the Tramp reboot. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

It’s been a bit more challenging to snag a table since this modern French bistro earned a Michelin recommendation last fall. — Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 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