I sat at the bar on a lovely Friday night, enjoyed a London fog and an Espresso martini along with an amazing dessert with pistachio icecream and a fluffy torched marshmallow cream. It was amazing however, we both agreed that it would taste even better with some toasted almonds! But, overall it was excellent!! The waitress at the bar was so sweet and had extensive knowledge and wonderful suggestions from the cocktail menu. We can’t remember her name, pretty lady with red hair! Thank you!!!!!
We will be back for dinner soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Timsinth
Just delicious and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leslie A
Totally understand all the positive reviews. So glad I was able to finally try! Everything was 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Billy Taha
Went to Vela to celebrate a special occasion. Upon entry it was very loud. So loud that you couldnt hear the music being played. Even the wait staff struggled to hear us. Tables are spaced too close together. We ordered an old fashion, vodka martinis and a manhattan. Drinks took forever and were not well crafted. The olives used for the martini were the manzanilla olives with the red pepper inside. And this is what really struck me about this restaurant. They use premium ingredients and then serve them with low quality products. For example. We ordered the seafood platter. For 120, you get half a lobster, crab legs, tuna crudo, scallops and shrimp. We also ordered oysters on the side. These all came with underwhelming sides like jarred horseradish, Tabasco and tartar sauce. You dont serve tartar sauce with cold shelfish. Our main entrees included the strip loin steak and rack of lamb. The steak was cooked perfectly. I recommend asking for the sauce on the side so that your steak isnt swimming in sauce. The steak came with a side of fries that were served with a great aioli and ketchup. But there was no salt or pepper offered or to be found. By the time it arrived my steak was almost done. The lamb had two substantial pieces. Oddly the first one was super gamey and not enjoyable. The second piece was much better. Did not order dessert. I would not recommend this spot. I am quite frankly shocked they are a michelin recommendation.
Follow me on instagram and TikTok for more in depth reviews and recommendations @frxnfltz
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Fahmina Khan
Went there for celebrating a birthday. Every item that we ordered was tasty! The presentation, the ambiance and the quality/service was impeccable. Halal options available.
M M
Amazing burgers and steak and top tier customer service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jasdeep Grewal
The Brunch Menu
Vela’s brunch offerings are a perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Here’s a closer look at the standout dishes:
French Omelette
A masterpiece of simplicity, this three-egg omelette was delicately prepared and adorned with fresh chives. The texture was smooth and velvety, with a lightness that made it melt in the mouth. Served with a side of crispy bacon, it was a perfect harmony of flavors.
Brunch Burger
This wasn’t your average brunch burger. Modified with egg truffle mayo and aged cheddar, it was a rich and satisfying dish. The perfectly cooked patty and fluffy brioche bun elevated every bite, making it a truly decadent option.
Placebo Cocktails
While alcohol-free, these cocktails were full of character and creativity: • Tropical Storm: A vibrant combination of mango, ginger, lemon, soda, and berries. This drink was sweet, tangy, and refreshingly light. • Mooncake: A delightful blend of coconut, peach, lemon, soda, and mint. Its tropical notes brought a hint of sunshine to a cold winter day.
The Standout: Banana Pudding
The star of the brunch was undoubtedly the Banana Pudding. This dessert featured luscious layers of vanilla mousse, ripe banana, dulce de leche, and spiced cake. Each spoonful was a perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors. It was the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
The Space
Located in a historic heritage building, Vela is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The interior is a luxurious blend of modern elegance and timeless charm, with spaces like the champagne bar, chef’s counter, lounge, and intimate booth seating. Every corner is thoughtfully designed, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and inviting.
Inspired by a constellation of stars, Vela’s layout takes guests on a journey through its distinct spaces, making it an ideal spot for anything from a casual brunch to a special celebration.
The Verdict
Vela Restaurant sets the standard for upscale dining in Toronto. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a stunning ambiance makes it a must-visit destination. While every dish impressed, the Banana Pudding stole the show for me.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city, Vela is a culinary experience that’s worth every moment.
Tips for Visiting • Reservations are highly recommended, especially for brunch. • Save room for dessert—the Banana Pudding is a must-try. • Take the time to explore the different areas of the restaurant for the full Vela experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Banana Pudding
F
Loved it! Really kind staff!
Yeshel Mervyn
The streak and pasta here was amazing! They offer halal! The drinks were okay. The aesthetic of the place is nice and the service is amazing. Would visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marissa C
Came here for the first time as it was recommended by a friend but also because of the positive reviews (and subsequent owner responses).
I will say it was initially hard to find the restaurant as the entrance isn’t super obvious, but at the same time I kind of liked that it was a bit discreet, so when you walk in, it created a bit of a mysterious illusion to it.
