Belmont Restaurants

The Van's

815 Belmont Avenue, Belmont, CA, 94002

The history of The Van's is a colorful tale that dates back to around the turn of the century. Built in 1915, it originally was erected to house part of the Japanese Exhibition at the Panama Pacific International Exposition held in the San Francisco Marina District in commemoration of the opening of the Panama Canal. At the close of the exposition, all but two of the buildings were dismantled -- the Palace of Fine Arts, which remains standing in San Francisco, and the Japanese Tea house.
Land Baron, E.D. Swift, purchased the Tea house in 1915 and barged the entire structure down the Bay to Belmont, California where the house then served for three years as a private residence for Swift's two daughters. In 1921, teams of horses and mules pulled the structure up a steep dirt trail to its present location nestled in the hills overlooking the Bay Area.
In 1933 during Prohibition, Elsie Smock bought the house and under the name "Elsie's," she offered bootlegged whiskey to a select group of friends and acquaintances. The speakeasy was also rumored to have slot machines and dice games operating on the first floor, and the use of the third floor was quite suspect as well.
A trolley that ran from San Francisco to Redwood City was the popular means of transportation to an from the secluded hideaway. With the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Elsie's became a legalized saloon,however, stories of gambling and harlotry lingered.
Upon her death in 1945, Elsie left the establishment to a prominent Burlingame citizen, and the saloon was turned into an Italian restaurant. Business partners Gene Soule and Ivan Sawyer bought the restaurant in 1947 and renamed it "Gevan's." Ten years later they dissolved their partnership and Sawyer, who retained ownership of the restaurant, subsequently shortened the name to "The Van's."

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Divino

968 Ralston Avenue Belmont, CA United States, 94002

Ristorante Divino, located in Belmont on Ralston one block North of El Camino, offers true regional cuisine of modern Italy. The knowledgeable staff and incredible food allow for a memorable dining experience. Chef/Owner Vincenzo Cucco's kitchen is born from a love of all that is Italian in both traditional and creative cuisine. From the homemade to the seasonal variety, Cucco's tempered cuisine is considered one of the best in the Bay Area. Divino promises to become a destination restaurant.

Iron Gate

1360 El Camino Real Belmont, CA United States, 94002

Iron Gate offers excellent Continental cuisine in an elegant environment.

Left Bank San Mateo

1100 Park Place San Mateo, CA United States, 94003

Pass through red velvet curtains, walk onto a marble mosaic tiled floor and view one of Left Bank’s largest vintage French advertising posters. Behind the host stand is an illuminated display of Marseille pastis. Enter the Grand Salon and witness marble countertops in the exhibition kitchen accented with a coquillage display, flame-shaped lamps and custom mica light fixtures, arched windows, wide plank hardwood floors and mahogany millwork, genuine French chairs, red booths and banquettes with Parisian hat racks, antique mirrors and festive, authentic French lithographs â€" a few of the numerous details that say, “Left Bank". Join us for live music every Saturday night from 7pm - 10pm.

Vivace

1910 Ralston Avenue Belmont, CA United States, 94002

Translated from the Italian language, Vivace means "lively", which is exactly the ambiance at Vivace Ristorante where culinary creations join with excellent wines to celebrate the cuisine of Northern Italy. Highly regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Peninsula, Vivace Ristorante is located in the charming city of Belmont. The warm interior is designed as to permit the viewing of the talented chefs as they prepare an array of Italian dishes with emphasis in the regions of Piemonte and Toscana. With its exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, and high level of service and Extensive Wine List 2003, 2004 and 2005 Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, Vivace creates a wonderful dining experience in which the gastronomia of Northern Italy is celebrated everyday!

