Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Bistro Vida in Menlo Park

4.4 (199) 641 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States

Categories

Bistro

Location on the map

Menlo Park, San Mateo County, California, US

Phone: +1 650-462-1686
Site: https://bistro-vida.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–2 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–2 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–2 PM
Thursday:11 AM–2 PM
Friday:11 AM–2 PM
Saturday:11 AM–2 PM
Sunday:11 AM–2 PM

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Total reviews rating 4.4

199 Reviews for Bistro Vida 2024:

Review №1

2023-07-16 11:12:21

Nice neighborhood French restaurant we stumbled upon in downtown Menlo. The bistro style food is solid and service nice. We enjoyed the brunch with well done steak frites. Prices are a little on the high end but in line with the area.

Review №2

2023-06-08 03:23:15

Divine!!!! We were seated promptly with outdoor dining. They have indoor and outdoor dining available. We had a perfect view of the NBA playoffs while we ordered and waited for our meal. From the greeter to the servers, the service was fantastic! Drinks and appetizers and the Burrata Salad were out very fast! Then along came the entrees, I had the pleasure of eating the Boeuf Bourguignon, and let me tell you! The beef just melts in your mouth! The carrots and mashed potatoes perfectly paired the dish the hearty dish. We also enjoyed the New York Steak and Filet Mignon it was all excellent! We cant wait to come back and enjoy more of the delicious offerings here at Bistro Vida!

Review №3

2023-02-01 19:54:16

We visited this restaurant after reading reviews online. The day we went the place wasnt busy. First we ordered our drinks and our appetizer. The server asked if we wanted to order our entrees but hadnt decided yet so we requested for him to come back. He eventually did when our drinks and appetizers were all done which to me was strange. My husband ordered his steak medium but got more well done than he wanted. But my beef bourguignon was excellently cooked with lots of flavor. And the portion was great for the price. Overall a good place to have lunch.

Review №4

2023-07-19 21:25:49

Fantastic food, charming atmosphere, great service. Tracy our sever to great care of us

Review №5

2022-03-13 19:11:05

Fantastic place to have brunch, excellent service, and great staff. The food is lovely we eat the onion soup and the croquet madame, the sorted bread and fantastic coffee. If you are in the area, please visit you will not regret

Review №6

2023-10-29 07:36:47

Nice restaurant in French style. Food was delicious, staff nice.It was pretty loud though and I dont like to get the bill while Im eating.

Review №7

2019-11-29 04:50:38

Just the blueberry goat cheese on the cheese plate earns this place five stars. I mean its that good. But everything else is excellent as well. The prime rib was tender and juicy. The mashed potatoes were fluffy. Our server was affable and took great care of us. The manager was present and added an extra emphasis on customer service. The decor is dark reds and wood finishes, romantic and chic.

Review №8

2019-11-29 04:28:30

We came here on Thanksgiving. The food and service were great. The prime rib special was cooked perfectly. Oysters were fresh. The creme brulee and pecan pie were yummy. And it wasnt even crowded. What a nice way to spend the evening.

Review №9

2021-10-30 05:50:31

Delicious and authentic French food. The waiter was extremely friendly and courteous, and spoke excellent French! Good aperitif options, escargots, and a good selection of French food, including steak frites, moule frites and duck confit. Gluten free options including the escargots. COVID safe with outdoor seating under a canopy. Very popular so highly advise making a reservation.

Review №10

2023-10-28 20:18:45

Brunch was great, I also liked the fact that it is quiet enough to have a conversation, no loud music in the background.

Review №11

2017-12-18 20:32:00

Came for a quick lunch Monday afternoon and the placed was packed! the owner kindly sat us down and even poured me a glass of wine. the salad I ordered was amazing. perfect portions and an abundance of flavors. will definitely be coming back for dinner. This place is quickly becoming one of my favorite French bistros.

Review №12

2023-11-04 14:09:10

The food was so good and our waiter was delightful. I had one of the specials and devoured every morsel.

Review №13

2021-05-17 20:09:06

French bistro with very nice atmosphere. I had a delicious Coq au vin and it made my day. The service was quick, competent and always friendly.

Review №14

2023-12-01 05:56:21

Real Good and the colors a nice burgundy red ❤️

Review №15

2023-03-12 04:16:44

To start we love salt on the table, a white tablecloth and generous absorbent napkins. We had a chicken which was a good, lamb chops which were a bit small but ended the meal with one of the most delicious chocolate mousses we ever had. Go. Enjoy.

Review №16

2023-11-22 02:29:38

Great food ..great service. Best french onion soup in the country

Review №17

2020-01-31 05:02:54

Amazing place to eat great French food with lots of delicious winesThe staff is always super friendly and helpful!

Review №18

2020-06-18 04:32:36

Service was great, food was awesome. And im not just saying that cause we been on locked down for 3 months

Review №19

2019-01-27 23:32:15

Friendly service and good wine! Came for a birthday party. The steak frites was alright but I’d recommend the beef bourguignon.

