Would not recommend at all. Was seated 45 min after our reservation, took another 45 min for our salads to come out, ran out of most everything we ordered including specials. 3 hours for a meal that was really sub par. read more

Stopped in for the first time last night for a quick appetizer and a glass of rose. The service was very good as were the meatball appetizers and pizza which I took to go. A solid wine menu. My server, Aerin, was exceptional and very knowledgeable about the wine and menu which I really appreciated. I'll definitely be back again to perhaps try an entrée or small plate. read more

Vela - Very good pizza from VeLa's pizza oven. - American Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Great for VEGAN options !!!! we just told the waiter we were vegan and the surprised us with an amazing pasta dish!!! Lavender Lemonade cocktail was delicious too! read more

Vela - Lavender Lemonade Cocktail - American Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Had an amazing dinner!! Impeccable service. Thanks, Brian and Lily! Food/Drinks: eggplant app was delish! My friend loved the Bucatini (with pork). The margherita pizza was good; not great but good. Fantastic cocktails and a wine selection. Recommend the chocolate cake and blueberry crisp. read more

We ate at Vela a few weeks ago, just a few weeks after it opened. There are a lot of positives about the place and I think with a few tweaks this can be a great restaurant. First of all the service was great and all the food that are table had was good quality. A common theme from the table was the ambience needs a little work. I love the open concept but they need to bring a little "warmth" to the atmosphere. We had the lobster polenta as an appetizer and it was really good. Everyone at our table had pasta dishes and enjoyed them. We had a side of meatballs that were phenomenal. I wanted the Sea Bass but the sold out of it that evening so that is a good side. I am anxious to go back and try the Sea Bass and Veal Chop. I look forward to returning. read more

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What a wonderful venue! Great food, great service. I had the gnocchi, which was creamy and delicious. My dad had the swordfish and he practically licked the plate. We had the meatballs which were wonderful, and the eggplant special appetizer which I would have asked for an entire plate of if I hadn't already ordered my dinner; it was out of this world. I had the apple pie with ice cream which came out hot and delicious. My sister had the coffee chocolate cake. The restaurant is beautiful and doesn't make you feel like you're in little Doylestown. Can't wait to see this place get popular! Check it out. I'll definitely be returning. read more

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Excellent Italian food. Their escarole soup was like my grandmothers. I had the trout it was awesome too. Our server Jared was the best. 4 friends had the crepes 1 had the pizza and they gave theirs 5 stars too. read more

At first we heard and read very mixed reviews and decided to wait a little bit before trying Vela. New restaurants often have kinks to work out in the beginning. I am SO glad that we tried it this weekend. To start, service was impeccable. We were a party of 6, eating and drinking a lot and the service staff didn't miss a beat with refilling waters, getting drinks, and making sure everything was perfect. The atmosphere in here is beautiful - modern, clean, and so comfortable with the sofa-like benches. For apps, we ordered the stuffed pepper (special), lamb sausages, and polenta. Yum!! Then, my husband and I shared the gnocchi dish. The gnocchi was cooked perfectly. For entrees we all had the halibut special. Everything was absolutely delicious!! Definitely try this gem! read more

Do not let the 3 1/2 stars dissuade you from this wonderful restaurant! We had cocktails, wine,apps,dinner and dessert and all were top-notch! Our waiter was attentive and well versed w/menu as well. The ambiance added that extra star.. soft jazz coming from the bar area, not overpowering our conversation.All in all, it was everything one could ask for-if fine dining is what you're after,treat yourself to Vela! read more

First visit to Vela was a success. Briefly, food was very, very good ... atmosphere was a bit stark but elegant ... service was ok. We ordered the arugula salad and meatballs to start ... both really good. Entrees were a flounder special and the salmon ... both excellent. Although we didn't recognize the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that we ordered, both were delicious. Our server was good but seemed a little awkward, as if he was new to the restaurant. Items were offered at unusual times during the meal, throwing off the vibe ... but not terrible. (e.g. bread offered after appetizers finished. Meatballs would have enjoyed the Italian bread!) Prices were a little high but in-line with current circumstances. We'll go back. read more

Recently returned and have to update, because our experience was much better the second time around. Did polenta and spinach salad special to start, both great. Sea bass special was good, pappardelle dish super. For dessert, creme brulee was delish. Lemon tart had bit of a strange aftertaste, and crust was sort of tough. All in all, though, so much better this visit! Love the ambience too. read more