I appreciated that there is complimentary coat check included, especially during the wintertime.
Our server was great. She was super friendly and helpful when we had asked about some of the desserts and she had presented some options as my partner is alcohol-free.
The food was also very delicious and I loved the varying textures and flavours throughout the appetizers.
Some may find this an oddity at a nicer restaurant, but we really liked the live musician who was playing and singing whilst we enjoyed our food. He was great.
Went for New Years Eve dinner and it was great. Delicious food, great cocktails and the wine pairing fit nicely with each dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nafees Nawfal
I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at Vela, and it’s no surprise that this gem is a Michelin-recommended restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was effortlessly welcoming—perfect for a special evening.
Every dish was a testament to culinary artistry. The flavors were balanced, the presentations were stunning, and the quality of the ingredients shown through in every bite. The drinks were equally impressive, made with the same attention to detail and creativity. The staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable.
Vela is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. If your looking for a perfect night out, this restaurant delivers on all fronts. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their incredible menu. 10/10—highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Mushrooms, Burrata Canestri, Mushroom Rigatoni, Burrata Pasta
Nowreen Sarwar
I rarely post long reviews because ✨ social anxiety✨ but this place takes the cake. One of the best culinary experiences in my life (yes guys, this is compared to Nobu, Ruth Chris, Jeff Ruby's, Justine's, the whole shebang plathora of high end places that people swoon over). The food is so good, you're gonna dream about it for several nights (not an exaggerated euphemism). Parking is a pain in the rear in dt Toronto but this place has ample parking nearby. The place is a bit loud with the music and lively crowd, but its great for upscale food and decor. We had a halal tasting menu and steak with an opera cake. Its divine, try it out, prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food as well. The server was so attentive and nice we went out of our way to tip more than we usually do. Although they are business casual we dressed down a bit (I was wearing a hoodie haha) but didn't feel out of place. Will return for more from Vela! *chefs kiss*
They refused to do coat check despite asking twice, and the staff was rude and dismissive. It honestly felt like they were ignoring us because of how we looked. Very frustrating experience. We experienced subtle but clear passive racism from the moment we walked in. While the food was good, the overall customer experience was poor. The dismissive behavior was evident throughout, making us feel unwelcome despite the quality of the meal which was the only good thing about there restaurant everything else is waste and tacky.
I sat at the bar on a lovely Friday night, enjoyed a London fog and an Espresso martini along with an amazing dessert with pistachio icecream and a fluffy torched marshmallow cream.
It was amazing however, we both agreed that it would taste even better with some toasted almonds! But, overall it was excellent!!
The waitress at the bar was so sweet and had extensive knowledge and wonderful suggestions from the cocktail menu. We can’t remember her name, pretty lady with red hair! Thank you!!!!!
We will be back for dinner soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just delicious and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Totally understand all the positive reviews. So glad I was able to finally try! Everything was 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went to Vela to celebrate a special occasion. Upon entry it was very loud. So loud that you couldnt hear the music being played. Even the wait staff struggled to hear us. Tables are spaced too close together. We ordered an old fashion, vodka martinis and a manhattan. Drinks took forever and were not well crafted. The olives used for the martini were the manzanilla olives with the red pepper inside. And this is what really struck me about this restaurant. They use premium ingredients and then serve them with low quality products. For example. We ordered the seafood platter. For 120, you get half a lobster, crab legs, tuna crudo, scallops and shrimp. We also ordered oysters on the side. These all came with underwhelming sides like jarred horseradish, Tabasco and tartar sauce. You dont serve tartar sauce with cold shelfish. Our main entrees included the strip loin steak and rack of lamb. The steak was cooked perfectly. I recommend asking for the sauce on the side so that your steak isnt swimming in sauce. The steak came with a side of fries that were served with a great aioli and ketchup. But there was no salt or pepper offered or to be found. By the time it arrived my steak was almost done. The lamb had two substantial pieces. Oddly the first one was super gamey and not enjoyable. The second piece was much better. Did not order dessert. I would not recommend this spot. I am quite frankly shocked they are a michelin recommendation.
Follow me on instagram and TikTok for more in depth reviews and recommendations @frxnfltz
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Went there for celebrating a birthday. Every item that we ordered was tasty! The presentation, the ambiance and the quality/service was impeccable. Halal options available.
Amazing burgers and steak and top tier customer service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Brunch Menu
Vela’s brunch offerings are a perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Here’s a closer look at the standout dishes:
French Omelette
A masterpiece of simplicity, this three-egg omelette was delicately prepared and adorned with fresh chives. The texture was smooth and velvety, with a lightness that made it melt in the mouth. Served with a side of crispy bacon, it was a perfect harmony of flavors.