Review №20

2022-12-17 21:23:19

Bistro Vida used to be our go-to casual French restaurant for both lunch and dinner but the food has been declining and while I like the ambience, its just not worth going to any longer.Last night my husband and I had dinner with two friends. I ordered the short ribs which were dry. The sauce was nice but the mashed potatoes were glue-like and lumpy.Our friend ordered the vida burger and it was plated like a Dennys burger and fries and didnt taste much better.I ordered a glass of wine with my meal and we had to remind a server to bring it after our meal was served.We love to support small, local businesses and we know that owner spent a lot of time and effort during Covid. As going out to eat is getting more and more expensive, we are expecting at least the same level of food and service we had before and we arent getting it.Left Bank is next door and youd do just as well or better there.

Review №21

2017-06-18 20:51:12

I was disappointed by this place. We had 2 glasses of Sancerre ($15 a glass), a side of mushrooms and fries. For a high end place, the fries seemed like they were frozen and the service was not attentive at all. We asked for a table outside, but were told it was all reserved even though multiple tables were empty. When we left 45 minutes later, there were multiple empty tables outside. I wont be coming back.

Review №22

2017-06-29 19:35:15

Bistro Vida has a real Parisian sidewalk bistro feel, especially on a warm summer night. The tuna on the salad Nicoise was perfectly seared. Nice wine list.

Review №23

2023-02-07 10:25:26

Enjoyed the kir royale and onion soup. The salade de chevre chaud was a bit disappointing compared to what you get in France: the cheese was not enough, too small of a bite, there were sweet raisins added which in my opinion were not matching nicely the salty taste of the goat cheese.What was really disappointing was that a supposedly French restaurant had no French waiters!!!!!

Review №24

2022-10-31 03:48:57

Underwhelming and disappointing. Pasta dish missed tomato sauce that we had asked. Filet mignon was so tough my guest had to send it back. And no one came to follow up on our complaint. Overall, we will not come back.

Review №25

2023-03-07 03:33:07

Food is excellent! I must have tried almost all the food on the menu, and I have not once got disappointed. I come here a lot because I like the food, the service and ambiance!

Review №26

2019-03-29 04:44:54

Dinner was good, but not great+ Friendly servers+ Good wine

Review №27

2022-08-12 04:53:44

Weve visited and dined here several times. Certain dishes are always excellent (try the cous cous with merguez). Others are sometimes hit-or-miss. Tonights halibut special was overcooked, the lamb chops were perfect, and the gnocchi was terribly salty. Service is always outstanding. And the desserts, especially the lemon tart and the tarte tatin, are excellent. One of the most lovely outdoor conversions Im Menlo Park.

Review №28

2022-01-10 03:45:35

Loved the French onion soup and flourless chocolate cake!!! Lovely ambience with great service as well. Had the gnocchi which was a great large portion, enough to take some home for another meal. Can’t wait to return for that soup and dessert!

Review №29

2021-12-17 16:47:44

We had a big ole group dinner here and it was wonderful! No one in the group had been to Bistro Vida before and we all loved it. Not a morsel of food left on our plates and the atmosphere was charming. The owner/manager accommodated our group so patiently.

Review №30

2022-05-08 03:56:24

Had Saturday brunch here and was fairly disappointed. The food wasnt bad but it was pretty pedestrian. We ordered the coq au vin and the special that day which was a crab Benedict. The egg white on the Benedict was overcooked a bit but overall was reasonable. The chicken in the coq au vin was just bland and definitely missed the mark from what I expected from such a classic French dish.Service was a bit slow but somewhat expected given the number of diners.Overall it was ok but not some place Id particularly want to come back to again.

Review №31

2023-09-10 21:18:44

Perfect lunch spot on a Sunday afternoon! Croque Madame.

Review №32

2023-07-19 19:00:11

Ali is the owner chef - amazing lamb cous cous and mussels with frites

Review №33

2022-04-09 19:48:46

The french onion soup was too sweet and my burger was RAW. They didnt even ask how i wanted it done. Too many staff coming to the table and they dont coordinate well - part of our order was lost. The server was borderline rude (the bald guy).

Review №34

2022-08-24 20:55:33

Fantastic French bistro food in a relaxed atmosphere. Staff is friendly. Comparable to any Parisian bistro. I highly recommend!Update: like a good wine, this place only gets better with age. Weve been coming here for years now, and weve recommended this place to all our friends.

Review №35

2021-11-07 22:18:52

Food was amazing and the staff so gracious and helpful ... my visiting friend from Seattle was equally impressed and was recommending it to her local family and friends.

Review №36

2021-08-21 15:02:13

We had a reservation and when we got there the patio seemed full with more people waiting in line. Thankfully we were greeted and seated within 5 minutes. The service was prompt and efficient. The escargots are not to be missed as well as the steak frites. One of us tried the parisian gnocchi, delicious! Go to Bistro Vida.

Review №37

2021-06-23 01:59:34

I discovered this place a few months ago, and I cant stop going back. The staff is great, the menu is brilliant, the food and wine are delicious, and the owner (Ali) is on top of it all. I have seen him check in on every table each time Ive gone, and he always has a smile of great joy on his face. Ill be back soon!

