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

Weili

Google

Went on a semi busy Sunday night with my parents to celebrate my adoption anniversary. Got a free sorbet for it :D. The service was hospitable, welcoming, and quick. The food was amazing, everyone loved their entrees. Neither of my parents were too hungry so they purposefully ordered small dishes but I go the mushroom rigatoni since I starved myself to prepare for this meal. It was a little too salty for my taste but everything else about it was absolutely delightful. The mushrooms created this heavenly aroma and the cream sauce was absolutely decadent. I also ordered the beef tartare and have absolutely no complaints. This was a lovely experience, definitely coming back with some friends soon.

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.

Z M

Google

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Vela - a 2024 Michelin-recommended restaurant for a special occasion, and I have to say, it completely blew my mind! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was sophisticated yet welcoming, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The dishes and drinks are a masterpiece—perfectly balanced flavours, inventive presentations, and top-quality ingredients that left us speechless. What truly stood out was the incredible service. Not only was the staff attentive and knowledgeable, but they also surprised us with a beautiful dessert to celebrate our occasion. It was such a thoughtful and sweet gesture that made the night even more memorable. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an extraordinary culinary experience. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to try more of their amazing dishes. Truly a gem!

Jason M

Google

Visited this weekend for a special occasion. The staff especially our waitress (maybe Sandy- blonde hair) and food were amazing. Great atmosphere. Tye addition of having a live singer was such a great touch. Waitress brought out a small cake with a candle for a birthday too. Small touch but so thoughtful.

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!

Savera Bayat

Google

Just visited here, the service was amazing. One of our steaks came out a bit cold, we asked them to reheat it and the manager apologized, reheated it, and even gifted us one of the steaks. Their service is amazing and id definitely be back. The server also checked on us consistently and was so kind! Really happy. Thank you

Weili

Google

Went on a semi busy Sunday night with my parents to celebrate my adoption anniversary. Got a free sorbet for it :D. The service was hospitable, welcoming, and quick. The food was amazing, everyone loved their entrees. Neither of my parents were too hungry so they purposefully ordered small dishes but I go the mushroom rigatoni since I starved myself to prepare for this meal. It was a little too salty for my taste but everything else about it was absolutely delightful. The mushrooms created this heavenly aroma and the cream sauce was absolutely decadent. I also ordered the beef tartare and have absolutely no complaints. This was a lovely experience, definitely coming back with some friends soon.

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.

Z M

Google

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Vela - a 2024 Michelin-recommended restaurant for a special occasion, and I have to say, it completely blew my mind! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was sophisticated yet welcoming, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The dishes and drinks are a masterpiece—perfectly balanced flavours, inventive presentations, and top-quality ingredients that left us speechless. What truly stood out was the incredible service. Not only was the staff attentive and knowledgeable, but they also surprised us with a beautiful dessert to celebrate our occasion. It was such a thoughtful and sweet gesture that made the night even more memorable. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an extraordinary culinary experience. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to try more of their amazing dishes. Truly a gem!

Jason M

Google

Visited this weekend for a special occasion. The staff especially our waitress (maybe Sandy- blonde hair) and food were amazing. Great atmosphere. Tye addition of having a live singer was such a great touch. Waitress brought out a small cake with a candle for a birthday too. Small touch but so thoughtful.

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!

Savera Bayat

Google

Just visited here, the service was amazing. One of our steaks came out a bit cold, we asked them to reheat it and the manager apologized, reheated it, and even gifted us one of the steaks. Their service is amazing and id definitely be back. The server also checked on us consistently and was so kind! Really happy. Thank you

Vela Toronto

Vela Toronto

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