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Bistro Vida, Menlo Park, CA

Bistro Vida

4.8 (2836)
$30 and under
French
641 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 29 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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
  • 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 2,836 people are saying

Bistro Vida 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bistro Vida offers an authentic French bistro experience with "excellent food and service," delighting regular patrons. Guests appreciate the "friendly" atmosphere and "superb" daily specials. The ambiance evokes a "lively" Parisian vibe, making it a favorite for "brunch and dinner" alike. Some mention noise, but the overall dining experience is highly praised.
2,836 Reviews
  1. Rodney

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on August 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated our anniversary with the family. Always great service and food. We’re repeat customers and very happy with everything Bistro Vida has to offer. A perfect choice for a nice meal out on the peninsula.

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  2. VickiB VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area115 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on August 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Four of us had dinner and each ordered something different. I loved the risotto with scallops .. perfectly cooked. My husband was very happy with the special, swordfish. One friend had salmon and the other cassoulet. All of us thoroughly enjoyed everything. We keep going back because we love the location, sitting outside in a casual environment, and the consistently delicious food.

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  3. Marcel VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area97 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It is so nice to have a local restaurant that delivers high quality on a consistent basis. Service was excellent and the food delicious

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  4. Rebecca

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have never had a bad meal at Bistro Vida, and if you haven’t tried their Coq au Vin, you must. It is wonderful, and next time I order it, I will ask to have it without the fettuccine because I feel I can better taste the flavor of the sauce by dipping their bread in it.

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  5. PapaG VIP

    San Diego77 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of my mother’s favorite restaurants, and we had a group of eight there for her 92nd birthday. A number of the group got the French onion soup, which is the best we found in the area. We also had calamari as our appetizer, which is always excellent. Several of our party had boef bourguinon, which all agreed was excellent. Moule frittes were perfectly prepared and a generous serving, as was the clam pasta. Desserts, including chocolate, mousse, and crème brûlée were great. The service was a little slow, understandable for the group size, but was accommodating, pleasant, andprofessional. Overall, a good time was had by all with excellent food. Ambience is classic French bistro, prices are moderate and and portion size is good/price appropriate. 

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  6. NavyNurse

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We thoroughly enjoyed the calamari & a Salad Nicosia today. Service was excellent. Even though they had a full house at lunch, we never felt rushed!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Salmon is always fantastic. Overall best place in the area.

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  8. BartHarleyJarvis VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area109 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always have a wonderful meal, and the service is even better. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  9. QCooper

    San Francisco Bay Area13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Really enjoy eating here. Food is fresh and good. Owner is present and invested in making everyone's meal a great experience.

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  10. OpenTable Diner VIP

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bistro Vida is one of my favorite restaurants in Menlo Park. Always great and the owner and staff are so friendly!

    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 2836 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Menlo Park

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 29 times today
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
  • 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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