Review №38

2020-12-15 19:26:22

Dont get me wrong -- the food was good. The experience ... not so much. After arriving on time for my reservation and waiting in the cold for almost ten minutes to be seated, I got chewed out by the owner/maitre d for having an attitude. Im not sure how I had an attitude -- I had not said anything, and I was wearing a mask. My expressive eyes, perhaps? But this was a first -- the only time in 40 years of dining out that I have been dressed down by an owner.Anyway, the food was good, if you overlook the lukewarm martini. But then the inexcusable happened -- our entrees arrived at completely different times. I was almost finished with my linguine before my wife got her swordfish. To his credit, the waiter realized the mistake and comped us a dessert.I would recommend that the owner stay in the kitchen from now on. They clearly have problems there, and it would have the benefit of putting some distance between the owner and the dining public.There are a number of restaurants that dont deserve to fail. This is not one of them.

Review №39

2022-12-25 04:47:58

Had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner with family. Ali is such a wonderful host. We always enjoy our dinners here.

Review №40

2020-11-09 17:48:18

Visited for lunch on a weekday. Outdoor seating, with a decent number of customers. We had the gnocchi and beet salad. The gnochhi was very good, the salad, not so much. The highlight of our experience was the dessert - chocolate profiteroles. Heavenly! Service was attentive and fast.

Review №41

2022-07-17 00:34:25

Surprisingly easy to get a last minute reservation for lunch on Saturday. We had mussels and boeuf bourguignon and both were delicious. Would come again.

Review №42

2023-03-02 18:26:59

I am warming to this place. actual French menu, unlike left bank these days. better service, level is about similar. food is uneven though. i tend to get the moules because their sourcing is good and mussels are all sourcing very little about cooking.

Review №43

2021-04-22 14:24:05

Excellent food served by a loyal and efficient crew. Love their grilled salmon and ricotta with scallops. Beef Bourgengon is so satisfying on a chilly day. Always serves fresh warm crusty French bread before your meal. Owner Ali Elsafy kept his business afloat and all staff employed throughout the Pandemic. Creative use of their outdoor space, with live music by talented local high school jazz quartet, Sunday brunch is safely distanced an so much fun. Yes I am a fan!

Review №44

2021-10-04 02:59:25

Went to Bistro Vida, Menlo Park for dinner this evening. The food is consistently delicious, service is great and the hospitality is like what you’d experience in Europe.It is amazing to have a restaurant in this area with such elegance and high standards.Thank you Ali! We appreciate you.

Review №45

2017-02-10 18:27:53

This well decorated restaurant makes you feel like youre in a Parisian bistro. The menu brings back nostalgia of Paris-trips past, and the quality of the food is very solid. Servings are a little on the larger side, but they are definitely still appropriate (especially for the price). The wine list is solid, and the service fairly good. I like this place and plan on going back, especially for a date night.

Review №46

2022-02-15 15:50:25

The Lamb Chops was very good and the Crème brûlée exquisite. I highly recommand! Also went for Valentines day and the chef excelled! The salmon and the risotto where excellent ! Only the chocolate mousse was too sweer for my taste

Review №47

2016-11-14 14:11:59

Delicious! Came for a birthday dinner and the staff took amazing care of us. The drinks were amazing as was the food and ambiance. I had the scallops and asparagus risotto. Wonderful! Would definitely get again!

Review №48

2018-11-18 17:56:33

A delightful place, the food and staff were terrific and my wife loved the atmosphere of the place. I had their daily special, a lamb shank, which melted from the bone. My wife had the scallops and they were perfect. A bit pricey for us as a regular stop but well worth it for those special outings.

Review №49

2017-09-13 05:27:10

Came here for lunch on my birthday and absolutely loved it! The burger was delicious with big slabs of roasted red pepper, and the dessert crepes were excellent. Great, fast service and really nice outdoor seating! Will definitely be coming back.

Review №50

2023-05-01 19:12:15

Its cold and rainy outside tonight. The special tonight was the cassoulet: beans, sausage and duck confit baked in the oven, paired with a burgundy. Yum. Must recently I enjoyed their steak au poivre, a really tender filet mignon with scalloped potatoes and asparagus on the side, with a nice Pinot noir.

Review №51

2021-05-05 02:24:24

We used to love Bistro Vida but unfortunately cant in good conscience leave an overwhelmingly positive review here.Instead of writing a huge narrative, Ill list out the things we found to be rather frustrating tonight:- Our server did not write down our order and we ended up not receiving some of the items we asked for- We ordered a $90 2014 Premier Cru wine, and were told that the menu had changed, and the server brought out a 2017 Village Appelation from the same winemaker. The wine was ok, not great, but the price was not changed from the $90. Online research suggests that the price should have been much less for what we received.- My steak was ordered medium rare and was pretty close to well done- The server came by once to take our order and once to pour wine, so we werent able to ask for things like ketchup, more water, etc., and we were pretty frustrated- There was a band playing, which was lovely, but they were so close to our table and playing so loudly that we couldnt hear ourselves speak to one another and ended up leaving our meal earlyOverall this was a pretty frustrating experience and I doubt well be back. This is a shame because in the past we have had positive experiences, but alas things do change.

