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Bistro Elan, Palo Alto, CA

Bistro Elan

4.8
4.8
42 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
Bistro Elan serves French dishes created mainly from ingredients obtained from the local farmers. The cozy interior is ideal for a date night or a small celebratory dinner with friends. The open kitchen offers a homey feel where you can enjoy an apple salad or La Quercia Prosciutto before moving on to an entrée of local Petrale sole or a Sonoma duck leg confit. Bistro Elan offers outside seating. Dine on a pan-seared Scallops or Flat Iron Steak in the open air.

Bistro Elan has a modest international wine list that has been carefully chosen to pair well with each dish. Finish the evening meal with a dessert like Coffee ice cream, roasted strawberry ice cream, caramelized Valrhona chocolate mousse or a slice of Almond cake.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 327-0284
  • Website
    http://www.bistroelan.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Barry Stiles
  • Location
    2363 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    Also public parking lot is located across the street.
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 42 people are saying

Bistro Elan 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
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bistro Elan is a cozy neighborhood gem praised for "fantastic, fresh, food" and "superb service." Diners adore its intimate atmosphere and impressive wine selection, perfect for romantic or business meals. Signature dishes like "BEST SCHNITZEL EVER" and "delicious Swedish Meatballs" highlight the diverse, expertly prepared menu.

42 Reviews

  1. Simone

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an elevated experience with top notch food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Loni

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful ambiance, good tasty food, but very expensive for what is served. I wish my server had been more attentive to me and my other woman guest (like asking if we would like another glass of wine)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Eric

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely great food here. Nice wine list as well. Solid staff. Great go to for a business meal or a romantic evening. Or by yourself when the Wednesday special looks so good you’ve got to have it!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Mariana VIP

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Favorite place! I love the ambience. I love the people who work here

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jeff

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot - amazing food and superb staff in a cozy spot, always a wonderful meal whether for a special occasion or just a nice meal out.

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  6. Kathryn VIP

    San Francisco17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Charming neighborhood spot! The desserts were sublime. Will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner VIP

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious foods and fantastic service, highly recommended. The restaurant is small so definitely make a reservation.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Sally VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious Swedish Meatballs, Salmon Waffle, and Meyer Lemon ice cream. Perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jeffrey

    San Francisco13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very friendly. Great staff. Easy parking. A neighborhood gem

    Is this helpful?

  10. Sonia VIP

    San Francisco34 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Love it here!! One of my favorite places to eat. Food is consistently delicious and fresh! BEST SCHNITZEL EVER. Love the people and service is always fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Bistro Elan offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 327-0284.

Bistro Elan is rated 4.8 stars by 42 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bistro Elan

2363 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Also public parking lot is located across the street.
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Barry Stiles
  • Additional
    Beer, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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