What is a Bistro Restaurant? (Food Items To Order in Bistro)
A bistro restaurant is a style of establishment that offers meals in a casual and chic, environment. They tend to be less formal than traditional restaurants, with a more relaxed atmosphere. Food is ordered at the table by a server, who takes the order and delivers the food when it is ready.
It differs from the more relaxed café-style of eating where you may have to order your own food at the till or counter.
Bistros are originally from France and originated in the 1800s. If you visit France today, you will find them everywhere, especially in Paris. Their charm is now enjoyed around the world. However, the most authentic will serve French food in a traditional setting.
Why is a Restaurant Called a Bistro?
Most linguists think ‘Bistro’ comes from the French word ‘Bistrot’, meaning ‘quick’. Bistros were places you could have something to eat if you were in a hurry, hence the name.
Some argue that the word comes from the early 1810s when Russian soldiers were occupying France. They would order coffee and demand it was quick, shouting ‘bistro!’. However, most linguists believe this to be a myth as there is no recorded usage until the late 1800s.
What is a Bistro Restaurant?
A bistro is a cozy eatery, usually serving French-style comfort food. They tend to be intimate, with less than 20 tables, but this can vary. The menu celebrates French food but is usually more homely than French fine dining food.
One of the reasons people love visiting bistros is that they have a great atmosphere and cozy ambiance. Think traditional wooden tables, tablecloths, and a dark wooden bar or counter. Bistro menus tend to be similar and have variations of the same dishes.
If you visit one, you should expect to see predominantly French food, such as cassoulet, salads, and steak frites. The food is generally served quickly, ideal for a quick lunch. Everything should be prepared using fresh ingredients.
Although the prices aren’t as cheap as takeaway, they are moderately priced. In France, there is usually a ‘Menu Du Jour’ (menu of the day), a set meal of 2 or 3 courses at a reduced rate.
French food goes hand in hand with French wine. Bistros serve alcohol, with a good range of aperitifs and spirits. There is a selection of wines which are of French and moderately priced.
What is a Bistro Vs Cafe?
They are sometimes confused with cafes, but they are actually quite different. Cafes are smaller places that serve hot drinks, cakes, and often light lunches such as sandwiches and salads. They usually close in the evening, but bistros serve lunch and dinner.
| Characteristic | Bistro | Cafe |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed and | Casual |
| Size | Usually, small | Small |
| Menu | Homemade French classics | Cakes, sandwiches, and light bites |
| Opening Hours | Lunchtime and evenings | Daytime only |
| Pricing | Midrange, usually with cheaper set menu | Cheap |
| Décor | Traditional French style | Simple |
| Service | Table service | Counter service |
Although the prices aren’t as cheap as takeaway, they are moderately priced. In France, there is usually a ‘Menu Du Jour’ (menu of the day), a set meal of 2 or 3 courses at a reduced rate.
French food goes hand in hand with French wine. Bistros serve alcohol, with a good range of aperitifs and spirits. There is a selection of wines which are of French and moderately priced.
What Foods Are Sold At a Bistro?
If you visit a range of these in France, you will probably see the same meals repeated. Bistros across France tend to have a similar menu, with minor regional variations. So, what can you expect to eat?
01. Steak Frites
This is just French for ‘steak and chips.’ The steak will always be beef, but the cut will depend on the venue.
02. Croque Monsieur/Madame
This is a French classic. A slice of white bread topped with melted cheese and ham. A croque madame is with a fried egg on top.
03. Ratatouille
Made famous by the children’s film, this is a warming vegetable stew, usually made from courgette, aubergine, and tomato sauce.
04. Omelette
The French love their omelettes and they are a lunch staple. They usually have cheese, mushrooms, and ham.
05. French Onion Soup
A thick soup that is made using sweet onions. It is served with slice of crusty bread on top. It is finished with an oozing slice of melted cheese (usually Gruyere).
06. Cassoulet
This is a hearty bean stew with pork or sausage, very popular in the South of France.
What Happens in a Bistro?
Bistros have been part of French culture since the 1800s. They have acted as centres for revolutionaries to meet, creatives to observe human behaviour, and for anybody wanting a quick hearty meal. They are the subject of paintings and appear in lots of famous novels.
Bistros are still a great place to enjoy a meal and people-watch. You will see a spectrum of people, some having a quick solo lunch, some having business meetings, and some sharing a romantic meal in a beautiful setting.
Is Bistro a Small Restaurant?
No, a bistro is not just a small restaurant. Bistros offer a different dining experience for the customers. Fresh food is served quickly at a reasonable price.
Bistros are originally French, so the menu should have French influence, unlike a small restaurant that can serve any cuisine.
They are also different in the specific character of their décor. It is usually possible to spot a bistro by the way it is decorated and the furniture.
What is The Purpose of a Bistro?
The main appeal of a bistro is that it can offer a little bit of calm in a busy, fast-paced world. So much of modern life is rushing around from place to place, never pausing for breath.
Sitting down for lunch seems like something from a bygone era. Most of us only have time to grab a quick sandwich or salad.
Going for lunch at a bistro restaurant offers customers an escape from this. The warming French menu and décor make you feel like you have stepped into the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big is a Bistro?
They come in all sizes but are usually smaller with fewer than 20 tables.
How Does a Bistro Restaurant Work?
You will first find a dining area out the front with tables for customers to sit at. Drinks are dispensed from the bar. Here are bar stools for customers wanting a quick coffee or bite to eat.
How Many Items Should Be on a Bistro Menu?
There is no set amount, but bistro menus are usually small, with less than ten main courses. There should be a couple of starters and desserts.
What Do You Call Someone Who Works in a Bistro?
You will be welcomed by the Maître’d. Someone in the kitchen can be a chef or kitchen porter (KP). If they are serving drinks, they are a bartender. Anyone serving tables is known as a waiter or waitress. There may also be a general manager.
What is a Bistro Style Kitchen?
It is usually a closed kitchen with lots of fresh ingredients.
What is a Synonym For Bistro?
There isn’t really any other word for bistro except bistro!
Final Thoughts
Bistro restaurants are fantastic places to enjoy a traditional French meal in a calm, picturesque setting. If you need a moment of calm and serenity, find a bistro, order a glass of French wine, and watch the world go by.
