Vela Toronto — Restaurant in Toronto

A Stellar NYE Experience at Vela

Our visit to Vela for their 5 PM reservation was nothing short of spectacular! As part of their exclusive NYE experience, we were treated to a Michelin-level 5-course tasting menu.

From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in luxury. The architecture alone is stunning, modern, elegant, and intimate, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The staff provided impeccable white-glove service from the greeting at coat check to check payment. Our host for the evening, Cherith, was phenomenal. She anticipated our every need with grace and attentiveness, keeping our wine glasses full and ensuring our night went flawlessly as well as the entire staff who assisted Cherith with maintaining the amazing service at our table.

Now, the food, where do I even begin? Each dish was an absolute masterpiece. The flavors were perfectly balanced, transitioning seamlessly between sweet and savory, with each course cleansing our palates and preparing us for the next culinary delight. The chef’s attention to detail was evident in every bite, and the dishes quite literally melted in our mouths. The experience was so extraordinary that we couldn’t resist asking to meet Chef Marvin Palomo to personally express our appreciation.

Chef Palomo was gracious, kind, and as delightful as his creations. Taking the time to chat with us, he shared insights into his inspiration for the menu, which only deepened our admiration for his craft. It’s rare to encounter such an exceptional combination of skill, creativity, and warmth in one dining experience.

Adding to the ambiance was the incredible live performance by Free The Revolution. His mix of R&B classics and original music was smooth, soulful, and elevated the atmosphere in a way that perfectly meshed with the luxurious vibes of the restaurant and the evening. His performance added another layer of magic to an already unforgettable night.

Everything about our experience was incredible, and we couldn’t help but share our appreciation with the management. We were especially impressed by the seamless teamwork among the staff, which played such a vital role in creating the impeccable ambiance. When we spoke to Michael, his genuine humility and deep gratitude for his team were truly inspiring. He spoke so highly of their contributions, and it was clear that their dedication and synergy are at the heart of Vela’s exceptional experience.

From the live music to the expertly paired wine and the sheer perfection of every course, Vela delivered a celebration of both food and ambiance. It was well worth the 5-hour drive, and we will absolutely be returning for another taste of their magic.

Thank you, Vela, for an evening we’ll never forget!

Sincerely, Ariel Franklin IG @arieltyesha Blog...

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...

Firstly, to quickly sum up the experience - the meal was exquisite. The albacore tuna crudo ($21) arrived in huge chunks rather than the 1/3-inch slices generally found at other restaurants… a surprisingly generous portion of fish. Tossed with a dashi soy vinaigrette, crispy shallots, and compressed cucumbers, the dish certainly has Asian influences, which made the fried rice crackers an appropriate pairing with the crudo. Still, the tuna was so fresh and meaty that it tasted equally delicious solo.

The burrata ($24) may look typical, but the pistachio pesto provided such an interesting savory bite against the cool creamy cheese, with the nuts giving it a bit of texture. Plenty of figs and grapes were strewn throughout to add sweetness. If anyone remembers the iconic burrata from Campagnolo, this is in the same realm of deliciousness.

Of all the starters, the beef tartare ($18) was probably the most traditionally prepared. The meat was finely chopped and mixed with mayo, pickled shimeji (a tiny, sweet mushroom), and other spices. I liked that it wasn’t overly salty allowing the umami of the shaved truffles and parmesan to shine through.

We were already off to a good start and then the mains blew me away. Vela doesn’t skimp on the truffles in the truffle rigatoni ($40), the prized fungi mixed with chewy fresh pasta and just enough mushroom duxelles cream sauce for flavour without becoming overly saturated. Having dishes family style is best as the pasta was huge and being so rich would be a lot for one person.

The Nova Scotia halibut ($45) seemingly was poached in an infused broth as even the centre of the thick fish was tasty on its own. The herb beurre blanc is a traditional sauce to pair with the halibut but was augmented with a spicy stewed potato that added a burst of zeal that the meaty fish needed. Who knew, maybe halibut goes better with a chili sauce.

Food aside, what also makes Vela standout is the down-to-earth nature of the restaurant. The posh environment could seem too fancy and stuffy, but the warm greeting from the host and friendliness of other staff members really puts the diner at ease. Even quippy descriptions in the menu such as what was listed with the steaks help, “You all know what you like. Feel free to order blue, rare, medium rare, medium, medium-well, well-done, or burnt to a crisp. Live...