Review №52

2021-09-23 03:17:42

Big fan of this place, ultimate cozy. Food works the servers make a point of making sure you are being taken care of even if its not their table, instead of just walking by acting like they dont see you.My favorite meal is the beef bourguignon.

Review №53

2020-09-12 19:45:59

I can appreciate the outdoor seating experience during those difficult times but I come for the food. Menu remains unappealing. The burger meat was gristly, with questionable gorgonzola and soggy fries. Scallops were undercooked and to complete this the lemon drop did not taste right.

Review №54

2021-09-09 01:11:22

Pricey but very good 👍quality bistro lunch... dessert and coffees... Cal and Southern European offerings. Friendly efficient service by French national (proprieter?). Piaf and in character music a bit loud.

Review №55

2014-12-02 06:02:09

Their salmon is consistently the best cooked salmon Ive tasted anywhere. It is perfectly flash grilled every time and served hot, such that its exterior is almost crunchy and its tasty interior simply melts warmly in the mouth!! The cooked side veggies are fresh and the mashed potatoes taste like they were home-prepared. Ive been going there every so often for some 10 years and their outstanding salmon dinner is one of the main reasons I keep returning.

Review №56

2023-11-12 20:39:06

Great French place with delicious food.

Review №57

2021-04-30 19:54:25

A friend and I had lunch twice in March 2021 at this wonderful little bistro. I think they may have the best Moules Frites in the USA. Good European wine selection as well. Highly recommend.

Review №58

2019-03-18 02:35:43

This place is the best brunch spot in Menlo Park. It’s got great decor, way better seating than cafe Borrone, the portions are larger than Borrone and just as good or better. Not as crowded, undiscovered. It’s the equal in cost to most other places. Compared to Anne’s it’s about a dollar more expensive per plate but 10x the quality. It’s a step above the Stacks greasy spoon/diner experience, but don’t be fooled by the red front decor, the place is totally affordable. Always a great experience dining here. I recommend the Salmon and cream cheese omelette (only $14).

Review №59

2019-03-06 00:49:38

Very good, authentic food with good sized and well plated presentations - the strengths are the appetizers and entrees, all traditional bistro fare. The mussels were large and fresh and swimming in a light, delicately flavored broth. My coworkers raved about the onion soup too. I had the poulet roti which was perfectly cooked - fall off the bone tender, accompanied by superior, thin cut pommes frites and fresh steamed mixed veggies. My posse all enjoyed their entrees, especially the beef bourgignon and salmon (FOTD). Desserts were good, not great - generally a bit too sweet for most, the exception and overwhelming favorite being the Tarte tatin (apple, with vanilla ice cream). Service was friendly and attentive and turnaround time on the orders just right. Prices seemed moderate and fair, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Id definitely like to hit this place up again for a relaxed dinner, avec du vin next time for sure.

Review №60

2022-02-01 00:37:24

Bistro Vida used to be our favorite go-to place for celebrations (3-4 times a year in the past 5 years). Weve been on good terms with the owner Ali as well (hes big soccer fan:). He always welcomed us with a glass of bubbles right away (was on the bill of course but thats ok - still a nice gesture).Over the past years, weve started to feel that the focus has moved from quality to quantity but we still went given the personal connection, etc.During Covid closures the terrace opened up (fantastic!) and then it expanded, and expanded again. As so often it happens the quality and attention we loved so much simply couldnt keep up. The place totally lost its charm :(Then a lunch experience last week just made us realize that Vida transformed into something which is no longer what we loved so much about it.There were already issues with ordering, then appetizer was brought together with the Entrée (which was semi-cold)... but true shock came when we wanted to pay - apparently there was no internet for over a day so card reader wasnt working. Instead of getting a mobile internet they demanded to put down our card number on the back of the bill or pay cash. We had no such an amount of cash on us and didnt feel comfortable leaving the card detail totally exposed. We offered to pay Paypal, Venmo or even to come back the other day to pay. It was all dismissed first with cheap jokes (I need the money to buy a new pair of shoes) then that they need to close the books each day. Maybe... but once again Ali is the owner!!! Anyway appreciate the past and good luck for the future and maybe you can find your way back to greatness

Review №61

2017-05-01 08:05:09

The food is good and the decor tasteful. The street on which its tables spread out to is quiet and clean. But the owner (Ali?) who served me gave off the vibe that he was doing me a favor for letting me eat here. He was much more friendly to the other guests. If it werent for that I would give this place at least 4 stars. Not coming back.