Different vibe for Doylestown and was awesome! I love that the menu selection is smaller - means that all the ingredients and dishes are that much more though out. We enjoyed everything we ordered. Beautiful place and atmosphere was on point. read more

The service, decor, and atmosphere would get 6 stars if available ,, but the stuff they served us on their plates would be negative-3. So you get a star. Can't even call it food. Burrata special,,, we were given a half, I repeat, a half sliced ball of burratta. Who does that??? Never in my life,, the whole thing is about cutting that in half and seeing the cream flow. Oh,, the cream might have been 7-11 half n half. Gross. So cheap. So lazy. Chef should know better. We were giving the wrong pasta dish, started eating it anyway but was over powered w/ either liquid smoke or a giant piece of fire wood that fell into the pasta water. Inedible. Pizza. Remember Ellios, frozen microwave pizza??? They are better. Go to Spuntino and watch the guys make pizza with love. Don't understand how you let customers walk into your eatery ,, see a beautiful pizza oven and serve the most horrific pizza in my lifetime. I wouldn't have given my dog the crust. Ruined Moms night out. Thx to Penn tap rooms yummy dessert for at least ending the night on a good note. Place Won't Last. Blah. And wine list might have been chosen by someone who only drinks canned Coors Original. So dumb. read more

First time coming here, we regret not coming here sooner. Everything we ordered was delicious and the prices are very reasonable. We had a tequila based cocktail and a glass of Riesling, followed by , bread with herbed olive oil, their baked oysters, salad special (baby spinach), paparadelle scallop special , salmon , and blueberry crisp. The service was great. I didn't even read any reviews , but my initial reaction was that they have an under-rated score here on yelp... based on this meal. We'll be back for sure. read more

Would give it 1/2 a star. Went there on a Saturday night, got seated on time. This was probably the highlight of the evening. Packed house and noisy ( high ceilings, no separation and feels like sitting in a train station). Extremely slow service, only to find out that there seemed to be an issue with the kitchen (short staffed). The menu is very limited, especially when there are some of the items not available anymore, incl. some of the specials and that at main dinner time at 8:00 when we ordered our meals.9:30 and still no main course insight and waitress could not tell when food would arrive. No apologies or information, no manager in sight either. Tables around us had same issue. In short, had to leave extremely disappointed. Never to return. Fortunately there are many better choices in Doylestown. read more

My wife and I are regulars here for a number of reasons 1) the bartender Shea is always welcoming-knows us and makes a point of remembering our drinks and favorites and 2) food is always hot and amazing. 3) bar seating! read more

Last night was my 2nd time eating at Vela and I enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere just as much as I did the first time. 1st visit I had a wonderful salad and the pappardelle, 2nd visit I was with a large group where I was fortunate enough to try many wonderful starters that were passed around with my entrée being ahi tuna- which was excellent! Great artists at the bar and in the kitchen. A statement made in material about Vela is true "We believe that the best experiences are shared with friends and family enjoying great food and drink with warm hospitality." Thank you. read more

Wonderful date night spot. Our table enjoyed all of the apps. We loved the meatballs. And the cocktails were delicious! Service was great and it's a nice addition to the Doylestown restaurant scene. read more

I have been here a few times over the past few weeks and have never left disappointed. The restaurant is beautiful, service is great and food is delicious! I have tried the meatballs, all of the pasta dishes, pizza, chicken and the sea bass...no complaints! The pappardelle with pork shoulder ragu was definitely the highlight. I have heard people mention that it is expensive, but you get what you pay for...I'd rather spend a bit more to get fresh ingredients and thoughtfully prepared dishes. read more

This place is really great! Six of us ate last night and everyone loved their food! The restaurant is beautiful !!! Simple but wonderful menu wood burning pizza the best! Scallops special awesome ! Only complaint is glasses of wine are over priced!they need a happy hour ! It's no more pricey than other places In Doylestown ! read more

Can't speak highly enough about Vela. The food is incredible - pizza and gnocchi are our favorites, but have plans to try the whole menu! We've sat at the bar both times we've been here, and Shane and Jared were not only extremely attentive, but made fantastic cocktails that both my wife and I loved. Safe to say we've found our new go-to! read more

What a lovely place! Absolutely loved the decor and architecture. Seats were super comfy, and food was very interesting combinations. I brought a group here and they all just raved about it during and after the meal! My hazelnut tart was a bit burnt around the edges, but it was minor. Reasonable prices and relaxing atmosphere. read more

Vela - Gnocchi - American Near Me - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

