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The Van's 'On The Hill' Reviews List
The Van's 'On The Hill'
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."
See more The Van's 'On The Hill' details
134 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 134 reviews
5 stars
(44)
4 stars
(66)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(89)
- neighborhood gem(75)
- special occasion(60)
- romantic(44)
- good for groups(43)
- fit for foodies(31)
The Van's 'On The Hill' Reviews List
Review 1 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The menu was limited to a variety of offerings. Sorry we chose brunch, there were many other items to choose from on the dinner menu. Service was slow, our water glasses went unfilled for a while and one of our guest had to wait for a chair that had been taken from our table.
The food was good. The large prime rib meal was delicious, the pork chop stuffing was to so delicious, the four prawn meal was small and the hash was simply ok. The brownie dessert was fabulous as was the gelato!
The view is beautiful, the restaurant history is interesting, one visit was a charm, the Van's Team did not make this visit overwhelmingly special as it was Mother's Day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 2 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
LOUSY
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"WE REQUESTED A BOOTH IN THE FRONT DINING ROOM AND WE WERE GIVEN A TABLE IN THE BACK DINING ROOM. I ORDERED LINGUINI WITH MEATBALLS AND ITWAS THE WORST PASTA THAT I HAVE EVER HAD IN A RESTAURANT. THE PASTA WAS STUCK TOGETHER AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY TASTELESS. MY SPOUSE ORDERED SALMON OVER SPINACH AND SHE STATED THAT IT WAS VERY GOOD, SO, IT APPEARS THAT THE CHEFS ARE INCONSISTENT. I ORDERED A SECOND GLASS OF WINE AND OUR WAITPERSON APPEARED TO HAVE FORGOTTEN. I HAD TO REMIND HIM. THEY DO NOT APPEAR TO KNOW HOW TO COOK PASTA. WE HAVE FREQUENTED THIS ESTABLISHMENT BEFORE AND WE BOTH LIKED IT."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 3 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service and View are always top notch, Even though for brunch there was a "special" menu there were plenty of choices, the bread/muffin basket and fresh berry starter were a great touch. I had the Prime Rib Hash which said it was diced prime rib formed into 2 patties, I was kind of expecting "hamburger". I was very happy it was not burger but as stated diced steak. A little on the pricey side, but that was also expected for Mother's Day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A nice evenig
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Made reservations with open table, confirmed by email, smooth. The restaurant has a great view of the bay all around. The menu has a large selection to choose from, steaks, pasta, seafood. We shared a Caesar salad and I had the BLT onion ring salad- very novel and I enjoyed it. Our 4 top had 2 pastas, beef stroganof, and the pork chop. My pork chop was perfectly cooked- nice and moist. My daughter added a bowl of clams to her fettucini- no problem. Xyzinfandle was $20.00 and was very nice. Deserts were tasty and pretty. It was he Sat evening before Mother's Day and everything was neat and clean, we enjoyed our visit and were not rushed at all."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible service, lousy food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Even the nice view could not quite make up for the terrible service and lousy food our group got at a family dinner at the Van's last Saturday night. Cocktails were mis-ordered (or mis-delivered), dinner order was served off-schedule (server seemed mystified as to why we didn't get our salads...), a Prime Rib dinner ordered medium rare was delivered brown all the way through, water glasses not refilled even when we asked for it, mashed potatoes were cold and strangely solid...just gross all the way through.
All in all -- a very disappointing evening at the Van's!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 6 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Van's review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice surprise! Quality food! Our son discovered this restaurant although we meant to try it years ago."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Van's
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great local find with terrific service & great food. Price range a little pricey but it's worth it for a special occasion."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Beautiful view...ask to sit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful view...ask to sit near the window! Food & service were great. I will be returning again."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 9 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A wonderful dinner as always.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderful dinner as always. If you want a great steak you will find it at the Van's."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 10 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
i love that the voli ball
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"i love that the voli ball drink is back!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: scenic view, hot spot
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Review 11 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy Van's. It is a regular stop for us."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We ordered the $40 meal which
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We ordered the $40 meal which came with salad, an appetizer, filet mignon or prime rib, and dessert. Way too much food -- the portions are very large -- even the salad. The filet mignon was 1/2 lb and the prime rib was 3/4 pound. This was a bargain meal and everything was good, but for me the portions were too big ( yes, I know, very few people complain about too much food )!
