A bistro is a type of restaurant and is just further defined as smaller and more casual than a fine dining establishment. Often, a bistro is described as more of a neighborhood restaurant with community ties, and a warm, cozy, inviting atmosphere.

This slang term was co-opted by the French from Russian invaders during the 1814 occupation of Paris. The term bistro was a mispronunciation of a similar Russian word that meant “hurry” something that Russian soldiers would often shout at cafe and restaurant owners during this occupation.

a small informal restaurant or bar, especially one in France or one in a French style. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Restaurants & cafes. all-you-can-eat. automat.

Bistros originated in France and typically serve casual French food, even (often but not always) in the United States. However, colloquially speaking, “bistro” describes a style of restaurant that is small, casual, and intimate.