A cooked, glazed beef roast garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables, awarded the 'Best of the City' in the 2024 TimeOut Awards.

Best New Dish of 2024

“Chicagoans know tacos, and every new taco-touting concept must now live up to the outstanding version that Vela chef and Chicago native Chef Jorge Angulo has created. Set in a space boasting striking and organic interior design inspired by Mexico City, Vela’s tender barbacoa ossobuco is a shining star among the newest dishes this year. Wrapped in housemade tortillas, the rich and savory short rib, sparked by pickled carrots, is a culinary experience on another level.”

- TimeOut Magazine

Seafood dishes including grilled prawns garnished with microgreens, a plate of roasted octopus with herbs, fried fish fillets with a side of green sauce, and glasses of red wine on a green marble table.

10 must-visit Mexican restaurants in Chicago

“One of the best cozy restaurants in Chicago, Vela is where you go for traditional dishes from Mexico City with a twist, thanks to veteran Mexican American Chef Jorge Angulo.

- Opentable

A black bowl containing guacamole garnished with microgreens, with a small drizzle of olive oil in the center. A second bowl with tortilla chips is partially visible behind.

The 38 best Mexican restaurants in Chicago

“Headed by Chicago-native Chef Jorge Angulo, Vela showcases the wide range of Mexican flavors with a menu for every palate—plant-based ceviche, a wagyu empanada and Nayarit-style lobster are just a few of the intriguing offerings”

- TimeOut Magazine

Gourmet dish on a black plate with avocado, Fried mushroom, and toasted cotija toppings.

Seven non-traditional uses of corn

“Chef Jorge Angulo nixtamalizes corn in-house, grinds it and makes it into large tortillas which he fills with black beans and Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheeses and folds into a football shape. He sears it on the plancha until crispy and then tops it with an avocado salsa verde and a combination of mushrooms from Four Star Mushrooms. it's garnished with toasted cotija cheese and microgreens from Closed Loop Farms.”

- Restaurant Hospitality

Three people standing behind a table with food on a TV set, with a turquoise wall and a logo that reads 'Chicago TODAY', a woman in a striped shirt and two men, one in an apron.

Taste Mexico's finest at Vela, River North's new dining spot

“Vela Bar y Cocina is serving up high-end Mexican cuisine with a dash of edgy charm right in River North.”

- NBC News

A woman is talking to a chef in a kitchen. The counter has various dishes and ingredients, including bowls, bottles, and cooked food.

Lunchbreak: Hamachi Ceviche

“Chef Jorge Angulo, Executive Chef of Vela Bar y Cocina”

- WGN