Our mission at Vela Cafe is to continue delivering healthy and organic products to the customers that support our restaurant. We bring true Mediterranean recipes from our very own kitchen right to you every day. The delicious tastes from 'back-home' that fill our hearts with joy, and our bellies with comfort, are here with a revolving menu of 'specials' and a new hybrid menu.
One of our newest additions as we continue Vela's expansion into the new year. Our menu and catering offering encompass our daily menu and salad bar, as well as our newest addition, 'Feras Food Truck'. From my earliest days as a child in Syria to our weekly specials here at Velas, mujaddara has always been a dish I dreamt of.
One of our newest additions as we continue Vela's expansion into the new year. Our menu and catering offering encompass our daily menu and salad bar, as well as our newest addition, 'Feras Food Truck'. From my earliest days as a child in Syria to our weekly specials here at Velas, mujaddara has always been a dish I dreamt of.
Reviews (28)
A. C.
Dec 20, 2021
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Nestor Finney
Jan 11, 2021
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I am happy that Vela Cafe opened. Not only do they have the best food in downtown but it's a nice restaurant to be in. So far, I've been able to take my work there in the morning and start the day with a freshly made breakfast burrito and coffee. There's even free wifi. For lunch, I've had the lamb gyro and recently tried the salad bar. The great thing about it all is that their food is made fresh AND tastes great. I can't go without mentioning Vela Cafe's friendly and helpful staff. Bottomline, if you are looking for affordable delicious food in a clean space, Vela is your place.
Olga Roberts
Nov 03, 2020
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The best Restaurant in downtown of Sacramento if you looking for healthy and tasty Mediterranean yummy food. ❤️ Vela Cafe known for it friendly management and very affordable prices and relaxing music.
Would go there again and recommend to all Vegetarians and lowers for lamb and beef or salads!
💯Customer Service Satisfactions!
Thank you!
Would go there again and recommend to all Vegetarians and lowers for lamb and beef or salads!
💯Customer Service Satisfactions!
Thank you!
Tiffany T.
May 28, 2020
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I've been wanting to try this restaurant for so long! It's close to my job and looks delicious by the photos. I decided to order the Cauliflower Pita (I'm vegetarian)
Pros:
- Food was done quick and was hot!!! This is huge when ordering take-out. I can't stand when my food is cold when I pick it up. Very nicely done.
- Portions were great. Pita was big and got tons of tots.
- Service was awesome. I was served quickly and kindly.
Cons:
- This cauliflower pita was soooooooooooo.....not good. :( It was probably just my order, not trying to talk down on the restaurant at all
Pros:
- Food was done quick and was hot!!! This is huge when ordering take-out. I can't stand when my food is cold when I pick it up. Very nicely done.
- Portions were great. Pita was big and got tons of tots.
- Service was awesome. I was served quickly and kindly.
Cons:
- This cauliflower pita was soooooooooooo.....not good. :( It was probably just my order, not trying to talk down on the restaurant at all
Amanda I.
Jan 12, 2020
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Vela Cafe is a great option for vegetarian and vegan food downtown, though they also have many great meat options as well.
The customer service here is fantastic. I ordered the Veggie Combo and upon asking if it was vegan, the cashier (who may have also been the owner) immediately suggested we substitute in three falafels for the baba ganoush to make it vegan.
The restaurant was packed for lunch on a Monday so I opted to get my order to-go. The wait was only a few minutes and everything was packaged very well.
The Veggie Combo was fantastic and enough food to last for two meals. It contains
The customer service here is fantastic. I ordered the Veggie Combo and upon asking if it was vegan, the cashier (who may have also been the owner) immediately suggested we substitute in three falafels for the baba ganoush to make it vegan.
The restaurant was packed for lunch on a Monday so I opted to get my order to-go. The wait was only a few minutes and everything was packaged very well.
The Veggie Combo was fantastic and enough food to last for two meals. It contains
Tim S.
