Bistro Vida — Restaurant in Menlo Park

Bistro Vida used to be our favorite go-to place for celebrations (3-4 times a year in the past 5 years). We've been on good terms with the owner Ali as well (he's big soccer fan:). He always welcomed us with a glass of bubbles right away (was on the bill of course but that's ok - still a nice gesture).

Over the past years, we've 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 couldn't 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 wasn't 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 didn't 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...

Bistro Vida: A Taste of Parisian Charm in Menlo Park Bistro Vida has been a Menlo Park institution for over two decades, and for good reason. This charming French bistro captures the essence of Parisian dining with its warm ambiance, attentive service, and classic dishes done right. On my recent visit, I was immediately transported to a cozy bistro. The restaurant's interior, with its warm lighting, dark wood accents, and vintage posters, creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, Bistro Vida provides the perfect setting. The menu features a delightful array of traditional French dishes, and I was particularly impressed with the quality of the food. The duck confit was simply superb, with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. The beef Bourguignon was equally outstanding, a rich and hearty stew that was perfect for a chilly evening. Each dish was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Beyond the food, the service at Bistro Vida is also noteworthy. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making you feel welcome and well-cared for throughout your dining experience. If you're looking for an authentic French bistro experience in Menlo Park, Bistro Vida is a must-visit. With its delicious food, charming ambiance, and excellent service, it's no wonder this restaurant has been a local favorite for so many years. Highlights: Classic French dishes done right Excellent duck confit and beef Bourguignon Warm and inviting atmosphere Attentive and friendly service Overall: 5 out of 5 stars. Highly...

We used to love Bistro Vida but unfortunately can't in good conscience leave an overwhelmingly positive review here.

Instead of writing a huge narrative, I'll 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 weren't 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 couldn't hear ourselves speak to one another and ended up leaving our meal early

Overall this was a pretty frustrating experience and I doubt we'll be back. This is a shame because in the past we have had positive experiences, but alas...