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A midsize Peninsula city that just celebrated its centennial, Belmont offers a rich history and more to discover than meets the eye. Wooded trails and parks with sweeping views share space with historic estates, local art and independently owned shops.
Visitors can find everything from neighborhood diners to tableside fine dining, with a diversity of flavors in between. Here’s a guide to where to eat, shop and explore in Belmont.
Nature
The City of Belmont offers 14 developed parks on 31 acres, plus 337 acres of open space for hiking, running, bike riding, picnics and more.
Hidden Canyon Park: The trailhead to Hidden Canyon Park is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. There is a small lot for visitors at the trailhead, and no entrance fee is required to park. Hidden Canyon Park features several trails with sweeping views of the Peninsula.
Hidden Canyon Park, 2642 Carlmont Drive, Belmont; 650-595-7441 (Belmont Parks and Recreation). Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Twin Pines Park: Twin Pines Park is home to playgrounds, fields, walking paths and short trails, plus picnic areas and a creek for the community to enjoy. Beyond outdoor areas, the park is also home to Belmont Historical Society Museum, Belmont Parks and Recreation, and the Senior and Community Center.
The park is wheelchair-accessible and has several parking lots for visitors. It also plays host to events throughout the year, including the upcoming Winter Wonderland.
Twin Pines Park, 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont; 650-595-7441 (Belmont Parks and Recreation). Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Waterdog Lake & Open Space: Accessible from three trailhead spots, Waterdog Lake and Open Space is a key part of Belmont’s robust trail system. The area features trails in a wooded canyon plus a lake, which is named after a local salamander species. There is no entrance fee for parking, and on-leash dogs are permitted.
Waterdog Lake & Open Space, 2400 Lyall Way, Belmont; 650-595-7441 (Belmont Parks and Recreation). Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
History
Belmont Historical Society: Since 1987, nonprofit Belmont Historical Society has been on a mission to collect and preserve artifacts from Belmont’s history. Artifacts are available to view online and in person at the History Room, located at the back of the Manor House in Twin Pines Park. Belmont Historical Society also hosts guided tours and walking tours of the community, with a recent tour commemorating the city’s centennial.
Belmont Historical Society, 30 Twin Pines Lane (History Room, back of the Manor House in Twin Pines Park), Belmont; 650-654-4068. History Room is open Nov. 8, 1-4 p.m. and reopens Jan. 10 from 1-4 p.m.
Emmett House: Located near Twin Pines Park, the Victorian-style Emmett House dates back to the late 1800s and was home to Walter A. Emmett, a pioneer merchant and postmaster who contributed to Belmont’s early development.
Originally located at 843 Ralston Ave., the home was relocated to O’Neill Street in 2008 and renovated in 2011 for historic preservation. While the City of Belmont currently owns Emmett House, the home was recently listed for sale as part of the city’s divestment efforts from residential properties.
Emmett House, 1000 O’Neill St., Belmont.
Ralston Hall Mansion: This historic estate is located on the grounds of Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) and was originally built in 1868 by Bank of America founder William Chapman Ralston as his country house. It ultimately had over 80 rooms and later served as a girls’ finishing school and a sanitarium before the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchased the property in 1922.
For decades, visitors marveled at the National Historic Landmark’s Italianate Villa-style mansion, formal dining room, sun parlor and grand ballroom. While the redwood structure closed to the public in 2012 due to seismic safety concerns, the property can be viewed from the outside for visitors of NDNU.
Ralston Hall Mansion (Notre Dame de Namur University), 1500 Ralston Ave., Belmont; 650-508-4000 (NDNU main line). Exterior viewing is possible from the campus grounds.
Jack London Marker, Carlmont Village: Before “Call of the Wild” or “White Fang” made their literary mark, author Jack London worked in the laundry room of Belmont Military Academy in the spring of 1897, now the location of Carlmont Village. A plaque at the shopping center commemorates this chapter of the novelist’s life. London joined the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska shortly after his stint on the Peninsula.
Jack London Marker, Carlmont Village, 1049 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont; 650-593-8075 (Carlmont Village shopping center).
