Discover Belmont's Hidden Gem: Vivace Restaurant

In a sea of dining options, finding a truly exceptional restaurant can feel overwhelming. If you’re craving quality Italian cuisine in a warm atmosphere, look no further than Vivace Restaurant in Belmont.  

Centrally located in Belmont, Vivace offers an inviting escape from everyday dining. Its romantic ambiance makes it perfect for everything from casual dinners to special date nights. Casey and her husband adore it for their evenings out, where the impressive cocktail selection complements a memorable meal. 

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

Diners rave about Vivace's authentic Italian dishes.  (Our favorite dishes include  the standout risotto with prawns, squid ink seafood pasta, eggplant parmesan and classic Caesar salad.) One guest described their meal as "an explosion of flavors," highlighting the freshness and quality of the ingredients. It's no surprise that many visitors leave feeling like they've had a taste of Italy.

The attentive service further enhances the experience, with guests noting how the staff makes them feel like family, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars.

Meet the Man Behind the Magic: Mike Gunn

Owner Mike Gunn has been the heart of Vivace since its opening in 1994. His passion for Northern Italian cuisine shines through in every dish, with a menu that pays homage to Piemonte and Toscana. The inviting decor and open kitchen allow guests to witness culinary artistry firsthand, while Vivace's award-winning wine selection adds to the dining experience.

An Inviting Atmosphere for Every Occasion

Vivace caters to every occasion, whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a night out. One enthusiastic reviewer noted, "It felt like a little slice of Italy right in my hometown." The warm lighting and rustic decor create the perfect backdrop to unwind and savor your meal. For us, starting the night with a refreshing gin gimlet or a rye Manhattan makes every visit even more special.

Supporting Local Flavor

As chains and delivery services dominate, it’s crucial to support local gems like Vivace that enrich our community. Dining here not only treats your palate but also strengthens local businesses committed to quality.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking a culinary escape, Vivace Restaurant in Belmont is your answer. With authentic Italian cuisine, welcoming service, and a charming atmosphere—thanks to Mike Gunn—Vivace promises an inspiring dining experience. Next time you’re in the mood for a memorable meal, remember this hidden gem—it’s time to discover the flavors of Italy right in your backyard!

Helpful Links:

Casey Sternsmith

Casey Sternsmith

Founder

Get to Know Me

Meet Casey Sternsmith, founding partner of the Sternsmith Group. In business, exceptional service is what matters most to Casey Sternsmith.

With Casey at the helm of the Sternsmith Group, this level of commitment is shared by all members of the group who pride themselves on being excellent listeners with unwavering integrity, and for providing the best advocacy and negotiation skills for their buyers and sellers.

Casey’s philosophy of “love what you do, or do something else” is at the forefront of the entire team, which is evident by their true passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
 
As a leader in real estate marketing, Casey employs tried and true traditional marketing as well as cutting-edge strategies such as social media marketing and professional videos for every home – from small condos to luxury estate properties. Casey’s clients also benefit from her vast personal network as a lifelong resident of the area.
 
As a result, she often achieves unprecedented outcomes for her sellers with quick sales and prices exceeding the list prices. To her buyers, Casey is known for excelling in competitive multiple-offer situations.
 
With more than 10 years of results that speak for themselves, Casey never looks at the process as a transaction, but rather as a personal decision and life choice that impact each and every day of their life. Because of this, a great deal of Casey’s personal business, and the Sternsmith Group’s as a whole, comes from repeat businesses and referrals.
 
Prior to her career in real estate, Casey owned and operated a personal training/Pilates studio in San Mateo where she honed her customer service, management, organization, and marketing skills. Combined with a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, all of this proved to be the ideal foundation for her future success in real estate. Casey and her husband have two small children and reside in Hillsborough.
 
Tess Salter

Tess Salter

REALTOR®

Get to Know Me

Tess Salter is a top-ranked real estate agent in San Mateo County and a key leader of the Sternsmith Group, known for her exceptional negotiation skills, client-first approach, and record of delivering outstanding results. Tess has helped clients buy and sell homes across San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, Millbrae, South San Francisco, Bay Meadows, Menlo Park, and Foster City. She specializes in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, luxury estates, and investment properties.

With over 10 years of experience, Tess has sold 71 homes in San Mateo County in 2025 and helped 61 buyers and sellers achieve over $125M in sales in 2024, according to RealTrends. Since 2015, Tess and her partner Casey Sternsmith have closed $1.3B+ in total sales, ranking them among the top 5 agents in San Mateo County and the #1 agents in San Mateo for seven consecutive years.

Tess was recognized by Gentry Magazine as one of the Top 10 Agents Under 40 in 2020, and the Sternsmith Group has been nationally recognized on The Leading 100 for the past seven years, celebrating the top-performing real estate teams in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Tess is known for her expertise in off-market listings, pre-market preparation, luxury marketing strategies, and customized property-specific marketing. She leverages Compass’ advanced technology, social media, and Facebook/Instagram Live tours to maximize exposure and deliver top results. With a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics, Tess provides data-driven insights that help clients make strategic real estate decisions.

Outside of real estate, Tess is deeply committed to her community. She served as PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025), continues on the PARCA Board (2019–2025), volunteers in Hillsborough schools, served on the West Elementary School Site Council, and chairs the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

With 150+ five-star reviews and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and personalized service, Tess Salter and the Sternsmith Group provide exceptional guidance, strategic marketing, and unparalleled support for anyone buying or selling in San Mateo County, Burlingame, Hillsborough, and surrounding Peninsula neighborhoods.

About Us

Get to Know Our Team

Get to know our team of real estate experts.

No result found

WORK WITH US

Insightful local knowledge and extensive expertise. We looks forward to earning your family’s trust and leveraging our success for your benefit for generations to come. We looks forward to earning your family’s trust and leveraging our success for your benefit for generations to come.

Contact Us

Follow Us on Instagram