We sat at the bar, had cocktails and appetizers. The hamachi was as fresh as it could be, lightly dressed and seasoned- TUM! The charcuterie plate was enormous, many accompaniments and thoughtfully arranged, delicious! read more

Good service Excellent food and cocktails Lamb lollipops cooked perfectly and fresh oysters Server very informative Recommend salted caramel ladyfingers and smoked bourbon read more

I have only been here for drinks but this place has a really cool vibe. The bar area is small but enjoyable. Good drink menu. I will have to come back and try the food soon. read more

Wow is the service bad. Took forever to get drinks then Waited 45 minutes for our food and one person didn't get his. The waitress never put his order in. Seriously under staffed our waitress seemed to be freaking out every 5 minutes to other staff so I guess we should be happy we even got our food. When we did get our food it was very good. Seriously need a management retool. read more

We went to Vele for a birthday celebration and had a wonderful dinner experience. I had the grilled Caesar salad and the scallops. Excellent meal! The whole group was happy with their entree choices and can't wait to go back to try new things! Definitely recommend this restaurant! read more

Was very disappointed . Ordered the shrimp/crab cakes and never saw one fleck of crab. ..and only a very small piece of shrimp. Also they were over cooked with a dark brown crust not the golden brown color I was expecting. However the lobster bisque was delicious. read more

I ordered the filet and was promptly told it was to be prepared one way and one way only - rare. (I asked that it be "blue" instead, and was granted permission as this is even more rare.) It was very good although I somewhat expected it to "cut like butter" which it did not. Interestingly enough, we had just come back from a couple weeks in Italy so I was able to compare what I had just had with Vele's version. The gnocchi was actually a bit better than the handful of times I had sampled it in Rome and Naples. Presentation of the food was very nice, and I genuinely like the atmosphere. Service was great. read more

Vele is an absolute treat. It is my boyfriend and I's top choice for anniversary and other celebratory dinners. It is worth the price. Service is top notch. Everything I have tried on their menu is delicious. Cocktails are unique and on point. The lamp lollipops are by far my boyfriend and I's favorite. They recently changed the entree and it was just as delicious, if not more! My boyfriend ordered the ribeye last night and it was the best steak I've ever had. We also ordered the shrimp and crab cakes as an appetizer, they were amazing!! Wish we had room for dessert, their crème brûlée is incredible. Best place for fine dining in Springfield! read more

I am from CA visiting my friend in Springfield and we dined here on Valentine's evening. Basically I thought it was a fine restaurant with beautiful presentations and unique interpretations. Our waitress was Jordan, a very sweet young lady. I would just point out a couple of things which kept me from giving 5 stars: The seafood bisque and my scallop main were both fairly heavy in salty taste. My friend's cocktail order was supposed to be tonic water with lime in a rocks glass but actually was ginger beer in a tall glass. It was exchanged for the proper drink in a tall glass, not a rocks glass. Our first course came to my date (bisque) a few minutes before my Caesar salad arrived. Also her salmon was delivered before my scallops. The desserts were great, especially the Blooming Tiramisu. It was of course a busy night which may explain the slightly odd delivery to our table. All in all, we enjoyed our evening very much. RP read more

A must! Everything we ordered was fantastic!! The cocktails, the oysters (raw and grilled), the grilled romaine salad, and the chicken piccata. Our SauvBlanc wine was also perfect. However, our server - Jess - made the experience even better. Jess was not only very personable, she was very knowledgeable re the offerings, and made excellent recommendations. Be sure you tip her well! read more

This is by far the best restaurant of Springfield in my opinion. Their food is good, service is good, menu is good. Oh have Mentioned about their Desserts? They are out of the world. Do try their grilled octopus, I lovedd it! Overall, You will leave happy and satisfied in tummy when you get out of the restaurant. read more

The service was great, we had gotten there right around the same time a big party walked in so they sat us in a quiet corner, and we still got our food in a decent amount of time. You cannot go wrong with anything on this menu! I am not a big fan of crab but the spicy squid ink spaghetti was one of the best things I've ever eaten read more