Arts, entertainment and shopping
Twin Pines Art Center: Enjoy monthly rotating exhibitions by local artists at Twin Pines Art Center, which is free and open to the public four afternoons a week. Located in the historic Manor House built in 1908, the space includes 11 resident artist studios and hosts receptions for new exhibitions.
Twin Pines Art Center, 10 Twin Pines Lane (Manor House, Twin Pines Park), Belmont; 650-654-4068. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
The Local Spot – Made Out of Dough: The Local Spot serves as both the storefront for pop-up bakery Made Out of Dough and a community hub for makers and entrepreneurs selling locally made goods.
Known for their scones, cinnamon rolls, pies and other treats, customers can order Made Out of Dough items in a grab-and-go format while shopping items from up to 20 local makers, including accessories, apparel, candles, art and packaged food items.
The Local Spot — Made Out of Dough, 196 Old County Road, Belmont; Instagram: @madeoutofdough, @the.local_spot. Open Wednesday to Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ladera Garden and Gifts: Established in Portola Valley, Ladera Garden and Gifts opened its second location in Belmont in 2016. The business is a full-service nursery and offers a wide selection of gardenware, home decor, gifts and flower arrangements. Follow Ladera Garden and Gifts on Instagram for event announcements at the Belmont location, such as its recent Fall Artisan Garden Market.
Ladera Garden and Gifts, 2029 Ralston Ave. (Carlmont Village), Belmont; 650-232-7154, Instagram: @laderagardenandgifts. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bay Area Boxing: Find a fitness program for your health goals at Bay Area Boxing, which hosts 54 classes a week in boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, strength training and more. Customers can sign up for a class pack to try a variety of offerings. Not sure where to start? Sign up for a free session to find the right program for you.
Bay Area Boxing, 210 El Camino Real, Belmont; 650-520-8681, Instagram: @bayareaboxing. Open Monday to Thursday from 6-7 a.m. and noon-9 p.m., Friday from 6-7 a.m. and noon-8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sainted Goods: Repurposed fashion takes center stage at Sainted Goods, a women’s clothing boutique specializing in curated pre-loved fashion as a way of “mitigating the environmental impact of fast fashion,” according to its website.
Located in Carlmont Village, customers can browse an online catalog of accessories, jewelry and clothing in addition to shopping in store. The women-owned business opened its brick and mortar in December 2021.
Sainted Goods, 1027 ½ Alameda de las Pulgas (Carlmont Village), Belmont; Instagram: @saintedgoods. Open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Coffee, tea and libations
Alpha Acid Brewing Company: This brewery and tasting room is abuzz with events, from stand-up comedy to singles’ matchmaking and trivia nights, to name a few. Follow Alpha Acid on Instagram for the latest calendar of events, including details on its 12th anniversary celebration Nov. 7.
The space also features rotating food vendors, with recent options including Harrison’z Pizza, Ramos Food and Cocina El Catrin. Find $5 draft pints all day Mondays and a new beer release weekly. The current tap list includes names like Hazy 650, Double Murder She Wroatmeal and Thomas the Dank Engine.
Alpha Acid Brewing Company, 121 Industrial Road, Suite 11, Belmont; 650-394-4728, Instagram: @alphaacidbrewingco. Open Monday to Thursday from 3-9 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday from 1-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-7 p.m.
St. James Gate: Turn to St. James Gate for brews, tiki cocktails like Mai Tais and piña coladas, billiards, weekly bingo and casual bites. Other offerings include karaoke, DJs and live bands every Saturday. The bar features several spaces to reserve for private parties, including a tiki-inspired stage, a whiskey garden and a lanai room with Polynesian-inspired wooden seating.
St. James Gate, 1410 Old County Road, Belmont; 650-592-5923, Instagram: @thegatebelmont. Open Monday to Tuesday from 2 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-midnight.
