It saddens me to have to rate a vegan restaurant this low but our experience was just awful. I am copy-pasting my Google review to HappyCow to improve exposure.
When booking online there was no option to mention allergies. Because of this, we figured it wouldn’t be a big deal so we could just tell them when we got there for dinner. We asked which dishes had nuts and they let us know that it was too late to modify any dishes, we said that was fine and we could swap dishes with the person with nut allergies.
But, once they realized that one person would be unable to eat the 8 courses, they refused to serve us. They would not allow us to swap dishes with each other at all— each person had to eat every single 8 course dish.
They said the 5 course could be modified instead, but then we would have to all do the 5 course (when the only reason we came for the 8:00 seating was because it was the only option for an 8 course). We repeated that we’ll just do the 8 course and swap the ones with nuts with the person with the allergy so we’d all be full and satisfied. But now they didn’t want to SERVE us doing the 8 course at all: ALL people at the table had to eat the 5 course meal, or nothing. They didn’t want one person to eat several dishes of the same course because that would “ruin the experience”.
We were still willing to pay full price for the full, unmodified 8 course meal (8 courses for 4 people wine tasting). We were completely understanding when they said they couldn’t modify the meals, but now that they knew 1 person wouldn’t eat ALL 8, they would no longer let us any/all of us get the 8 course. They were fine with 2 people sharing the wine tasting too, so this was odd.
We understand why they didn’t want some of us having the 5 course while others had the 8 course, but none of us have ever been to a restaurant that refused to serve us exactly what we originally came and made our reservation for (the 8 course meal). We had to get up and leave because we had 2 waiters explain to us that the chef no longer wanted to give us the 8 course, just the 5 course.
Finally, they responded to my review claiming we were rude and moved the server to tears. We were not rude, and they also respond to negative reviews on Google by calling them fake in an effort to get Google to remove them. As you can see, my profile is real and overwhelmingly positive. I truly wish our experience at Avelo was positive, I would’ve loved for them to say this was just a misunderstanding.
maroopoo
My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate a special occasion. I have been vegan for years and he is an open minded omnivore. We both love vegan food and were incredibly disappointed by our experience. The dinner was outrageously expensive, which we would have accepted if the food and experience had actually been good. We both left the dinner feeling hungry. The flavours of each dish were mediocre. Our server wasn’t enthusiastic and mumbled when she described the dishes. It was also very cold and they had to bring in an old space heater next to our table…not very luxury. We are both very confused why this place has such great reviews. My boyfriend said: “this is the most disappointed I’ve ever been with a meal” lol
Updated from previous review on 2025-03-27
Ajolote
I only had time for the five-course menu, but wow! It was so good!! It was worth stopping here before flying home 💯!!!
Ambermoo
For the cost of the tasing menu for 2 I could have payed for a vacation. However, most of the food was incredible, Michelin star quality. I am giving it 4 stars because there was a mushroom course that was so pungent that I couldn't eat it. It is no exaggeration when I say that the scent and my first (and only) bite made me feel physically ill. My partner finished his, but also found it very challenging.
Updated from previous review on 2025-02-28
ScrambledMegs
The tasting menu at Avelo is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself to a delicious and unique vegan meal. The food was really special and the service was excellent. I highly recommend the wine pairing!
Leah Stolar
The five course plant-based tasting dinner was amazing!! It was a true food adventure lasting 2-1/2 hours. Each course was exquisite and beautifully presented. Both of our servers were extremely hospitable and described each course in great detail. We’ve eaten at many plant-based restaurants around the world and nothing compares.
BuenaClienta
- Deprived of food because they were stingy and calculative of inventory for their mini croissant.
- Establishment was freezing cold by the window and we were seated there to attract customers.
- staff didn’t ask how to make the experience better as we were cold and unhappy
- some dishes were so not worth it and dry
we had to share dessert ?!?!
- tip was included in the final price with no choice for unhappy customers to decide on tipping.
Terrible
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-02
TerriChrisman
I’ve had a few vegan set menus. This one was not the best, but it was enjoyable. We went in November so the theme was squash, mushroom and eggplant - 3 things my dining partner dislikes. There were some good moments (the secret garden) and some fails (eggplant) but overall enjoyable. The textures were all soft. What was lacking was some crunch and some freshness like a salad. I would go back in Spring or Summer for a fresher lighter experience.
hungryveg89
Loved the experience and the food. Dishes had complex, interesting flavours that were always creative. Was a lot of fun to have dishes come one after the other in small enough portions! Staff were knowledgeable about the food which was awesome and added to the experience.
Natalie Chuck
Avelo upstairs is such a fabulous time!
Eden and David took such great care of my partner & I - and I’ll say, I’m a tough critic!
The food was so fresh and unlike anything I’ve had before (even as an ex-vegan restaurant server). The grazing “cheese” board was quite filling and satisfying for 2. The olives & almond bowl was such a generous portion + the kimchi chips with white bean dip was spicy and fresh.
As a cocktail bartender myself, I absolutely loved the drink service. My partner, myself and our friend ordered one menu drink each, all were delicious & well-rounded. When it wasn’t too busy, we ordered some custom drinks: one spicy sour, a martini meets chrysanthemum & a boozy old-fashioned adaptation. All were so well-balanced and delicious.
Big thanks to David and Eden for such an amazing time! We’ll definitely be back to see them again.
Grabbed some cocktails at the bar upstairs, served by David and Eden. Wonderful experience - great drinks, amazing recommendations, and awesome vibe. It was great to see David and Eden in their element, crafting great libations out of nothing. Eden showcased some of the new cocktail menu highlights based on our drink preferences, and they were great. We are definitely coming back, and we are looking forward to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dessert
Eske Schiralli
omg the food was incredible and service was so nice. took my mom their for her birthday and she loved it. they just introduced a new birthday dessert that was so light and delicious. our hosts were Matt and Serena and they were so friendly and helpful. definitely recommend going!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Naman Jain
Stopped here on a busy night and got a seat by the bar. The atmosphere is really good. The bartender was extremely friendly and courteous. Got a non-alcoholic drink and a vegan flatbread, both of which were really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul A
I LOVE cheese. I LOVE meat. When I sat down I had no idea this was a vegan restaurant. My first instinct was to run, but thankfully Eden convinced me to stay. The food was great. (Sure some of the “cheeses” on the “cheese board” lacked funk, but the mushroom spread more than made up for it. The wine was great. The service was great. The drinks were great. The best compliment I can pay is that I’m looking forward to going back.
Vegetarian options: It’s a vegan restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Ramirez
This was a wonderful experience. The food was excellent and the service was top notch. The chef did an amazing job delivering unique and interest flavor combinations that tantalized and intrigued. I appreciate the staff and the work they put in to make it an enjoyable experience. We were underdressed as we did not have time to return to our hotel room before dinner but the staff didn’t make us feel uncomfortable. Flo, Serena and Matt were all very kind. Thank you for offering this experience for vegans and vegetarians and how awesome is it that you can plant the business card and watch it grow.
Vegetarian options: All food is plant based/ Vegan
It saddens me to have to rate a vegan restaurant this low but our experience was just awful. I am copy-pasting my Google review to HappyCow to improve exposure. When booking online there was no option to mention allergies. Because of this, we figured it wouldn’t be a big deal so we could just tell them when we got there for dinner. We asked which dishes had nuts and they let us know that it was too late to modify any dishes, we said that was fine and we could swap dishes with the person with nut allergies. But, once they realized that one person would be unable to eat the 8 courses, they refused to serve us. They would not allow us to swap dishes with each other at all— each person had to eat every single 8 course dish. They said the 5 course could be modified instead, but then we would have to all do the 5 course (when the only reason we came for the 8:00 seating was because it was the only option for an 8 course). We repeated that we’ll just do the 8 course and swap the ones with nuts with the person with the allergy so we’d all be full and satisfied. But now they didn’t want to SERVE us doing the 8 course at all: ALL people at the table had to eat the 5 course meal, or nothing. They didn’t want one person to eat several dishes of the same course because that would “ruin the experience”. We were still willing to pay full price for the full, unmodified 8 course meal (8 courses for 4 people wine tasting). We were completely understanding when they said they couldn’t modify the meals, but now that they knew 1 person wouldn’t eat ALL 8, they would no longer let us any/all of us get the 8 course. They were fine with 2 people sharing the wine tasting too, so this was odd. We understand why they didn’t want some of us having the 5 course while others had the 8 course, but none of us have ever been to a restaurant that refused to serve us exactly what we originally came and made our reservation for (the 8 course meal). We had to get up and leave because we had 2 waiters explain to us that the chef no longer wanted to give us the 8 course, just the 5 course. Finally, they responded to my review claiming we were rude and moved the server to tears. We were not rude, and they also respond to negative reviews on Google by calling them fake in an effort to get Google to remove them. As you can see, my profile is real and overwhelmingly positive. I truly wish our experience at Avelo was positive, I would’ve loved for them to say this was just a misunderstanding.
