Vela Restaurant

Tucked into the West Village precinct, Vela delivers an absolute masterclass in Thai flavor. The vibe? Undeniably striking—a glowing moon feature hangs over the bar, casting a moody, cinematic light across the dining room. Brisbane’s serious spice chasers pile in for the Tom Yum—served roaring hot in a traditional pot, hitting a fiercely complex balance of sour, aromatic, and fiery. Then there’s the Ka Na Moo Grob—succulent pork belly with a shattering crunch, tossed through vibrant Chinese broccoli and a heavy hit of savory garlic-chili goodness. Weekend brunchers flock here for the sprawling bottomless lunch sets. Think towering plates of fresh oysters, golden soft-shell crab swimming in rich yellow curry, and free-flowing cocktails that make the two-hour limit fly by. A total showstopper? The crispy whole fish crowned with a razor-sharp herb salad. Grab a crew, book a table—they fill up fast—and dive headfirst into this Southeast Asian feast.