A new restaurant in Downtown Guelph is looking to level up the dine-in experience for residents.
Faizan Shaban and Milad Adibi Seden are the owners of Level Resto Lounge, taking over what used to be the Bollywood Bistro location on Cork Street. Being new to the Royal City, the duo is looking to create a unique experience for residents and become a part of the community.
“We’re here to level Guelph up, to give them some things that they don’t have. A different kind of vibe,” says Shaban
“We try to make it a bit different than everywhere else and we try to serve it a bit different than everywhere else.”
Shaban says they got the keys to the building in January but kept experiencing delays in opening due to the pandemic. After several months, Level Resto Lounge held a soft launch on Sep. 26 and officially opened Oct. 2.
"We want to make sure we're following procedures because the last thing we want is to be shutdown." says Shaban.
Shaban says they wanted to open as they were unsure of how long the pandemic will continue, and to help financially support their 10 staff members.
“If we make money, then we can help those 10 families.” he says.
To help with the launch, the restaurant has been offering discounts to customers, including a 15 per cent discount for people coming from Mississauga and Brampton.
Originally from Brampton, Shaban says the idea was to provide an incentive for family and friends to visit Guelph.
“We want to make sure that it’s safe.” says Shaban, “We have our protocols, but if you want to come in, we don’t mind.”
“Plus, it gives Guelph a better attraction. I have friends who have never been to Guelph in their life. Guelph is such an underrated city.”
When creating their menu, Adibi Seden says it is Middle Eastern and Mediterranian inspired, while also offering common European dishes with a twist.
“We try to do a bit of everything, but you're going to have the taste of Middle Eastern and Mediterranian flavour.”
Level Resto Lounge is also Halal, offering items such as lamb shanks and shawarma plates.
Shaban says both of these dishes are popular menu items, along with their number one seller, the fried chicken sandwich.
“We sold over 30 pounds of lamb shanks within our first week of opening.” says Shaban.
With customer service in mind, Adibi Seden says they can accommodate for dietary restrictions. Most of their pastas, pizzas and some of their appetizers can be made vegetarian or vegan.
“If they’re asking for it, we can make it for them.” says Adibi Seden.
Currently, the restaurant does not have a permit for patio dining, and has plans to obtain one next summer. In the meantime, the restaurant is taking all safety precautions for operating indoor dining, including additional measures like temperature reading customers and staff.
Shaban and Adibi Seden met while working in downtown Mississauga at a Halal restaurant called Haze Lounge. Shaban started there in 2013, while Adibi Seden began in 2015.
Shaban says he and Adibi Seden began to build a good relationship, and the two attempted to strike out on their own in 2017 by opening a sister restaurant to Haze in North York. Although it didn’t work out, the two continued working within the industry, before trying again. He says they were looking at Waterloo, Cambridge and London before deciding that Guelph was where they wanted to be.
"Guelph's awesome, I'm happy that we chose here." says Shaban, "We just want to provide for the city and give them what they want at the end of the day."
To learn more about Level Resto Lounge, check out their Facebook page.
