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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2759 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • 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 11:00–14:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–21:00 Sun 17:00–20:00
  • Phone number
    (650) 462-1686
  • 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
  • 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

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: 2 February 2022

                                                                              What 2,759 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
                                                                              • 4.8Service
                                                                              • 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.

                                                                              2,759 Reviews

                                                                              1. Nonie

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                1.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined today

                                                                                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.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Gunny

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined today

                                                                                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

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Janice

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 1 day 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

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              4. Howard

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 1 day 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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                                                                              5. bill

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great french bistro food and fantastic service. We love Bistro Vida!

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                                                                              6. robin

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Luv Luv Luv it Great Service the mussels are too delish even the butter is good

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                                                                              7. Luis

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 18 December 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great cocktails, very good wine selection, great french traditional food.

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                                                                              8. Julie

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 15 December 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                I love Bistro Vida. It’s reliably really good. You can’t have a bad meal here.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              9. Purnima

                                                                                Greater Boston

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 15 December 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                I always enjoy eating with family and groups at Bistro vida. Not only are they extremely helpful but also flexible. They changed our table when the group became larger than planned, moved us indoors at our request due to kids in the group, got us a small bday cake for the birthday boys, and did us a favor for the 2 year old in terms of food. Totally appreciated. Very accommodating and the food was amazing as always. Expensive but worth it!

                                                                                1 person found this helpful

                                                                              10. J

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 14 December 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Food and service were great. Can't wait for the bar nextdoor to open... same owner.

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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 2759 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
                                                                              Booked 8 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
                                                                              • 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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