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Went to Vela with friends for the first time last night. It was our first, and last time there. The menu was short, prices high and food terrible! Unfortunately I left there hungry, as I could not even eat the dish I ordered. Speaking to the manager was ineffective, as he did not seem to care at all. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

If you're in Doylestown you need to visit Vela. Their hand-crafted cocktails are creative and delicious, I highly recommend the Maggie May. Every dish at Vela tastes like home and every bite feels well thought out without being over complicated. Amazing cuisine, beautiful atmosphere, and five-star service. read more

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We had a wondeful dinner for three of us. Everyrhing was superb, esp. our waiter , Nicholas. The armosphere was very great. This was a friday night, very crowded, but no problem hearing any one at our table. All food was presentedperfectly. Only one exception was my martini, very low pour. We will be back soon with other friends. read more

My wife and I tried Vela for the first time. I was hesitant given the location in a new semi strip plaza, however I should have come sooner. The service was attentive and fast. The food came in minutes and, most important, was exceptional. The meatball appetizers where some of the best meatballs I have had. The pasta with pork ragu was very good. It was not large, but I am a big guy and with an appetizer, just right. Topped no it off with baked peaches and Carmel with vanilla ice cream. Atmosphere was more like we expect in the city. Overall, a unique, great new restaurant! read more

Very disappointed in this restaurant ! It was very noisy because of the cafeteria style layout. I ordered the Lobster Polenta, salad and Gnocchi. The lobster in the Polenta was chewy and had no flavor, the salad had no dressing on it and my Gnocchi was very salty. The portions were very small!! Can't believe they did not have salt and pepper shakers on the tables. The waiter asked if we were satisfied and I told him the food was not good. I was hopeful that he would take our criticism as not an insult, but to help them improve their business. Our busboy, Jack was very young and he was more business like and very personable! Thank you Jack! EC read more

This has been open for a little while now and I was excited to try Vela. 4 of us went and had a really good meal. Two of us had a scallop pasta with basil sauce special. One had the papaparelle. Food quality was good. Scallops were halved and seared but over cooked. A little rubbery. Drinks from bar were really good. Dessert....apple pie thingy was excellent. Creme brûlée was over cooked.....musta had a pyro on the blow torch. It looked and tasted burnt. Overall I toil with 3 or 4 stars. I will give them the benefit of the doubt as service was excellent and atmosphere was great. read more

Wonderful dining experience. We started with the heirloom tomato salad and it was delicious. We then moved on to the cauliflower au gratin with potatoes which was excellent. We finished off with a pizza which was good. Perfect service and excellent food. They could have a non-alcoholic beverage list but no biggie. read more

LOVE this place! My husband and I went to Vela for this first time this Friday. We loved it so much that we ended up back there on Saturday. The atmosphere is perfect; very clean, upscale, yet cozy vibe. The cocktails and food are exceptional. The service was also amazing. Vela has quickly become one of our new favorite spots. read more

Service was perfect, great wine list and decor and atmosphere are great for a date or a family event and even business. So glad to have it in my neighborhood. read more

We dined at Vela for the for the first time on July 27 and it was sheer heaven. THE LOCATION AND INTERIOR: Vela is located in a charming outdoor mall with ample parking. When I walked in, I was overwhelmed by the massive windows, the height of the ceilings and the overall "airinesss". Even though it was pretty hot outside, it was ideal inside. It is a large space, but still felt cozy. The bar is off to the left as you enter. It had a number of 4 seat high tops opposite the impressive bar. The dining space is one large room, with out door and what looked to be private dining. The beautiful pizza oven is front and center. THE AMBIENCE: Utterly refreshing, light, welcoming. The space is so large that I worried about noise as it got busy...not to worry! Although you can hear the undertones of people enjoying themselves, we could actually have a conversation in normal tones and hear each other just fine. The decoration is very pleasing, and the chairs in the dining room are extremely comfortable..really stylish too....and did I say comfortable? THE DRINKS: We had a couple of the craft cocktails, that were icy cold, not overly or underly boozy and really flavorful. The wine and standard cocktails were sublime. THE SERVICE: Warm, informed, professional, exemplary--superb. THE FOOD: OMG. We had the heirloom tomato and mozz salad, baby gem salad, a pizza, and the meatballs for starters and each of us had the halibut special. Each dish was generously portioned, perfectly arranged and delicious. We were actually astonished by the halibut. It was seared to perfection, piping hot, moist, and served in a light sauce that was divine. My daughter, who seldom eats fish, let alone halibut, devoured her portion. Nothing was overly salted, and we are very sensitive to that. One of our guests had a food allergy and it was dealt with as " no big deal", while other restaurants we have been to either have conniptions or just get it wrong. Dessert was the roasted peaches and one of us had the blueberry crisp. The lucky one who ordered that put up an arm fence to keep errant forks away from trying it! Even the coffee was rich, velvety and strong. FINAL THOUGHTS: We feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful meal in such a lovely setting. It was flawless in all respects, and a good value as well. I can't wait to return with family and more friends. read more