Review №62

2019-06-16 05:02:36

The food and ambiance are nice, but we ended up having a bad experience at dinner. Our waitress was dreadful, the one who looks like Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She slopped and spilled our wine and all but dropped our food onto the table, bringing the sides out more than 15 minutes before our other food came out, and gave attitude when we asked for the starters to be taken back to be brought with the mains, so they didn’t get cold. Who brings out sides before the salad?Anyways, food was lovely.Paid and sat another moment to enjoy the last bit of dessert and got a notice from AmEx. The waitress had charged our card for another table’s meal! And didn’t even come to apologize until we went to the manager to get the additional bill removed. Thank goodness for AmEx alerting us to an almost $400 bill on top of our dinner while we were still here! Sanders-look-alike then gave a lame “sorry about that” as she walked by, not even stopping to say it to our face.Good food, nice decor, just try to avoid the bad waitress.

Review №63

2018-08-06 22:05:30

Loved this place. Friend and I met here for lunch on a warm August day. The front of the building was on to the air, and a dozen of tables out on the sidewalk. We chose a table at the sidewalk edge.Ordered the Croque Monsiuer ou Madame after seeing pics. It did not disappoint and hit the spot. I would order this again and recommend it, with the egg. The greens and fries were perfect.Also ordered the Steak Frites, which was a perfectly cooked ribeye and french fries. It did not disappoint.We had an early lunch. Upon leaving, the place was not crowded, with most customers on the sidewalk or just inside; the back was almost empty, so perfect if one needed a quiet conversation.Would definitely recommend. You can sense the owners and staffs passion in the food and service.

Review №64

2023-07-04 18:22:52

Since the very fist day up until today just wonderful!

Review №65

2022-11-26 04:25:50

Good service; my guest enjoyed the steak frittes; but the couscous was one of the worst that Ive ever eaten.

Review №66

2021-04-23 15:13:31

For the price points was expecting a bit more from the food. Ordered ahi tuna tartare and it was warm to room temperature, same with the beef tartare. Service was pleasant and outdoor jazz band was fun.

Review №67

2022-05-15 02:12:53

Nice atmosphere. Good food especially the scallops is excellent. Mussels and clams also good. Sole and chicken a bit overcooked.

Review №68

2021-09-25 05:15:01

Great experience. Authentic French food, good wine and lovely service. Get the coq au vin...but really the deserts are the highlight. Profiteroles and tart tatin were excellent!

Review №69

2018-12-11 13:34:44

It was a Monday night and it restaurant was packed. The food was wonderful and the staff attentive even with it being a full house. The owner was kind and helpful, direct but with a smile offering excellent selections. I would come again. Even if I do have to fly from NY.

Review №70

2020-10-10 16:47:14

Lovely bistro in downtown Menlo Park. Great service and good selection of food. I love their tartines and their mussels are amazing. You can seat outside and enjoy the sun and a good glass of wine.

Review №71

2020-08-18 04:20:50

Bistro Vida is a great outdoor place for excellent French cuisine. Moules frites is MY favorite and steak frites is my daughters favorite. But so many other great classic dishes, great wine list and cocktails, and friendly, Covid safe service. So nice to be back at Bistro Vida, feels like the old pre SIP days

Review №72

2022-06-28 13:26:28

French bistro Vida in Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. A great place to have a wonderful evening . I really recommend it. I put it at the top of my list . For great food wonderful ambience great service.

Review №73

2020-02-02 23:52:30

Fantastic Paris bistro atmosphere and good. Very good wines by the glass. Our go to place for excellent French comfort food, taken up a notch.

Review №74

2015-09-02 22:19:05

The best food on Santa Cruz Ave in Menlo Park. Even the hamburger is outstanding. The beef stew is amazing. My only regret is the place can get loud with noisy patrons trying to make themselves heard.

Review №75

2010-12-01 18:12:33

They are not afraid to serve yesterdays spinach quiche in place of the quiche lorraine on todays menu without comment. Special requests to the kitchen routinely ignored (no pepper on the eggs? faggetaboutit - it comes the way they feel like making it.) On the other hand they have the only boudin noir south of SF as far as I can tell and it is nicely prepared. Wine by the glass selections are interesting and not over-priced. Atmosphere is great. Too bad the kitchen is so uneven (and the wait staff does not ride herd on them to get it right the first time).

Review №76

2022-09-15 16:41:56

Awesome onion soup, recommended)

Review №77

2022-06-14 23:22:29

I came by myself at 1:30pm and told wait is 25 min by host. Come to find out they close at 2pm. #1 not very honest #2 lazy. So I went to the next door and got seated right away.

Review №78

2017-05-17 16:35:06

There are many other reviews of this fine establishment, I mostly agree with them and so will be brief. Bistro Vida is my goto choice in Menlo Park because:- the nearby competition, Left Bank, is a chain. LB is OK, but tell me peeps, if you are going for French food, does going to a chain make any sense. Hell no!- Ive been visiting Bistro Vida for over 10 years and the experience is ALWAYS great.- the decor (dark woods, table cloths, cloth napkins...) is sublime.- you can stop for a coffee at the bar and be treated like a king. i mean compare that to standing in line at Baronne... brief conversation with the bar tender is always thoughtful and real.- the food is consistently very fine, authentic, and reasonably priced.And a very special tip - order the chocolate cake (ugg, dont recall what its exactly named on the menu) and, ask to have them BROIL it. OMG, that is one dessert that is well worth the calories.... share it with a friend and you will have built a special memory.... I give them just 4 stars because they often wont honor my request to broil the cake - sometimes even when they are not busy, why not??

