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 bistro or bistrot (/ˈbiːstroʊ/), in its original Parisian form, is a small restaurant serving moderately priced, simple meals in a modest setting. The term has also become used by more pretentious restaurants.

Bistro style has become a popular trend in home decor and dining experiences. The word “bistro” originates from the French language and refers to a type of restaurant that serves moderately priced, simple food and drinks.

A modern bistro may serve any type of food, but they most commonly offer either locally inspired dishes or traditional French cuisine.