How is Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen restaurant rated?

Name: Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen
Address: 1480 2nd Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10075
Telephone: (212) 335-0456
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.1

Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen

4.1

185 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

At Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen, we combine rustic charm with refined décor, creating a casual and laid-back vibe. Our menu is a mix of bites and small plates, such as flatbread, cheeses, and crostini, as well as larger format options. Our menu changes seasonally, and we pair our dishes with the finest selection of wines from around the world.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Contemporary Italian, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday-Tuesday: 4:00pm - 9:30pm Dinner: Wednesday-Thursday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Dinner: Friday-Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Weekend Brunch Saturday-Sunday: 11:30am - 3:30pm.
Phone number
(212) 335-0456
Website
http://www.vellawinebar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Nuno Sousa
Catering
We do catering for 20 people and more. For any questions please send email to jenia@vellanyc.com
Private party facilities
Vella can be rented out (partially or completely) for your event. We can provide the space, food, and entertainment for a variety of celebrations such as happy hours, business gathers, birthday parties, weddings, showers and other events.
Private party contact
Jenia: (212) 335-0456

Location
1480 2nd Ave New York, NY 10075
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Cross street
E 77th St
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
6 train. 77 Street stop 2 blocks away
Entertainment
Wine tasting events and live entertainment on Wednesday nights from 7pm-11.30pm. Call the restaurant for details.* Mondays - Ladies night. Happy hour for ladies all night long! * Tuesdays - Music night - live Sax: 9pm-10pm* Saturday Happy Hour: 10pm-1am at the bar. * Happy Hour - daily at the bar: 4-7pm * Paella Night. Pre-fixer dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine is $80 (value of $144)
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Pimientos de Padrón$8.00
roasted spanish peppers finished with salt & olive oil
Sprouts$12.00
baked brussels sprouts topped with toasted almonds, honey & balsamic vinaigrette
Patatas Bravas$10.00
Crispy potatoes, salsa brava, roasted garlic, sheep cheese & champignon sauce
Ricotta & Figs$10.00
ricotta, kalamata fig spread with almonds, black summer truffles & drizzled with acacia honey
Glazed Eggplant$8.00
black truffle sauce aside soy beans
Mushroom Flatbread$14.00
mozzarella, caramelized onion, truffle spread ricotta

Land

Asparagus y Prosciutto$14.00
jumbo asparagus wrapped in 600 days aged di parma prosciutto finished with truffle oil & homemade pesto
O Cogumelo$14.00
stuffed portobello mushroom with italian sausage, queijo da serra, vesuvio tomatoes & arugula
Carne de Porco a Alentejana$16.00
slow cooked pork belly tossed with clams and crab meat served with pan seared potatoes & coriander
Filete Posta & Patatas Bravas$18.00
new york strip with crispy potatoes, salsa brava, roasted garlic & champagne sauce

Sea

Boquerones en Vinagre$12.00
spanish white anchovies marinated in vinegar and olive oil, accompanied with Italian vesuvio tomatoes, greek olives & burrata
Ameijoas a Bulhão Pato$12.00
clams cooked in a alvarinho wine, coriander, azafrán & garlic broth
Mexilhões de Escabeche$14.00
mussels cooked in a white wine and garlic broth topped with fresh onions
Camarao al Allijo$16.00
shrimp sautéed in bourbon and garlic served with herbed ciabatta bread
Tuna Tartare$16.00
fresh tuna, cucumber, tomatoes, scallions, ginger, garnished with harissa & sesame seeds
Scallops & Figs$14.00
scallops sourced from maine crowned with figs, roasted peppers & boquerones
Polvo Em Salsa Verde$14.00
octopus served cold with onion, peppers, greek olives, parsley & olive oil

