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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2785 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 32 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 11:00–14:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–21:00 Sun 17:00–20:00
  • Phone number
    (650) 462-1686
  • 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. 
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,785 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

NoiseModerate

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.
2,785 Reviews
  1. Laura

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always good. The specials change and are excellent. And the atmosphere is very fun. We always enjoy our dinner at Vida

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  2. Mike

    VIP

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had another enjoyable Friday night dinner at Bisto Vida, where as early dinners we had a nice table and watched as the restaurant filled and became vibrant. We started by splitting a Caesar salad and it was more than ample for two. The full romaine leaves were fresh and crisp. The dressing was good but had a bit more anchovy flavor than we prefer. The grilled salmon was prepared as requested so it had a wonderful outside crispness and was moist and tasty on the inside. The vegetable side dish was plentiful and the carrots stood out for their flavor. The Bordeaux white wine as recommended by our server paired perfectly and the pour was generous. The poulet routi was a well-proportioned chicken entree. The serving was half and half between dark and white meat and was cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and green beans made the dish complete. Lastly, we shared a side of French fries for the table and ate every last one. They were our dessert. Ali’s staff was on its game as usual. From greeting to goodbye everyone was welcoming and helpful but not intrusive.

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  3. Lynne

    Los Angeles

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our fifth time eating at BV and one of the best meals we’ve had. The menu is great and gives you so many options for both seafood and meat. I highly recommend the filet mignon and my husband loves the sole. The atmosphere is very “French Bistrot” and very lively. Service is great. They are pros and know how to run a restaurant the right way!

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  4. Katie

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 17 January 2025

    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?

  5. Jane

    VIP

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 January 2025

    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.

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  6. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on 16 January 2025

    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!

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  7. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 15 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Lunchtime can be noisy. Good soup. Evenings are cozy in wintertime. Convivial!

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  8. Patrick

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a good bistro meal at Vida!! Keep it up….can’t wait to experience their new music venue next door opening in February 2025!

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  9. Mark

    VIP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great good, ambience and service. Owner is incredibly nice.

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  10. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 10 January 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?

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 2785 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 32 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
  • Area
    Menlo Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–14:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–21:00 Sun 17:00–20:00
  • 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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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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