Amazing little place! Staff were friendly, food comes out steaming hot, and I loved the quaintness of the setup. (Also I can totally sympathize with the cook's sensitivity to perfume, can't stand synthetic smells either)
Its probably not the best vegetarianism food I've ever had (that would be my own, jk) but the chef can definitely cook vegetables and potatoes *really* well. Perfect level of not too mushy and not undercooked. Almost like master level crazy how good the texture on those potatoes were... (TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!!!1!)
Into the specific dishes: - The miso was simple and not super flavorful. Potentially slightly under-salted for summer where people are going to be loosing salt through sweat, but understandable). It warmed me up in the possibly too chilly restaurant nonetheless :) - For the vege slider thing, the potatoes were legendary, and the carrots were cooked really well too. Even though I'm not a huge fan of plain carrots, I enjoyed them just fine. The patty was interesting. Definitely homemade as I would describe it more as a nut patty than something trying to actually replicate meat... good but could use some more umami. The gravy was the best part though and brought the whole dish together (could have used a tad more flavor there as well) - Pasta dish was alright, but the mushrooms were a little juicy for my taste. I expected them to be watery but they had more flavor than I was expecting so good job on that. - Cakes were good (presentation amazing) but I forgot that I *really* don't have a sweet tooth. The other person I was with seemed to enjoy them very much however.
Overall 5/5 will likely come again, although its probably a little above my preferred price point given the portion sizes. Thanks for the meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca Morgan
Cash/check only establishment that serves good vegetarian comfort meals. We're excited to come back to try other dishes, and hopefully there will be dessert on the menu 😋
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Diana R.
Lovely comfortable inviting and unique place. Enjoyed my time here and experience being served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin Mihaly
Home cooking! Great vegan/vegetarian options. Cash or check only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Papaya❤️er
Reviewers are right: as it’s the oldest veggie joint in town, it still has the old basic vegetarian fare many of us remember before faux/ processed analogues. When I say basic, though, these meals aren’t basic. They are made with familiar ingredients, but very, very well prepared and concocted. Bravo for the service and cozy atmosphere, too. It boggles my mind, however that they do not have a single vegan friendly bread of sorts that could go with the soup the way they have for the non vegans. Something to add to the menus perhaps.
Natalie Patterson
It’s hard to find a good vegetarian restaurant and this is one. The food is really delicious and very flavorful. Tempeh and vegetables perfectly cooked. Very plant forward fare. The atmosphere is relaxing and the waitstaff was lovely. The entree I had was too salty but I would go back again in an instant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Tempeh and Steamed Vegetables
a c
incredible food and kind staff. super cozy. the owner and chef has a severe allergy and since it is such a small place fragrances are not allowed. please keep this in mind before showing up with perfume and being shocked if you’re asked to leave. also cash only
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BelinC
Went there hoping to enjoy a vegan dinner but instead where thrown out of the location by the chef in a very nasty and unpleasant way. Very unprofessional treatment. We had never been there, had no knowledge of the fragrance issue and when we entered we were not informed of the situation by the person who sat us after ten minutes waiting. As we looked at the door we saw no sign. There was no information of this in Google. It is your responsibility to put up a large sign with this information! The person I assume is the chef came out of the kitchen straight to our table and talked at us in a very unprofessional, unpleasant/nasty tone. Saying she was not going to take it and somebody had on fragrance and she wasn't going to tolerate it. We were stunned by the remarks and it took us a minute to register what was being spoken at us. Needless to say I will never return and do not recommend going there if you want to be treated with respect and kindness. At our table was a disabled Veteran, a frail elder and a disabled person. We did not feel the love! Oh and by the way it's a cash only location.
Updated from previous review on 2024-10-05
L D
Entrees are very lazy and uninspired. Tastes like cafeteria food. Overpriced for how extremely mediocre it is. The desserts however are incredible. Get your meal elsewhere and stop here for dessert. Service is always great and the atmosphere is cute and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Y M
I am deeply disappointedMay 2024 • FamilyLast week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about "cash or check only." There is no other detail to be aware of before visiting the place. We arrived, went inside, looked around, read the menu on the wall, and waited. After a reasonable amount of time waiting and noticing that there was a table empty for the 4 of us, I approached the staff. The response was very rude and I was told I had to wait. Ironically, she walked to the door, where my other family members were standing, and greeted a person who just came in, sat the person, and took the order. Finally, we sat at the table. We were looking at the menu in our hands when suddenly the chef at Bela restaurant in Northampton, Massachusetts, literally thru us out of the restaurant. The chef came out of the kitchen, walked to our table, and told us that we were not going to be served. The chef added that we were wearing perfume and "I am not dealing with this tonight." After a quick moment of shock, we got up and started walking out. The one staff on the floor noticed we were leaving and acknowledged that the chef told us to leave but asked if we wanted to order to go. Obviously, no. If the chef has issues with perfume, this should be noted in a very clear and obvious way, online, in person, and by the staff. Let's keep in mind that none of us were wearing perfume or cologne. One of us had just put some moisturizer that was vegan, no harmful, artificial, or chemical add ons. If we had known, we would've made another decision. Instead, the chef decided to humiliate us and discriminate against a frail elder, a person with brain nerve disability and a retired veteran. I have to give this restaurant -5 stars. Also, be aware that it is not handicap accessible. Even the bathroom is down in the basement.
Last week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about "cash or check only". No other detailed to be aware of before visiting the place.
We arrived, went inside, looked around, read the menu on the wall, and waited. After a reasonable amount of time waiting and noticing that there was a table empty for the 4 of us, I approached the staff. The responsed was very rude and I was told I had to wait. Ironically, she walks to the door, were my other family members were standing, and greeted a person that just came in, sat the person and took the order.
Finally, we were sat at the table. We were looking at the menu in our hands when suddenly the chef at Bela restaurant in Northampton, Massachusetts literally thru us out of the restaurant.
The chef came out of the kitchen, walked to our table and told us that we were not going to be serve. The chef added that we were wearing a perfume and "I am not dealing with this tonight".
After a quick moment of shocked, we got up and started walking out. The one staff on the floor noticed we were leaving, and acknowledged that the chef told us to leave, but asked if we wanted to order to go. Obviously, no.
If the chef has issues with perfume this should be noted in a very clear and obvious way, online, in person and by the staff.
Let's keep in mind that none of us were wearing perfume or cologne. One of us had just put a some moisturizer that was Vegan no harmful, artificial or chemical add ons. If we had known, we would've made another decision.
Instead, the chef decided to humiliate us, and discriminate against a frail elder, a person with brain nerve disability and a retired veteran.
I have to give this restaurant -5 stars. Also, advice thst it us not handicap accessible, even the bathroom is down in the basement.
Belinda Carrasquillo
Went there hoping to enjoy a vegan dinner but instead where thrown out of the location by the chef in a very nasty and unpleasant way. Very unprofessional treatment. We had never been there, had no knowledge of the fragrance issue and when we entered we were not informed of the situation by the person who sat us after ten minutes waiting. As we looked at the door we saw no sign. There was no information of this in Google. It is your responsibility to put up a large sign with this information! The person I assume is the chef came out of the kitchen straight to our table and talked at us in a very unprofessional, unpleasant/nasty tone. Saying she was not going to take it and somebody had on fragrance and she wasn't going to tolerate it. We were stunned by the remarks and it took us a minute to register what was being spoken at us. Needless to say I will never return and do not recommend going there if you want to be treated with respect and kindness. We did not feel the love! Oh and by the way it's a cash only location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Queen Bee
Ordered wound up tossing everything in
Food: 1
Stephanie Bista
Bela is a vegan staple in Northampton. They serve wholesome, delicious food that is never boring and always hits the spot. The small dining room makes for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and friendly. Also the cakes are amazing!Just take care to bring cash with you. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
m m
Sweet little gem. I have very specific food needs. The staff/chef was super accommodating and patient. The food was so fresh, and the fried tempeh was the best I've ever had. Thank you, Bela! When I'm back in your part of the world, I will definitely return!
Amazing little place! Staff were friendly, food comes out steaming hot, and I loved the quaintness of the setup. (Also I can totally sympathize with the cook's sensitivity to perfume, can't stand synthetic smells either)
Its probably not the best vegetarianism food I've ever had (that would be my own, jk) but the chef can definitely cook vegetables and potatoes *really* well. Perfect level of not too mushy and not undercooked. Almost like master level crazy how good the texture on those potatoes were... (TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!!!1!)
Into the specific dishes:
- The miso was simple and not super flavorful. Potentially slightly under-salted for summer where people are going to be loosing salt through sweat, but understandable). It warmed me up in the possibly too chilly restaurant nonetheless :)
- For the vege slider thing, the potatoes were legendary, and the carrots were cooked really well too. Even though I'm not a huge fan of plain carrots, I enjoyed them just fine. The patty was interesting. Definitely homemade as I would describe it more as a nut patty than something trying to actually replicate meat... good but could use some more umami. The gravy was the best part though and brought the whole dish together (could have used a tad more flavor there as well)
- Pasta dish was alright, but the mushrooms were a little juicy for my taste. I expected them to be watery but they had more flavor than I was expecting so good job on that.
- Cakes were good (presentation amazing) but I forgot that I *really* don't have a sweet tooth. The other person I was with seemed to enjoy them very much however.
Overall 5/5 will likely come again, although its probably a little above my preferred price point given the portion sizes. Thanks for the meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cash/check only establishment that serves good vegetarian comfort meals. We're excited to come back to try other dishes, and hopefully there will be dessert on the menu 😋
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lovely comfortable inviting and unique place. Enjoyed my time here and experience being served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Home cooking! Great vegan/vegetarian options. Cash or check only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reviewers are right: as it’s the oldest veggie joint in town, it still has the old basic vegetarian fare many of us remember before faux/ processed analogues. When I say basic, though, these meals aren’t basic. They are made with familiar ingredients, but very, very well prepared and concocted. Bravo for the service and cozy atmosphere, too. It boggles my mind, however that they do not have a single vegan friendly bread of sorts that could go with the soup the way they have for the non vegans. Something to add to the menus perhaps.
It’s hard to find a good vegetarian restaurant and this is one. The food is really delicious and very flavorful. Tempeh and vegetables perfectly cooked. Very plant forward fare. The atmosphere is relaxing and the waitstaff was lovely. The entree I had was too salty but I would go back again in an instant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Tempeh and Steamed Vegetables
incredible food and kind staff. super cozy. the owner and chef has a severe allergy and since it is such a small place fragrances are not allowed. please keep this in mind before showing up with perfume and being shocked if you’re asked to leave. also cash only
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went there hoping to enjoy a vegan dinner but instead where thrown out of the location by the chef in a very nasty and unpleasant way. Very unprofessional treatment. We had never been there, had no knowledge of the fragrance issue and when we entered we were not informed of the situation by the person who sat us after ten minutes waiting. As we looked at the door we saw no sign. There was no information of this in Google. It is your responsibility to put up a large sign with this information! The person I assume is the chef came out of the kitchen straight to our table and talked at us in a very unprofessional, unpleasant/nasty tone. Saying she was not going to take it and somebody had on fragrance and she wasn't going to tolerate it. We were stunned by the remarks and it took us a minute to register what was being spoken at us. Needless to say I will never return and do not recommend going there if you want to be treated with respect and kindness. At our table was a disabled Veteran, a frail elder and a disabled person. We did not feel the love! Oh and by the way it's a cash only location. Updated from previous review on 2024-10-05
Entrees are very lazy and uninspired. Tastes like cafeteria food. Overpriced for how extremely mediocre it is. The desserts however are incredible. Get your meal elsewhere and stop here for dessert. Service is always great and the atmosphere is cute and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
I am deeply disappointedMay 2024 • FamilyLast week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about "cash or check only." There is no other detail to be aware of before visiting the place. We arrived, went inside, looked around, read the menu on the wall, and waited. After a reasonable amount of time waiting and noticing that there was a table empty for the 4 of us, I approached the staff. The response was very rude and I was told I had to wait. Ironically, she walked to the door, where my other family members were standing, and greeted a person who just came in, sat the person, and took the order. Finally, we sat at the table. We were looking at the menu in our hands when suddenly the chef at Bela restaurant in Northampton, Massachusetts, literally thru us out of the restaurant. The chef came out of the kitchen, walked to our table, and told us that we were not going to be served. The chef added that we were wearing perfume and "I am not dealing with this tonight." After a quick moment of shock, we got up and started walking out. The one staff on the floor noticed we were leaving and acknowledged that the chef told us to leave but asked if we wanted to order to go. Obviously, no. If the chef has issues with perfume, this should be noted in a very clear and obvious way, online, in person, and by the staff. Let's keep in mind that none of us were wearing perfume or cologne. One of us had just put some moisturizer that was vegan, no harmful, artificial, or chemical add ons. If we had known, we would've made another decision. Instead, the chef decided to humiliate us and discriminate against a frail elder, a person with brain nerve disability and a retired veteran. I have to give this restaurant -5 stars. Also, be aware that it is not handicap accessible. Even the bathroom is down in the basement.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Last week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about "cash or check only". No other detailed to be aware of before visiting the place. We arrived, went inside, looked around, read the menu on the wall, and waited. After a reasonable amount of time waiting and noticing that there was a table empty for the 4 of us, I approached the staff. The responsed was very rude and I was told I had to wait. Ironically, she walks to the door, were my other family members were standing, and greeted a person that just came in, sat the person and took the order. Finally, we were sat at the table. We were looking at the menu in our hands when suddenly the chef at Bela restaurant in Northampton, Massachusetts literally thru us out of the restaurant. The chef came out of the kitchen, walked to our table and told us that we were not going to be serve. The chef added that we were wearing a perfume and "I am not dealing with this tonight". After a quick moment of shocked, we got up and started walking out. The one staff on the floor noticed we were leaving, and acknowledged that the chef told us to leave, but asked if we wanted to order to go. Obviously, no. If the chef has issues with perfume this should be noted in a very clear and obvious way, online, in person and by the staff. Let's keep in mind that none of us were wearing perfume or cologne. One of us had just put a some moisturizer that was Vegan no harmful, artificial or chemical add ons. If we had known, we would've made another decision. Instead, the chef decided to humiliate us, and discriminate against a frail elder, a person with brain nerve disability and a retired veteran. I have to give this restaurant -5 stars. Also, advice thst it us not handicap accessible, even the bathroom is down in the basement.
Went there hoping to enjoy a vegan dinner but instead where thrown out of the location by the chef in a very nasty and unpleasant way. Very unprofessional treatment. We had never been there, had no knowledge of the fragrance issue and when we entered we were not informed of the situation by the person who sat us after ten minutes waiting. As we looked at the door we saw no sign. There was no information of this in Google. It is your responsibility to put up a large sign with this information! The person I assume is the chef came out of the kitchen straight to our table and talked at us in a very unprofessional, unpleasant/nasty tone. Saying she was not going to take it and somebody had on fragrance and she wasn't going to tolerate it. We were stunned by the remarks and it took us a minute to register what was being spoken at us. Needless to say I will never return and do not recommend going there if you want to be treated with respect and kindness. We did not feel the love! Oh and by the way it's a cash only location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ordered wound up tossing everything in
Food: 1
Bela is a vegan staple in Northampton. They serve wholesome, delicious food that is never boring and always hits the spot. The small dining room makes for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and friendly. Also the cakes are amazing!Just take care to bring cash with you. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sweet little gem. I have very specific food needs. The staff/chef was super accommodating and patient. The food was so fresh, and the fried tempeh was the best I've ever had. Thank you, Bela! When I'm back in your part of the world, I will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...