Garden

Beets$15.00
marinated beets with arugula, toasted pistachio, green pumpkin seed & lavender balsamic vinaigrette
Burrata$16.00
handmade burata dressed with proscuito, arugula, caramelized fruit & vesuvio tomatoes
Kale$16.00
kale, cranberries, pears, almonds, pears goat cheese finished with a red wine vinaigrette
Smoke Trout Salad$18.00
arugula, smoke trout, marinated peach, vesuvio tomatoes, scallions & balsamic dressing
Quinoa$16.00
quail eggs, asparagus watermelon houserasih, kalamata olives dressed with an anchovy lemon vinagrete

Entrees

Paella del Mar
Shrimp, clams, mussels & octopus atop saffron rice. Approximately 30 minute preparation time
- per person$30.00
Paella de Pato y Cerdo
Duck, pork & chrizo atop saffron rice. Approximately 30 minute preparation time
- per person$28.00
Duck on the Farm$26.00
crisp-braised duck leg, caramelized leeks, toasted pistachio drizzled with a moroccan sauce
Polvo$28.00
portuguese charred octopus atop faro, corn, mint & kale
Salmon a Mediterranean$26.00
Salmon, baby tomatoes, beans herbs & passion fruit atop a sea flavor puree
El Beef$34.00
new york strip, asparagus, rosemary potatoes & harissa sauce
Burger$18.00
chuck short rib brisket blend dressed with greens tomatoes, egg, prosciutto, harissa sauce, queijo da serra and a side of kettle cooked chips

Cheese

Cheese Plate$21.00
camembert, bucheron, la tur, aged manchego, fig jam, grapes, baguette
Vella Signatures Plate$28.00
prosciutto di parma, chorizo, soppressata, camembert, bucheron, la tur, aged manchego, fig jam, grapes, baguette

