The bistro: what a delightful mystery. First, its origins. Does it come from the Russian bistro? Or the Parisian slang bistingo? Who knows. What we do know is that since the 19th century, a bistro has been a cosy, down-to-earth eatery – more intimate than a brasserie and more affordable than a restaurant. The telltale signs? A timeworn interior, a laid-back and lively vibe, a charismatic, sometimes eccentric owner with plenty to say, and a menu packed with comforting classics; terrine, pot-au-feu, blanquette – we could go on.
But bistros have been evolving since the late 20th century. They’ve become the testing ground for a ‘new cuisine’ focused on quality ingredients, seasonality, and creativity – more accessible for diners and easier for chefs to launch. The neo-bistros we know and love now emerged from this desire to eat good, without the stiff formality of old-school fine dining. And so, bistronomy was born – a brilliant term coined by the late Sébastien Demorand. For the past decade, the team over at Time Out Paris have been scouring Paris – the world capital of the bistro – to bring you the very best. This guide rounds up old-school classics, inventive bistronomic gems, and fresh newcomers with globe-trotting plates – all offering unbeatable bang for your buck. Here are the best bistrots in Paris, all reviewed by our local editors.
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