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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8
4.8
2771 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
  • Neighborhood 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
  • 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. 
  • 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

What 2,771 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

NoiseModerate

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.

2,771 Reviews
  1. Diane

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely New Years Day meal here with friends, the service was prompt and courteous, the brunch was delicious and we topped the meal off with freshly made crepes - a great start to 2025!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Patti

    VIP

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always good food and good service at Bistro Vida. A great way to spend New Year’s Eve.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joseph

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for New Years Eve dinner. Loved the ambience. The service was ok considering how packed they were. My wife had the Lamb--excellent. Onion soup was good. Calamari was excellent. I ordered the Pork Tender Loin---horrible mistake!!! It was over cooked and very tough. Doused in some sort of cream sauce. Tasted nothing like Pork!! I ate about 1/4 of my serving and let the rest just sit. When they came to clear the table they didn't even ask if there was something wrong with my meal. Summary--I really liked the ambience---I would go back but never order that Pork Tender Loin again.

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  4. Marilyn

    VIP

    San Francisco

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Probably the best New Year’s Eve dinner ever! Our food was wonderful, our waiter wonderful- and the whole restaurant had a cozy welcoming atmosphere. Not one complaint (and there were 4 of us). Can’t wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Carol

    VIP

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve never been disappointed at Bistro Vida. Excellent choice for New Years Eve

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mark

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great place to pop in for lunch although I do recommend reservations.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mike

    VIP

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    While we were still having dessert, the cleaning people started using ammonia on the floors. Disgusting smell.

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  8. Deborah

    VIP

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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?

  9. Kenneth

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  10. Cristina

    VIP

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days 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?

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 2771 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 21 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
  • 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
  • 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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