Bistro Elan

4.8

42 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

Bistro Elan serves French dishes created mainly from ingredients obtained from the local farmers. The cozy interior is ideal for a date night or a small celebratory dinner with friends. The open kitchen offers a homey feel where you can enjoy an apple salad or La Quercia Prosciutto before moving on to an entrée of local Petrale sole or a Sonoma duck leg confit. Bistro Elan offers outside seating. Dine on a pan-seared Scallops or Flat Iron Steak in the open air.

Bistro Elan has a modest international wine list that has been carefully chosen to pair well with each dish. Finish the evening meal with a dessert like Coffee ice cream, roasted strawberry ice cream, caramelized Valrhona chocolate mousse or a slice of Almond cake.

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
2363 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone number
(650) 327-0284
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, American, Californian
Hours of Operation
Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Barry Stiles
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

What 42 people are saying

Bistro Elan 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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

San Francisco Bay Area
French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Elan is a cozy neighborhood gem praised for "fantastic, fresh, food" and "superb service." Diners adore its intimate atmosphere and impressive wine selection, perfect for romantic or business meals. Signature dishes like "BEST SCHNITZEL EVER" and "delicious Swedish Meatballs" highlight the diverse, expertly prepared menu.

42 Reviews

S
Simone
San Francisco5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always an elevated experience with top notch food and service.
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L
Loni
San Francisco3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful ambiance, good tasty food, but very expensive for what is served. I wish my server had been more attentive to me and my other woman guest (like asking if we would like another glass of wine)
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E
Eric
San Francisco6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely great food here. Nice wine list as well. Solid staff. Great go to for a business meal or a romantic evening. Or by yourself when the Wednesday special looks so good you’ve got to have it!
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M
Mariana VIP
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Favorite place! I love the ambience. I love the people who work here
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J
Jeff
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot - amazing food and superb staff in a cozy spot, always a wonderful meal whether for a special occasion or just a nice meal out.
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K
Kathryn VIP
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Charming neighborhood spot! The desserts were sublime. Will definitely return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious foods and fantastic service, highly recommended. The restaurant is small so definitely make a reservation.
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S
Sally VIP
San Francisco6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious Swedish Meatballs, Salmon Waffle, and Meyer Lemon ice cream. Perfect!
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S
Sonia VIP
San Francisco34 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Love it here!! One of my favorite places to eat. Food is consistently delicious and fresh! BEST SCHNITZEL EVER. Love the people and service is always fantastic.
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J
Jeffrey
San Francisco13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very friendly. Great staff. Easy parking. A neighborhood gem
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FAQs

Bistro Elan offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 327-0284.

Bistro Elan is rated 4.8 stars by 42 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

2363 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(650) 327-0284
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, American, Californian
Hours of Operation
Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Barry Stiles
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Bistro Elan

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 42 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bistro Elan offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bistro Elan restaurant rated?

Is Bistro Elan currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information