VELA

Name: VELA
Address: 140 Veterans Lane, Doylestown, PA, United States, 18901
Telephone: (215) 230-8352
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

261 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Vela is short for Veterans Lane, our location in Doylestown. Our inspiration comes from the ingredients of the season and the community that surrounds us.
We believe that the best experiences are shared with friends and family enjoying great food and drink with warm hospitality.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 230-8352
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
140 Veterans Lane, Doylestown, PA 18901
Neighborhood
Doylestown
Cross street
Main Street & Veterans Lane
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 261 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.5Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

261 Reviews

c
cat1
Philadelphia
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2019
overall3food5service2ambience3
The food is excellent and our waiter was very attentive and helpful. Not the waiters fault that we waited over 45 minutes from appetizer to entree. Was not happy with the position of our table. We were shown to the hightop at the very end of the bar near the restrooms. There was a hightop available in the middle of the bar.
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SH
SHudg
Philadelphia
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience4
I attended Vela for a small birthday outing. Five of us ordered different cocktails, apps, and entrees - everything was great. The speed of service was good (it was very slow that weekday evening with few customers), but we did have an issue with the waitress just being rude and agitated over a couple very simple, polite requests: for me to mention this in a review, it was truly rude. I will say the menu needs to be a little bit larger considering there are smaller establishments in Doylestown with more options. Drink and wine options are good, so I would visit the bar again as I did enjoy the modern, clean feel of Vela.
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s
squirrel
Philadelphia
40 reviews
vip
1.0
40 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2019
overall1food1service2ambience1
Room space was awkward and dull...no warmth or personality. Gray and sterile. No flowers or tablecloths. A small candle on the table seemed out of place. The menu was not terribly big...maybe 6 entree selections. What style of food? Italian? Spanish? No rhyme or reason to the selections. The meatball appetizer was so bland. No spices....the meat was white. Turkey? Pork? No explanation. The red sauce was thin and runny. Again, no flavor. The chicken had a weird spice. Not in a good way. The skin was rubbery. The meal was unimpressive. Service was ok. Pleasant but not attentive. No one filled our water glasses. An odd dining experience.
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MR
MarcR
Philadelphia
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2019
overall4food3service5ambience5
VELA has a very nice setting and the service was very good. The fish came out not hot enough, but was very good non-the-less. I would like to go again for a happy hour as their appetizers were really good.
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PF
PhillyFrank
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dinner...nice bar...really good staff....6 of us all ordered different items...everything was terrific.
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MO
MaeO
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is delicious. Don’t miss the meatballs. The staff is friendly and accomoding. And the setting is modern and sleek
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t
tprgriff
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and drinks!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at VELA! Shane the manager sat us and was so nice and our server Nick was so attentive and kind. The service was fast and the food was hot and delicious. We cannot wait to come back and dine again!
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d
debbieg
Philadelphia
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was tasty. Portions not very large. Service very, very slow. We waited way too long for our entrees and we were seated at 8 pm, not their busiest hour. Cauliflower gratin was watery. Should have been creamy and cheesy. The gnocchi was delicious, just wish the portion was larger. Wine was $15 per glass...kind of pricey. Not sure if I will go back.
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MD
MDelf0428
Philadelphia
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service,food and ambiance! Highly recommend!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The restaurant is light and airy! It is beautifully decorated and the decor pairs perfectly with the food! The food was outstanding and our server (Freddie) was knowledgeable and efficient as well as personable!
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RP
RichardP
Key West
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
My wife and I had a very nice experience for our first visit to Vela. Jared, our server, was very attentive and informative about the menu. We would recommend if you looking for someplace new in Doylestown.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food ambiance and service was good. The menu is too limited and expensive for what you get.
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T
T123
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food very good, menu needs to be updated periodically because it is small
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TM
TuckerM
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience5
Service was very good. Had some issues with them changing my reservation because they checked in the wrong party. Wine is a little expensive but the food is amazing!
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AH
AliceH
Philadelphia
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
This was our first trip to VELA and we were not disappointed! Donna is the chef/owner and is/was also the chef at Radice in Blue Bell. Menu item names were similar to those at Radice, but the taste was totally different; equally as good but different. We each had the crab crepes--an enormous amount of lump crab between two very thin eggy crepes with a very light (slightly sweet) tomato sauce. Delicious! The wine list is excellent. We did not try the cocktails. The restaurant is very contemporary with high ceilings and lots of hard surfaces. It could have been very cavernous but the sound proofing is excellent and there were no echoes. We will be back soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place never disappoints. I’m not kidding...
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience4
They should re-work their pasta recipes as I found them to be bland. Also need more variety of pasta dishes. Salads are fantastic. Beautiful atmosphere.
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GC
GwenC
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2019
overall5food3service5ambience4
They need to offer a vegetarian meal on the menu & have a special offered as well. There wasn't anything on the menu for a vegetarian & that kind of was a kill for the night.