I liked this place because of the variety of the menu. What I liked most is that it opens all day long so after a golf game, we could just go and have linner ( lunch or dinner depending on your perspective). We came here to celebrate a golf buddies birthday and it did not disappoint. The $40 menu is a great bargain when compared to a la carte prices."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Busy restaurant, booking advised.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Busy restaurant, booking advised. That said, they have lots of tables spread over several rooms so you could get lucky. Great view of the bay. Been there a couple of times now, owner always there keeping an eye on things which is good sign. Happy to tell you the history of the restaurant / area if you have time. Worth a visit."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 14 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the place & like the food!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wish they existed in my community. Classic dinner house; historic feel, and hasn't tried to mess it up with updates. The story of the building the history behind this gem are fabulous... Food was as I predicted - reminded me of decades ago, classic, my parents would've loved it! Scallop and salmon cakes; house dressings on our salads, very well made cocktails - made for a great night. Also - BONUS! - open late! We landed at SFO late (weather delays) and got a res at 10:30. SO happy! Only took about 12 minutes from our hotel. The waiter obviously knows and loves the history of the place - honest direction on the menu came easily for him. If you like classics you'll love the place! Will return. View are great! Rotary meets here, too."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I call this restaurant "old
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I call this restaurant "old school", it has an old-fashioned ambience and the service is impeccable. Our dinner lasted almost 2 1/2 hrs because we wanted to take our time. Our waiter understood this and his timing was spot on. We never felt rushed, were just able to relax and enjoy each other's company, the good food and beautiful view."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 16 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great view. I hope they update
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great view. I hope they update the menu."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2004
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Review 17 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was the perfect place for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was the perfect place for 6 friends, who have not seen each other for a while, to have a delicious dinner and be able to visit. The food was excellent and our waiter was efficient, but not intrusive--gave us ample time to visit as well as place our order. We had a great time and will definitely return!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 18 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a great place to go.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a great place to go. Excellent food and service."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 19 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a great meal at The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always a great meal at The Vans! The service is terrific!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lunch at The Van's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Usually have dinner at The Van's, but found lunch to be equally good."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 21 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
everything was great except
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"everything was great except my husband ordered the prime rib, which is usually delicious but not this time, we had to send it back because it was tough, he had the filet mignion instead and it was very good"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 22 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Funcky little shack on the hill
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time to this restaurant. Food good and Sunday dinner style. View of Belmont hills really beautiful. Bar scene hopping with neighborhood 40+ crowd heavily represented. Ambient noise loud, you will definitely be part of your neighbors conversation. Overall, funky vibe."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Prawns & Sand Dab entrees
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Prawns & Sand Dab entrees were very good. Service was great & the owner was very friendly to his customers of all ages!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 24 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"great food, great service. love the Vans!"
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Review 25 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Cozy place with a view, so-so food.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food we tried:
- Roasted peppers in olive oil. Extremely mild in both spiciness and taste. Much better after adding salt.
- Beef medallions with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Mild and lacked seasoning, though the beef was very tender, and portion size was good.
- Pork chop. Quite tasty and tender.
- Coconut/Mango bread pudding. Excellent.
- Roasted peppers in olive oil. Extremely mild in both spiciness and taste. Much better after adding salt.
- Beef medallions with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Mild and lacked seasoning, though the beef was very tender, and portion size was good.
- Pork chop. Quite tasty and tender.
- Coconut/Mango bread pudding. Excellent.
Pros:
- Excellent view. Probably better in the daytime, when you can see more than just lights.
- Reasonable prices. Final bill was $64+tip for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert.
- Friendly staff.
- Calm environment. Overhead music was very mellow, great for a romantic evening.
- Excellent view. Probably better in the daytime, when you can see more than just lights.
- Reasonable prices. Final bill was $64+tip for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert.
- Friendly staff.
- Calm environment. Overhead music was very mellow, great for a romantic evening.
Cons:
- Bread they served us before the meal with cold and tough.
- Rest of the food was bland."
- Bread they served us before the meal with cold and tough.
- Rest of the food was bland."
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 27 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pleasant, consistent quality,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pleasant, consistent quality, one of my favorite places."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 28 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
March 5, 2013 Birthday Dinner Hit!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always enjoy my time and dining experience at The Van's On The Hill! Been going for years, and would recommend it to anyone for a special occasion or just a nice evening out for dinner. Enjoy!!!!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 29 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very fine Food. The Vans
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very fine Food. The Vans has been on the top of our go to list for many years.
Food is well presented and well cooked."
