Bistro Vida

4.8

2784 Reviews

$30 and under

French

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 38 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

Established in 1998, Bistro Vida is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by the great Parisian bistro culture and traditions of French cooking. Our mission is to bring the joie de vivre, comfort, and community of the City of Lights to downtown Menlo Park. The name " Vida" the Spanish word for life, was chosen as a toast to the enjoyment of life, love, and food. Each delicious detail of the chic interior from the smart bar to the blackboard menus, the huge cylindrical chandeliers to the long mirrors reminiscent of brasseries has acquired a warm patina over the years.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
French, Bistro, Californian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 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 BUYOUTWe 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. PATIOOur 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

Popular dishes

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

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

What 2,784 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Vida offers a "great french bistro vibe" with "outstanding food," "professional service," and a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere. It excels in "authentic French fare," making it a "neighborhood gem." Diners appreciate the "delicious classics" like French onion soup and mussels, and "flexible, accommodating" staff, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

2,784 Reviews

M
Mike
VIP
San Francisco
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had another enjoyable Friday night dinner at Bisto Vida, where as early dinners we had a nice table and watched as the restaurant filled and became vibrant. We started by splitting a Caesar salad and it was more than ample for two. The full romaine leaves were fresh and crisp. The dressing was good but had a bit more anchovy flavor than we prefer. The grilled salmon was prepared as requested so it had a wonderful outside crispness and was moist and tasty on the inside. The vegetable side dish was plentiful and the carrots stood out for their flavor. The Bordeaux white wine as recommended by our server paired perfectly and the pour was generous. The poulet routi was a well-proportioned chicken entree. The serving was half and half between dark and white meat and was cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and green beans made the dish complete. Lastly, we shared a side of French fries for the table and ate every last one. They were our dessert. Ali’s staff was on its game as usual. From greeting to goodbye everyone was welcoming and helpful but not intrusive.
Is this helpful?
L
Lynne
VIP
Los Angeles
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our fifth time eating at BV and one of the best meals we’ve had. The menu is great and gives you so many options for both seafood and meat. I highly recommend the filet mignon and my husband loves the sole. The atmosphere is very “French Bistrot” and very lively. Service is great. They are pros and know how to run a restaurant the right way!
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K
Katie
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They went out of their way to help us even though they were short staffed that day, made sure we had a table that worked for a slightly disabled friend, and checked on us just often enough without interrupting us. The gnocchi was amazing!
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
VIP
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Never disappoints! Classic French Cuisine with excellent service. Bistro Vida is always a good idea.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
55 reviews
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bistro Vida is our favorite! We just celebrated my sister’s birthday there. Very special. The food, service, and vibe all consistently excellent. Definitely a gathering spot for our family!
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Lunchtime can be noisy. Good soup. Evenings are cozy in wintertime. Convivial!
Is this helpful?
P
Patrick
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a good bistro meal at Vida!! Keep it up….can’t wait to experience their new music venue next door opening in February 2025!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great good, ambience and service. Owner is incredibly nice.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
VIP
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Packed at lunchtime, can be noisy. Service is good. Recommend outside when weather allows.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
San Francisco
52 reviews
3.0
52 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We had dinner on a Thursday night. The noise level in the middle of the restaurant was deafening, making easy conversation nearly impossible. Our food was uneven: sole tasty, pork tenderloin nearly inedible. Overall a disappointing evening.
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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 2784 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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 BUYOUTWe 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. PATIOOur private heated patio can accommodate up to 40 guests for a seated event and up to 60 guests for a standing reception.

Bistro Vida

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Profiteroles

Moules Frites

Pommes Frites

Hors D'oeuvres

Huîtres$18.00

Tartare de Thon$16.00

Calmars Frits$13.00

Coquilles$17.00

Escargots à la Bourguignonne$20.00

Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée$11.00

Pâté de Campagne$15.00

Assiette de Charcuteries$19.00

Tartare de Boeuf$19.00

Olives Marinées$7.00

Assiette de Fromages$19.00

Fondue aux Fromages$16.00

Les Salades

Laitue$12.00

César$12.00

Chèvre Chaud$13.00

Tomates et Burrata$16.00

Fruits de Mer

Moules Frites$30.00

Clams Frites$30.00

Sole Meunière$32.00

Saumon Grillé$33.00

Risotto aux Saint Jacques$30.00

Bouillabaisse$36.00

Linguine de Palourdes$25.00

Garnitures

Pommes Frites

Épinards

Haricots Verts

Champignons Fricassée

Les Viandes et Les Entreés

Poulet Rôti$28.00

Coq au Vin$30.00

Cassoulet de Toulouse$35.00

Pork Tenderloin$30.00

Lamb Chops$42.00

Boeuf Bourguignon$33.00

Steak Frites$40.00

Filet au Poivre$44.00

Vida Burger$22.00

Couscous$30.00

Gnocchi à la Parisienne$23.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bistro Vida offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bistro Vida restaurant rated?

Is Bistro Vida currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information