Jiro Cafe: Opened by Peninsula native Keito Frank, Jiro Cafe builds on family recipes developed by Frank’s grandfather, Japanese pianist and cook Tsuneo Matsunami. Since 2023, Jiro Cafe has prided itself on crafting homemade Japanese comfort food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Beverages such as matcha swirl lattes and iced hojicha lattes are on offer, as well as spam musubi, yakisoba, tonkatsu sandwiches, yuzu cheesecake and the signature Cat Bread. Another popular item is the cornet, a cone-shaped sweet bun filled with custards and creams such as red bean, strawberry and vanilla. Frank is working to expand the menu, with plans for a chunky beef curry and expanded beverage offerings.
Jiro Cafe & Bakery, 1094 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont; 650-418-4602, Instagram: @jirocafe. Open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from noon-4 p.m.
Food
Amara: Founded by Ajay Walia and Reena Miglani, the husband-and-wife team behind Saffron in San Carlos and Rasa in Burlingame, Amara specializes in seasonal Mediterranean cuisine designed for sharing. Set in a garden-inspired space with an aesthetic seasonal outdoor patio, guests linger over appetizers, cocktails and larger plates such as pita and corn hummus, charcuterie, whole branzino and seasonal ravioli.
Several vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well as zero-proof mocktails and an extensive wine and spirits list. Finish your meal with a Turkish coffee and dessert, such as a baklava sundae or mango cheesecake.
Amara, 1015 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont; 650-486-1703, Instagram: @amararestaurants. Open for lunch and brunch Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; aperitivo hour Wednesday to Sunday from 4-5 p.m.; and dinner Thursday and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
Capo Mediterranean: Capo Mediterranean serves up Greek-inspired flavors year-round. This fast-casual eatery is owned by the same family behind Belmont eatery Vivace.
Savor made-to-order entrees such as smashburgers, calamari po boy pita, beef and lamb rice plates, Greek salad bowls, spanakopita and avgolemono soup. For an elevated option, try one of their specialty entrees, such as Mediterranean branzino or manti beef dumplings.
Capo Mediterranean Kitchen, 2040 Ralston Ave., Belmont; 650-508-1000, Instagram: @capo_belmont. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Shalizaar: Founded in 1996 in Mountain View, Persian restaurant Shalizaar has been in Belmont since 2007. Guests will find a dedicated selection of Persian kabobs and Persian stews on the menu, including koobideh morgh (ground chicken kabob) and fesenjan (stew with roasted chicken thighs, walnuts and pomegranate sauce).
Other offerings include vegetarian appetizers, mixed rice dishes, combination platters, desserts, coffee and an award-winning wine list.
Shalizaar, 300 El Camino Real, Belmont; 650-596-9000, Instagram: @shalizaar_restaurant. Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Lorenzo’s Sandwich Shop: Since 1976, Lorenzo’s Sandwich Shop has been slinging out hefty deli sandwiches from behind their counter. Diners rave about the hot pastrami on Dutch crunch bread and the Big Combo with mortadella, ham, and salami, as well as classic chicken salad and triple deck club sandwiches.
Lorenzo’s Sandwich Shop, 911 Villa Ave., Belmont; 650-592-4321. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream: Stop by Jolly’s for a scoop of tea-inspired ice cream. Described as an ice cream parlor meets tea house, Jolly’s Teas Cream wants visitors to “wander the world a scoop at a time” in a nod to the global roots of tea. Think flavors like Butterfly Pea Ginger Tea, Jujube Harvest Tea Sorbet and Southern Sweet Tea with Lemon Sorbet.
Can’t decide on a single flavor? Order an ice cream flight with four scoops of your choice. The shop also offers high tea service and sandwiches on weekends.
Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream, 1110 Old County Road, Belmont; 650-287-5562, Instagram: @jollysteascream. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Divino Ristorante: For two decades, Divino has established itself as Belmont’s go-to for fresh pastas and regional Italian cuisine. Pasta options include Sedanini, pappardelle, gnocchi, tagliatelle and lasagna, to name a few. Other entrees include pistachio-crusted pork chop, veal scallopini and sauteed tiger prawns. The restaurant is open for dinner by reservation, with a limited number of walk-in spots available at the bar and counter.