Review №79

2019-12-04 00:04:46

Like going over to a family friends house for dinner. A true french Brasserie with well executed classic dishes and a few North African favorites. Ali, the owner, is from Egypt and France and welcomes everyone personally. Modest well curated wine list and a full bar. Cassoulet, beef bourguignon and Coq au Vin are always a hit along with couscous royale for good measure. Start off with a gin based French 75 for a festive evening.

Review №80

2013-10-23 23:42:58

The cheese fondue is yummy as is the beet salad. We also enjoyed the salmon quite a bit. HOWEVER You have to have the Absinthe with a lemon tart. The combination will leave you fuzzy and content, just make sure you have a designated driver or have uber/lyft on your phone so you can get home safely.

Review №81

2020-11-18 22:40:45

Consistently good French food. Nothing over the top awesome but have never had a bad meal. Also they have heated outdoor seating.

Review №82

2022-06-07 22:32:38

Good food, fair price, good service. This was not our first time in this restaurant. This time we liked it better Than before

Review №83

2016-10-21 04:00:20

The food was excellent, great quality and very well done. It is definitely authentic french food and the cheese was definitely of great quality. The price is fair, and relatively cheap for the surrounding. Highly recommended.

Review №84

2018-08-28 03:56:16

Food was okay. Went with the waiters suggestion for the beef burgyneon(sp?) And wasnt overwhelmed. Nice location with sidewalk tables. Really quiet on a Monday evening.

Review №85

2011-08-19 04:00:19

Came for brunch - would like to support local business, but likely wont be back. Croque monsieur was decent with fries and salad, and french toast was better than ok. But fruit had a small hair on it, service only ok to bad, and its too expensive for what it is. I wouldnt refuse to come back, but wont be doing so of my own accord.

Review №86

2022-12-23 04:33:42

Beautiful place. Friendly & attentive staff. Food was delicious . Thank you …..Maria W.

Review №87

2016-12-19 10:40:22

Authentic French cuisine and the owner has been around for over a decade. Love the Paris-like atmosphere and highly recommend Bistro Vida if you have the money for it.

Review №88

2020-01-21 19:57:35

Had a delicious duck cassoulet from the server’s recommendation. Charming space. Prices bordering on exorbitant but I appreciated the range of the menu.

Review №89

2020-05-04 16:24:17

We ordered lunch and took home. Tomatoes and Burrata was Great. All three entrees fantastic. We will be doing this more often.

Review №90

2021-08-04 19:23:32

Bistro Vida has Great service andAmazing food. My waiter was Jacques, he was wonderful and attentive. I highly recommend this Fantastic Restaurant!!!

Review №91

2016-10-31 20:50:40

We love this French restaurant! The service is impeccable and the food is delicious. This time I had the cassoulet with duck and sausage and it was excellent!

Review №92

2022-08-17 19:11:45

Please contact DoorDash and tell them to stop orders. Customers don’t have time to go to the restaurant and realize that you don’t take DoorDash orders

Review №93

2021-04-05 20:57:48

I was introduced to the restaurant owner by a coworker. The place and food are really distinguished. I would definitely come back to try the other dishes.

Review №94

2021-04-25 05:20:14

Loved the live music, pepper steak, and oysters! The outdoor dining during covid is quite comfortable as well.

Review №95

2013-01-24 04:26:07

Its pretty place. Service sucks! And also only English please no Spanish, its unprofessional most of the staff dont smile only bartender smiling. Also because im the only one asian there. I think only Whites can have better service.

Review №96

2022-02-13 17:20:42

The food is below average compared to the price.The server is rude.2 stars is the most I can give.

Review №97

2020-11-22 03:38:37

Excellent, we ate outdoors (no dining inside) and the heaters kept us warm and tables separated. Food, beer and wine, excellent!

Review №98

2014-04-03 22:33:33

Just back from a dreadful excuse for lunch at Vida.Way below par - steak w/fritte @ $19 inedible, so substituted for an omelet likewise inedible, and onion soup amateurishly made. Two soups, one glass of poor quality pino noir, and one mussels - $45.DONT waste your money; we dont have a decent French restaurant in Menlo Park

Review №99

2022-11-07 22:58:14

Small menu and a little pricey. Great service. Recommend

Review №100

2013-03-29 02:43:29

My most favorite place to enjoy a meal and wonderful drink. Perfect for any occassion. Ali, Antonia, Ernesto, thank you for always making my visit so enjoyable and incredibly delicious!

Review №101

2021-10-06 05:06:11

We went here for m sons birthday. Such a disappointment 😞I dont recommend it.The wine was good.

Review №102

2018-04-18 04:20:22

Wonderful food and wonderful atmosphere. Truly a local neighborhood bistro. But don’t let that fool you: the food is top notch.

