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Bistro Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bistro

[หˆbiหstrษ™สŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

restaurant

A small, casual restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting.

Synonyms

brasserie, cafe, eatery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bistro

A small, casual restaurant that typically serves simple, homestyle meals. Often associated with French cuisine but can be more general.

  • We decided to grab a quick lunch at the local bistro
  • Her favorite bistro serves the best quiche Lorraine in town
cafe

A small and casual place that mainly serves drinks like coffee or tea, along with light snacks and simple meals. Often a place for socializing or working.

  • She likes to spend her afternoons working at a cozy cafe
  • They met for a quick coffee at the cafe around the corner
brasserie

A large, bustling restaurant with slightly more formal settings than a bistro, offering a wide variety of dishes. Originates from French culture.

  • We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the brasserie downtown
  • He took her to a well-known brasserie for their anniversary
eatery

A generic term for any place where food is served. It can be used for casual or fast food places, not specific to any cuisine.

  • We found a small eatery that serves amazing sandwiches
  • The new eatery in town has become very popular among students

Examples of usage

  • Let's grab dinner at the cozy bistro around the corner.
  • The bistro is known for its delicious homemade pastries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Culture

  • Bistros typically offer a limited menu that changes seasonally, focusing on fresh ingredients.
  • They are known for their relaxed atmosphere, allowing friends and families to enjoy meals without the formality of fine dining.
  • Classic bistro dishes often include items like coq au vin, duck confit, and onion soup, showcasing the richness of French cuisine.

Pop Culture

  • Bistros often appear in films and books that highlight French culture, evoking a romantic and artistic ambiance.
  • Many modern cities around the world now have bistros that combine local flavors with traditional French cooking methods.
  • TV shows often depict scenes in bistros to create a cozy and approachable setting for character interactions.

Historical Significance

  • In the late 20th century, bistros became pivotal in the food revolution, championing fresh, local ingredients and simple cooking methods.
  • The bistro culture contributed to the popularity of casual dining, influencing restaurants globally to embrace a more relaxed approach.
  • French bistros helped democratize fine cuisine, making it accessible to everyone, not just the elite.

Global Influence

  • While originating in France, the bistro concept has spread worldwide, resulting in various adaptations in different culinary traditions.
  • In many cities, you can find bistros offering local dishes along with classic French fare, blending cultures in one meal.
  • The idea of a bistro has inspired similar concepts in different countries, leading to adaptations like tapas bars in Spain, targeting casual and easy dining.

Origin of 'bistro'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bistro' comes from the Russian word 'bystro,' meaning 'quick,' which reflects the quick service dining style.
  • The term started being used in France in the early 19th century, often describing casual eateries in Paris.
  • Originally, bistros were places where soldiers could get a meal during the war, linking the name to the quickness of food service.

The word 'bistro' originated from the Russian word 'bystro', meaning 'quickly'. It was first used in France to describe small, informal restaurants serving simple meals quickly. Over time, the concept of a bistro has spread worldwide and is now associated with casual dining establishments.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,677, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.