Some etymologists argue that the term bistro has nothing to do with the Russians. Instead, the word stems from the french “bistraud” which roughly translates to “wine seller's assistant”. Regardless of the specific origin, this French term has been used all over the world and has become incredibly popular.

Essentially, not very much. A bistro is a type of restaurant and is just further defined as smaller and more casual than a fine dining establishment. Often, a bistro is described as more of a neighborhood restaurant with community ties, and a warm, cozy, inviting atmosphere.

These restaurants were small places that had very limited menu options that could change on a daily basis. The owners used to display the menus on blackboards and the food was quite inexpensive. The word “bistro” comes from the term “bwystra”, which means fast in Russian.

The word “bistro” originates from the French language and refers to a type of restaurant that serves moderately priced, simple food and drinks. In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of the word “bistro,” the history of bistro restaurants, and how you can create the perfect French cafe vibe in your own home.