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Bistro, brasserie, bouillon or café? The answer lies in a unique social order. CALLUM MCDERMOTT decodes the rules of French restaurant hierarchy.

- CALLUM MCDERMOTT

Australia's bistro renaissance is well and truly under way. But what is a bistro, actually? We're so used to using the term synonymously with restaurants that it's easy to forget that bistros are their own distinct type of restaurant - the two aren't interchangeable. This is useful to keep in mind if you're planning a trip to France this year - especially if you're heading to Paris. The City of Light has its own taxonomy for its unique venues; and brasseries, bistros, cafés and more all offer differing emphases on approaches to food, drink, décor and service. Let this crash course guide your way.

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