You’ve seen it from the 101. It’s that white, slightly mysterious building perched on the hill overlooking the freeway and the San Francisco Bay. For a lot of people driving through San Mateo County, it’s just a landmark. But for locals? Van's Restaurant Belmont CA is basically an institution. It’s been sitting there on Ralston Avenue since forever—well, since 1915 to be exact—and it has survived everything from Prohibition to the tech boom.
Stepping inside feels like a weird, wonderful time warp. You aren't getting a minimalist, white-walled TikTok cafe here. You're getting dark wood, white tablecloths, and a view that honestly makes the traffic on the 101 look like a shimmering art installation instead of a commute nightmare. It’s a place that smells like garlic, seared steak, and history. If you're looking for the newest "fusion" trend, keep driving. But if you want a meal that feels like it actually matters, this is the spot.
The History Nobody Talks About
Most people think Van's was always a steakhouse. Nope. Back in the day, it started as a Japanese teahouse. Then the 1920s hit, and things got spicy. During Prohibition, it allegedly operated as a speakeasy. Because of its location—tucked up on that hill—it was the perfect spot to spot the cops coming from miles away. It’s got those "Old California" vibes that you just can't manufacture with a franchise budget. The building itself was actually moved to its current location from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Think about that for a second. This structure was part of a world’s fair over a century ago and now it’s where you go to eat prime rib.
The restaurant eventually became "Van's" in the 1940s when the Van de Camp family took over. Since then, it has changed hands, but the soul stayed the same. It’s one of those rare places in the Peninsula where the staff might have worked there longer than you’ve been alive. That kind of institutional knowledge is rare. They know which tables have the best view of the sunset and they know exactly how the regulars like their martinis.
What to Actually Order at Van's Restaurant Belmont CA
Let's talk about the food. It’s classic American-Continental. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find things to eat, but let’s be real: you come here for the protein.
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The Prime Rib is the King.
It’s slow-roasted. It’s thick. It comes with au jus that actually tastes like it was made from beef drippings and not a salty powder. People travel from all over the Bay Area just for this. If you go on a weekend and don't order the prime rib, did you even go to Van's?
Seafood and Steaks.
They do a Filet Mignon that’s consistently tender, and the Salmon is usually a safe bet for the "I'm trying to be healthy" crowd. But honestly? Try the Scampi. It’s buttery, garlicky, and unapologetically rich. They also have a Chicken Marsala that feels like a hug from a grandmother who really knows her way around a kitchen.
The Sides.
Baked potatoes. Loaded. Obviously.
The prices aren't cheap, but they aren't "Silicon Valley Tech Bro" expensive either. It’s a "special occasion" price point that still feels fair for the portion sizes. You’re paying for the view and the fact that the walls have seen a hundred years of secrets.
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The Bar Scene
The bar at Van's is a mood. It’s dark. It’s cozy. It feels like the kind of place where a private investigator in a noir film would sit to nurse a whiskey. Their cocktail list isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. You won't find foam or "activated charcoal" here. You’ll find a solid Old Fashioned, a very cold Martini, and a wine list that leans heavily on California cabernets. It’s the best place in Belmont to hide out on a rainy Tuesday night.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a world where restaurants open and close in six months, a place that lasts a century is a miracle. Van's Restaurant Belmont CA isn't trying to be cool. It doesn't have an "Instagrammable" flower wall. It has something better: character.
There’s a comfort in knowing exactly what you’re going to get. In a region defined by "disruption" and constant change, Van's is a constant. It’s where people go for 50th wedding anniversaries, graduation dinners, and first dates that they want to actually be able to hear each other on. The acoustics are surprisingly good because of all that heavy wood and carpeting—something modern designers seem to have forgotten about.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
A common complaint you might hear is that it's "dated."
Well, yeah. That’s the point.
If you want modern, go to Palo Alto. Van's is for when you want to feel like you’re in a different era. Another thing people get wrong is the dress code. While it looks fancy, it's still California. You’ll see guys in suits sitting next to people in nice jeans and a sweater. Just maybe leave the flip-flops at home.
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The service can be "old school," which some people interpret as slow. It’s not slow; it’s paced. They aren't trying to flip your table in 45 minutes. They want you to linger. They want you to look at the lights of the East Bay across the water. If you're in a rush to get to a movie, tell them, but otherwise, just lean into the slower rhythm.
Planning Your Visit: Actionable Insights
If you’re actually going to go, don’t just wing it.
- Get the Window Seat: When you make a reservation—and you must make a reservation—specifically request a window table. The view is half the experience. Watching the planes land at SFO in the distance while the sun goes down is genuinely spectacular.
- Timing is Everything: Aim for about 30 minutes before sunset. You get the daytime view, the "golden hour," and then the nighttime sparkle.
- Parking is Weird: The parking lot is steep and can get cramped. If you have a massive SUV, just be prepared for a bit of a squeeze or use the valet if they have it running that night.
- The Lounge Secret: If you can’t get a dinner reservation, go to the lounge. You can often get the full menu there, and the vibe is even more relaxed.
- Check the Hours: They aren't always open for lunch every day, so double-check their current schedule on their official site before you head up the hill.
Van's is one of the last "Grand Dames" of the Peninsula. It’s a piece of history you can eat at. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, it’s worth the climb up Ralston. It reminds us that while the world changes, a good steak and a great view are pretty much timeless.
To make the most of your evening, park at the very top of the lot to avoid the steepest incline on foot, and make sure to take a moment on the outdoor walkway to look North—on a clear night, you can see the San Mateo Bridge lights stretching all the way across the water. It's the best free show in town.