Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8 (2828)
$30 and under
French
641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
11:30 PM
Booked 34 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • 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.

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
  • Neighborhood
    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

Bistro Vida's menu was last updated on 2/2/2022.

Hors D'oeuvres

  • Huîtres$18.00

    ½ dozen oysters du jour

    • Tartare de Thon$16.00

      ahi tuna, ginger, chives, yuzu

      • Calmars Frits$13.00

        fried calamari, aioli mayonnaise

        • Coquilles$17.00

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

          • Escargots à la Bourguignonne$20.00

            Burgundy snails, parsley-garlic butter

            • Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée$11.00

              caramelized sweet onions, beef jus, country bread, gruyère

              • Pâté de Campagne$15.00

                country pâté, radishes, cornichons, baguette

                • Assiette de Charcuteries$19.00

                  prosciutto, saucisson sec, pâté, olives, cornichons

                  • Tartare de Boeuf$19.00

                    hand chopped fillet, egg yolk, cornichons, caper berries

                    • Olives Marinées$7.00

                      warm marinated olives

                      • Assiette de Fromages$19.00

                        selection of three artisanal cheeses, toasted baguette

                        • Fondue aux Fromages$16.00

                          gruyère & emmental cheese

                          Les Salades

                          • Laitue$12.00

                            bibb lettuce, fines herbes, dijon vinaigrette

                            • César$12.00

                              hearts of romaine, croûtons, parmegiano reggiano

                              • Chèvre Chaud$13.00

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

                                • Tomates et Burrata$16.00

                                  tomatoes, arugula, basil, burrata cheese

                                  Fruits de Mer

                                  • Moules Frites$30.00

                                    mussels, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                    • Clams Frites$30.00

                                      clams, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                      • Sole Meunière$32.00

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

                                        • Saumon Grillé$33.00

                                          grilled wild salmon, beurre blanc, seasonal vegetables

                                          • Risotto aux Saint Jacques$30.00

                                            seared sea scallops, asparagus risotto

                                            • Bouillabaisse$36.00

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

                                              • Linguine de Palourdes$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 Rôti$28.00

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

                                                          • Coq au Vin$30.00

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

                                                            • Cassoulet de Toulouse$35.00

                                                              duck confit, toulouse sausage, white beans

                                                              • Pork Tenderloin$30.00

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

                                                                • Lamb Chops$42.00

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

                                                                  • Boeuf Bourguignon$33.00

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

                                                                    • Steak Frites$40.00

                                                                      New York strip, sauce béarnaise, french fries

                                                                      • Filet au Poivre$44.00

                                                                        filet mignon, asparagus, potato gratinée

                                                                        • Vida Burger$22.00

                                                                          roasted red bell peppers, gorgonzola, french fries

                                                                          • Couscous$30.00

                                                                            couscous, merguez sausage, harissa sauce

                                                                            • Gnocchi à la Parisienne$23.00

                                                                              sautéed gnocchi, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, beurre noisette

                                                                              Last updated: February 2, 2022

                                                                              What 2,828 people are saying

                                                                              Bistro Vida reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                              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
                                                                              • 4.6Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Bistro Vida offers a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere with "excellent service" and "authentic French cuisine." Diners enjoy a "friendly staff" and a menu that consistently delights with favorites like Eggs Benedict and salmon. Outdoor seating provides a quieter experience, and the owner, Ali, is known for "gracious hospitality."
                                                                              2,828 Reviews

                                                                              1. Ted

                                                                                San Francisco9 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Extremely friendly atmosphere, excellent service and highly consistent menu highlighting French bistro cooking. All reasonably priced. This is a can’t miss dining experience.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Catherine VIP

                                                                                San Francisco37 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Dinner for seven. Service was amazing. The food was as good as it gets. I had the sole and it was delicious. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants!!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Loren

                                                                                Central Coast3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 21, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Excellent food in a casual environment. Sat outside and this worked out well. I found the service particularly good--unobtrusive yet there quickly and with exactly what was need.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              4. Janine

                                                                                San Francisco1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 20, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                We went for Easter Brunch/Lunch I had the Best Eggs Benedict ever and my Mom had Croque Monsier Coffe was really good too!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              5. Patti VIP

                                                                                San Francisco25 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 20, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Bistro Vida is the friendliest place with excellent service and delicious menu choices. We had a great table outside on a beautiful day for our family brunch on Easter. The salmon fume tartine was exquisite and we would highly recommended it. The lamb was also exceptionally delicious and tasty. We enjoyed the charcuteries platter and nice mimosas and cafe lattes. If you're ever dining at Bistro Vida and they have the Carrot Ginger soup on their menu, don't hesitate as it is the very best surprise! It always feels warm and welcoming at Bistro Vida, and we're always pleased with the experience!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              6. Doug

                                                                                San Francisco10 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 20, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                We highly recommend Vida Bistro for Sunday brunch!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              7. Paris

                                                                                San Francisco1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 19, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Love this place , so welcoming and friendly- food is excellent and service is exceptional!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              8. Terry VIP

                                                                                San Francisco23 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                Dined on April 19, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                First time at Bistro Vida in several months, and was generally good. It was a busy night, they had just added an expanded bar area next door and it was a bit chaotic compared to the excellent experiences we had enjoyed several previous times. I'm writing this review to compliment ownership for their follow up on a comment I left with the host before we left. I wasn't expecting to hear anything back. Instead, I got a follow up telephone call from the owner who apologized for the less than excellent experience. He offered to treat us the next time, which I wasn't asking for, but was a gracious gesture. I think sometimes we forget how hard it is for restaurants to juggle the many aspects of delivering value and a good experience to every single guest every time. These people care about doing that.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              9. Dima

                                                                                San Francisco2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 19, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Authentic French food, nice service. Outdoor seating was less noisy than inside.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              10. Kathy

                                                                                San Francisco12 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                Dined on April 18, 2025

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                It’s a great restaurant with a warm atmosphere and diverse menu. I had great ahi tuna!

                                                                                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 2828 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                              1. Home
                                                                              2. United States
                                                                              3. San Francisco Bay Area
                                                                              4. Peninsula
                                                                              5. Menlo Park

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              Booked 34 times today
                                                                              Google Map for Bistro Vida

                                                                              641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross street
                                                                                El Camino Real
                                                                              • Neighborhood
                                                                                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. 
                                                                              Discover
                                                                              OpenTable
                                                                              • About Us
                                                                              • Blog
                                                                              • Careers
                                                                              • Press
                                                                              More
                                                                              Our sites
                                                                              Businesses
                                                                              • Delight more diners
                                                                              • Open for Business Blog
                                                                              Join us on
                                                                              • Privacy Policy
                                                                              • Terms of Use
                                                                              • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                                              • Cookie Preferences
                                                                              Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
                                                                              OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                              Booking Logo
                                                                              Priceline Logo
                                                                              KAYAK Logo
                                                                              Agoda Logo
                                                                              OpenTable Logo