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 result is a mix of old-school hotel bars, downtown Italian institutions and buzzy French bistros — the kinds of places where A-listers tend to turn up again and again. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026

Pastis The quintessential celebrity-magnet French bistro in the Meatpacking District basically defines downtown cool. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026

This bistro set will instantly elevate your outdoor space with its modern look. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

Not to mention $560 is an excellent market price for a bistro set made with durability top of mind. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 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