Dec 19, 2019
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Brantley Lawson
Dec 03, 2019
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Alex L.
Nov 19, 2019
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This is a solid lunch option if you're looking for something quick, consistent and efficient. I didn't think there was anything wonderful about my choices on either of my visits. Nevertheless, the food is fresh and quality and for those on limited much breaks, always fast.
On my latest visit, I went with the gyro salad with chicken. The chicken was the star of the show but the rest of the salad fell short. The dressing was real gooey and inconsistent. The side of fried they upsold me on as part of the lunch combo were soggy and unflavored. The salad itself tasted good, it just wasn
On my latest visit, I went with the gyro salad with chicken. The chicken was the star of the show but the rest of the salad fell short. The dressing was real gooey and inconsistent. The side of fried they upsold me on as part of the lunch combo were soggy and unflavored. The salad itself tasted good, it just wasn
Zar P.
Nov 19, 2019
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Right next to Chavez Park, this space has seen a lot of restaurants come and go. Vela has been around for a while, a testament to its food, but my favorite thing is no longer offered. Although primarily serving middle eastern fare (very tasty gyros), they had a sandwich menu with a lovely avocado BLT. The lemon aiolo made it! Hopefully, they will bring it back.
So...A decent place. Not stellar, but a good choice.
So...A decent place. Not stellar, but a good choice.
Kimberly R.
Nov 18, 2019
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I go to Vela weekly, if not several times a week as I work within walking distance. It saved me when I had to change my diet because of medical issues. Everything is always fresh and clean. I recommend Vela to anyone that has diet issues.
Today, I was so disappointed when I walk over to get my breakfast burrito to see they changed their hours and are not selling breakfast anymore!! That was the best breakfast burrito around. They used tater tots instead of regular potatoes which gave that crunchier bite.
I am hoping that it is just a small rescheduling issue, Please bring back your breakfast
Today, I was so disappointed when I walk over to get my breakfast burrito to see they changed their hours and are not selling breakfast anymore!! That was the best breakfast burrito around. They used tater tots instead of regular potatoes which gave that crunchier bite.
I am hoping that it is just a small rescheduling issue, Please bring back your breakfast
Kevin Y.
Oct 04, 2019
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Using their POS to buy your lunch will take you to a request to add at least 15%. Looking at their beautiful outdoor corner seating area with tables that have not been taken care of I'm inclined to say no. Indoors is big screen display with a constant soundtrack of middle of the road 80's MTV Rock. You can sit with a great tasty PITA for less than Ten Bucks. Indoors of course.
Steve Bowman
Aug 18, 2019
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Monique Perkins
Jul 26, 2019
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Tera H.
Apr 12, 2019
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This is a great Sacramento lunch spot if you're looking for delicious middle eastern food & quick service. The owner and staff are super friendly and helpful.
Pro tip #1: Enter your cell number and collect the rewards points to get free coffee or a 10%/20% discount on a future purchase.
Pro tip #2: Order online for pick-up and save yourself the wait during the lunch rush. Only catch is you won't get the rewards points.
Pro tip #3: The Mujadarra plate with rice, lentils, tabouleh salad, and half falafel sandwich is a steal at $9.00!! Order a side of beef/lamb and you're complete
Pro tip #1: Enter your cell number and collect the rewards points to get free coffee or a 10%/20% discount on a future purchase.
Pro tip #2: Order online for pick-up and save yourself the wait during the lunch rush. Only catch is you won't get the rewards points.
Pro tip #3: The Mujadarra plate with rice, lentils, tabouleh salad, and half falafel sandwich is a steal at $9.00!! Order a side of beef/lamb and you're complete
Ken F.
Mar 21, 2019
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Needed a break from the office so thought I'd give vela a try since they'd been rated highly and are located in a good people watching spot across from Caesar Chavez park.
I ordered the pita and side dolma and both were good though the pita could have used a few more tomatoes and sauce, it was a little dry. The dolmas were solid and very flavorful.
