Vela Toronto on Postcard

"Vela’s modernist space, with its cascading, sculptural lights, imparts a sultry ambience to every meal. It’s ever the unabashed show pony, but the restaurant has substance behind its style, thanks to the synergy between co-owners Amanda Bradley (a hospitality titan) and Robin Goodfellow (a beverage and business wizard) and co-head chefs Marvin Palomo and Kim Haugen (deft culinarians with experience in London, Australia, Hong Kong, and Italy). The cuisine is intentionally impossible to pigeonhole. Moroccan octopus pulsates with a sweet-savory interplay of tamari and togarashi, finished with nutty ajo blanco; Hokkaido scallops in crudo act as buttery vessels for nam jim (Thai chile sauce), salty bubbles of trout roe, and cooling cucumber. Goodfellow’s award-winning cocktail list is also not to be missed, offering a thirst-quenching roster of sips that are playful, cheeky, and mindfully composed. Check out the Moe’s Tavern: a citrusy drink made with rye, port, and fire (of course)." - Tiffany Leigh

The 38 Essential Toronto Restaurants

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"Vela’s modernist space, with its cascading, sculptural lights, imparts a sultry ambience to every meal. It’s ever the unabashed show pony, but the restaurant has substance behind its style, thanks to the synergy between co-owners Amanda Bradley (a hospitality titan) and Robin Goodfellow (a beverage and business wizard) and co-head chefs Marvin Palomo and Kim Haugen (deft culinarians with experience in London, Australia, Hong Kong, and Italy). The cuisine is intentionally impossible to pigeonhole. Moroccan octopus pulsates with a sweet-savory interplay of tamari and togarashi, finished with nutty ajo blanco; Hokkaido scallops in crudo act as buttery vessels for nam jim (Thai chile sauce), salty bubbles of trout roe, and cooling cucumber. Goodfellow’s award-winning cocktail list is also not to be missed, offering a thirst-quenching roster of sips that are playful, cheeky, and mindfully composed. Check out the Moe’s Tavern: a citrusy drink made with rye, port, and fire (of course)." - Tiffany Leigh

The 38 Essential Toronto Restaurants

Adriano Domingues

Google

The location is truly beautiful and spacious. On the night we visited, the restaurant was fully booked, but we never felt cramped at any point. The servers were knowledgeable about the dishes they were serving and were also friendly and courteous. The food was spectacular, meeting all expectations of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Additionally, there was live music, which my partner and I both love. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return to celebrate another special occasion.

Thibicaa N

Google

I've been here previously the year it opened, however this time we happened to go to Vela the night they were acknowledged as a Michelin recommended restaurant in Toronto. The food was really good and so was the vibe. The staff was very diligent with their service and their recommendations were amazing. We had the Crispy Mushrooms to start, followed by the Canestri and Agnolotti. For dessert we tried the Banana Pudding and it was chefs kiss 10/10, immediately wanted another one. Overall I would recommend it as a place to try.

Iman Khan

Google

Hands down, the best restaurant I have ever been to. So to start, the restaurant itself was stunning, ambiance was amazing and the music was perfect. Our server greeted us and was absolutely so pleasant and funny. The dinner we ordered was excellent, the pasta was amazing and my partners steak was perfect. We really enjoyed the food a lot and the non alcoholic drinks we ordered. We were celebrating myself and my partners birthday and the restaurant took extra care to make us feel important. Our server brought us both out the most gorgeous dessert ever, on the house. Even another server had came over to wish us a happy birthday. Overall, stunning restaurant, great food and excellent servers. The food was also halal!

Katsiaryna Lapayeva

Google

I chose Vela for my birthday celebration and my whole friend group was blown away! The happy hour is fantastic, all of the food we had was so tasty and we had a bunch from all kinds of appetizers, to burgers, pastas, and chicken, the vibe was great, the service was on point and very well timed! Highly recommend to try the shrimp in coconut sauce and the schnitzel was absolutely amazing!

Babu

Google

Yoooooooooo! The chef does not miss!!!! Tried the chef's 7 course tasting menu and every 1 of them was 🔥! Octopus, steak, pasta and Apple tart with popcorn ice cream were my favorites. Also, the staff was very courteous and friendly. By the end I wasn't even thinking about the price as it was so much value for money. All food is halal too. Will recommend to others and come back here again soon.

Sofie C.

Google

Wow. Just wow. The service, the atmosphere, the food... we loved it all. The waiting staff was attentive and friendly. Every plate came out perfectly and you can tell the kitchen staff is very detail oriented. We were able to enjoy a whole menu of gluten free options without compromise on taste or quality. We will absolutely be returning anytime we're in Toronto!