My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate a special occasion. I have been vegan for years and he is an open minded omnivore. We both love vegan food and were incredibly disappointed by our experience. The dinner was outrageously expensive, which we would have accepted if the food and experience had actually been good. We both left the dinner feeling hungry. The flavours of each dish were mediocre. Our server wasn’t enthusiastic and mumbled when she described the dishes. It was also very cold and they had to bring in an old space heater next to our table…not very luxury. We are both very confused why this place has such great reviews. My boyfriend said: “this is the most disappointed I’ve ever been with a meal” lol Updated from previous review on 2025-03-27
I only had time for the five-course menu, but wow! It was so good!! It was worth stopping here before flying home 💯!!!
For the cost of the tasing menu for 2 I could have payed for a vacation. However, most of the food was incredible, Michelin star quality. I am giving it 4 stars because there was a mushroom course that was so pungent that I couldn't eat it. It is no exaggeration when I say that the scent and my first (and only) bite made me feel physically ill. My partner finished his, but also found it very challenging. Updated from previous review on 2025-02-28
The tasting menu at Avelo is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself to a delicious and unique vegan meal. The food was really special and the service was excellent. I highly recommend the wine pairing!
The five course plant-based tasting dinner was amazing!! It was a true food adventure lasting 2-1/2 hours. Each course was exquisite and beautifully presented. Both of our servers were extremely hospitable and described each course in great detail. We’ve eaten at many plant-based restaurants around the world and nothing compares.
- Deprived of food because they were stingy and calculative of inventory for their mini croissant. - Establishment was freezing cold by the window and we were seated there to attract customers. - staff didn’t ask how to make the experience better as we were cold and unhappy - some dishes were so not worth it and dry we had to share dessert ?!?! - tip was included in the final price with no choice for unhappy customers to decide on tipping. Terrible Updated from previous review on 2024-12-02
I’ve had a few vegan set menus. This one was not the best, but it was enjoyable. We went in November so the theme was squash, mushroom and eggplant - 3 things my dining partner dislikes. There were some good moments (the secret garden) and some fails (eggplant) but overall enjoyable. The textures were all soft. What was lacking was some crunch and some freshness like a salad. I would go back in Spring or Summer for a fresher lighter experience.
Loved the experience and the food. Dishes had complex, interesting flavours that were always creative. Was a lot of fun to have dishes come one after the other in small enough portions! Staff were knowledgeable about the food which was awesome and added to the experience.
Avelo upstairs is such a fabulous time!
Eden and David took such great care of my partner & I - and I’ll say, I’m a tough critic!
The food was so fresh and unlike anything I’ve had before (even as an ex-vegan restaurant server). The grazing “cheese” board was quite filling and satisfying for 2. The olives & almond bowl was such a generous portion + the kimchi chips with white bean dip was spicy and fresh.
As a cocktail bartender myself, I absolutely loved the drink service. My partner, myself and our friend ordered one menu drink each, all were delicious & well-rounded. When it wasn’t too busy, we ordered some custom drinks: one spicy sour, a martini meets chrysanthemum & a boozy old-fashioned adaptation. All were so well-balanced and delicious.
Big thanks to David and Eden for such an amazing time! We’ll definitely be back to see them again.
Recommended dishes: Cheese Board
Restaurantji Recommends
Grabbed some cocktails at the bar upstairs, served by David and Eden. Wonderful experience - great drinks, amazing recommendations, and awesome vibe. It was great to see David and Eden in their element, crafting great libations out of nothing. Eden showcased some of the new cocktail menu highlights based on our drink preferences, and they were great. We are definitely coming back, and we are looking forward to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dessert
omg the food was incredible and service was so nice. took my mom their for her birthday and she loved it. they just introduced a new birthday dessert that was so light and delicious. our hosts were Matt and Serena and they were so friendly and helpful. definitely recommend going!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped here on a busy night and got a seat by the bar. The atmosphere is really good. The bartender was extremely friendly and courteous. Got a non-alcoholic drink and a vegan flatbread, both of which were really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I LOVE cheese. I LOVE meat. When I sat down I had no idea this was a vegan restaurant. My first instinct was to run, but thankfully Eden convinced me to stay. The food was great. (Sure some of the “cheeses” on the “cheese board” lacked funk, but the mushroom spread more than made up for it. The wine was great. The service was great. The drinks were great. The best compliment I can pay is that I’m looking forward to going back.
Vegetarian options: It’s a vegan restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was a wonderful experience. The food was excellent and the service was top notch. The chef did an amazing job delivering unique and interest flavor combinations that tantalized and intrigued. I appreciate the staff and the work they put in to make it an enjoyable experience. We were underdressed as we did not have time to return to our hotel room before dinner but the staff didn’t make us feel uncomfortable. Flo, Serena and Matt were all very kind. Thank you for offering this experience for vegans and vegetarians and how awesome is it that you can plant the business card and watch it grow.
Vegetarian options: All food is plant based/ Vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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