Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Menlo Park
Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2782 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 30 times today
  • Neighbourhood 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
  • 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. 
  • 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

What 2,782 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

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.
2,782 Reviews
  1. Katie

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  2. Jane

    VIP

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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?

  3. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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?

  4. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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?

  5. Mark

    VIP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 January 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?

  6. Barbara

    VIP

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 10 January 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?

  7. Peter

    San Francisco

    52 reviews

    3.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on 10 January 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.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Michael

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 7 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Like this place.Only issue was service.We had 3 servers, 2 of whom were great and one was surly. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t acknowledge a request. Put a dampener on evening.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Marija

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Main dish was deliciois for me, but for my friend didn’t look like steak at all! My wine glass didn’t look very clean either, but the biggest disappointment was cheese selection! It looked as if it was sitting like that for three days… ambiance and service were great! I don’t like to leave bad reviews, but some really Bistro Vida - better say we ran out of cheese than to serve horrible looking plate..

    Is this helpful?

  10. Christina

    Caribbean

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and the food outstanding! The owner is great.

    Is 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 2782 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 30 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
  • 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. 
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo