Bistro Elan

Not for vegetarians. Small menu, amazing food, fantastic wines, great service. But we've not eaten there for years because the vegetarian option is non-existent. Like someone else mentioned, sides of veggies. Truly wish at least one thoughtful option were available as we love this restaurant and my pescatarian partner keeps wanting to go there.

Exquisite complementary flavours across a variety of plates. We had oysters from British Columbia, chilled cucumber yoghurt soup, smoked salmon on a delicate potato waffle, scallops in a blood orange sauce, pickled beets as well as strawberry and rhubarb compost over crème fraiche ice cream - all with a lovely glass of white Bordeaux wine. The tempo of the meal and the delicate interaction of complementary flavours made it a real European dining experience. Overall, not too sweet, not to sour and most importantly not too creamy.

Been here about 4 times in the past 6 months, and it's a bit of a crapshoot. It's a pandemic, so I'm not going to knock the service for being slow. But when I state I'm vegetarian and out comes a meaty amuse bouche, then something's not sticking. The menu seldom changes, and the vegetarian option ("plate of vegetables") was basically 3 sides put onto one plate: zero creativity and zero effort. My wife's steak was overdone, salads overdressed. We've had a good experience in the past, but I don't plan to roll the dice again on this place for quite some time.

Loved this place. Picked it randomly while looking for a place to celebrate my husband's birthday and we absolutely loved it. Everything we tried on the menu was delicious from the salmon waffles, the entrees of mussels and fries, scallops and finally the dessert. It's not expensive compared to the quality of the food. Service was good, although a little bit on the slower side. Food was nicely presented.

I really enjoy the food here. The service is great too. I enjoy the wine list. Why 4 instead of three? I think protege around the corner is 5 stars and this is not quite at that level. If this was stars headed on price/performance then I would give bistro elan 5 stars, but this review is only for food, wine and service. I highly recommend bistro elan, it's a great place!

+ Great food + Great service - Cramped space Had the prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day. Consisted of oysters, blood orange salad, steak and fries, scallops and noodles, chocolate cake, and blood orange ice cream. Overall the meal was great. Steak was especially tender. Scallops were very good. Chocolate cake was great. Only problem was that nothing was absolutely amazing. Restaurant space was cramped and limited

This place is so cozy and amazing. Chef Barry has some of the best food in Palo Alto. From a great wine selection all the way to great desserts. I ordered the Bucatini all'Amatriciana guanciale. It truly is my go to now. My mother had the scallops with shaved Brussel sprouts which I couldn't snap a picture of but she swore they were some of the best. For dessert we had almond cake and French press coffeee. Will definitely be back.