If it was up to me, I'd give this place a half a star. The food is terrible. Very bland, no flavor, small portions and very overpriced for what they give you. Ordered chicken entree and it was raw. Ordered cappuccino and the milk was curdled. They brought over stale bread with one teaspoon of olive oil. There are better choices to eat in Doylestown read more

love the people and atmosphere here! the hostess is remarkable and made our experience 10x better! would definitely recommend to friends and family! read more

This place has so much potential!!! Beautiful space, really nice staff, and (some) of the food is delicious. However, we were so disappointed with the overall experience. We sat at the bar and ordered a drink and let the bartender know we wanted to order dinner. 30 minutes and three requests to order a glass of wine later we were able to order. The bartenders were so busy, so I'll blame that on a poorly staffed bar (they were both super nice and friendly once things slowed down). Our dinner came out another 30 minutes later and we only received one entree out of two (pizza, which was very average). It took an additional 15 minutes to get the second entree, which was so frustrating, but the gnocchi saved the day. It was delicious. Overall we were so disappointed with the experience but hope the kinks can be worked out! read more

C+ at best. Lackluster menu and unprofessional disinterested service. Pricey for the quality and overall disappointing. A restaurant lacking identity not knowing what it wants to be. This restaurant will likely not be here next year. read more

I couldn't even give a one star. I took my husband there for his birthday thinking it was great. But only to tell you we were so dissatisfied. To begin with we ordered our meals,heard the specials....ordered only to find out 15 minutes later they were out of the special as well as what was on the menu! To say the menu is extremely sparse for choices in all, from appetizers to desserts. After waiting over a hour and a half for main course it was time to leave the table. The manager was not apologetic. I live in the borough and will be more than happy to let my friends know this was a waste of a reservation. read more

4 STARS for sure! A little pricy...and timing on a few dishes was a little off, but EVERYTHING we ordered was absolutely mouth watering!!! Our table tried the lobster polenta (Yum x's 5 STARS!) seared scallops special, nightly salad special, the meatball appetizer, and the filet. 2 different house wines. All dishes were thoughtfully and flavorfully put together. Would rate the food 5 STARS hands down!!! This is a limited menu...you need to be a foodie for sure...if you are one then go!! You will not be disappointed. Decor is very appealing, seating (chairs) are super comfortable! Portion sizes spot on if not generous for the flavor set point the meal provides!!! Overly indulged...slight regrets as we did not save room to try desserts...but we will be going back for sure. Will try them next visit! read more

Front end service was 5 stars and the space is elegant with an up scale feel. Wait staff was attentive and is well trained. Back end was 2 stars, because entrees took very long and were unimpressive. Flavor was good but short on some ingredients. The veal special was just a breaded fried veal cutlet; no cheese, no sauce. Pappardelle with pork had almost no pork; tasted fine though. Chocolate hazelnut tort dessert took very long to expedite and preparation was inconsistent. We ordered 3 - there were 5 of us at the table - and one came with chocolate shavings, while 2 did not. One was also stuck to the plate and the crust was like stone. They did comp us on the dessert, which was very nice considering the wait. It's a nice place and they obviously put a lot of thought and money into the space, cuisine and concept. I hope they can work out the defects and execute on their vision. read more

The restaurant is beautiful - our table was very nice as well. We were a table of 12. Our waiter was great in the beginning but then didn't deliver at all. We were very organized and ordered our Wine, appetizers, and entrees with no issues at all. However, Our appetizers came out at all different times.... dinner came out in 4 different times.... the last one to be delivered 20 minutes late and it was raw..... very disappointing Our bill was adjusted for the dinner that was late and a bottle of expensive wine which wasn't good at all... To top off the night - just a couple of hours later - my husband started to get really ill. His food must have been raw too. He still is in bed and it's not because he had 2 glasses of wine - it was the fish. We will not be coming back again. read more