A bistro is restaurant serving simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Home cooking with robust earthy dishes, and slow-cooked foods like cassoulet are typical.
Freshly prepared grills, pasta, fish and vegetarian dishes, all in the nature of bistro food.
Bistros likely developed out of the basement kitchens of apartments where tenants paid for both room and board. Menus were built around foods that were simple and fun to eat. Wine and coffee were also served. The limited space for diners in these cramped corners prompted the tradition of adding table service to the footpath.