Trust me, these adorable outdoor bistro sets will look srsly cute on your patio or balcony

Find the best outdoor bistro sets to make al fresco dining a joy this summer

Bistro furniture on green background
(Image credit: Future)

It’s summertime, y’all! And as someone who is the ULTIMATE sun worshipper, I will take any opportunity to be outside — even if it’s just for five minutes. I'm not sure about you, but my outdoor space is teeny tiny. Which means I need to think a little harder before filling it.

IMO, no adult outside space would be complete without some patio furniture (from one of the best outdoor furniture stores, ofc). And I’ve neglected my li’l patio for far too long… mainly because I’ve been focusing on making my rental less ugly and soulless. So, now that the sun is starting to shine and the tank is clean, I’ve decided to search the internet for an outdoor bistro set that will fit perfectly in that space. Of course, I don’t have space for a full-on garden set because I’m not rich and I don’t live in a mansion with acres upon acres of outdoor space. But a bistro set is the perfect in-between. 

Quick Menu:
1. Metal outdoor bistro sets
2. Modern outdoor bistro sets
3. French outdoor bistro sets

Yuh-huh, these sets are a space-saving alternative to larger outdoor furniture sets, which makes them perfect for those looking to jazz up their small patio or upgrade their small balcony. And no matter whether you’re into the metallic vibe or you’re interested in a more traditional French bistro set, I’ve got you covered with my 9 favorite picks below. All you need now is to provide the caffeine for your morning coffee date!

The best outdoor bistro sets to buy in 2024

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The prices in this guide were correct at the time of publishing.

Metal outdoor bistro sets

If you’re looking for a durable bistro set that will last you in your current rental and into your next home, then look no further! Metal outdoor bistro sets are perfect for those who want to invest in timeless pieces that will last years and years. They’re super strong and stable, and they also open up the door for your own personal touch. After all, once you’ve bought one of these metal sets, you can move on to your next project… finding the perfect outdoor cushions to put on them! Heck yeah! Just remember to clean your outdoor cushions properly.

Browse our fave metal patio furniture sets that are bistro style.

Modern outdoor bistro sets

If you already have a modern dining room, why not make yourself a modern outdoor dining space, too? You know you want to!! Yep, although bistro sets are traditionally made from metal and look more old-fashioned than some of the other outdoor furniture on the market, that doesn’t mean that you have to follow the older crowd. There are so many amazing modern outdoor bistro sets out there RN, you just need to know where to look for them. Or you could just let me do the hard work for you… which is exactly what I’ve done. 

French outdoor bistro sets

Did you know that the bistro set originate from France? Mais oui! They were designed to be small enough for diners to enjoy their food on the sidewalks of Paris, as they were the perfect size for dining out in the street. And one of the things I love most about these French bistro sets is that they’re unapologetically themselves. They’re not too fancy, they’re not too OTT, and they’re not attention seekers. They just vibing, doing their job, and not making a fuss. And I just KNOW that Emily would love to hang out on these things during her Savoir lunch break.

FAQs

What is the difference between a bistro table and a regular table?

A bistro table is just a normal outdoor table, right? Well, not quite. Luxury homeware store Daniel Stores told me, “Bistro tables are smaller, more intimate, and often used on patios whereas regular tables are often designed for more people. Bistro tables tend to be round-shaped, while regular tables can usually be of any shape.” This makes bistro tables the perfect option for those who have a smaller space to work with, like a small patio or balcony. It won’t take up too much space, but will still offer you a specific area for after-work drinks or summertime meals. 

How we chose these bistro sets

You’ll find that a lot of the outdoor bistro sets on this list have been featured elsewhere on our site in other outdoor guides, and that’s not just because the Real Homes team is utterly obsessed with them. We only recommend products that come highly recommended by other customers, so you can fall in love with them too.

Where to buy a bistro set

Find your perfect outdoor bistro set for your patio or balcony by visiting some of our favorite retailers, as listed below.

Lauren Bradbury
Freelancer

Hey there! I'm Lauren, and I've been a writer now for over seven years (wow, that makes me feel old). During that time I've written about everything from celebrities to casino content, but nothing has made me "zing" quite as much as home and lifestyle pieces. I live in a beautiful Victorian terrace house in Kent with my husband and my naughty cocker spaniel puppy, and despite the leaking roof that we can't quite seem to fix, I've loved turning my house into a home. Sure, my eclectic mix of boho chic and maximalism sounds like a clashing nightmare, but it's MY clashing nightmare.