Hidden in between tree plants is the narrow entrance into this charming French restaurant on California Avenue in Palo Alto. With an open kitchen, the restaurant is bustled with customers and waiters. We haven’t been back for over 9 months which is a really long time considering we used to go there at least once every two months. When you are seated, they always bring a very small plate of exactly one per person serving of cheese biscuit (yum!), salami and olives to start the evening. Bistro Elan always have fresh produce. Selections on their menu change relatively frequent, but there is always a few of our favorite entrees that thankfully, remains constant. Their steak is always perfectly textured. They used to offer skirt steak which I love, but they’ve stayed with either the hanger or flatiron steak for the past couple of years. They also have one of the best fries! Their appetizers and desserts are really good, but we’ve learned that ordering both is too much for us, so we would skip appetizers, sadly and save our tummy for desserts. This time, I ordered the chocolate souffle and sadly, was the least favorite of the many desserts I’ve had at Bistro Elan. Their coffee is always good and the service is always pleasant. Love this place…always good food.
I highly recommend making reservations for normal dining hours. Otherwise, expect to eat after 8 p.m.
Bay Area Food Snob 