Vela is a Belltown neighborhood restaurant that serves Italian-American bistro cuisine. It is known for its friendly service, cozy ambience, wonderful food and great drinks. Vela has had some great reviews from major newspapers, magazines, and websites. Vela has an extensive menu that includes antipasti, salads, soups, pizzas, pastas, seafood, meats and of coarse desserts. However, vegetarians can also find refuge here. Join us in our lounge to experience a vibrant bar scene or for happy hour food and drink specials. You can also watch your favorite sports teams or events on any our 8 plasma TV's. Have a seat and marvel while our talented chef Raymond Haynes creates flavorful dishes that reveal the best of both American and Italian cuisines. Whether it be for lunch, dinner, late night drinks or our late night entertainment, at Vela, it’s all about having a great time while you are here. We also offer two private dining rooms that seat 10 to 50 people for an exclusive dining experience or an intimate gathering. During the summer months enjoy our outdoor dining spaces and cabanas to further your experience. All this in a spacious 5000 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge. Join our VIP Club to learn more about Vela's special events.

 

 

The sights, smells and flavors of the world have always interested Raymond Haynes, executive chef at Vela Pizzeria & Lounge in Seattle. Raymond was born and raised in Washington D.C. where at a young age he developed a passion for food.  By age 13, was working in a small Italian restaurant in D.C. hand making fresh pastas and Raviolis. After several years in the business rising through the ranks he moved to Seattle and took a position as executive Sous chef at the famed Elliott’s Oyster House. After three years there he was recruited to take on the Executive Sous chef role at Il Fornaio in Seattle’s Pacific Place in the heart of downtown Seattle. After several years as executive sous chef and corporate trainer for the acclaimed restaurant he accepted his first Executive chef role at Vela Pizzeria & Lounge. He has honed his skills as an Italian chef but also has the skill to create other fine cuisines, a skill he acquired from traveling the world to experience other cultures and flavors.

His unique ideas and flavors would ultimately show up in restaurants around the world, establishing him as an exceptional international chef! Now happily ensconced in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown area, Raymond is once again reinventing himself and his art.

Vela Pizzeria & Lounge  ©  2010