VELE - Spicy seafood spaghetti - Seafood Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

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Only because I'm holding this restaurant to a higher standard than say, TGI Fridays, am I giving this 4 stars. We started with the oyster tower... which was a little more expensive than we normally pay for a dozen, but they were delicious. I love their mignonette. I asked the server what kind of oysters and he was unsure. I asked if they were sweeter, Brinier, small, medium, or large and he has difficultly answering. I wish that info was given without pulling teeth to figure out what oysters I'm about to order. I guess I had expectations on this one. We then ordered the lamb lollipops and the seafood spaghetti. I have to say that I really enjoyed both of these dishes and the fact they were coming out of Springfield! Lamb was cooked to perfection. New Zealand lamb is so good and VELE showed respect to that lambs sacrifice. Seafood spaghetti was so perfect. I was unsure if I should order them but scallops as well - which I'm sure I'll get next time - but I had a beautiful and generous amount of seafood in my spaghetti, it was heaven. The pasta must be freshly made because some of the noodles didn't get enough flour. We had minor sticking but nothing the teeth couldn't handle. The marinara was so nice and flavorful and really brought everything together. We did have to return our dessert, and I heard it was a new test item, so we don't need to go over that - except it sounded amazing - a little gastronomy in the dessert - I do hope it gets perfected. Great concepts. read more

I want to like VELE so much. Every time I go back the menu is less creative and the flavors never happen. I have issues with the filet dish - it's a healing pile of sauce and potatoes. The flavor of the beef never comes through and the steaks are always over cooked. I ate there tonight and the best entree I had was the sausage and shrimp gnocchi. The squid ink pasta was perfectly cooked but all I could taste was the tomato based sauce. The flavor of the seafood components were over powered by it. read more

Super friendly staff! Service was great, food was great! Always suprising to find good oysters in IL, and the Seafood Spaghetti was terrific. read more

Great place. Makes me miss my home a little less. The best restaurant in Springfield without a doubt. And would be a top competitor in major cities like Chicago. read more

This is hands down the best restaurant in Springfield. Every entree, appetizer, and drink is tasteful... it's everything you would want and more. The service is amazing, the servers are personable, friendly, and actually care about your dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant and I'm sure it won't disappoint read more

By far the best filet in Illinois! Whatever you are doing, keep doing. You got it right. Trust me, I go all over and this is amazing! Love your hostess. Love the servers. A true gem! read more

The best restaurant in Springfield, the menu changes seasonally. Had the lamb lollipops, excellent flavor and tender. Shrimp scampi was to die for, the service was prompt and attentive. Good selection of wine. For three people we spent 150. Street parking, kitchen opens at 5pm you can drink at the bar at 4pm. Open Wednesday-Saturday. read more

Tried it again. Food is really good and the service was better but was very surprised that they were not very busy for a Friday night. The garden in NewBerlin Sister restaurant is still better but we will occasionally come back to Vele. read more

An Absolute Must in Springfield, Il. What a refreshing dinning experience. Loved the crisp clean decor and the easy going atmosphere. The staff was professional, friendly and attentive. We were greeted and seated as soon as we walked in. We ordered several small plates and two entrees. I was literally amazed with the quality and variety of the each dish. It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed the taste and originality of my food in Springfield, Il. I look forward to tasting each and every item on the menu. Perfection! read more

Our favorite upscale restaurant in Springfield. One of the best filets I've had and definitely the best in Springfield. Everything we've had here has been excellent. The olive oil tasting featuring local olive oils from Robert's Seafood with fresh baked bread is a delightful app to share with another couple and it's only $6. Their sangria they sometimes feature in the warmer months is to die for. Just ask for the whole pitcher and call it a day. read more

