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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2793 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 p.m.
Booked 23 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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 2,793 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
                                                                              • 4.7Food
                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                              • 4.6Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Bistro Vida in Menlo Park delights with its "authentic French bistro vibe" and consistently "excellent food and service." A favorite for locals, it offers "great classic French dishes" and "a welcoming atmosphere." Highlights include the "sublime" French Onion Soup and "perfectly prepared" mussels. Ideal for dates or celebrations.

                                                                              2,793 Reviews

                                                                              1. heather

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                The aparagus soup was excellent. The risotto with scallops was excellent. And the warm chocolae cake with icecream was the best I've ever had

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Elaine

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                35 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                35 reviews

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Second time here in 2 weeks and excellent both times. Started with a cocktail next door at Loretta and then in to dinner at BV. Ali, the owner of both, is the quintessential host. Though he doesn’t know me, he made me feel special and welcomed me with a personal greeting & seating. Our dinner was delish—all 4 of us had different entrees, and we all enjoyed them. I had the swordfish which was done perfectly, and my husband had the scallops with risotto which I recommended to him— he loved the dish! More cocktails were excellent and the service and atmosphere were top notch!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. John

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                25 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                25 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 18, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Bistro Vida is always consistently good - both food and service! Also, enjoy the atmosphere that is both friendly and professional. Cheers! John M.

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                                                                              4. kathy

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                15 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                15 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 17, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                Coq au Vin, Salmon, and Mussels are Delicious Go often and the quality of the foos and service is always wonderful. Bistro Vida is our “go to” restaurant

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                                                                              5. PatriciaP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 16, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Always delicious food. We were not disappointed when my wife and I dined here for a belated Valentine's Day celebration.

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                                                                              6. Ariel

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 16, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Atmosphere feels like a French bistro, solid French fare. Had a great onion soup, duck confit cassoulet also very good. The others in my party had steak frites, sole meunière and lamb chops and all enjoyed it.

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                                                                              7. Elaine

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                35 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                35 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 14, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Delicious risotto with scallops, but my French 75 cocktail not to my taste ( different recipe?) The restaurant was at 100%+ capacity but our waiter, the host, and even the owner all gave us excellent service, despite the unpleasant behavior of a diner sitting next to us, but that was not the restaurant’s fault of course. We will definitely go back!

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                                                                              8. Patricia

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                10 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                10 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 13, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Vida never fails to deliver. We go there often and the food and service is always excellent.

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                                                                              9. Jerry

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                98 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                98 reviews

                                                                                Dined on February 1, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Always wonderful service. Our main courses were fabulously prepared, and our drinks and wine complemented them perfectly. Thank you for a wonderful meal!

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                                                                              10. PJ

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined on January 28, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                4. Ambience 2
                                                                                Mid day the restaurant was full and very loud. I had intended to chat up with my lunch guest but we were unable to converse without leaning in and shouting🤪. I’ve been sitting outside for most of the year but the cooler morning made us choose an inside table. My calamari and warm cheese and beet salad were great!

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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 2793 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              8:30 p.m.
                                                                              Booked 23 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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