One of Belmont’s oldest and most recognizable restaurants, Van’s, has permanently closed do to the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Van’s, known as the “Restaurant on the Hill,” had been under the same ownership for 47 years. Prior to that, it was a teahouse in the 1915 World’s Fair, a speakeasy in the 1930s, and then an Italian restaurant named Gevan’s.

Although Van’s was an icon in Belmont due to both it’s longevity and it’s prominent, well lit, spot on the top of a hill overlooking El Camino Real, it had a quirky menu that was somehow a cross between a high-end steakhouse and a local diner. According to an article in the Daily Journal, the restaurant attracted many famous celebrities and athletes over the years.

With the pandemic prompting the owner to retire, the property will be reportedly developed into luxury condominiums.