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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2751 Reviews
$30 and under
French
A photo of Bistro Vida restaurant

Bistro Vida

4.8
$30 and under
French
Menlo Park

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 38 times today
  • 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.

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 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

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 2,751 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.

                                                                              2,751 Reviews

                                                                              1. Julie

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                28 reviews

                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                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?

                                                                              2. Purnima

                                                                                Greater Boston

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                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!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. J

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                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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                                                                              4. Walter

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Had a great dinner at Bistro Vida before seeing a performance at the nearby Guild Theater. Nice little slice of France in NorCal, warm and bustling, all good.

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                                                                              5. Aimee

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Fantastic lunch with family. All the service personnel were top notch and absolutely fantastic.

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                                                                              6. Kelley

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                Dined on December 10, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Our waitperson, Tracy, was spectacular. The food was delicious. we love Bistro Vida!

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                                                                              7. Barbara

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Delicious halibut on the daily special menu. We all ordered it and were all very pleased.

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                                                                              8. Jo Bell

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on November 28, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                We ate dinner at 2pm on Thanksgiving. The food was very good with quite a few choices. Service was prompt and attentive. We were seated in a quiet area. Seating in both outside and inside areas worked well as we were crowded into an area with too many people and too much noise.

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                                                                              9. John

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                Dined on November 26, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                All four of us in the dinner party feel the same as the answers I gave in the ratings.

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                                                                              10. Bill

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined on November 26, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Always good food and service. Have been enjoying eating there for years.

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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 2751 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                              A photo of Bistro Vida restaurant

                                                                              Bistro Vida

                                                                              4.8
                                                                              $30 and under
                                                                              French
                                                                              Menlo Park

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              9:00 PM
                                                                              Booked 38 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
                                                                              • 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. 
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