Chef’s tasting menus at Vela Restaurant require reservations, though the à la carte options offer more flexibility. If you are looking for a clear breakdown of the Vela Restaurant Menu with Prices, you have landed in the right place. This guide walks you through every section, from small plates to desserts, so you know exactly what to expect before you book a table.
Vela is known for its modern approach to coastal Italian cooking. The menu changes with the seasons, but the core structure stays consistent. Below, we break down the current offerings, portion sizes, and what each dish will cost you.
Vela Restaurant Menu With Prices
Before we get into the specific dishes, it helps to understand how the menu is organized. You will find four main categories: Snacks, Starters, Mains, and Sides. There is also a dedicated dessert list and a separate beverage program.
Prices here reflect the quality of the sourcing. Seafood is flown in daily, and produce comes from local farms. You are paying for precision cooking and high-end ingredients, but the portions are generous enough to share.
Snacks And Small Plates
These are designed for the table. They arrive quickly and are meant to wake up your palate. Most snacks are priced between $6 and $18.
- Warm Olives with Citrus – $6
- Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta – $12
- Beef Tartare with Smoked Egg Yolk – $18
- Crudo of the Day – $19
- Fried Squash Blossoms – $14
If you are dining alone, two snacks plus a starter makes a solid meal. If you are sharing, order three or four snacks for the group. The focaccia is a must-order; it is pillowy and comes with a generous dollop of ricotta.
Starters And Raw Bar
The starter section is where the menu gets serious. You will find pastas and salads here, not just small bites. Prices range from $16 to $24.
- Little Gem Salad with Anchovy Dressing – $16
- Burrata with Stone Fruit and Basil – $18
- Tagliatelle with Wild Mushroom Ragu – $22
- Rigatoni with Pork Sausage and Fennel – $23
- Lobster Ravioli with Brown Butter – $24
Portions on the pasta dishes are moderate. They are not huge, but they are rich. You might want to split one pasta between two people if you are planning on a main course later.
Mains And Large Plates
This is the centerpiece of the meal. Mains are priced for the quality of the protein. Expect to pay between $34 and $58.
- Grilled Branzino with Salsa Verde – $38
- Roasted Chicken with Polenta – $34
- Dry-Aged Ribeye for Two – $98
- Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Purée – $42
- Whole Roasted Fish of the Day – Market Price
The branzino is a consistent winner. It is deboned tableside and served with a bright, herby sauce. The ribeye is a sharing plate, so factor that into your budget if you are a couple.
For vegetarians, the menu is a bit limited on mains. You will likely need to order two starters or a combination of sides to make a full meal. The kitchen is accommodating, though, and can often modify a pasta dish to be vegetarian.
Sides And Vegetables
Sides are not an afterthought here. They are cooked with the same care as the mains. Prices are between $9 and $14.
- Crispy Potatoes with Rosemary – $9
- Charred Broccoli with Chili Oil – $11
- Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter – $12
- Braised Greens with Garlic – $10
- Mushroom Medley with Thyme – $13
Order at least one side for the table. The crispy potatoes are smashed and fried until they shatter. The broccoli has a nice kick from the chili oil, but it is not overpowering.
Desserts And Sweet Endings
Desserts are simple and classic. They do not try too hard, which is a good thing. Prices range from $10 to $14.
- Panna Cotta with Berries – $11
- Chocolate Torte with Sea Salt – $13
- Affogato with Vanilla Gelato – $10
- Seasonal Sorbet Trio – $12
The panna cotta is silky and not too sweet. The chocolate torte is dense and rich, perfect for sharing. If you want something light, go for the sorbet trio.
The Chef’S Tasting Menu
This is the full experience. It is a multi-course journey through the kitchen’s best work. The price is $95 per person, not including beverages or gratuity.
You will get around seven courses. The menu changes nightly, so you will not know exactly what you are eating until you sit down. The tasting menu requires a reservation and the whole table must participate.
If you have dietary restrictions, let the staff know when you book. They are very good about substitutions. The tasting menu takes about two hours to complete, so plan your evening accordingly.
Brunch Menu Offerings
Vela also serves brunch on weekends. The pricing is a bit lower than dinner, with most items between $14 and $24.