If it weren't for the hassle finding parking, I would prob go 5 stars for the good food, great location, and reasonable prices. There is no street parking nearby available at lunch time during the week so I parked in the lot
I ordered the pita and side dolma and both were good though the pita could have used a few more tomatoes and sauce, it was a little dry. The dolmas were solid and very flavorful.
If it weren't for the hassle finding parking, I would prob go 5 stars for the good food, great location, and reasonable prices. There is no street parking nearby available at lunch time during the week so I parked in the lot
Jefferson L.
Mar 21, 2019
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This spot on the corner of 10th and I Street, across from Cesar Chavez Park, has seen several businesses come and go. Vela Café seems to be the one that's going to stick. They're perfect for the state agency/city hall employee lunch crowd, serving Mediterranean-centric dishes along with some more traditional fare. Their salad bar is hugely popular. I haven't tried it but it looks tempting--all the fixings you'd imagine--as does their daily soups and specials.
My habit here is the gyro salad. It's a plate of chopped romaine covered in beef and lamb gyro meat, sliced cukes
My habit here is the gyro salad. It's a plate of chopped romaine covered in beef and lamb gyro meat, sliced cukes
William S.
Jan 11, 2019
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Brian G.
Dec 03, 2018
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Vela Cafe is on the corner across from Cesar Chavez park so it's a downtown sac lunch hotspot and for good reason. The Mediterranean style food is quite tasty and portions are great for the price. I ordered the grilled chicken salad. Dressing was delicious, chicken was tender, and I felt quite full from the amount of food. Price is around $10 so reasonable for fresh lunch salad.
Staci Morrison
Nov 08, 2018
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Mark Urquhart
Oct 06, 2018
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Non-obvious eatery, tucked away on the NW corner of Cesar Chavez park. Great buffet, sell by weight food. Each day's menu is generally different, with a middle-eastern flavour (the lentil/rice dish is often served).
I like the ability to order just as much as you want to eat and not an ounce more. Good takeaway cartons that you fill yourself, or plates that you can use to eat on site. Outdoor seating area is great and you don't get the hobo traffic that K St does.
I like the meatballs (THursday) and the fried chicken (Friday) and the spring rolls/pot stickers are good too.
No parking, but great
I like the ability to order just as much as you want to eat and not an ounce more. Good takeaway cartons that you fill yourself, or plates that you can use to eat on site. Outdoor seating area is great and you don't get the hobo traffic that K St does.
I like the meatballs (THursday) and the fried chicken (Friday) and the spring rolls/pot stickers are good too.
No parking, but great
Allie C.
Aug 09, 2018
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Wine slushies!
I think that's all you really need to know.
They have wine slushies!!
Breakfast: they have an array of stuff, breakfast burritos, croissants, bagels, quiche. They also sell Pete's coffee
Lunch time: salad bar, sandwiches, soups, wine slushies
They also have wine slushies in case I forgot to mention it. no need to go to the CA State Fair, go to Vela's.
I think that's all you really need to know.
They have wine slushies!!
Breakfast: they have an array of stuff, breakfast burritos, croissants, bagels, quiche. They also sell Pete's coffee
Lunch time: salad bar, sandwiches, soups, wine slushies
They also have wine slushies in case I forgot to mention it. no need to go to the CA State Fair, go to Vela's.
Richard Podnar
Jul 21, 2018
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After wanting to come here forever, I finally made it in this morning and became a firm believer in the miracle of this wondrous gem of a restaurant. I'll only ever be able to enjoy breakfast here unless my work schedule changes. The vegetarian breakfast burrito, however, is large enough to tide me over way past lunch, chocked with all sorts of fresh things, seasoned just right and leaving nice, lingering flavors on my taste buds. My spouse's Bagel Deluxe was not too shabby, either. They feature Peets Coffee (which somehow tastes better here than at an actual Peets!). The owner is super nice, hospitable
Kateshia Knox
Jun 23, 2018
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I just started going back after initially patronizing them when they opened. Turns out, the breakfast burritos are good and so is the breakfast bagel. They are kinda pricey and the service is slow. You would think that they would have a full staff during the morning rush. Not sure what the service is like during lunch, but I would be hesitant to go. The worker in the morning is really nice and accommodating.