Divino Ristorante

968 Ralston Ave., Belmont, CA, 94002

Welcome to Divino Ristorante.
Divino Ristorante serves delicious, authentic regional Italian cuisine, in a casually elegant, and comfortable setting. Since opening its doors on Ralston Avenue in Belmont, it has enjoyed rave reviews for its beautifully prepared and presented Italian fare, and excellent service. Conveniently located on Ralston Avenue near El Camino Real, you can enjoy the freshest pasta, salads, seafood, veal, chicken and lamb attractively presented with the experience of dining in Italy. Let our professional staff help you choose the perfect wine from any region of Italy to complement your meal. For your next dinner with someone special, you can count on Divino.
Reservations are recommended.
Executive Chef Vincenzo Cucco

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Iron Gate Continental Cuisine

1360 El Camino Real, Belmont, CA, 94002

Drop into Iron Gate Continental Cuisine for good times and great food. The restaurant isa neighborhood favorite, and offers a casual, friendly dining atmospherethat you and your friends are sure to enjoy. Iron Gate Continental Cuisine also featuresa friendly, professional staff of great people, who will make sure you enjoyyour visit and that Iron Gate Continental Cuisine lives up to its reputation for pleasantdining and superb cuisine. The menu offers an inspired array of selectionsthat is sure to satisfy everyone in your group, every time. Be sure to askyour server about new selections, daily specials, and special chef'screations. Whether you're in the mood for casual dining or a specialoccasion, Iron Gate Continental Cuisine is sure to please.

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

The Van's 'On The Hill'

815 Belmont Avenue Belmont, CA United States, 94002

Delight your friends and out-of-town visitors by introducing them to The Van's Restaurant in Belmont. The famous restaurant is frequented by the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and celebrities nationwide including The Van's own celebrities: an extensive family of regular patrons, history buffs and culinary connoisseurs. Restaurants on the Peninsula come and go. The reason The Van's has remained popular for so many years is that the quality of food and service continue to be consistent; the atmosphere and welcome is always warm and friendly; and going to The Van's is like going home to meet friends and family. Join us on Wednesdays from 3 - 6 PM for TWO FOR ONE APPETIZERS at the bar. Also come enjoy our FREE hors d'oeuvre buffet, Mon. - Fri. 4 - 6pm. Tell your friends: Meet Me At The Van's "on the Hill."

Mana

33 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94403

Drop into Mana for good times and great food. The restaurant isa neighborhood favorite, and offers a casual, friendly dining atmospherethat you and your friends are sure to enjoy. Mana also featuresa friendly, professional staff of great people, who will make sure you enjoyyour visit and that Mana lives up to its reputation for pleasantdining and superb cuisine. The menu offers an inspired array of selectionsthat is sure to satisfy everyone in your group, every time. Be sure to askyour server about new selections, daily specials, and special chef'screations. Whether you're in the mood for casual dining or a specialoccasion, Mana is sure to please.

Only $4.00 for a $10.00 Dining Certificate!

Luceti's On Twenty Fifth Avenue

109 West 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94403

Luceti's is owned by locals Bill & Carole Flaherty. They have owned the restaurant since 2000. They truly feel that the guests who dine at Luceti's are coming to their home for dinner and want guests to be treated as such. Carole worked for the original owner of Luceti's on 25th Avenue for many years and was eventually able to buy the restaurant after his passing. This fulfilled a dream Carole's had since childhood, owning a restaurant of her own.
Many of the recipes at Luceti's were created by the late Roger Bertola who taught them to many of the same chefs that are in the kitchen today. Roger Bertola founded the legendary Doro's and Ruggero's in San Francisco. He was also executive chef at the Iron Horse on Maiden Lane for 10 years. He has been awarded a citation from the City of San Francisco and the State of California for his contributions to the restaurant industry in the area of culinary skill and achievement. The staff in the kitchen take great pride in producing meals that only come back to the kitchen when the plate is empty!

Only $4.00 for a $10.00 Dining Certificate!

Luceti's On Twenty Fifth Avenue

109 West 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94403

Luceti's is owned by locals Bill & Carole Flaherty. They have owned the restaurant since 2000. They truly feel that the guests who dine at Luceti's are coming to their home for dinner and want guests to be treated as such. Carole worked for the original owner of Luceti's on 25th Avenue for many years and was eventually able to buy the restaurant after his passing. This fulfilled a dream Carole's had since childhood, owning a restaurant of her own.
Many of the recipes at Luceti's were created by the late Roger Bertola who taught them to many of the same chefs that are in the kitchen today. Roger Bertola founded the legendary Doro's and Ruggero's in San Francisco. He was also executive chef at the Iron Horse on Maiden Lane for 10 years. He has been awarded a citation from the City of San Francisco and the State of California for his contributions to the restaurant industry in the area of culinary skill and achievement. The staff in the kitchen take great pride in producing meals that only come back to the kitchen when the plate is empty!

