Crossword Genius

A refreshingly Continental little place (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bistro

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a refreshingly continental little' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'place' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'place' could be 'is' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'is' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bistro that I've seen before include "Orbits (anag)" , "Eating place" , "Small restaurant - robs it (anag)" , "Little restaurant" , "Cafe/restaurant" .)

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