Review №103

2021-11-14 15:07:09

Fabulous experience! The service, ambience, menu options and drinks were exceptional! Highly recommend!

Review №104

2022-05-20 04:33:58

Ive been here many times and their quality is always consistent with great service. You gotta try the onion soup

Review №105

2021-05-01 20:46:19

Food and service were good

Review №106

2018-01-12 17:33:24

Pork with gratin dauphinoise was better than I dared expect. Rest was good but that was special enough that Ill drive to Menlo Park again.

Review №107

2017-06-19 00:22:45

Our favorite restaurant. Best French food in menlo park. Lovely new patio with great service and ambiance.

Review №108

2019-01-08 05:37:02

Great food and ambience. Perfect for the special occasion.

Review №109

2019-09-12 01:44:42

Best spot on peninsula. Better than neighbor left bank by far. Delicious. Friendly. Fun atmosphere. My go to place.

Review №110

2016-04-20 03:15:15

Bistro vida was to die for the crape with Nutella and Booz was so creamy it was delicious the fries were also pretty good . I suggest to go to bistro vida right now .😍😍😍😍😍😍 5 stars.

Review №111

2017-12-15 06:34:38

Very nice, honest typical French bistro, both decor and food. I return often. Very friendly host.

Review №112

2022-10-27 01:09:43

Great French style restaurant. Moules-frites were amazing

Review №113

2017-12-10 03:12:32

Nice place, fast service. Would have liked the food to be a bit mote special. It was solid, but nothing to write home about.

Review №114

2015-09-13 05:07:33

Some of the best food Ive ever had. Both the couscous and penne with clams were delicious.

Review №115

2018-11-06 17:01:15

An authentic Parisian Bistro right here in Menlo Park. Good food. With a great proprietor who takes pride in his product.

Review №116

2017-10-17 17:57:08

My favorite casual French bistro - great food and service, authentic atmosphere, owner Ali is great at remembering his regular visitors.

Review №117

2023-02-04 20:34:01

On my way to get a bagel to drown out how terrible the crepes and cappuccino was 🥲

Review №118

2021-09-10 01:19:30

Staff was very nice and friendly. Service prompt. The gnocchi is to die for!

Review №119

2014-03-10 06:22:20

For French fare in Menlo Park, I prefer this bistro to the brasserie next door. Good food and a warm atmosphere.

Review №120

2015-03-31 01:03:26

Our go to French bistro. Combines French cuisine with (superior) California service. Pleasant outside seating.

Review №121

2023-04-02 04:50:04

Love weekend brunch. Great bistro.

Review №122

2017-12-26 04:58:22

Good food

Review №123

2014-11-10 20:42:39

A decent, not-terribly-overpriced French lunch -- coq de vin was worth it, for sure. Deserts works well as well.

Review №124

2021-12-27 21:05:09

Excellent food and service; 2nd time and will definitely come back. Thanks Ali!!!

Review №125

2022-09-18 20:52:49

Food is okay. For the price and being in the area, I expect it to be better.

Review №126

2017-12-18 02:49:17

I love it here great food and atmosphere, so authentic. Great price as well!

Review №127

2021-04-18 22:41:33

Good local french place. Went for brunch today, nice outdoor parklet with live music.

Review №128

2021-10-09 04:07:38

Amazing service. Great traditional french food. Will be back.

Review №129

2019-07-26 22:39:12

Good French restaurant but they dont have many vegetarian options.

Review №130

2023-02-13 04:11:49

My go-to place for French food for the last 8 years.

Review №131

2017-11-10 04:52:19

Nice meal and people is amazing in there

Review №132

2017-02-05 00:21:43

I gave this 3 stars because there was only one chef and one server. The food was good though, recommend the crepe.

Review №133

2022-03-12 17:55:00

Pretty decent french place, outdoor dining is a plus.

Review №134

2022-12-11 07:07:09

I have been going here for years and I am never disappointed!!!

Review №135

2019-12-05 22:51:26

Its to standard. The onion soup was very good, lots of cheese mozzarella !

Review №136

2016-08-08 03:33:34

Great food great atmosphere really relaxing and satisfying whether your just chit chatting having a drink or dinner

Review №137

2015-04-03 01:48:42

As consistent a delightful European retreat - we always return to enjoy when around. Its our favorite.

Review №138

2019-12-25 16:34:54

Great place to eat staff is helpful and good the owner will take care of you

Review №139

2022-10-03 22:56:44

Good service but my NY sirloin was tough/grisly

Review №140

2017-12-16 17:37:23

Charming place. The wine selection was a bit lower than I thought. Friendly staff

Review №141

2020-03-05 04:27:03

Just ok. Food ok. Onion soup too sweet. Service not very prompt.

Review №142

2016-08-31 16:47:24

Nice atmosphere, good food, about what youd expect in Menlo Park though.

Review №143

2018-01-23 23:36:58

Average meal at (slightly) above average prices. Just like most mid-peninsula restaurants.

Review №144

2021-10-12 00:31:14

Amazing live jazz, and great French food!

