Welcome to La Vela Restaurant

Very impressed. There were complimentary deep fried rice balls (which I can never remember the name of) and then we had the mixed bread plate which was served with some very nice dips. I had the Steak Lugano (fillet with a creamy mushroom & white wine sauce with prawns) and my partner had Penne Arrabiata (Hot Italian sausage, fresh tomato, olives, garlic & basil). We both found the meals to be really very nice.

Our service was prompt and polite. We did have to wait out the front (it says open at 5.30pm) until about 6 before the door was unlocked

We had an early booking so it was relatively quiet (except for the kids in the corner-but kids will be kids so it wasn't an issue). As the time progressed a party came in and it did get quite loud due to the small space

We had a lovely night. Considering I booked the table at 4.30pm on a Friday afternoon and they still found room for us I was very impressed. I was a bit surprised when he said they book in 2hour lots but found we needed it as it was a very laid back dinner. We will go back for sure!!

Nice Food. Good Service. Reasonably priced. Can be a little loud when busy...would go back

Tried la vela again for a last minute meal out. The restaurant is fairly quiet on Sundays. Service was a bit hit and miss to start as a new waitress was serving. Also, the gaudy tablecloths have gone and they seem to be slowly renovating the restaurant (new tablecloths, coat of paint etc)

But I must say the meal was fabulous! We had the garlic bread which was really buttery/garlicky mmm ($5.50). I then chose one of the specials which was roast duck which came with a risotto cake, asparagus and baked plums ($29). This meal was delicious.

My partner chose a chicken dish (Pollo Ala Vela - $24) which was served on a sizzling hot plate containing two large pieces of chicken that had been marinated in vinegar wine, garlic and herbs. The combination was unusual (and quite vinegary) but definitely worked! This dish was accompanied by of plate of vegetables (eggplant, potato, beans and carrots).

We shall return here soon!