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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8 (2827)
$30 and under
French
641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood 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.

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
  • 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. 
  • 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

What 2,827 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bistro Vida is a charming neighborhood gem in Menlo Park, consistently praised for its "excellent food" and "exceptional service." Guests love the authentic French bistro atmosphere and delicious menu options, including standout dishes like Eggs Benedict and Coq au Vin. Outdoor seating is a highlight for many, enhancing the vibrant dining experience.
2,827 Reviews
  1. Marty

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite restaurant on the Peninsula by far! Love being transported to Paris!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carlos VIP

    San Francisco59 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service are always excellent. We enjoyed seating outside on a beautiful spring day.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Gerry VIP

    San Francisco13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved our lunch and sitting outside o a beautiful day!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Laura

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best restaurant in Menlo Park. Period. And also go to Bar Loretta next door!

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  5. Valerie VIP

    New York City85 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This neighborhood gem always delivers great French Bistro food and fabulous service. Always love the Tuna Tartare. Nice wine list too. Ali and the gang have a wonderful place.

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  6. Ted

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    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?

  7. Catherine VIP

    San Francisco37 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    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!!!

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  8. 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?

  9. 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!

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  10. 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?

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 2827 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 28 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
  • Phone number
  • 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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