What 185 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

3.8Food
3.7Service
3.9Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

BF
BrettF
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 3, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience1
Place was closed down thanks for wasting my time your service is awful
N
Neighborhooddiner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience3
Sat outside and it was very nice. However inside the noise was so loud it would be hard to have a conversation. Food was excellent.
p
perryw
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2018
overall1food1service2ambience4
Food was terrible: Brussels had no flavor, didn’t have the burger I wanted. Who doesn’t have a burger at 7 pm on a Saturday!? Service was extraordinarily slow. Had to wait 20 minutes just to get a check. Won’t go back anytime soon
AP
AmyP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2018
overall2food1service3ambience3
Not sure what the rave about but we were super disappointed. 1) Patatas Bravas - below average 2) Mushroom Flatbread - ordinary 3) Shisito Peppers - very disappointing! Would not recommend.
J
Jmw245
New York Area
82 reviews
vip
2.0
82 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2018
overall2food5service1ambience2
We went a week ago where there was an issue with kitchen staff and food came out very slow but at least the staff was very nice and attentive and food was very good. We gave it another try today. Completely new set of people, New menu as well and while food arrived within normal hour, the service from waiting staff was overall poor. When we asked for the check at the end of the meal our waiter was in shock :"you couldn't be asking for checks already, but you have not received your orders yet!"... goes to tell you how much attention he paid to the tables.
J
Jmw245
New York Area
82 reviews
vip
4.0
82 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2018
overall4food5service5ambience3
Hostess was extremely gracious and nice, serving staff very friendly. Some issues in the kitchen that prevented food from coming out on time, hopefully it was just a one time issue. But omelet was very delicious and of generous portion.
S
Sarah
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience5
Had the free pepper appetizer from the yelp offer which was delicious. For our entrees we both got the salmon - a great portion (probably 6-7 oz) and cooked perfectly
j
jeng
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2018
overall1food1service4ambience2
Ran out of food. Waiter let us know after about 45 minutes of waiting for our order to be taken. I have been here many times before and this was definitely unexpected but unacceptable. Will not be back.
N
Nikki
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great food and and drinks! And the server was very attentive and helpful.
AF
AlexaF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an amazing time, staff was super helpful and cordial. Would definitely go back.
MG
ManhattanGuy
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
2.0
67 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2018
overall2food3service1ambience2
Waitresses....clueless, inept, inexperienced. Older staff were GREAT but staff we had today were pathetic and laughable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were expecting an ‘ok’ experience, with some ok food.... but the food and service was absolutely fantastic. My parents were visiting from Vancouver and they left raving about the food. A really memorable night and highly recommend it. Go for the tapas!
BL
BusinessLunchesAndBdays
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love having date night at Vella. They have good dishes to share plus a number of entree options. Good bar too. When it’s nice out we love sitting outside.
SH
SharonH
New York Area
413 reviews
vip
4.0
413 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience3
Limited but great tasting tapas apps. We had the seafood paella which was wonderful. Good wine , good music. Would not hesitate to go back!
R
Roni
New York Area
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2018
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very nice, enjoyable dinner.
GH
GabiH
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve been to Vella twice and it was a fantastic experience both times! The tapas are always top quality and delicious and the ambiance is so nice. You might even want to hang around at the bar after your meal! Definitely anticipating coming back.
LT
LenaT
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience3
It’s a bit too loud but otherwise a great place for a spontaneous drop-in or regular reservation.
JH
JeanetteH
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
I went to Vella with a couple of friends to catch up, and it was great! We did drinks and small plates, the service was excellent, it was nice and quiet which made for great conversations. The food was delicious, the portions were small for the prices. I will definitely go back again when I want to be able to have a nice conversation!
MG
ManhattanGuy
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
The waitress should be promoted to Manager and run the joint. Smart, attentive, hard working......everything you want in an employee. God Bless the wonderful waitress!
MG
ManhattanGuy
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great lunch, service, music.
H
Harris
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2017
overall3food2service3ambience4
Changed the menu from a few months ago. Food not so good anymore
MG
ManhattanGuy
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience4
New menu....not as good as old one. New chef.....hopefully he improves it a bit. But overall quality of food was good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
26 reviews
1.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2017
overall1food3service1ambience1
Would not recommend.
b
badservice
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always have a great time there
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and even more amazing service! Looking forward to making this place one of my frequent spots.
TR
TommyR
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2017
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food & service were very good with good choices. Unfortunately, on a Friday evening it was VERY noisy.
KC
KatieC
New England
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2017
overall3food5service5ambience3
The food and service were excellent! However the noise level made it really hard to hear.
PK
PKNYC
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
2.0
25 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2017
overall2food2service2ambience4
We used to love going to Vella Wine Bar but last time we were there it wasn't that good. We had reservations for 7:30 PM but did not feel welcomed by the host . When we finally got to our table, the server said they changed their menu so there were different items. I order the octopus which was over-cooked and my partner ordered a hamburger that was over cooked (he sent it back 2 x's and they couldn't cook it medium rare). I might go back for a drink at the bar but not for the food :-(
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
Instead of a slight increase in price, the burger that we get quite often was reduced by at least a third.
c
citydiner
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had a senior birthday here 2 weeks earlier and I the one veggie in the group was veryvsatisfied, as were the carnivores. Kales/brussel sprout salad, spinach/artichoke dip very original and tasty. Pasta w mushroom good w quality ingredients. Friendly, helpful staff. Music a bit loud but they sometimes can turn it down. Returned on Saturday and again satisfied. Made a meal of salads & starters. Split fennel/apple salad, had cauliflower starter (both very good), & truffle mac & cheese to make for a full meal. At table 50 (banquette) they were even able to turn off the speaker overhead. Very accomodating. A bit pricy especially when you add drinks. More palatable bill without. Dinner for 2 w 3 glasses of booze: $120. But very good food, service and mood overall. Will become regulars.
L
Lindsay
New York Area
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience4
I like to go there for dinner with my boyfriend. It's cozy and great for a date night. Service is good but last time we were there I had to chase the server for water even though the place was empty. Food is good, great for share plates. Cons: Worst bread ever. First they do not bring you the basket of bread and olive oil unless you ask for it. Then, the bread is always served warm because it is not fresh at all, they probably freeze it and heat it up to serve it when people ask for it. I find this unacceptable for this type of place. Butter is disgusting. Considering that they serve a plate of cheese and bread, their should have fresh break available all the time, not frozen reheated bread. Except for that, the restaurant is cozy and quiet and I will probably keep returning for the atmosphere.
JO
JeffOf263
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
Nice place for shared plates
M
Marclovesmussels
New York Area
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the staff is very attentive & welcoming! Food is delish & well prepared. Happy Hour is worth the visit.
MG
ManhattanGuy
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience3
The waiters/waitresses are fine for the most part. However the last 2 times I've had to remind the staff to bring bread. Nothing terrible but waiters seem like they are simply serving too many tables. The service is acceptable. Good food & wines and we'll continue to go back. Hoping the service doesn't deteriorate because there is little room for deterioration......... Thanks
OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place woth great service
S
Stach
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
This restaurant is very consistent. The staff pampers you, the food is excellent, the prices very reasonable for UES.
SU
SUPER
New York Area
123 reviews
vip
4.0
123 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
loved the roasted cauliflower and grilled Brussels sprouts and grilled scallops
TD
TDaniels
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience4
Awesome food and beautiful ppl around. Server was a little dry with his sarcasm which made him come off a little off putting but I think he caught on and just switched to decent service half way through. I'll be back
TL
TaylorL
New York Area
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2017
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food wasn't good