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

La Lanterna

180 West 25th Avenue San Mateo, CA United States, 94403

San Mateo's 25th Avenue is a neighborhood street, a retail area that caters to locals. But La Lanterna Ristorante is making this destination a favorite among the Bay Area residents. Opened 2 years ago, this fine restaurant is among the top establishments in the mid-peninsula area. If you have not discovered La Lanterna Ristorante yet, it's time to do so. Dinner is served nightly. Lunch is served weekdays. Banquet facilities are available up to 25 people. Make your reservations and enjoy this authentic Italian cuisine.

Lil' Biscuit House

55 37th Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403

The Lil' Biscuit House ain't jest another one of yer Yankee franchises, we're a family owned an' operated source for the best home cooked comfort food this side of the Pecos!<br>With our fresh hot biscuits at every table and our 3 time award winning Boston Clam Chowder it's no wonder why many folks consider us to be their daily taste of home.<br>We offer lunch an' dinner specials and with our friendly & professional wait staff serving you food that was made from scratch you'll wonder how you ever got by without us.<br>So quit wastin' yer time and come on down to the Lil' Biscuit House today!<br>We also provide catering services!
Please contact Patti Schwartz for more info:
ph# (650)726-1555, fx# (650)372-9988

Only $4.00 for a $10.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Tannourine Lebanese & Mediterranean Cuisine

120 W 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94403

Welcome to Tannourine!
The Tannourine Family restaurant features the cuisine of Lebanon and the Mediterranean diet, serving dishes that include an abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Lamb and Poultry are the preferred meats of choice; red meat animal fats are consumed sparingly. Fresh fish and seafood is offered on available quantity only. Most often foods are either grilled, baked or sauted in olive oil; butter or cream is rarely used other than in the preparation of a few desserts. Vegetables are eaten raw or pickled as well as cooked.While the cuisine of Lebanon does not boast an entire repertoire of sauces,Tannourine does focus on the use of herbs, spices and especially the freshness of ingredients in the preparation of their savory dishes.The meals are full of robust earthy flavors and like most Mediterranean countries, much of what the Lebanese eat is governed by seasonal changes.We at Tannourine are proud to offer either hot "mezza" or cold "mezza," served along with our most popular beverages. Tannourine also features various Lebanese wines, beers and soft drinks.What is a "mezza?" Traditionally, throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greek to Lebanon, dining on "meze" - or "mezze"and"maza" respectively -is a way of life that traces its roots to the beginnings of recorded history. The tradition is deeply rooted and is an expression of something Greeks hold dear: socializing (i.e.,talking) over a few plates of simple tasty food, letting the wine or spirits flow and savoring the liberating, gratifying effects of the meal and drink together.The word itself means "middle," as in "middle-of-the day," or between meals, because the "meze table is not routinely considered a setting for a full meal. Rather it is something that is eaten mid-day or before dinner.

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Fernando's

63 West 37th Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94403

Fernando's is a long time San Mateo favorite for pleasant dining and superb Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and is the perfect spot for pleasant dining and good times. Fernando's specializes in natural and fresh home-style Mexican food. The menu features an extensive array of selections, with something sure to please every member of your group. Notable selections include the Espresso Burrito (The best of Fernando's food, wrapped in giant flour tortilla, with rice, beans, and cheese, and your choice of beef, pork, chicken, or carne asada inside, then topped off with a spread of guacamole, onions, tomatoes, more cheese,, and Fernando's special sauce), the Cancun Platter (Restaurant snapper, prawns, and chicken sauted in wine then topped with Monterey Jack and American cheese and baked), and Sopitos (homemade corn masa shells filled with beans, shredded beef, lettuce, cheese, tomato, sour cream, and guacamole). A special kids menu is also featured. Fernando's is Home of the Famous Margarita. When you're in the mood for superb Mexican cuisine, stop into Fernando's. The restaurant features a staff of great people, and everybody looks forward to seeing you soon.

