Bistro Vida

Name: Bistro Vida
Address: 641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, United States, 94025
Telephone: (650) 462-1686
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2782 Reviews

$30 and under

French

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 29 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

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 BUYOUTWe 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. PATIOOur 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

Popular dishes

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

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

What 2,782 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
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Vida offers a "great french bistro vibe" with "outstanding food," "professional service," and a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere. It excels in "authentic French fare," making it a "neighborhood gem." Diners appreciate the "delicious classics" like French onion soup and mussels, and "flexible, accommodating" staff, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

2,782 Reviews

K
Katie
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They went out of their way to help us even though they were short staffed that day, made sure we had a table that worked for a slightly disabled friend, and checked on us just often enough without interrupting us. The gnocchi was amazing!
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
VIP
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Never disappoints! Classic French Cuisine with excellent service. Bistro Vida is always a good idea.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
55 reviews
5.0
55 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bistro Vida is our favorite! We just celebrated my sister’s birthday there. Very special. The food, service, and vibe all consistently excellent. Definitely a gathering spot for our family!
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Lunchtime can be noisy. Good soup. Evenings are cozy in wintertime. Convivial!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great good, ambience and service. Owner is incredibly nice.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Packed at lunchtime, can be noisy. Service is good. Recommend outside when weather allows.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
San Francisco
52 reviews
3.0
52 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We had dinner on a Thursday night. The noise level in the middle of the restaurant was deafening, making easy conversation nearly impossible. Our food was uneven: sole tasty, pork tenderloin nearly inedible. Overall a disappointing evening.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Central Coast
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Like this place.Only issue was service.We had 3 servers, 2 of whom were great and one was surly. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t acknowledge a request. Put a dampener on evening.
Is this helpful?
M
Marija
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Main dish was deliciois for me, but for my friend didn’t look like steak at all! My wine glass didn’t look very clean either, but the biggest disappointment was cheese selection! It looked as if it was sitting like that for three days… ambiance and service were great! I don’t like to leave bad reviews, but some really Bistro Vida - better say we ran out of cheese than to serve horrible looking plate..
Is this helpful?
C
Christina
Caribbean
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and the food outstanding! The owner is great.
Is this helpful?

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 2782 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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 BUYOUTWe 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. PATIOOur private heated patio can accommodate up to 40 guests for a seated event and up to 60 guests for a standing reception.

Bistro Vida

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Profiteroles

Moules Frites

Pommes Frites

Hors D'oeuvres

HuîtresUS$18.00

Tartare de ThonUS$16.00

Calmars FritsUS$13.00

CoquillesUS$17.00

Escargots à la BourguignonneUS$20.00

Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeUS$11.00

Pâté de CampagneUS$15.00

Assiette de CharcuteriesUS$19.00

Tartare de BoeufUS$19.00

Olives MarinéesUS$7.00

Assiette de FromagesUS$19.00

Fondue aux FromagesUS$16.00

Les Salades

LaitueUS$12.00

CésarUS$12.00

Chèvre ChaudUS$13.00

Tomates et BurrataUS$16.00

Fruits de Mer

Moules FritesUS$30.00

Clams FritesUS$30.00

Sole MeunièreUS$32.00

Saumon GrilléUS$33.00

Risotto aux Saint JacquesUS$30.00

BouillabaisseUS$36.00

Linguine de PalourdesUS$25.00

Garnitures

Pommes Frites

Épinards

Haricots Verts

Champignons Fricassée

Les Viandes et Les Entreés

Poulet RôtiUS$28.00

Coq au VinUS$30.00

Cassoulet de ToulouseUS$35.00

Pork TenderloinUS$30.00

Lamb ChopsUS$42.00

Boeuf BourguignonUS$33.00

Steak FritesUS$40.00

Filet au PoivreUS$44.00

Vida BurgerUS$22.00

CouscousUS$30.00

Gnocchi à la ParisienneUS$23.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bistro Vida offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bistro Vida restaurant rated?

Is Bistro Vida currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information