- Eggs Benedict with Prosciutto – $18
- Ricotta Pancakes with Honey – $16
- Breakfast Pizza with Bacon and Egg – $19
- Avocado Toast with Poached Egg – $15
- Steak and Eggs – $24
Brunch is popular, so walk-ins are not always guaranteed. It is best to make a reservation even for a late morning table. The breakfast pizza is a standout, with a blistered crust and a runny yolk in the center.
Drinks And Beverage Pricing
The drink menu is extensive. Cocktails are priced between $16 and $19. Wine by the glass starts at $14 and goes up to $28 for premium selections.
The wine list is mostly Italian and Californian. There is a good selection of half bottles, which is nice if you do not want a full bottle. The sommelier is approachable and can help you pair a wine with your meal without being pretentious.
Non-alcoholic options include fresh juices, sodas, and a house-made ginger beer for around $6 to $8.
Happy Hour And Special Deals
If you are on a budget, happy hour is the time to go. It runs from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at the bar only, Tuesday through Friday.
During happy hour, you can get select snacks for $8 and cocktails for $12. The portions are smaller, but the quality is the same. It is a good way to try the food without spending a lot of money.
There is no happy hour on weekends. Also, the bar seats are first-come, first-served. You cannot reserve a spot for happy hour.
Service Charge And Tipping
Vela adds a 4% service charge to all checks. This goes directly to the back-of-house staff. This is not a tip; it is a surcharge.
You should still tip your server on top of the service charge. The standard 20% gratuity is appreciated. Keep this in mind when you are calculating your total budget for the evening.
If you have a large group of six or more, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill. This is in addition to the 4% service charge, so be aware of that before you split the bill.
Reservation Policy And Walk-Ins
For the main dining room, reservations are strongly recommended. You can book through their website or by calling the host stand. They hold a few tables for walk-ins, but these go fast, especially on weekends.
If you are sitting at the chef’s counter, you can watch the kitchen work. This is a fun experience if you are a food enthusiast. The counter seats are also available on a first-come basis for walk-ins, but you might have a wait.
If you need to cancel, do it at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations may incur a fee per person, especially for the tasting menu.
Location And Parking Details
Vela is located in the Arts District, near the corner of 4th and Hewitt. There is street parking, but it is limited. There is a paid parking lot directly across the street that offers validation for up to two hours.
Ride-sharing is probably the easiest way to get here, especially on weekends. The restaurant is also accessible by public transit, with the Little Tokyo station just a short walk away.
Dietary Accommodations
The kitchen is quite flexible with allergies. They use a lot of shellfish and nuts, so cross-contamination is possible. If you have a severe allergy, call ahead and speak with the chef directly.
They offer a vegan tasting menu if you request it at the time of booking. It is the same price as the regular tasting menu. The vegan options are creative and do not feel like an afterthought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tasting Menu Worth The Price At Vela?
Yes, if you want the full experience. You get seven courses that showcase the kitchen’s skills. It is a good value compared to ordering a la carte, but only if you are hungry.
Can I Order Just Pasta At Vela?
Absolutely. You can order a few pasta dishes as your entire meal. The portions are not huge, so two pastas per person is reasonable if you are not getting a main.
Does Vela Have A Dress Code?
There is no strict dress code, but the atmosphere is upscale casual. You will feel comfortable in smart jeans and a collared shirt. Avoid athletic wear and flip flops.
Are There Gluten-free Options On The Menu?
Yes, many dishes can be made gluten-free. The kitchen uses gluten-free pasta on request. The staff is knowledgeable about which items contain gluten and can guide you.
How Far In Advance Should I Book A Table?
For a weekend dinner, book at least two weeks ahead. For the tasting menu, try to book a month in advance. Walk-ins are possible at the bar, but you might wait up to an hour.
Now you have a full picture of what dinner will cost. The menu is not cheap, but the ingredient quality and execution justify the prices. If you are celebrating a special occasion or just want a really good meal, Vela is a solid choice.
One last tip: check their social media for seasonal menu updates. The prices we listed here are accurate as of this writing, but they can shift slightly when the menu changes. Always confirm the current pricing when you make your reservation.
We hope this breakdown helps you plan your visit. If you have been to Vela before, let us know what you ordered in the comments. If you are going for the first time, you now know exactly what to expect and how much to save.