What Is a Bistro? How It Differs From Other Establishments

“What’s a bistro? Isn’t that just another word for a restaurant?” We wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve thought this before. While many people mistake bistros for restaurants, these are separate types of establishments. If you plan to become a restaurateur someday, understanding their differences is key to success. 

In this article, we’ll explain what is a bistro and compare it to other eatery types. Keep reading to learn more about these dining spots!

What Is a Bistro Restaurant?

Bistro refers to neighbourhood restaurants typically serving simple meals. Bistros provide a casual dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.  Although this French word is often mistakenly used to refer to elegant, formal restaurants, the true bistro meaning is a casual venue to enjoy home-cooked meals in an intimate setting. 

Bistros originated in France, where landlords set up small-scale neighbourhood restaurants in the basements of their inns and apartments as another source of income.  Locals and visitors alike could stop by for classic French dishes at affordable prices.

Today, bistro cuisine includes fusion dishes that incorporate styles and flavours from other countries. Bistros may have locally inspired dishes that give locals a nostalgic experience and allow tourists to experience a town’s signature flavours. 

Origins of the Word Bistro

Do you know where the word Bistro comes from? You might assume it’s a French word, but the origins are unclear and interesting! Bistro could be a Russian word. Some say during the Napoleonic Wars, Russian soldiers occupied Paris and dined in the city’s restaurants. They used a similar sounding word, which meant “hurry,” to demand faster service. The Russian word became the French bistro, meaning “fast,” and exemplifies the unpretentious food served in these fairly plain restaurants. 

What’s a Bistro? 4 Defining Characteristics

When answering “what is a bistro restaurant,” it’s important to cover these dining establishments’ key characteristics. We’ve already briefly addressed the casual atmosphere and cuisine, but let’s dig deeper to get to the core bistro meaning.

Food Served 

Bistros have fewer menu options than traditional restaurants, because they focus on quality over quantity. Bistro cuisine is all about simple preparation and comforting flavours.  As we mentioned previously, while French food is traditional bistro fare, modern bistros might play with international dishes for a contemporary fusion menu. 

So what is bistro food? Well, you may have tried it before. Think hearty crowd pleasers like French onion soup, quiche, steak frites, and boeuf bourguignon. 

Drinks Menu 

Most bistros offer a diverse range of drinks, from non-alcoholic to alcoholic beverages. Wine is a common staple across all establishments, and you’ll find uniquely named cocktails and mocktails on the list. You may also see coffee-based drinks on the menu to complement the relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Atmosphere

You can think of a bistro’s relaxed atmosphere as a complement to its cuisine. Simple, comfortable, quaint—these are words that come to mind when defining the ambiance of a classic bistro. This is a laid-back space that invites guests to take it easy.