Bistro Vida

4.8

2740 Reviews

$30 and under

French

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

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 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

Experiences

Thanksgiving
$65.00 per person
Nov 28, 2024 only
Celebrate Thanksgiving with us! We are serving a traditional 3 course Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, all the side dishes, and pie in addition to some limited items from our regular dinner menu. Open 12:00PM-7:00PM

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 2,740 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
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Vida offers a true French bistro experience in Menlo Park, featuring "excellent food" and a "wonderful atmosphere." Guests rave about the French onion soup and scallops risotto. With attentive service and a lovely outdoor dining setup, it's a "gem in Menlo Park" that's perfect for any occasion.

2,740 Reviews

G
Gordon
San Diego
71 reviews
5.0
71 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have dined here many times, and our most recent visit was up to their usual high standards. Authentic French bistro menu and ambiance, attentive service, great food (recommend boef bourguinon, onion coup, calamari). Better than other French options in town.
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Upbeat environment, both inside the restaurant and in the outdoor dining area. Don't hesitate to dine outdoors - in winter, there are space heaters, etc. Great neighborhood spot . Menlo Park loves Bistro Vida!
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
San Francisco
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We hosted a party of 8 and Bistro Vida was the perfect place to do it. We had their big table in back, almost like our own private space. The service was great and the food excellent, as always. Thanks Oli!
Is this helpful?
M
MASAYUKI
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was good dinner with my wife at Bistro Vida. Food is always amazing.
Is this helpful?
A
Alberto
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Very well run and friendly place where food is always a pleasure
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff is always welcoming. The food is always delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Calgary
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice outdoor eating environment. Fish dishes always good, as well as service. One of our Menlo Park favorites.
1 person found this helpful
S
Shani
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great food, attentive service, and they make everyone feel welcome.
Is this helpful?
T
Tricia
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always fantadtic good and service. Truly authentic French fare.
Is this helpful?
R
Rosemary
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service are always good. The French Onion soup is the best. Grilled Salmon, oysters, and butternut squash soup--all good.
1 person found 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 2740 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Thanksgiving

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