VELE - Filet - Seafood Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

OKAY YEAH VELE SLAPS. First and foremost the food is reasonably priced. My girlfriend and I recently dined here and had a 4 course meal and spent less than 75 dollars. The atmosphere was also really amazing. The cool tones used throughout the restaurant give off this casual chic vibe to which I would've felt great in nice shorts and a casual button down, but did not feel overdressed in a suit. The food is also phenomenal. My girlfriend and I ordered the olive oil sampler which came with 3 bottles of locally sourced olive oil and a bottle of locally sourced balsamic vinegar and some delicious parmesan cheese. The bread that came with it was fresh baked, and it was hot, fresh, and delicious. Then we ordered the filet skewers as an appetizer and they were to die for. Beautiful mushrooms and onions with a melt in your mouth steak that was cooked to perfection. The sauce was light and flavorful and just brilliant. For entrees, we got the shrimp and sausage gnocchi and the PEI Scallops. The sausage was easily the best italian sausage I've ever had, and the scallops were cooked to perfection. The cannoli we had for dessert was a standard cannoli. It was still pretty good, but definitely the low point of our meal. The only gripe I had with this place was the service I was given. Any time we needed our water jug refilled, we had to ask the waitress at least twice before she'd get around to us. In addition, and this may sound rather petty, but she rant didn't seem to like me and it showed every time she'd come by the table. Regardless of that though, I would come back to Vele again in a heart beat. Amazing experience. read more

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Called last minute on a Saturday, reception suggested sit at bar. Waited for a few minutes for 3 seats together, bartender busy but attentive. Olive oil tasting and goat cheese croquettes to start..shrimp/sausage gnocchi..lamb shank pappardelle/seafood spaghetti Bam!! Excellent gets my world traveler recommendation! read more

I came at 4:15 because I've been dying to try this place and wanted to treat myself. I was informed upon entering that the kitchen doesn't open until 5. That's not explained on their website. I wanted to sit at a table but was told "no" because they were still lighting candles? I sat at a high top in the bar area. I ordered a cocktail and it was fine. I assumed the bartender understood I wanted to stay to eat because she had heard me ask for a table. She asked if I wanted another glass of wine at 5:15 and I said no, is the kitchen open now? She looked annoyed and brought me a menu. I wanted to sit at a table. I ended up ordering a pricey amount and tipped accordingly but I felt like I was a burden the entire time. The bartender looked continually annoyed with me. The food was great, though. read more

Food is most amazing. Better than Dallas, and Dallas is quite devine. Hostess... go around her, and figure a way to stay even if it's outside patio seating. Totally worth it! read more

The food was mediocre as was the service. People who give this place 5 stars must not travel outside of Springfield very often.

This is not an every day dining option, because the portions are small and pricey. But all of the food was absolutely delicious! We had lamb papardelle, mushroom bucatini, two kinds of scallops, and the fresh raw oysters were the best I've ever tasted. Dessert options are limited, but also tasty, and they have a grappa menu. They could use more art on the walls and it gets loud, but we would definitely recommend VELE for a special occasion! read more

VELE - Seafood Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

A very nice addition to Springfield's usual five decent restaurants. Atmosphere is trendy. Location is fantastic. Food and drinks are original and tasty. We tried few small plates and entrees and almost everything was perfectly cooked. Prices are reasonable. Worth checking out! read more

Vele last night five star !!! (Vay-Lay) Started with the Big and Rich cocktail that was very tasty and refreshing. The shrimp and scallop fritters were delicious. The Halibut over risotto was the best I have had in years, if you want any fresher, then you better catch a flight to Alaska! Chef's Way filet is so tender, there's no need for a knife! I have read more

Went here on opening night and we were not disappointed! The decor is great, very vintage chic. Drinks were spectacular with unique presentation. We ordered a couple small plates and an appetizer, all of which were perfect. For entree, I had the halibut, which was excellent. My boyfriend had one of the pasta dishes (lamb shank something) which was fantastic. To top off our meal we shared the pumpkin cheesecake, which was also delicious. I should also mention the drinks were pretty strong, which is why I'm having a hard time remembering the exact names of the dishes, but bottom line: this place is great! read more

