Level Resto Lounge(Habesha restaurant) — Restaurant in Guelph

Trying any new restaurant for the first time.. to say the least, can be nerve racking. That definitely was not the case here.

As soon as I walked through the door I was met with not only a warm smile but the atmosphere of TRULY being welcomed.

The staff immediately made me feel like family right away, it was seamless. Before my first bite I knew this would be my new “spot”.

Before I touch on the food experience it is an absolute MUST for me to mention the atmosphere and decor...

... you can tell everything was carefully selected and that thought went into creating a true relaxing lounge atmosphere. Without even realizing you find yourself hopping along to the music that fits perfectly with the vibe created between staff and ambiance.

Now let’s get to that first bite that I mentioned... to this moment I still don’t feel like my life has been the same since eating the Nashville chicken sandwich. SOO GOOD.

I couldn’t help but notice the spectacular aesthetics of the shawarma plate while I was eating... it is like a mini movie watching it be served (definitely the next thing I am going to try)

Honestly speaking.. since that first bite and first welcoming comments I do not feel “the same”. I suppose the easiest way to put it is..

......

It’s a really nice lounge with great food and music. However, every time I go, I am surprised by how high the amount owing is on the machine and with no itemized bill given. After a few visits, I asked for my itemized bill after once again I paid a higher than expected bill. I saw on the bill a 15% gratuity was added without any notice, and we were only a party of two so it’s not common practice to add a gratuity for a small party. I ended up tipping on top of the tip that was added and I am starting to get the feeling that’s what they secretly hope we do. It doesn’t say anywhere on the menu that a tip is automatically included.

Anyways, I am pretty disappointed about this because it seems dishonest. I always tip so it’s not the tipping that’s my issue, it’s that I feel like I was tricked to tip on top of another tip and the fact that an itemized bill is only given if requested. I don’t think I’ll be back to this lounge until I’ve heard they stop doing this and...

I went here for date night with my fiancée and it was okay. We ordered the shrimp tempura as an appy but I don't recommend it. The tempura breading is rock hard and the shrimp tails were hidden in it. They were big that you would think to eat them with a fork and knife, but too hard to cut into. You needed to use your teeth but it was really hard. Not the best eating experience.

We had pasta for our main dishes, my fiancée order the fettuccine alfredo with chicken and I had the lobster fettuccine. Both pasta dishes were good, but made our stomachs so sore after eating it. Not sure if it was the heaviness of the cream sauce, general kitchen food safety, or just our own stomach sensitivity.

For dessert with had the moroccan donut which was also really hard in texture and hard to eat. Regardless, we live just around the corner from these guys and I don't think we will return. However, the service was really good and our server was...