Divino Ristorante, 968 Ralston Ave., Belmont; 650-620-9102, Instagram: @divinobelmont. Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m., Saturday from 4:30-9 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
The Iron Gate: The Iron Gate has been Belmont’s fine-dining destination since the 1950s. Serving classic French and Continental cuisine, guests will enjoy tableside service of dishes like Caesar salad, flambéed Steak Diane and Crêpes Suzette. Lunch and dinner menus are updated seasonally. French, Italian and California wines populate the wine list.
The Iron Gate, 1360 El Camino Real, Belmont; 650-592-7893, Instagram: @theirongatebelmont. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 5-8:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 5-9 p.m. and Sunday from 5-8 p.m.
Marvin Gardens: Homemade pizzas, craft beers and shareable items like nachos and fish nachos can be had at this neighborhood eatery. Daily happy hour specials include $1 off beer and wine. Established in 1975, the restaurant features a sizable covered patio for events like stand-up comedy, sports watch parties and live entertainment.
Marvin Gardens, 1160 Old County Road, Belmont; 650-592-6154, Instagram: @marvingardens. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m.-midnight.
Farm House: Situated across the street from the historic Emmett House, Farm House is an elevated community-oriented eatery serving brunch and dinner. For brunch, guests can start with shareable items such as baked brie with fig jam and truffle fries before tucking into a black forest omelette or mixed berry liege waffle.
Dinner includes items like Napa Cabbage salad with Medjool dates and gorgonzola cheese, boneless braised short rib with horseradish creme fraiche and lamb chops with Calabrian chimichurri. Order a cocktail like the soju-based FC 77 or La Cachonderia to complete your meal.
Farm House, 1301 6th Ave., Belmont; 650-593-7311, Instagram: @farmhousebelmont. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Iberia: Rustic Spanish tapas in a warm atmosphere await diners at Iberia, owned by chef Jose Luis Relinque for over 30 years. Paella Iberia is the restaurant’s most popular item, made with saffron-infused rice with chicken, pork and seafood.
Several tapas are available, ranging from Portuguese fritas de bacalhau (codfish), pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus), patatas bravas con alioli (spicy fried potatoes) and jamón iberico de bellota (bread rubbed with tomato and topped with ham made from Iberian pigs). A bar menu, takeout menu and happy hour menu are also offered.
Iberia, 740 El Camino Real, Belmont; 650-325-8981. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5-8:30 p.m., Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from noon-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. and Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Paella lunches can also be booked Tuesday to Friday from noon-2 p.m.; reservations required, 12 guests minimum.
Falafelle: Falafel takes center stage as this vegetarian eatery, which opened its corner spot along Ralston Avenue in 2016. Customers can customize their entree, starting off with a choice of pita pocket, combo plate or salad. On the side, diners can order dolma, tabbouleh, baba ghannouj or house salad to complete their meal.
Falafelle, 1035 Ralston Ave., Belmont; 650-650-1035. Instagram: @falafelle.us. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Treasure: Opened in October 2025, Treasure is by the same team behind Imperial Treasure of Palo Alto. The restaurant focuses on elevated, craft Chinese cuisine with favorites including the shrimp dumplings, chicken with black bean sauce and spare ribs in sweet sauce. A wide selection of seafood, dumplings, clay pot, noodle and steamed and fried delicacies can be found on the menu.
Treasure, 510 El Camino Real, Belmont; 650-622-4431. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.
Chuck’s Donuts: Craving a sweet treat or snack? Chuck’s Donuts is open 24 hours a day and serves up all-day breakfast sandwiches and burritos alongside raised, cake and specialty donuts. Pastries such as croissants and apple turnovers are also on the menu, plus brewed coffee and Vietnamese coffee.
Chuck’s Donuts, 641 Ralston Ave., Belmont; 650-592-6404. Open 24 hours daily.
Little Belmont Cafe: Craving a classic American breakfast? Look no further than Little Belmont Cafe, which has been serving up diner fare for 25 years as well as Mexican cuisine. Popular entrees include the Mexican omelette with housemade chorizo, chicken fried steak, corned beef hash and eggs Benedict.
Little Belmont Cafe, 232 Harbor Blvd., Belmont; 650-592-6721, Instagram: @_littlebelmontcafe. Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
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