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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2765 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 20 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for outdoor dining
Established in 1998, Bistro Vida is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by the great Parisian bistro culture and traditions of French cooking. Our mission is to bring the joie de vivre, comfort, and community of the City of Lights to downtown Menlo Park. The name " Vida" the Spanish word for life, was chosen as a toast to the enjoyment of life, love, and food. Each delicious detail of the chic interior from the smart bar to the blackboard menus, the huge cylindrical chandeliers to the long mirrors reminiscent of brasseries has acquired a warm patina over the years.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French, Bistro, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 462-1686
  • Website
    http://www.bistro-vida.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Ali El Safy
  • Catering
    From a small gather to a large corporate lunch or celebration, we have a variety of menu options for your catered event.
  • Private party facilities
    We have several options for large groups, special occasions, corporate events, and more. Please contact the restaurant to inquire about holding an event at Bistro Vida. We will work with you to create a personalized event including a uniquely crafted menu and a signature wine experience. RESTAURANT BUYOUT​We offer availability for large parties in the form of a full restaurant buyout. Our dining room accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner and up to 150 guests for a standing reception. ​PATIO​Our private heated patio can accommodate up to 40 guests for a seated event and up to 60 guests for a standing reception. 
  • Location
    641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
  • Neighbourhood
    Menlo Park
  • Cross Street
    El Camino Real
  • Parking details
    Street parking all around and public lot directly to the rear of the restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Hors D'oeuvres

  • HuîtresUS$18.00

    ½ dozen oysters du jour

    • Tartare de ThonUS$16.00

      ahi tuna, ginger, chives, yuzu

      • Calmars FritsUS$13.00

        fried calamari, aioli mayonnaise

        • CoquillesUS$17.00

          sautéed sea scallop, garlic, white wine, herbes de provence

          • Escargots à la BourguignonneUS$20.00

            Burgundy snails, parsley-garlic butter

            • Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeUS$11.00

              caramelized sweet onions, beef jus, country bread, gruyère

              • Pâté de CampagneUS$15.00

                country pâté, radishes, cornichons, baguette

                • Assiette de CharcuteriesUS$19.00

                  prosciutto, saucisson sec, pâté, olives, cornichons

                  • Tartare de BoeufUS$19.00

                    hand chopped fillet, egg yolk, cornichons, caper berries

                    • Olives MarinéesUS$7.00

                      warm marinated olives

                      • Assiette de FromagesUS$19.00

                        selection of three artisanal cheeses, toasted baguette

                        • Fondue aux FromagesUS$16.00

                          gruyère & emmental cheese

                          Les Salades

                          • LaitueUS$12.00

                            bibb lettuce, fines herbes, dijon vinaigrette

                            • CésarUS$12.00

                              hearts of romaine, croûtons, parmegiano reggiano

                              • Chèvre ChaudUS$13.00

                                mixed greens, warm goat cheese, roasted beets, champagne vinaigrette

                                • Tomates et BurrataUS$16.00

                                  tomatoes, arugula, basil, burrata cheese

                                  Fruits de Mer

                                  • Moules FritesUS$30.00

                                    mussels, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                    • Clams FritesUS$30.00

                                      clams, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                      • Sole MeunièreUS$32.00

