Bela - Northampton

Entrees are very lazy and uninspired. Tastes like cafeteria food. Overpriced for how extremely mediocre it is. The desserts however are incredible. Get your mea... read more Entrees are very lazy and uninspired. Tastes like cafeteria food. Overpriced for how extremely mediocre it is. The desserts however are incredible. Get your meal elsewhere and stop here for dessert. Service is always great and the atmosphere is cute and cozy.

I am deeply disappointedMay 2024 • FamilyLast week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about cash... read more I am deeply disappointedMay 2024 • FamilyLast week we went to this restaurant, after we checked online that it was vegan. The website was very clear about cash or check only. There is no other detail to be aware of before visiting the place. We arrived, went inside, looked around, read the menu on the wall, and waited. After a reasonable amount of time waiting and noticing that there was a table empty for the 4 of us, I approached the staff. The response was very rude and I was told I had to wait. Ironically, she walked to the door, where my other family members were standing, and greeted a person who just came in, sat the person, and took the order. Finally, we sat at the table. We were looking at the menu in our hands when suddenly the chef at Bela restaurant in Northampton, Massachusetts, literally thru us out of the restaurant. The chef came out of the kitchen, walked to our table, and told us that we were not going to be served. The chef added that we were wearing perfume and I am not dealing with this tonight. After a quick moment of shock, we got up and started walking out. The one staff on the floor noticed we were leaving and acknowledged that the chef told us to leave but asked if we wanted to order to go. Obviously, no. If the chef has issues with perfume, this should be noted in a very clear and obvious way, online, in person, and by the staff. Let 's keep in mind that none of us were wearing perfume or cologne. One of us had just put some moisturizer that was vegan, no harmful, artificial, or chemical add ons. If we had known, we would 've made another decision. Instead, the chef decided to humiliate us and discriminate against a frail elder, a person with brain nerve disability and a retired veteran. I have to give this restaurant -5 stars. Also, be aware that it is not handicap accessible. Even the bathroom is down in the basement.

Bela is a must-visit vegan restaurant in Northampton. They offer delicious and hearty food that always satisfies. The cozy dining room creates an intimate atmos... read more Bela is a must-visit vegan restaurant in Northampton. They offer delicious and hearty food that always satisfies. The cozy dining room creates an intimate atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Their cakes are especially amazing! Just make sure to bring cash with you when you visit.

Amazing little place! Staff were friendly, food comes out steaming hot, and I loved the quaintness of the setup. (Also I can totally sympathize with the cook's... read more Amazing little place! Staff were friendly, food comes out steaming hot, and I loved the quaintness of the setup. (Also I can totally sympathize with the cook's sensitivity to perfume, can't stand synthetic smells either Its probably not the best vegetarianism food I've ever had (that would be my own, jk but the chef can definitely cook vegetables and potatoes *really* well. Perfect level of not too mushy and not undercooked. Almost like master level crazy how good the texture on those potatoes were... (TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!!!1! Into the specific dishes: The miso was simple and not super flavorful. Potentially slightly under salted for summer where people are going to be loosing salt through sweat, but understandable . It warmed me up in the possibly too chilly restaurant nonetheless : For the vege slider thing, the potatoes were legendary, and the carrots were cooked really well too. Even though I'm not a huge fan of plain carrots, I enjoyed them just fine. The patty was interesting. Definitely homemade as I would describe it more as a nut patty than something trying to actually replicate meat... good but could use some more umami. The gravy was the best part though and brought the whole dish together (could have used a tad more flavor there as well Pasta dish was alright, but the mushrooms were a little juicy for my taste. I expected them to be watery but they had more flavor than I was expecting so good job on that. Cakes were good (presentation amazing but I forgot that I *really* don't have a sweet tooth. The other person I was with seemed to enjoy them very much however. Overall 5/5 will likely come again, although its probably a little above my preferred price point given the portion sizes. Thanks for the meal! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Vegetarian offerings: Menu is all vegetarian

Cash/check only establishment that serves good vegetarian comfort meals. We're excited to come back to try other dishes, and hopefully there will be dessert on... read more Cash/check only establishment that serves good vegetarian comfort meals. We're excited to come back to try other dishes, and hopefully there will be dessert on the menu Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 Food: 4 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4