Food is well presented and well cooked."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 30 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The views of the bay and city
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The views of the bay and city lights from this hill-top restaurant are spectacular! Traditional American fare is good and expensive. Ask for a table by a window. Love that the noise level is not so high that you can't carry on a conversation. Good special occasion place!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 31 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great meal. The lemon meringue
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great meal. The lemon meringue pie was a surprise and fantastic."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2012
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 32 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another Home Run
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Superb NY strip steak, prepared perfectly. Outstanding service, best view in mid-San Francisco Peninsula. I recommend you schedule your time there before and after sunset for the best viewing. The ambiance is uniquely odd, but totally enjoyable."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great view and good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a nice dinner at The Van's on the Hill restaurant. The view is great, you can see for miles and miles. The whole place reminds me of a restaurant right out of the 1960's, which is not bad, as it is nicely done. The food is very good, and I would recommend it. We both had seafood, and it was prepared very well. It looked like the restaurant is known for its steaks, which from what I saw on other tables looked very good, too. The before dinner salads were good, but kind of small. We had a delicious chocolate dessert, very rich and very delicious. Overall I would recommend the restaurant, as the service was excellent and the food very good. If you want a fancy place, though, this is not one."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 34 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great on Valentine's Day
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a warm and welcoming place for Valentines Day - we had a lovely meal of escargot, salads, prime rib, baked ham, fried shrimp and NY steak. The prime rib and steak were fabulous, the wonderful surprise were the whipped yams - absolutely terrific! The ham a tad dry soaked in a sweet saucy glaze, our least fave, but the yams stole the show. The service is always excellent with this particlar young waiter & would have said outstanding but I think he was a bit tapped with many tables to cover, not his fault, he is great. Like most restaurants you have to know what to order and find what you like best, and for a neighborhood cozy spot it's a good night out, not a chic hotspot but rather a throwback to a simpler day, good comfort food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 35 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was wonderful way to spend
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was wonderful way to spend Valentine's day with my husband. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.
Our prime rib and steak were cooked perfectly medium rare as requested - they know their meats! Their famous onion soup was delish!
We wished we had the upstairs room, though with the better views.
It was wonderful that they had a complimentary photo booth for the occasion."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 36 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best local steak to the Redwood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best local steak to the Redwood Shores, San Carlos, and Belmont area hands down. Had the NY strip. Wonderful!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 37 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
On a clear day or night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Go on a clear day or night, the view is spectacular.
Good American food, and plenty of it."
Good American food, and plenty of it."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 38 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another great dinner, great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Another great dinner, great food, service and view."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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Review 39 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Won't be back!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Could not get my wife's steak right. First served rare, but ordered medium. Then returned with the steak burnt (like charcoal. We had to leave because we had already been there for close to 2 hours. My wife ended up not eating. The server was maybe new or did not care. I could not tell. I had the chicken fried steak and it was ok. Not sure what all the hype is about this place. The food and service were not good. Waited for 20 minutes to be seated even though we had reservations. Really bad service. I seems you need to be local to this restaurant to get any kind of decent service."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 40 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service......and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service......and we had a window table with a beautiful view!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2003
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 41 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorite restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my favorite restaurants in the Peninsula with an awesome view of the Bay Area. Keep up the good work !!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 42 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Now this is a steak restaurant!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I found myself surrounded by men wanting a good steak =) We ordered the filet and the "Cowboy Style" Rib Eye. Both were perfectly cooked and full of taste. We started with the pea soup and a salad; both wonderful. The bread was crispy on the outside and perfect on the inside. The sides that came with the dinner are a little outdated but worked (garlic or regular mash potatoes, seasonal veggies or something else I can't remember). Wine list was pleasant. Most of all, our server was wonderful and knew the menu! He knew the wine and food menu very well, had good recommendations and represented the restaurant very well."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great view from window seats.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great view from window seats. The food is excellent, cooked to perfection. Continual good service from waiters. We will be returning."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 44 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We brought a work group to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We brought a work group to the Van's. Their food and friendliness did not disappoint but the it took a while to get the food which made for too long of a work lunch.
Will definately go again but not with work as the wait on the food was long."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2013
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Review 45 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The waiter could be more friendly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The waiter could be more friendly and accomodating"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 46 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Two mature ladies enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Two mature ladies enjoyed our cocktails & Prawns lunch without feeling rushed as we had a lot to talk about! Food was wonderful, drinks were good & waiter was patient & friendly."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2004
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 47 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, the food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, the food and service was great!"
Dined on 01/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 48 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Van's 'On The Hill was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Van's 'On The Hill was as it usually is. Great!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 49 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
used travelzoo voucher for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"used travelzoo voucher for this visit and we were seated right away. the steaks were outstanding and to our liking..had a wonderful time. thanks!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 50 for The Van's 'On The Hill'
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Solid and dependable
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Van's is not a gourmet restaurant, but we keep going back for their good solid basic old-fashioned menu. The chicken livers are the best; the fish of the day is usually very good; the steaks can be a little tough and grizzly, but when you know what to order this is a very good deal for the money, with an incredible view thrown in."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, scenic view
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