FAQs

Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen is rated 4.1 stars by 185 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

Additional information

Cross street
E 77th St
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday-Tuesday: 4:00pm - 9:30pm Dinner: Wednesday-Thursday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Dinner: Friday-Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Weekend Brunch Saturday-Sunday: 11:30am - 3:30pm.
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Contemporary Italian, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
6 train. 77 Street stop 2 blocks away
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Nuno Sousa
Entertainment
Wine tasting events and live entertainment on Wednesday nights from 7pm-11.30pm. Call the restaurant for details.* Mondays - Ladies night. Happy hour for ladies all night long! * Tuesdays - Music night - live Sax: 9pm-10pm* Saturday Happy Hour: 10pm-1am at the bar. * Happy Hour - daily at the bar: 4-7pm * Paella Night. Pre-fixer dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine is $80 (value of $144)
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.vellawinebar.com/
Phone number
(212) 335-0456
Catering
We do catering for 20 people and more. For any questions please send email to jenia@vellanyc.com
Private party facilities
Vella can be rented out (partially or completely) for your event. We can provide the space, food, and entertainment for a variety of celebrations such as happy hours, business gathers, birthday parties, weddings, showers and other events.
Private party contact
Jenia: (212) 335-0456

Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Tapas

Earth

Pimientos de Padrón$8.00

Sprouts$12.00

Patatas Bravas$10.00

Ricotta & Figs$10.00

Glazed Eggplant$8.00

Mushroom Flatbread$14.00

Land

Asparagus y Prosciutto$14.00

O Cogumelo$14.00

Carne de Porco a Alentejana$16.00

Filete Posta & Patatas Bravas$18.00

Sea

Boquerones en Vinagre$12.00

Ameijoas a Bulhão Pato$12.00

Mexilhões de Escabeche$14.00

Camarao al Allijo$16.00

Tuna Tartare$16.00

Scallops & Figs$14.00

Polvo Em Salsa Verde$14.00

Garden

Beets$15.00

Burrata$16.00

Kale$16.00

Smoke Trout Salad$18.00

Quinoa$16.00

Entrees

Paella del Mar

Paella de Pato y Cerdo

Duck on the Farm$26.00

Polvo$28.00

Salmon a Mediterranean$26.00

El Beef$34.00

Burger$18.00

Cheese

Cheese Plate$21.00

Vella Signatures Plate$28.00

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How is Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information