vela is the first restaurant from owner/executive chef frank santonastaso.

santonastaso fell in love with cooking at an early age. after attending culinary school at newbury college, he honed his skills in fine restaurants on both the east and west coasts, including los angeles' famed patina restaurant. most recently, he served as the opening executive chef at the north end’s lucca restaurant, where he earned acclaim from restaurant critics, including alison arnett, who wrote that santonastaso's dishes "sparkle with the kind of freshness and immediacy that makes us all love italian food.” santonastaso stayed in the north end until he had the opportunity to open his own restaurant.

located in an intimate space near santonastaso’s hometown of newton, massachusetts, vela features an eclectic menu inspired by contemporary italian cuisine and the home-style italian cooking on which he was raised. true to its name (the word vela means “sail” in italian), the restaurant’s menu features fresh, high-quality seafood, but also highlights a selection of fine cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. pastas made daily in-house serve as a backbone to the menu. desserts also are homemade, and include classic favorites such as panna cotta and tiramisu. with a full liquor license, vela can provide an excellent variety of wines and cocktails to accompany any meal.

vela is happy to accommodate parties of up to 75 for private or semi-private events.