Vello's Restaurant

"Everyone eats happy"

I love Vello's.  I really love Vello's.  Everything about it, really.

This is the best kid-friendly restaurant in the Metrowest suburbs of Boston.  It's not one of those places with a play area or some gimmick, just a place with a great atmosphere for families that strikes a perfect tone.  It's not huge, and it's often busy, but that's because it's good.

The owner is there almost every time we go.  He's welcoming and works like crazy to make sure you have a great meal.  The rest of the staff follow suit.  Even the guy who buses tables seems genuinely glad you're there.  If your kids are perfect angels, great.  If they're restless, that's fine too.  I've seen them tap the pendant lights to make them swing to quiet a restless toddler (works like a charm).  

Here's a story I love.  While we were there with our toddler son, a little girl announced to the owner that she had started Kindergarten that day.  He engaged in a bit of conversation, then complimented her on her necklace.  She thanked him and announced that it glowed in the dark, too, but he couldn't see it because all the lights were on.  With a giant grin, he ran over to the wall and turned off the lights for a few seconds so we could all admire it.  Just a few seconds...no one was in danger.  You would have been surprised at all the smiles -- hers, his, and most of the rest of us nearby.  

The menu is huge: good burgers, very good pastas -- the mac and cheese looks more like an alfredo sauce but it's great, huge and tasty burritos (you'll be taking some home), fresh salads.  The Sunday brunch menu is amazing.

There's a kids' menu, and they've never complained about questions or special requests.  Even better, for the really little ones, there's a "baby" menu, with even smaller portions than for the kids.

Every time I eat there, I feel like I've eaten at a "real" restaurant, with grown-up food.  The only thing that gives it away is that my kids are happy too.

So, if you're in the 'burbs on your visit to the Boston area, visit this gem that's right off the main strip in the heart of Westwood center.