VELE

VELE is a restaurant in Springfield, IL, specializing in Modern Coastal Italian cuisine. Established in 2017, the name VELE, pronounced Vay Lay, translates to blank canvas, reflecting the kitchen's approach to developing an ever-changing menu. The restaurant focuses on seafood, pastas, and steaks, emphasizing small plates designed for sampling, sharing, and pairing with wine alongside limited entrees from the southern Italian region. The dining experience is built on clean, fresh, and simple flavors that are deep in character.

The culinary direction is led by Executive Chef Justin Richardson, whose menu draws from his Italian heritage, culinary studies in Italy, and classical French training. This combination of French precision and modern Italian influence defines the food. The ownership team includes Dan Sperry, who handles business and operational aspects, and Nichole Sperry, who oversees design and marketing. The kitchen staff is trained by the chef, with Kelsi Slowe serving as Head Chef and Trevor Templeton as Sous Chef. Connor McGuire directs culinary operations, while Joe Alvarez leads hospitality and beverage operations. The team advocates for supporting locally-owned independent restaurants to increase the economic and cultural vitality in Springfield.

The menu features a raw bar with items like tuna tartare, hamachi crudo, and Thatch Island oysters on the half shell. The primo section includes grilled oysters, scallops with sweet corn puree, steamed mussels, grilled octopus, shrimp and crab cakes, spicy calamari, and filet bites. Pasta options include spicy seafood spaghetti with squid ink, shrimp and sausage orecchiette, and chicken piccata linguine. Appetizers include a Tuscan bread service with rosemary and parmesan-crust, lobster bisque, whipped goat cheese with blueberry basil compote, and various chopped salads.

Located at 3241 W Iles Ave, the restaurant is situated about 0.4 miles from Fire Station #12 and West Road Park. It is approximately 0.6 miles from Lindsay Elementary School and 0.7 miles from South Veterans Parkway.

VELE holds a rating of 4.70 from customers who have reviewed it, reflecting a positive reception of its Modern Coastal Italian offerings in Springfield.