I have been back several times in the past few weeks for business dinners--and this is simply the best quality food in Palo Alto, by a lot. The duck breast (main course) is outstanding in its flavor and presentation. The wine list by the glass is quite extensive. The steamed mussel appetizer has incredible flavors and the mussels are perfectly... More

Palo Alto has a dearth of good, or maybe even acceptable, restaurants. A friend recommended Bon Vivant and I went there with a colleague. What a nice surprise. The place was not busy on a Wednesday night so the noise level was low and we could hear each other. The service was prompt, the wine recommendation good, plates cleared when... More

Situated in one of Palo Alto's quieter streets this restaurant sets a great impression on entry, warm, comfortable, but not too French. The menu also offer good promise of fine things to come, alas these aspirations were dashed by under-cooked food, confused service, insufficient restroom facilities and a hi-tech/lo-tech approach to the final check. After ordering appetisers (the highlight of... More

I often avoid French cuisine since the restaurants are often too stiff and formal for my taste. But Bon Vivant Cafe in Palo Alto has turned me around. The food was delicious - pork belly crepes, duck confit, and an excellent selection of wines made for a very enjoyable time. But as much as my companion and I like the... More

We were looking for good food. For over $200, we expect meat to cook the way we wanted. And, we were hungry and not extrmely picky. The filet mignon was bland and the duck breast was overcooked. The food was extremely salty to hide the natural taste. This is the worst sweetbread we have ever tasted. We live in a... More

This is not my first time here (and definitely not the last!). My friend was visiting from out of town, so I took her to BV for brunch. Suffice to say, I feel pretty proud of myself for choosing a great place. They simply do not disappoint, and my friend was certainly not disappointed. I had the smoked salmon omelet... More

Great new place in PA. Got 5-star approval from my girlfriend. Place is very chick but not imposing or stiff - had been worried a little. Very good service. Background music was good but not loud. Food is one of the best in Bay Area. Wild boar and duck were wonderful. Wine list not big but very well composed. Highly... More

Just got home after having dinner at Bon Vivant. What a disappointing dinner. The food was almost uniformly very good, but the service and timing was so abysmal as to make the total experience really bad. We four each ordered an appetizer, which took about 40 minutes to arrive. They were quite good, but the wine was REALLY slow to... More

Went for lunch and wow...what a treat. New family owned small French restaurant located right off University Ave. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Clean and fresh room bathed in sunshine from the large clean windows. Bar, tables and common table seating options. Was shown to long common table immediately and attentive service was maintained throughout meal. Menu is not large,... More