Bistro restaurants are a type of restaurant that is becoming increasingly popular. They are typically small, intimate restaurants that offer a menu of French or Italian cuisine. Bistros often have a casual atmosphere, and they are usually less expensive than other types of restaurants.

While both bistros and cafes provide fairly simple, moderately priced food and drinks to a small dining room, bistros tend to serve full meals to diners who eat at their tables. Cafes typically serve snacks, cakes, desserts, and other basic fare that can be consumed fairly quickly or even taken on the go.