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Bon Vivant - Palo Alto Reviews List
Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Bon Vivant recalls the charm and pleasure of Parisian brasserie, located in the heart of Downtown in Palo Alto. Bon Vivant food is inspired by bistro classics which showcase French tradition and technique. We composed a menu that celebrates traditional French cuisine alongside seasonal ingredients. The wine list has a great selection of French and Californian wines by the glass, as well as assortment of cocktails and mixed drinks.
Bon Vivant is about great food, interesting people, music and art. Enjoy and thank you for dining with us at Bon Vivant!
See more Bon Vivant - Palo Alto details
Bon Vivant is about great food, interesting people, music and art. Enjoy and thank you for dining with us at Bon Vivant!
48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(28)
- special occasion(22)
- neighborhood gem(18)
- romantic(16)
- notable wine list(14)
- great for lunch(6)
Bon Vivant - Palo Alto Reviews List
Review 1 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall it's a very nice restaurant, good food, great service, and a very nice ambiance. I would go back, and I would bring friends.
But I will not order the rabbit again, I love rabbit, and to cook a rabbit takes skill. If you going to serve it, don't send it out if it's dry.
Covering it with a sauce will not cut the cake. Everything else on the plate was perfect."
But I will not order the rabbit again, I love rabbit, and to cook a rabbit takes skill. If you going to serve it, don't send it out if it's dry.
Covering it with a sauce will not cut the cake. Everything else on the plate was perfect."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yum!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I loved this restaurant. The atmosphere was lovely, it was comfortable the service attentive and the food was delicious. We split a beet salad. The presentation was beautiful and it tasted great. We also had the duck breast which was some of the best we have tried. Also had the rabbit which was quite good but the duck was my favorite. We don't usually have dessert but had Crepe Suzette. It was perfectly cooked and hit the spot. We are real believers. In fact we are going back next week. I also went with a friend for lunch today. Good for lunch too."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bad start some what ruined the meal
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were there to celebrate my wife birthday with our college kids coming back from school, but things didn't turn out good. The restaurant was practically empty (bad sign, but probably because of slightly hi end for Saturday lunch). Granted, we came late and our kids were already there started to order apetizers, we should still be given menus instead of having to ask three times before we got the wine menu to order drinks (the first time was only foods, the second time was only cocktails, and finally the third was wine list). Then my daughter food was wrong and not prepared to her instruction. The waiter tried hard to correct and compensate, but damage was done. Will try again some other day for dinner to really taste the foods."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 4 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed out dinner at Bon
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed out dinner at Bon Vivant. The food was outstanding and reasonably priced. We were surprised at how expensive the wine list was however and that did detract a bit from the experience."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 5 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Relaxed meal in the French fashion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a well prepared meal served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Great service and nice decor."
Great service and nice decor."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific food and charming
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrific food and charming decor. I went for brunch and had a delectable bacon and Brie croissant with roasted pear and prune compote. For dessert I had the equally delectable crepe Suzette with creme anglaise and orange confit. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A wonderful addition to Palo
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderful addition to Palo Alto restaurant scene. This place has the most important thing in a restaurant, great food. The rabbit, the sole, the escargot dish were all incredible. A sophisticated menu, great food, and great atmosphere. The interiors are lovely and make Bon Vivant somewhere between a neighborhood bistro and an elegant evening. comfortable chairs, tables not so close you feel you are dining with your neighbor and enough soft surfaces in the interiors that noise isnt bouncing off of every surface. But, most important, the food was terrific. I hope it finds a great following and is here for a long time"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A fairly traditional French
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A fairly traditional French menu, but with an elegant and modern presentation. Expensive, but not that much out of line with Silicon valley pricing for this quality. Certainly one of the nicer options in downtown Palo Alto."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 9 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
service was terrible but food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"service was terrible but food was excellent. Staff did not speak English well at all, most of the time we could not understand them. Had to re-ask for many items to get service. Some of the alcohol prices are high compared to other restaurants."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 10 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Beautifully prepared and presented
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Beautifully prepared and presented food in a relaxed-elegance environment. Attentive,caring service. A real find,"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The worst meal I've had in
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The worst meal I've had in Palo Alto. Took over an hour to deliver our food. I asked three times to see the manager and it took him 35 minutes to come to our table. The salmon was awful. Their "accommodation" to us was to comp a glass of wine and dessert. For the first time in my life I walked out of a restaurant and refused to pay the bill."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2004
