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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Located in Menlo Park, Café Vivant pairs premium poultry with one of the region’s most ambitious wine lists—3,000+ selections spanning classic and emerging regions. The menu is focused, seasonal, and ingredient-driven, built around exceptional birds and thoughtful hospitality.
Hours
| Saturday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 720 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (650) 557-2244
Website: https://www.cafevivantca.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Related Web Results
CAFÉ VIVANT
… the list is staggering…’” — Star Wine List. CAFÉ VIVANT. Contacts. 720 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA. 650-557-2244. [email protected]. Email(required).
Cafe Vivant Restaurant – Menlo Park, CA | OpenTable
Cafe Vivant in Downtown Menlo Park is a “unique” destination offering an “exceptional experience” with “amazing wine” and “delicious” food. The decor is ” …
Coq Au Vin The Premium Way In Menlo Park – Forbes
Café Vivant in Menlo Park, California, has taken a unique approach to attract customers. Heritage chickens will be among the featured items …
Reviews
B K
Such a unique and cool spot.
The chicken is very different from regular chicken—super tender and nicely chewy. Everything we tried, from the food to the desserts, was really good.
The vibe is cozy and relaxed, and the staff are friendly. The wine glasses, tableware, and interior details are all thoughtfully chosen—it’s clear that so much care went into every part of the space, and it looks amazing.
The wine selection is absolutely amazing, the best I’ve seen in California.
Would definitely come back.
… moreThe chicken is very different from regular chicken—super tender and nicely chewy. Everything we tried, from the food to the desserts, was really good.
The vibe is cozy and relaxed, and the staff are friendly. The wine glasses, tableware, and interior details are all thoughtfully chosen—it’s clear that so much care went into every part of the space, and it looks amazing.
The wine selection is absolutely amazing, the best I’ve seen in California.
Would definitely come back.
APRIL Z
Yes! A new restaurant in Menlo Park!
Café Vivant is truly a special dining experience. The concept alone sets it apart – honoring Heritage chicken breeds that were once staples of the American farmstead and transforming them into the centerpiece of refined, world-class cuisine. You can truly taste the difference. The chicken is exceptionally flavorful, tender, and rich, with beautifully crisp skin that isn’t overly fatty ( slow healthy growing) . There’s a depth and intensity you rarely experience with poultry today. It completely redefines what chicken can be. Super tasty!
The indoor setting is equally amazing – intimate, warm, and relaxing. It’s the perfect atmosphere for meaningful conversation, whether you’re on a date or simply catching up with someone special. The ambiance makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
We did have a small misunderstanding with some side orders, but the staff and manager handled it immediately and professionally. They were attentive, kind, and quick to organize everything, which made us feel well taken care of.
Amazing food, thoughtful service, and a beautiful atmosphere. I had a wonderful time here with my partner and our tiny 12-week little one in my tummy.
… moreCafé Vivant is truly a special dining experience. The concept alone sets it apart – honoring Heritage chicken breeds that were once staples of the American farmstead and transforming them into the centerpiece of refined, world-class cuisine. You can truly taste the difference. The chicken is exceptionally flavorful, tender, and rich, with beautifully crisp skin that isn’t overly fatty ( slow healthy growing) . There’s a depth and intensity you rarely experience with poultry today. It completely redefines what chicken can be. Super tasty!
The indoor setting is equally amazing – intimate, warm, and relaxing. It’s the perfect atmosphere for meaningful conversation, whether you’re on a date or simply catching up with someone special. The ambiance makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
We did have a small misunderstanding with some side orders, but the staff and manager handled it immediately and professionally. They were attentive, kind, and quick to organize everything, which made us feel well taken care of.
Amazing food, thoughtful service, and a beautiful atmosphere. I had a wonderful time here with my partner and our tiny 12-week little one in my tummy.
Stephanie Kim
If you love great wine or care about amazing food that’s thoughtfully sourced, Café Vivant is a must!
The place is so vibey and welcoming, with intricate, elegant woodwork and soft lighting.
In terms of food, everything was so yummy and I highly recommend trying the Heritage Chicken Nuggets, Hollander Squab and the Whole Heritage Chicken for 2 (you can choose among different breeds they offer!). It’s fascinating to taste the difference of heritage chicken from what we normally get at the market or other restaurants. The chicken was flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
You also cannot miss their dessert! We actually went over the top and got every dessert on the menu. The cheesecake, carrot cake and chocolate mousse were to die for!
Last but certainly not the least, their wine list, which has over 3000 bottles, is extraordinary – deep, thoughtful, and clearly curated by sommeliers who live and breathe wine. The selection spans rare vintage bottles, exciting California producers and everything in between.
… moreThe place is so vibey and welcoming, with intricate, elegant woodwork and soft lighting.
In terms of food, everything was so yummy and I highly recommend trying the Heritage Chicken Nuggets, Hollander Squab and the Whole Heritage Chicken for 2 (you can choose among different breeds they offer!). It’s fascinating to taste the difference of heritage chicken from what we normally get at the market or other restaurants. The chicken was flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
You also cannot miss their dessert! We actually went over the top and got every dessert on the menu. The cheesecake, carrot cake and chocolate mousse were to die for!
Last but certainly not the least, their wine list, which has over 3000 bottles, is extraordinary – deep, thoughtful, and clearly curated by sommeliers who live and breathe wine. The selection spans rare vintage bottles, exciting California producers and everything in between.