Review №145

2017-06-21 03:23:48

Great food and atmosphere. Love the brussel sprouts, boullabase, and cassoulet.

Review №146

2018-12-19 04:56:32

Great entrees but the dessert was awful. Great place for a group dinner.

Review №147

2022-09-12 04:51:18

Enjoyed it, though my steak was way overcooked.

Review №148

2022-08-16 05:31:52

Pretty snooty and rude staff. Everything generally disappointing.

Review №149

2018-03-10 23:13:05

Always a great food experience and the most personal service from Ali

Review №150

2012-08-09 07:59:08

Outdoor dining here is great... With French music in the background, you can pretend you are in Paris.

Review №151

2017-07-23 03:10:32

Authentic French bistro, down to my French speaking server. Recommended by a ex pat Frenchman, thanks Marc!

Review №152

2020-02-20 18:17:30

So so food, too expensive for what you get. Staff was friendly and attentive.

Review №153

2017-09-27 02:56:20

The menu is really impressive. Nice ambiance. Not pretentious.

Review №154

2017-02-07 16:32:21

Delicious food and personal attention by the owner made for a great evening.

Review №155

2021-12-02 20:47:58

Pretty cute spot. Good food. Mellow Area.

Review №156

2010-08-15 20:13:53

They have a really good burger here. The service can be spotty, though.

Review №157

2018-06-26 00:38:36

Unfortunately I did not enjoy the steak. It is too expensive and not good at all.

Review №158

2023-08-06 00:38:43

Great steak.

Review №159

2012-06-30 19:51:51

Love the decor. Wonderfully relaxing place. Food is real too.

Review №160

2022-08-25 00:05:19

I have the Salade Niçoise every time👍

Review №161

2021-02-22 05:16:59

Efficient, friendly service, delicious food. Outdoors and well-distanced.

Review №162

2019-12-07 04:47:19

Great food, great service & wonderful atmosphere.

Review №163

2021-09-25 19:42:16

Waiter was rude and arrogant. Very uninviting.

Review №164

2017-05-08 07:17:44

Local good food. Say hi to Ali the owner, and tell him Jane sent you...

Review №165

2020-06-14 19:14:25

Best French Toast & lovely outdoor seating!

Review №166

2020-11-19 06:19:34

Both me and my partner got food poisoning after eating food from here.

Review №167

2018-08-18 05:12:34

Great food. Great ambience. Great service. nuff said.

Review №168

2017-12-16 03:10:20

Great food, Salmon was the best I ever had!

Review №169

2019-01-08 05:28:00

Loved the ambience and the food at this amazing french restaurant.

Review №170

2018-08-26 20:59:08

Great service and location, offset by bland food and average experience.

Review №171

2017-07-30 06:01:30

Good food and atmosphere

Review №172

2020-01-19 13:22:01

Great atmosphere and the staff is very courteous and fast!

Review №173

2020-10-18 19:21:50

One of my favorite brunch spots on the Peninsula

Review №174

2018-09-24 22:43:03

Great French bistro. Perfectly executed sole special

Review №175

2019-06-23 04:11:13

Always friendly, always well executed, great value

Review №176

2021-08-02 18:38:07

Really enjoyed the outdoor dinner settings

Review №177

2015-03-25 03:48:31

The coq au vin was actually pretty good

Review №178

2020-12-27 17:50:53

Good french cuisine for reasonable price.

Review №179

2017-11-07 04:04:29

Great service and the desserts are to die for!

Review №180

2012-12-26 21:15:37

A nice little French bistro. Some interesting dishes.

Review №181

2018-11-08 14:39:26

Superb food in a traditional French style.

Review №182

2018-07-27 07:54:29

I go there so often the owner orders for me.

Review №183

2018-06-01 20:55:38

Good food, great service.

Review №184

2018-11-11 05:55:43

Cozy french restaurant with classic French menu.

Review №185

2019-10-13 15:15:36

Duck confit and the service was great!

Review №186

2019-11-17 07:15:42

Pleasant ambiance and good food!

Review №187

2021-06-24 19:04:34

Real Parisienne vibe and good food.

Review №188

2021-07-24 15:31:59

Great food, atmosphere and service!

Review №189

2019-08-14 18:49:43

For a fancy lunch or dinner a goto venue

Review №190

2019-11-19 18:58:25

Favorite French restaurant on Peninsula.

Review №191

2019-02-15 06:40:37

Great authentic French food

Review №192

2018-08-07 04:58:23

Loved the food and the service!

Review №193

2016-07-11 01:18:15

Nice bistro to stay. Nice menu

Review №194

2019-08-03 10:59:16

There best restaurant in Menlo Park!

Review №195

2021-09-17 03:49:05

Amazing ambiance, owner is great

Review №196

2017-12-16 12:19:53

Great food,, great service

Review №197

2019-01-27 00:06:01

This is our Dave date night restaurant!

Review №198

2019-08-16 13:36:22

Delish French restaurant! ❤️

Review №199

2019-08-17 20:33:05

Better than last experience.