Kabilan Kanagendran

Google

Went for the first time for my anniversary dinner and was super pleased with the food and service. I got the steak with a side of button mushrooms and the steak was perfect and really enjoyed the combination with the mushrooms. My girlfriend got the mushroom rigatoni and was very happy with it. The coconut shrimp starter was also a favourite of ours. Our waiter also made great recommendation on drinks and starters and made our night with a cute cake topper to commemorate our special day. Pricing was as expected and we have no complaints. Looking forward to coming back for more occasions in the future. I didn’t catch my waiters name but he was exceptional and definitely made our experience better!

S Fung

Google

Came here for my birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago. Staff were welcoming, and our server, Rachael, made sure we had a great experience. She and the staff arranged an arancini app and banana pudding dessert as part of the birthday experience. This was very thoughtful, thank you! Food was delicious, I loved the albacore tuna crudo and the halibut. Would definitely come back!

Adriano Domingues

Google

The location is truly beautiful and spacious. On the night we visited, the restaurant was fully booked, but we never felt cramped at any point. The servers were knowledgeable about the dishes they were serving and were also friendly and courteous. The food was spectacular, meeting all expectations of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Additionally, there was live music, which my partner and I both love. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return to celebrate another special occasion.

Thibicaa N

Google

I've been here previously the year it opened, however this time we happened to go to Vela the night they were acknowledged as a Michelin recommended restaurant in Toronto. The food was really good and so was the vibe. The staff was very diligent with their service and their recommendations were amazing. We had the Crispy Mushrooms to start, followed by the Canestri and Agnolotti. For dessert we tried the Banana Pudding and it was chefs kiss 10/10, immediately wanted another one. Overall I would recommend it as a place to try.

Iman Khan

Google

Hands down, the best restaurant I have ever been to. So to start, the restaurant itself was stunning, ambiance was amazing and the music was perfect. Our server greeted us and was absolutely so pleasant and funny. The dinner we ordered was excellent, the pasta was amazing and my partners steak was perfect. We really enjoyed the food a lot and the non alcoholic drinks we ordered. We were celebrating myself and my partners birthday and the restaurant took extra care to make us feel important. Our server brought us both out the most gorgeous dessert ever, on the house. Even another server had came over to wish us a happy birthday. Overall, stunning restaurant, great food and excellent servers. The food was also halal!

Katsiaryna Lapayeva

Google

I chose Vela for my birthday celebration and my whole friend group was blown away! The happy hour is fantastic, all of the food we had was so tasty and we had a bunch from all kinds of appetizers, to burgers, pastas, and chicken, the vibe was great, the service was on point and very well timed! Highly recommend to try the shrimp in coconut sauce and the schnitzel was absolutely amazing!

Babu

Google

Yoooooooooo! The chef does not miss!!!! Tried the chef's 7 course tasting menu and every 1 of them was 🔥! Octopus, steak, pasta and Apple tart with popcorn ice cream were my favorites. Also, the staff was very courteous and friendly. By the end I wasn't even thinking about the price as it was so much value for money. All food is halal too. Will recommend to others and come back here again soon.

Sofie C.

Google

Wow. Just wow. The service, the atmosphere, the food... we loved it all. The waiting staff was attentive and friendly. Every plate came out perfectly and you can tell the kitchen staff is very detail oriented. We were able to enjoy a whole menu of gluten free options without compromise on taste or quality. We will absolutely be returning anytime we're in Toronto!

Kabilan Kanagendran

Google

Went for the first time for my anniversary dinner and was super pleased with the food and service. I got the steak with a side of button mushrooms and the steak was perfect and really enjoyed the combination with the mushrooms. My girlfriend got the mushroom rigatoni and was very happy with it. The coconut shrimp starter was also a favourite of ours. Our waiter also made great recommendation on drinks and starters and made our night with a cute cake topper to commemorate our special day. Pricing was as expected and we have no complaints. Looking forward to coming back for more occasions in the future. I didn’t catch my waiters name but he was exceptional and definitely made our experience better!

S Fung

Google

Came here for my birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago. Staff were welcoming, and our server, Rachael, made sure we had a great experience. She and the staff arranged an arancini app and banana pudding dessert as part of the birthday experience. This was very thoughtful, thank you! Food was delicious, I loved the albacore tuna crudo and the halibut. Would definitely come back!

Vela Toronto

Vela Toronto

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