                                        fillet of sole, beurre noisette, haricots verts, roasted fingerling potatoes

                                        • Saumon GrilléUS$33.00

                                          grilled wild salmon, beurre blanc, seasonal vegetables

                                          • Risotto aux Saint JacquesUS$30.00

                                            seared sea scallops, asparagus risotto

                                            • BouillabaisseUS$36.00

                                              provençal fish stew, tomato-saffron broth, croûtons, rouille

                                              • Linguine de PalourdesUS$25.00

                                                linguine pasta, manila clams, cherry tomatoes, garlic, white wine

                                                Garnitures

                                                $8

                                                • Pommes Frites

                                                  french fries

                                                  • Épinards

                                                    sautéed spinach

                                                    • Haricots Verts

                                                      sautéed french green beans

                                                      • Champignons Fricassée

                                                        sautéed mushrooms

                                                        Les Viandes et Les Entreés

                                                        • Poulet RôtiUS$28.00

                                                          roasted free-range chicken, haricots verts, mashed potatoes, herbed chicken jus

                                                          • Coq au VinUS$30.00

                                                            red burgundy braised chicken, lardons, mushrooms, pearl onions, egg noodles

                                                            • Cassoulet de ToulouseUS$35.00

                                                              duck confit, toulouse sausage, white beans

                                                              • Pork TenderloinUS$30.00

                                                                roasted pork tenderloin, caramelized onions, crème fraîche, potato gratin

                                                                • Lamb ChopsUS$42.00

                                                                  grilled new zealand lamb chops, demi glace sauce, roasted potatoes, asparagus

                                                                  • Boeuf BourguignonUS$33.00

                                                                    beef stewed in red wine, pearl onions, baby carrots, mashed potatoes

                                                                    • Steak FritesUS$40.00

                                                                      New York strip, sauce béarnaise, french fries

                                                                      • Filet au PoivreUS$44.00

                                                                        filet mignon, asparagus, potato gratinée

                                                                        • Vida BurgerUS$22.00

                                                                          roasted red bell peppers, gorgonzola, french fries

                                                                          • CouscousUS$30.00

                                                                            couscous, merguez sausage, harissa sauce

                                                                            • Gnocchi à la ParisienneUS$23.00

                                                                              sautéed gnocchi, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, beurre noisette

                                                                              Last updated: February 2, 2022

                                                                              What 2,765 people are saying

                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                              4.8
                                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                              • 4.8Food
                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Bistro Vida in Menlo Park captures the essence of a true French bistro. Guests rave about the "best onion soup," "perfectly prepared" entrées like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon, and a delightful outdoor dining experience. Excellent service complements its classic ambiance and a menu filled with French culinary delights.

                                                                              2,765 Reviews

                                                                              1. Mike

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                3.0

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 2
                                                                                4. Ambience 2
                                                                                While we were still having dessert, the cleaning people started using ammonia on the floors. Disgusting smell.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Deborah

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The food is always delicious at Bistro Vida. The service is professional.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Kenneth

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                An intimate space with creative dishes and outstanding staff.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              4. Cristina

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Thanks to Ali and team for being open on Christmas! Great dinner, as always.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              5. Nonie

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                1.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 1
                                                                                2. Food 1
                                                                                3. Service 1
                                                                                4. Ambience 1
                                                                                Never before has this happen in any of my numerous restaurant experiences in this country or while traveling. The reservation was not honored - when I called at 3:45 to reconfirm (I had not been there before), I was told that the owner had called me earlier today. This was not true - no voicemail and no record of a missed called. The restaurant was closing at 6:30 pm and I would need to come in by 5:00 to be served. I had invited guests and with no warning and the required 45 min drive - this was not possible. No explanation or accommodation was provided - rather it was a simple …. 5:00 or not at all. This kind of behavior is unacceptable in any service industry.

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                                                                              6. gretchen

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                A warm and welcoming place for Christmas dinner. Everything was excellent…food, service, ambiance…we had a wonderful time.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              7. Gunny

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Awesome service! Never went to France but the food made me feel like I went there

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                                                                              8. Janice

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Two of us enjoyed a lovely Christmas lunch. We began with the the onion soup who was delicious. We shared the seared sea scallops and vegetable risotto also delicious. For dessert I had the apple tartin and my daughter had the chocolate mousse which were excellent.. our server was friendly and professional and I think we just started a new Christmas tradition and will invite friends next year. BISTRO VIDA IS A TRUE NRIGHBORHOOD GEM

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                                                                              9. Vincent

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                2.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 2
                                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                                3. Service 3
                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                Good venue and nice staff. I was a bit annoyed with how small the portion they served of the prime rib. It was pricey at $55 and the portion was the thinnest I've ever seen. I was expecting something twice as thick, or more, like I've experienced at other restaurants for the same price or less.

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                                                                              10. Howard

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Christmas Eve dinner was delicious Service was amazing from start to finish They go above and beyond to make the customer have a wonderful dining experience.

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                                                                              FAQs

                                                                              Bistro Vida offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 462-1686.

                                                                              Bistro Vida is rated 4.8 stars by 2765 OpenTable diners.

                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              7:00 p.m.
                                                                              Booked 20 times today

                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                              Google Map for Bistro Vida

                                                                              641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                El Camino Real
                                                                              • Neighbourhood
                                                                                Menlo Park
                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
                                                                              • Price
                                                                                $30 and under
                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                French, Bistro, Californian
                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                Casual Elegant
                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                Street parking all around and public lot directly to the rear of the restaurant.
                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                                Ali El Safy
                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                              • Website
                                                                                http://www.bistro-vida.com/
                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                (650) 462-1686
                                                                              • Catering
                                                                                From a small gather to a large corporate lunch or celebration, we have a variety of menu options for your catered event.
                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                We have several options for large groups, special occasions, corporate events, and more. Please contact the restaurant to inquire about holding an event at Bistro Vida. We will work with you to create a personalized event including a uniquely crafted menu and a signature wine experience. RESTAURANT BUYOUT​We offer availability for large parties in the form of a full restaurant buyout. Our dining room accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner and up to 150 guests for a standing reception. ​PATIO​Our private heated patio can accommodate up to 40 guests for a seated event and up to 60 guests for a standing reception. 
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