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Review 12 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Restaurant in Palo Alto
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best food in Palo Alto--period! Exceptional service, great wine list, and magnificently prepared food, from the appetizers on through the meal."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 13 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I don't know why more people
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I don't know why more people don't come here. A great addition to Palo Alto. Gourmet and nicely prepared food, excellent desserts, and fine service. One can have a very light and delicious meal, or a decadent feast."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 14 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice experience overall.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice experience overall. It wasn't very busy the night (sunday) we went, so hard to say what service would be like when it is busy. The staff was incredible, bringing us some wine to try (no charge) and an extra dessert (no charge) either. Hard to complain - good food , estimable service all in downtown palo alto"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 15 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The overall experience at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The overall experience at Bob Vivant was wonderful. I have only one major complaint. The wine list is is largely expensive to very-expensive. There were limited selections of good wines under $90/bottle. The 6 of us spent almost as much on three bottles of wine as we did on the food. Additionally, the bar was still not well stocked. The only scotch they offered was Johnny Walker Green at $25/drink. I think the owners are at risk of pricing themselves out of creating a regular crowd."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Hostess and floor manager
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Hostess and floor manager were very gracious. The waiter seemed a bit hesitant. The duck breast was excellent, but the coq au vin was nothing special. Also, the beet salad was predictable -- would love to see more surprise and creativity."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 17 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My girlfriend and I ate dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My girlfriend and I ate dinner here for a belated Valentine's Day. The food and ambiance were excellent and very romantic. The service was slow, but no doubt to allow us to savor the meal."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was very good as
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was very good as was the wine. The only thing we weren't too fond of was it was a Friday night and they had a live music/singing group which didn't seem to fit the ambience and was too loud for our tastes."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 19 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A fine addition to dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is the best French restaurant in the area. Service was good; food was excellent. We went on Valentine's Day, so hard to know about food on other days. But I would think it very good."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2000
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 20 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good place for a date and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"good place for a date and food is good. Worth coming back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
EAT HERE!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best in Palo Alto area. It's not the French Laundry, and they don't claim to be. If you want some great food and neighborhood friendly service this is the place.
This time I had mussels - best by far!
The scallops are always cooked to perfection. One order was one shake too salty, but not enough to send back. This was the only miss all night!
Beet salad with goat cheese dressing, etc (my wife got it so not sure what all was in it) was great.
Potato leek soup. I let the waiter know soup was too tepid last time and the temp was perfect as were the soups flavors. I would not doubt the chef used a thermometer just before sending it out!
Best duck breast I have ever eaten in my entire life! One of the best dishes I've ever enjoyed, ever!"
The scallops are always cooked to perfection. One order was one shake too salty, but not enough to send back. This was the only miss all night!
Beet salad with goat cheese dressing, etc (my wife got it so not sure what all was in it) was great.
Potato leek soup. I let the waiter know soup was too tepid last time and the temp was perfect as were the soups flavors. I would not doubt the chef used a thermometer just before sending it out!
Best duck breast I have ever eaten in my entire life! One of the best dishes I've ever enjoyed, ever!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my third visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my third visit to Bon Vivant and I'm always surprised that more people aren't dining here. It's such a charming restaurant and the food is superb. There were 3 of us and we each had the filet mignon au poivre followed by tarte tatin. Delicious!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tasty & beautiful, but slow & daft
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bon Vivant offers delicious and artfully presented riffs on French classics. However, at least on our visit, the kitchen was quite slow, and the service was inartful; we were not offered a cocktail at the start, and our server knew nothing about the menu and little about the wines so he basically acted as an order-taker. The space is strangely cold, perhaps owing to the high ceiling and widely spaced tables. Someone in the kitchen has talent but the front of the house needs a dressing-down from Gordon Ramsay or Robert Irvine."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 24 for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food and wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Delicious food and wonderful service."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bon Vivant - Palo Alto
Based on the average of (24) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate