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.

The etymology is unclear. The Dictionnaire de l'Académie française dates the word from the 19th century term, bistro, "innkeeper", and suggests that it may be linked to the Poitevin word bistraud ("little servant"), or to bistrouille ("cheap liquor"). It recommends the spelling "bistrot" in preference to "bistro".

Chef Valerie Chang opened Maty's in 2023 to wide acclaim. The Midtown restaurant, which has won numerous accolades since opening in 2023, was also ranked number 15 on Food & Wine's 2024 list of 20 "Global Tastemakers Best Restaurants in the U.S." The Peruvian restaurant was ranked number 15 out of 20 restaurants.

Chef and restaurateur David Myers, known as the “Gypsy Chef,” has opened his first restaurant on the east coast of the U.S. with Adrift Mare in Brickell. Main courses include a whole grilled sea bass, grilled King Crab legs, grilled prawns and mixed shish kebabs.