Review of Vela

Do not go here if you have celiac. They have no idea what cross contamination is. I sat at the bar (they call it the “chefs counter”) where you can watch all of the food be cooked. I saw one of the chefs put steak/eggplant/other food on the exact same spots on the grill that he also kept putting bread on. He would also cut the steaks with his bare hands after touching gluten-filled bread. When I asked the waiter if my steak was cooked on this same grill he became rude and said he had to ask the chefs (this is after he confirmed for me that my food would be safe in the first place). He came back and told me that my food was fine because the chef “remembers where he puts the bread so he doesn’t put other food where the bread was” and that “the bread isn’t on the grill long anyways so it’s not a big deal”. I was excited due to the good reviews on this app and I also called the restaurant in advance and they told me they were celiac safe. I’ve spent the last 2 days extremely sick. The staff assure you repeatedly that your food is safe but in reality they do not understand celiac or cross contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor