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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2763 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 43 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for outdoor dining
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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Hors D'oeuvres

  • HuîtresUSD 18.00

    ½ dozen oysters du jour

    • Tartare de ThonUSD 16.00

      ahi tuna, ginger, chives, yuzu

      • Calmars FritsUSD 13.00

        fried calamari, aioli mayonnaise

        • CoquillesUSD 17.00

          sautéed sea scallop, garlic, white wine, herbes de provence

          • Escargots à la BourguignonneUSD 20.00

            Burgundy snails, parsley-garlic butter

            • Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeUSD 11.00

              caramelized sweet onions, beef jus, country bread, gruyère

              • Pâté de CampagneUSD 15.00

                country pâté, radishes, cornichons, baguette

                • Assiette de CharcuteriesUSD 19.00

                  prosciutto, saucisson sec, pâté, olives, cornichons

                  • Tartare de BoeufUSD 19.00

                    hand chopped fillet, egg yolk, cornichons, caper berries

                    • Olives MarinéesUSD 7.00

                      warm marinated olives

                      • Assiette de FromagesUSD 19.00

                        selection of three artisanal cheeses, toasted baguette

                        • Fondue aux FromagesUSD 16.00

                          gruyère & emmental cheese

                          Les Salades

                          • LaitueUSD 12.00

                            bibb lettuce, fines herbes, dijon vinaigrette

                            • CésarUSD 12.00

                              hearts of romaine, croûtons, parmegiano reggiano

                              • Chèvre ChaudUSD 13.00

                                mixed greens, warm goat cheese, roasted beets, champagne vinaigrette

                                • Tomates et BurrataUSD 16.00

                                  tomatoes, arugula, basil, burrata cheese

                                  Fruits de Mer

                                  • Moules FritesUSD 30.00

                                    mussels, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                    • Clams FritesUSD 30.00

                                      clams, sauce marinière, parsley, french fries

                                      • Sole MeunièreUSD 32.00

                                        fillet of sole, beurre noisette, haricots verts, roasted fingerling potatoes

                                        • Saumon GrilléUSD 33.00

                                          grilled wild salmon, beurre blanc, seasonal vegetables

                                          • Risotto aux Saint JacquesUSD 30.00

                                            seared sea scallops, asparagus risotto

                                            • BouillabaisseUSD 36.00

                                              provençal fish stew, tomato-saffron broth, croûtons, rouille

                                              • Linguine de PalourdesUSD 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 RôtiUSD 28.00

                                                          roasted free-range chicken, haricots verts, mashed potatoes, herbed chicken jus

                                                          • Coq au VinUSD 30.00

                                                            red burgundy braised chicken, lardons, mushrooms, pearl onions, egg noodles

                                                            • Cassoulet de ToulouseUSD 35.00

                                                              duck confit, toulouse sausage, white beans

                                                              • Pork TenderloinUSD 30.00

                                                                roasted pork tenderloin, caramelized onions, crème fraîche, potato gratin

                                                                • Lamb ChopsUSD 42.00

                                                                  grilled new zealand lamb chops, demi glace sauce, roasted potatoes, asparagus

                                                                  • Boeuf BourguignonUSD 33.00

                                                                    beef stewed in red wine, pearl onions, baby carrots, mashed potatoes

                                                                    • Steak FritesUSD 40.00

                                                                      New York strip, sauce béarnaise, french fries

                                                                      • Filet au PoivreUSD 44.00

                                                                        filet mignon, asparagus, potato gratinée

                                                                        • Vida BurgerUSD 22.00

                                                                          roasted red bell peppers, gorgonzola, french fries

                                                                          • CouscousUSD 30.00

                                                                            couscous, merguez sausage, harissa sauce

                                                                            • Gnocchi à la ParisienneUSD 23.00

                                                                              sautéed gnocchi, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, beurre noisette

                                                                              Last updated: 2 February 2022

                                                                              What 2,763 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.

                                                                              2,763 Reviews

                                                                              1. Deborah

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                Dined today

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The food is always delicious at Bistro Vida. The service is professional.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Kenneth

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                An intimate space with creative dishes and outstanding staff.

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                                                                              3. Cristina

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Thanks to Ali and team for being open on Christmas! Great dinner, as always.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              4. Nonie

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                1.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 1
                                                                                2. Food 1
                                                                                3. Service 1
                                                                                4. Ambience 1
                                                                                Never before has this happen in any of my numerous restaurant experiences in this country or while traveling. The reservation was not honored - when I called at 3:45 to reconfirm (I had not been there before), I was told that the owner had called me earlier today. This was not true - no voicemail and no record of a missed called. The restaurant was closing at 6:30 pm and I would need to come in by 5:00 to be served. I had invited guests and with no warning and the required 45 min drive - this was not possible. No explanation or accommodation was provided - rather it was a simple …. 5:00 or not at all. This kind of behavior is unacceptable in any service industry.

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                                                                              5. gretchen

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                A warm and welcoming place for Christmas dinner. Everything was excellent…food, service, ambiance…we had a wonderful time.

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                                                                              6. Gunny

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Awesome service! Never went to France but the food made me feel like I went there

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              7. Janice

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Two of us enjoyed a lovely Christmas lunch. We began with the the onion soup who was delicious. We shared the seared sea scallops and vegetable risotto also delicious. For dessert I had the apple tartin and my daughter had the chocolate mousse which were excellent.. our server was friendly and professional and I think we just started a new Christmas tradition and will invite friends next year. BISTRO VIDA IS A TRUE NRIGHBORHOOD GEM

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              8. Howard

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Christmas Eve dinner was delicious Service was amazing from start to finish They go above and beyond to make the customer have a wonderful dining experience.

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                                                                              9. bill

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Great french bistro food and fantastic service. We love Bistro Vida!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              10. robin

                                                                                VIP

                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Luv Luv Luv it Great Service the mussels are too delish even the butter is good

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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 2763 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              7:00 pm
                                                                              Booked 43 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
                                                                              • Area
                                                                                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, Takeaway, 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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