Another lovely addition to the downtown Springfield scene! Everything we had was fantastic. Our party of 3 ordered an arrangement of menu items so that we could try as much as possible. For appetizers we ordered the goat cheese dip, prosciutto wrapped manchego, and grilled oysters. Then we decided to go for round 2 of small bites and tried the sausage and potato soup and the cranberry Brie bruschetta. For dinner we got 3 of the pasta small plates, the crab squid ink pasta (which has the perfect spicy kick to it), the lamb shank pappardelle (pasta was cooked perfectly), and the ricotta stuffed gnocchi. Every item I had, I would absolutely order again. The ambiance was perfect for smaller or larger groups and the cocktails were creative and beautifully presented. Can't wait to go back! read more

I thought that Kitty McHenry had retired. It's good to know that the horrifying customer service tradition carried on at Amber Jack and the old Barrel Head is alive and well at Vele. Thank you for berating me for stopping by on an impulse. I sincerely apologize for daring to show up tonight without a reservation. read more

Best steak in Springfield, hands down. Great place for a date night or special occasion.

This restaurant is the best in Springfield!! Perfect for friends or date night. Menu changes often but always amazing food. Although expensive, IT IS WORTH IT!! Wide variety of cocktails and wines & some of the best servers in town, everyone is so nice there. read more

VELE - Goat Cheese Croquettes - Seafood Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Rude and condescending, absolutely the worst customer service. I've never even heard of this place before tonight, and I most definitely will not be returning or recommending to anybody. They completely ignored us upon entering to room. 2 groups were seated first and foremost even though, 1 of them came after us. The manager turned us away and talked down to use because we had not made reservations, and that we should just leave immediately because even though there are visible empty tables "they are expecting people and are fully booked." Made us feel as though we weren't welcomed and shouldn't have even bothered coming in. read more

Very disappointed. An over cooked chicken picatta with linguini coated in paste, Lamb chops for $33 that were 50% fat. $15 per glass for a house Pinot Noir that tasted average. Asked for bread with the pasta and said it would be $4 extra. I didn't think it was possible but I found an Italian restaurant in Springfield that makes Saputo look upscale. read more

Working and staying in Downtown Springfield every week finds a main perk in VELE. The staff here is friendly and efficient, the drinks are tasty and creative, the ambiance and location are both great. Every time I go with my coworkers, the table is filled with dishes that look, smell, and taste fantastic. I wish I could say I have ordered everything on the menu, but I've actually only ever ordered one entrée (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!). Their Seafood Spaghetti is amazing and something I think about frequently.... It might be the best thing I've eaten out at a restaurant! Spicy, flavorful, packed with seafood; this is not something I could make at home or that I have seen being done at other restaurants! read more

Ordered delivery tonight and it did not disappoint! We split the filet bites, lobster and scallop bisque, and Mediterranean salad. All were delicious, hot, and the order was delivered at the exact "expected" time. It wasn't quite the same as being at Vele for a nice meal but the food was spot on as usual! read more

I have eaten here but their lack of care for the customer is unacceptable. They consistently overbook their reservations. My anniversary dinner for my wife was ruined last Friday night. After receiving four text messages reminding me that if we are late our reservation will be given away, we arrived promptly at our 7:30 reservation time. After waiting to talk to ANYONE at the front desk for 10 minutes, a woman showed up and we were told they were overbooked and she would be happy to add our names to a list if we wanted to wait (no clue how long the wait would be but said it would likely be a while). I explained we've had this reservation for two for our anniversary for some time. She pointed out several large tables and said that they are just so slammed and she was sorry. She did however suggest we could go to the bar and order a drink while we waited though (no offer of a complimentary drink for the inconvenience, no placing an order for us). We reluctantly went to the bar and waited there for just shy of another 10 minutes without being able to speak to a single server. We finally decided to leave and she was shocked to see us on our way out. She asked why we were leaving and I explained what we have been through and that our anniversary night was ruined. She did wish us happy anniversary on our way out the door. We went back to pick up our son from the sitter and were told by our sitter they have heard the same story from multiple people. Vele had a chance to turn a bad situation into a good one and look like a hero. They instead chose to not care and send us on our way. **Not sure why my review says I'm from San Francisco, I'm here in Springfield. read more