Molly L.
Feb 21, 2018
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I came here after sifting through the yelp reviews for a solid dish here, which seemed to be the Mujaddara Plate here. I actually wasn't the most impressed with it because there were very few falafel patties and there were way too many spices in the rice/lentils that I actually suffered from heartburn afterwards, which is surprising when you take into account the items on the plate -- salad, tomatoes, onions, lentils, rice, and falafel.
I have also come here before to get the Greek fries and a falafel plate. I was disappointed with the Greek fries because they were overly drenched in sauce
I have also come here before to get the Greek fries and a falafel plate. I was disappointed with the Greek fries because they were overly drenched in sauce
Kerensa U.
Dec 03, 2017
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I enjoyed my lunch in the bright, airy space on an easy-to-spot corner on I Street on a Friday about 2 months ago.
I had a chicken gyro, I believe, and it was fresh and came with a healthy salad. It could have used a bit more seasoning and been a bit more moist, but it was a week day during the lunch hour so maybe it was just the lunch rush that turned out a less than perfect product for me that day. I certainly will come here again and get my health fix on; the owner is friendly and his employee made me feel welcome right away as I was choosing what to order from the menu at the counter.
I&apos
I had a chicken gyro, I believe, and it was fresh and came with a healthy salad. It could have used a bit more seasoning and been a bit more moist, but it was a week day during the lunch hour so maybe it was just the lunch rush that turned out a less than perfect product for me that day. I certainly will come here again and get my health fix on; the owner is friendly and his employee made me feel welcome right away as I was choosing what to order from the menu at the counter.
I&apos
Helen H.
Oct 15, 2017
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I tried the beef and lamb gyro salad. The food was fresh and the meat is thinly sliced. The tzatziki sauce was smooth and had a nice hint of garlic. I also asked for dressing on the side, which was balanced and tangy at the same time. I thought the meal came with pita bread, but didn't find any in my to go container.
Service was quick and the order was completed quickly. Overall, pretty tasty and fresh for a cafe. I ate here two days in a row for lunch while attending a conference.
Service was quick and the order was completed quickly. Overall, pretty tasty and fresh for a cafe. I ate here two days in a row for lunch while attending a conference.
Shera K.
Sep 14, 2017
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Popular lunch spot in Sac! I came during lunchtime and it was a little crowded, but the food and line go quickly.
I love their salad bar because it's simple and easy. All of their ingredients look super fresh and I love the variety. Their potatoes and drumstick chicken were delicious as well.
Next time, I definitely want to try their other dishes besides the salad bar.
Also, awesome, friendly employees!
I love their salad bar because it's simple and easy. All of their ingredients look super fresh and I love the variety. Their potatoes and drumstick chicken were delicious as well.
Next time, I definitely want to try their other dishes besides the salad bar.
Also, awesome, friendly employees!
Kristian D.
Jan 22, 2016
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Vela Café is a needed improvement in downtown Sacramento. The café is a combination of a pay-by-weight hot & cold salad bar and a sandwich & Mediterranean shop. The bright and airy restaurant is located on the southeastern corner of 10th & I under the City Hall Parking Garage.
I have devoured their lamb and beef gyro twice now, and both times have been great. The grilled pita is stuffed with meat, produce, and a very garlicky sauce and is a very good value. Everything is fresh and delicious, including the salad bar which includes a rotating selection of different cuisines. You can
I have devoured their lamb and beef gyro twice now, and both times have been great. The grilled pita is stuffed with meat, produce, and a very garlicky sauce and is a very good value. Everything is fresh and delicious, including the salad bar which includes a rotating selection of different cuisines. You can
