Vela Cafe

One of my favorite places to have lunch when I am working downtown. Their food is consistently good and fresh. We have also ordered catering for work events and the food is always ready, they communicate well when coordinating, and everyone always gives us compliments. They also have an amazing salad bar if you want some variety.

If I can go to Vela Cafe, then I'm definitely looking forward to lunch. I'm an endearing fan of their Chicken Shish Kabab Pita. It takes several minutes to prepare, but its well worth your time. The chicken has always been moist, tender and flavorful.....as if everything is cooked only when ordered. If you've been on the hunt for an alternative to sandwiches, then this pita is your savior. And here's the bonus, the restaurant's dining area is kept very clean and depending on the day of the week you can dine in peace. That's worth the walk all by itself!

Customer service is great. Food is so good. Same nice owner!!! I'm so glad they survived the pandemic. They also have coffee, omelets and pastries in the morning,

Are you looking for a healthy lunch spot that serves fresh hot food and also has a salad bar right in the downtown area close to Cesar Chavez park? Well check out Vela Cafe. This is a gem of a lunch spot!!!!I didn't even know this place existed until about a month ago. I always passed by it when I park in the area and walk to the Cathedral but it was always closed. I actually thought that the place shut down. But it just so happened that they re-opened again recently. The owners/staff are super friendly. I came by again for lunch a couple of days ago and it's been a place I frequent when I get the chance to go on my lunch break. Their food is always fresh! I'm a fan of the salad bar- it's my fave. It has Mediterranean-themed dishes from hummus to babba ganoush. The hot area also soup which changes out by the day, a roasted chicken with delicious flavor and a mixed vegetable dish. The price is based on the weight of the food you get if you elect to get stuff from the hot bar or salad bar. But they also have menu to choose from. Ambiance is clean, bright, and relaxing to eat in especially during a busy day of work. They have free water with ice and I also was given baklava to try during my first visit. I think it's family-owned and I've also gotten great customer service from a guy behind the register and also Michelle; everybody is great there. So if you're looking for a healthy option and relaxing spot for lunch check out Vela Cafe!

I've gotten coffee at Vela Cafe frequently, but just got breakfast today to go with my coffee. Fantastic breakfast burrito! I got the veggie burrito, with eggs, spinach, cheese, tots and roasted red peppers. It hit the spot. The tots were smashed yet extra crispy, the salsa had great flavor, and the veggies were cooked perfectly. So good. I'd get it again and again!

Clean, nice-looking establishment, and the counter person was friendly. Got the lamb & beef gyro as a combo, which was over $20 with tax. While the flavor was decent, the gyro was dry (was there even tzatezki?) and thin. I was still hungry after the meal as the gyro was easily half lettuce. You can get a much bigger, more flavorful gyro, side, and a drink for under half that price on any street corner in NYC. Granted, Vela has rent to pay for their prime location, but the portion was just too small - especially for the price. One should never pay for a full meal and leave hungry.

The veggie combo had more than enough food! Good price, fresh ingredients and ooh soo good! This cafe is a must try!

I am so happy yall are back. I know it's been a rough three years. We so needed you back downtown. Vela is an awesome lunch choice. My soup was full of flavor. Roasted chicken and rice. I love having a salad bar option. And the finger baklava

This is my go to lunch spot in downtown! The team is very friendly and attentive. I can be a picky eater but they made it super easy to customize their dishes for me. The food is fresh, simple, and extremely flavorful. I usually get their tater tots with chicken and feta and they hit every time.

May 17, 2024PROS: The customer service was great, which is the first thing I judge at any place. The cashier helped us by asking what we liked eating and he made delicious recommendations. The establishment was also very clean and bright, good atmosphere. The food was so fresh and delicious! Personally, best Mediterranean food we've had in the 530/916 area.CONS: Not much parking close by. Bathroom is hidden in the back and you need a code to get in. They didn't warn us the olives in the salad had pits, but luckily I tasted mine first then warned the kids about the olives. Bottled drinks only, no fountain drinks.