Only $4.00 for a $10.00 Dining Certificate!

Mediterranean Fusion Cafe

1107 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos, CA, 94070

Welcome to Mediterranean Fusion Caf, we are a family owned restaurant committed to providing you with the finest ingredients, we prepare each dish with the same care you would use. Each order is always made-to-order.
We are passionate about the enjoyment of food and want to help you enjoy every moment with friends, loved ones and colleagues as you celebrate the joy of eating and living well. We serve all natural Halal meats. Our salads have the freshest ingredients you can get. Now don't forget to try one of our famous and unique art coffees. Thank you for dining here and hope you enjoy your meal.

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $20.00 for a $50.00 Dining Certificate!

Izzy’s Steaks & Chops â€" San Carlos

525 Skyway Road San Carlos, CA United States, 94070

Enjoy a long standing American tradition - a great steak, fine wine, a good time. Their doors are open to all, and they have room for your party. At Izzy's Steak & Chop House, a 50 ft. brass bar is fully stocked and awaits your Mojito order.

Creola

344 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA United States, 94070

We hope that you will dine with us soon for an authentic New Orleans dining experience - One that goes beyond Cajun! To enhance your dining experience, we fly in the finest seafood and products available from the Louisiana Gulf Coast and Bayou Regions. We believe that it is these indigenous products that ensure the authenticity of flavors and the integrity of our Creole and Cajun Cuisine.

Score Pizza & More

1105 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos, CA, 94070

I think we have a winner here. You see I never thought San Carlos had great pizza and even though S--- was the best to me up to this point, it never quite made 4 stars. My personal bar has been set now.
Pizza has a nice, thin crispy crust, with the requisite chewiness at the end. The pepperoni has just a slight twinge of burn on the edges (like we prefer it) and the sauce is not too sweet or sour. The place is full of soccer memorabilia: posters of Brazilian greats Ronaldhino, Ronaldo, Pele.... team pix of Juventus, Manchester United and FC Barcelona...soccer nets, soccer clock, soccer dart board, maybe too over the top but you definitely can't say they aren't passionate about it. They have a big screen HD TV and another one in the corner where they were playing an encore of the NHL playoffs and other satellite TV programs. The guys working here were super nice and they definitely are proud of their pizza. After we had left to get some coffee and were headed back to the train, they pulled us in again and let us taste one of their specials: caramelized red onion, pear and Gorgonzola. Wow. Dare I say it was equally as good as the pepperoni (my default faithful standby). That totally reinforced my vote for them being the best pizza in San Carlos now. Definitely coming back to try more if this is just the start.

Only $4.00 for a $10.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $40.00 for a $100.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $20.00 for a $50.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $30.00 for a $75.00 Dining Certificate!

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!

Istanbul

1201 Laurel St., San Carlos, CA, 94070

Istanbul Restaurant in San Carlos is a family-owned restaurant serving fine Turkish cuisine. While many Bay Area residents are familiar with Mediterranean fare, very few are acquainted with authentic Turkish cuisine--we hope to change this. Turkish cuisine uses a wider range of meats and sauce than do most other Mediterranean cuisines. Our dishes are slightly heavier, less dry, and more succulent. (We still make frequent use of light vegetable-based purees, like hummus.) Turkish cuisine is characterized by a wide range of tastes, perhaps this is because Turkey sits between two continents, Europe and Asia, which are on either side of Istanbul's famed Bosporus River.
Our family has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years; our first restaurant was and still is in Istanbul Turkey. Bedri Inkaya is our executive chef. Inkaya has been awarded a gold medal by the Turkish Kitchen Association. We invite you to experience our warm atmosphere and the best that chef Inkaya has to offer.

Only $10.00 for a $25.00 Dining Certificate!