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L
Lisa
Philadelphia
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
I had heard mixed reviews about this restaurant and am so glad we went to see for ourselves. Our table of 6 had 3 appetizers--all amazing. Stuffed onion was so good. My friend always orders the salmon because it's that good. I got the pork ragut papparadelle. The pasta is so fresh. It was delicious. Wine choices were good, with generous pours. Our waitress had great suggestions. Loved the open feel to the restaurant. We will go back again!
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MD
MichaelD
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food is outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Tatsy food and helpful/cheerful staff. The open plan ambiance works well.
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E
Eileenh
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants in Bucks County. Beautiful restaurant, excellent food. Well worth the money.
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CM
CathyM
Phoenix
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were pleasantly surprised. We had heard negative comments from friends, so didn't try it for a long time. Then, curiosity took us there, to see for ourselves. The ambiance was lovely -- clean/cosmopolitan -- understated elegance. The music was great -- quiet jazz. The temperature was perfect -- usually, restaurants are too cold for me. The food was both excellent and unusual. There were several dishes that were out of the ordinary -- stuffed sweet onions, for example. The service was very professional. No negatives. I only wish that it was a BYOB restaurant.
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C
Crystal
Atlantic City
50 reviews
vip
2.0
50 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2019
overall2food2service1ambience5
I’ve been to Vela 4 times and have always had a pleasant experience. I don’t know that I’ll return after this dinning experience. Service was really slow and food was mediocre. My date asked the waiter if the Riesling was a sweet or dry and he said sweet. It was dry and not palatable for my date so it was just let on the table. The cauliflower gratin was over cooked and just in a pool of butter with cheese on top. It had no flavor and didn’t look appetizing either. The medium steak that was ordered was well done and tough.
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G
Globes
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice venue. Food was tasty and very reasonable priced for the portion you get.
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C
Craig
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here. Really modern, nice looking place. Waiter and management gave us a lot of attention. I had swordfish and it was prepared perfectly. My wife had pasta and shrimp and that dish was outstanding also. The only slightly negative comment I have was that the portions were a bit on the small side. Fish was a decent size but the risotto that came on the side wasa very small portion. All in all, a great experience and we'll definitely be going back.
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E
Experteater
Philadelphia
98 reviews
vip
4.0
98 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience5
This is my 3rd trip back in the past few months and I would say that the food is very good!!!. The pizzas are delicious!!! I would come just for that...but have shared it as an appetizer every time. The service is a little stretched but the servers are very nice. The wine list is good. We really enjoyed a bottle of the French Sauvignon Blanc. I had a halibut special that was great!!! I love halibut so it’s always a treat to find it at a restaurant. Don’t skip dessert either bc the blueberry crisp that is one the menu currently (I am assuming it’s seasonal) is fantastic. I love the open and airy feeling of the restaurant. The tables are not so close together that you really feel like you can elegantly dine here. I definitely recommend this restaurant for a wonderful dining experience.
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K
Kim6
Richmond
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jared our server was great, the food was fantastic. We will go again.
1 person found this helpful
M
Maven
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came to Vela for Father’s day brunch. Perfect venue for everyday dining or a special occasion.
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F
Fallon
Exclusive
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience3
I really like Vela. The food is all made from scratch so its all very fresh food and high quality dishes. The cocktails are great. My only small complaint is that the dishes are a bit pricey for their sizes.
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BS
BettyS
Philadelphia
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vela was a find. Great atmosphere, attentive bartenders and servers. The food was amazing and a great value. Not o eyblarge enters which we loved. Can’t wait to go back with friends.
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HA
HANK
Philadelphia
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as usual, great food and great service
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P
Prof
Philadelphia
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always consistent. We really enjoy meeting friends at this restaurant.
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MC
MelissaC
Indiana
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
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!
1 person found this helpful
MH
MichaelH
Philadelphia
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very attentive, courteous service.
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DW
DebW
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love the food and the space is absolutely gorgeous. I've been there five times and it remains consistent. You can't ask for anything more than that. Donna, the chef and owner, is a delight and Jared is a wonderful server. You gotta go!
1 person found this helpful
RH
RobertH
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and Service was great. Drink prices are on the high side.
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MC
MeganC
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time dining at VELA - great service, cocktails and food!
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CP
ChristineP
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the staff and ambiance. And the food is delicious!
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FAQs

VELA offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 230-8352.

VELA is rated 4.3 stars by 261 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

140 Veterans Lane, Doylestown, PA 18901

Additional information

Cross street
Main Street & Veterans Lane
Neighborhood
Doylestown
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Phone number
(215) 230-8352

VELA

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 261 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does VELA offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is VELA restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information