Alyaa Taleb
Delicious food with great presentation. Space has limited seating. I recommend that you make reservations, especially if larger than a party of 2. We had a reservation for 3: 2 adults and a toddler sitting in a high chair. The service elevated our experience. We were welcomed with a complimentary single bite-size crab cake. We split it amongst us and enjoyed it very much, but I recommend if complimentary bite size goodies are offered that it would be one per person. Our daughter had chicken nugget topped with crème fraiche and keluga caviar and a side of fries. Fries were cooked perfectly but may have been a little over-spiced for our liking. Chef went heavy on the chili powder. For our mains we got the Delaware chicken for 2. It was perfectly cooked however lacked some flavor. It did come with a sauce on the side which enhanced the flavor. We also got a seafood dish which consisted of a fillet of fish, 2 scallops, a prawn,a 2 mussels, and some of the most delicious cherry tomatoes we’ve ever had. The basil in that dish was apparent yet not overpowering. Perfect balance of oceany-earthy flavors. I personally liked this dish more than the chicken. The dessert we waited more than 15 mins for but it means we it was all freshly made (I hope). We got the Yule log which was a Japanese sponge cake with some bourbon ice cream. We are not alcohol drinkers and the taste of the bourbon was apparent so this was likely our least favorite item that we have ordered. The sticky toffee pudding was a hit and highly recommend ordering it.
… morePar Botes
Cool place with an amazing wine list. Like seriously amazing. Food is inventive and tasty, portions aren’t huge but appropriate. Loved the scallops with amazing depth of flavor.
Crab cannolli appetizer was nice but perhaps a touch too much cannolli, or maybe the filling wasn’t moist enough – it came across as a touch too high in the cannolli to filling ratio.
Bouillabaisse was very nice and the flavors came out, but I would have enjoyed just a touch more intensity in flavor. The fish in the bouillabaisse was cooked to perfection. Got a bit of uncleaned mussel (probably shell) when eating it, in glad I didn’t crack a tooth as I bit down.
But overall it’s very nice and the wine list is great. Like seriously good. I will definitely come back.
Pro tip, avoid sitting by the door in the winter. The cold air that comes every time someone comes and goes is rough. My company had to have dinner with their winter jacket on.
… moreCrab cannolli appetizer was nice but perhaps a touch too much cannolli, or maybe the filling wasn’t moist enough – it came across as a touch too high in the cannolli to filling ratio.
Bouillabaisse was very nice and the flavors came out, but I would have enjoyed just a touch more intensity in flavor. The fish in the bouillabaisse was cooked to perfection. Got a bit of uncleaned mussel (probably shell) when eating it, in glad I didn’t crack a tooth as I bit down.
But overall it’s very nice and the wine list is great. Like seriously good. I will definitely come back.
Pro tip, avoid sitting by the door in the winter. The cold air that comes every time someone comes and goes is rough. My company had to have dinner with their winter jacket on.
Shelby Gutierrez
Had such an incredible dining experience with my husband, aunt, and uncle — who had been eagerly following this restaurant’s opening for months. The ambiance struck the perfect balance: elevated and intentional, yet warm and unpretentious. It was fascinating to learn about chicken in a completely different context than what we typically associate with it here in the U.S.
As a former vegetarian, I’ve long been aware of how most chickens are raised — the overcrowding, the disease, the toll of mass production. But here, the chickens are sourced from a nearby farm, allowed to live double or even triple the lifespan of conventional ones, making them more active, healthier, and in turn, far more nutrient-dense and flavorful. You could truly taste the difference.
The sides were creative and beautifully executed without being over the top, and the dessert and wine… don’t even get me started. Every element felt thoughtful and harmonious. A genuine 10/10 experience. Excited to come back in the future!
… moreAs a former vegetarian, I’ve long been aware of how most chickens are raised — the overcrowding, the disease, the toll of mass production. But here, the chickens are sourced from a nearby farm, allowed to live double or even triple the lifespan of conventional ones, making them more active, healthier, and in turn, far more nutrient-dense and flavorful. You could truly taste the difference.
The sides were creative and beautifully executed without being over the top, and the dessert and wine… don’t even get me started. Every element felt thoughtful and harmonious. A genuine 10/10 experience. Excited to come back in the future!
Andy Lee
Amazing ambience and even better food. Perfect for both casual/down to earth dinner and vibey date night. Highly recommend for serious foodies as this place is a mecca for heritage chicken and farm to table while still being unpretentious. The wine list runs 180 pages deep with impossible to find mature California cabs.
The guinea hen was my favorite of the night with the duck being a close second
… moreThe guinea hen was my favorite of the night with the duck being a close second
Felix Kim
Bay area needed Cafe Vivant. From the extensive wine list, amazing squab, roasted chicken, and the best chicken nuggets! My only tip would be to leave room for dessert as it’s an experience that’s worthy of visit on its own. Must visit and will return.
… moreMinsoo Chi
One of the best wine lists in the Bay Area. Food is excellent as well. Truly a gem. Would be surprised if they don’t get Michelin stars soon.
… moreBrian Bulkowski
High end. Dishes are inventive, like heritage chicken nugget. Star of the show chicken is a true star. Atmosphere is muted and japanese-adjacent. New bid for great high end place on the peninsula. Don’t miss the low abv cocktails!
… more