“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ I went to Vela for brunch on Dec 1st 2024, and had one of the best brunches of my life! My party showed up 15 minutes early for our reservation (our fault and we made it at the last minute the morning of) and waited around 30 minutes for a booth table we really wanted, but didn't request in advance. Since we showed up early it should really only count as 15 minutes of extra waiting for something we weren't even promised or guaranteed. To apologize for our self-created "trouble" Vela staff gave us coffee, two glasses of champagne, a bread basket and a banana pudding! I was fully expecting to pay for everything except the champagne, but was surprised when the bill came. In fact, we only ordered 4 items for brunch and ended up being comped nearly the same value as our bill. It was insane. I've never experienced that kind of service before in North America. Will definitely revisit again for dinner once they reopen. Big shout out to Rachel who was our server that day. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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* ”