Brunch Burger
This wasn’t your average brunch burger. Modified with egg truffle mayo and aged cheddar, it was a rich and satisfying dish. The perfectly cooked patty and fluffy brioche bun elevated every bite, making it a truly decadent option.
Placebo Cocktails
While alcohol-free, these cocktails were full of character and creativity:
• Tropical Storm: A vibrant combination of mango, ginger, lemon, soda, and berries. This drink was sweet, tangy, and refreshingly light.
• Mooncake: A delightful blend of coconut, peach, lemon, soda, and mint. Its tropical notes brought a hint of sunshine to a cold winter day.
The Standout: Banana Pudding
The star of the brunch was undoubtedly the Banana Pudding. This dessert featured luscious layers of vanilla mousse, ripe banana, dulce de leche, and spiced cake. Each spoonful was a perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors. It was the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
The Space
Located in a historic heritage building, Vela is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The interior is a luxurious blend of modern elegance and timeless charm, with spaces like the champagne bar, chef’s counter, lounge, and intimate booth seating. Every corner is thoughtfully designed, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and inviting.
Inspired by a constellation of stars, Vela’s layout takes guests on a journey through its distinct spaces, making it an ideal spot for anything from a casual brunch to a special celebration.
The Verdict
Vela Restaurant sets the standard for upscale dining in Toronto. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a stunning ambiance makes it a must-visit destination. While every dish impressed, the Banana Pudding stole the show for me.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city, Vela is a culinary experience that’s worth every moment.
Tips for Visiting
• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for brunch.
• Save room for dessert—the Banana Pudding is a must-try.
• Take the time to explore the different areas of the restaurant for the full Vela experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Banana Pudding
Loved it! Really kind staff!
The streak and pasta here was amazing! They offer halal! The drinks were okay. The aesthetic of the place is nice and the service is amazing. Would visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for the first time as it was recommended by a friend but also because of the positive reviews (and subsequent owner responses).
I will say it was initially hard to find the restaurant as the entrance isn’t super obvious, but at the same time I kind of liked that it was a bit discreet, so when you walk in, it created a bit of a mysterious illusion to it.
I appreciated that there is complimentary coat check included, especially during the wintertime.
Our server was great. She was super friendly and helpful when we had asked about some of the desserts and she had presented some options as my partner is alcohol-free.
The food was also very delicious and I loved the varying textures and flavours throughout the appetizers.
Some may find this an oddity at a nicer restaurant, but we really liked the live musician who was playing and singing whilst we enjoyed our food. He was great.
Would definitely come again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Went for New Years Eve dinner and it was great. Delicious food, great cocktails and the wine pairing fit nicely with each dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at Vela, and it’s no surprise that this gem is a Michelin-recommended restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was effortlessly welcoming—perfect for a special evening.
Every dish was a testament to culinary artistry. The flavors were balanced, the presentations were stunning, and the quality of the ingredients shown through in every bite. The drinks were equally impressive, made with the same attention to detail and creativity. The staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable.
Vela is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. If your looking for a perfect night out, this restaurant delivers on all fronts. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their incredible menu. 10/10—highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Mushrooms, Burrata Canestri, Mushroom Rigatoni, Burrata Pasta
I rarely post long reviews because ✨ social anxiety✨ but this place takes the cake. One of the best culinary experiences in my life (yes guys, this is compared to Nobu, Ruth Chris, Jeff Ruby's, Justine's, the whole shebang plathora of high end places that people swoon over). The food is so good, you're gonna dream about it for several nights (not an exaggerated euphemism). Parking is a pain in the rear in dt Toronto but this place has ample parking nearby. The place is a bit loud with the music and lively crowd, but its great for upscale food and decor. We had a halal tasting menu and steak with an opera cake. Its divine, try it out, prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food as well. The server was so attentive and nice we went out of our way to tip more than we usually do. Although they are business casual we dressed down a bit (I was wearing a hoodie haha) but didn't feel out of place. Will return for more from Vela! *chefs kiss*
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus, Beef Tartare, Appetizer Platter, Scallop Crudo, Albacore Tuna Crudo
Amazing food and customer service! I highly recommend the steak and gnocchi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ricotta Gnocchi, Truffle Fries
They refused to do coat check despite asking twice, and the staff was rude and dismissive. It honestly felt like they were ignoring us because of how we looked. Very frustrating experience. We experienced subtle but clear passive racism from the moment we walked in. While the food was good, the overall customer experience was poor. The dismissive behavior was evident throughout, making us feel unwelcome despite the quality of the meal which was the only good thing about there restaurant everything else is waste and tacky.
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Rigatoni
Loading...