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Bella Vita Reviews List

Bella Vita

Bella Vita is family owned and operated. Owners Henri & Shelley Najem take a hands-on approach to ensure the highest quality service to their customers. Everything from decor and design to the freshest, highest quality food products have been hand-picked by the Najems.
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81 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(81 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 81 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(36)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • scenic view(53)
  • great for outdoor dining(50)
  • special occasion(42)
  • neighborhood gem(41)
  • good for groups(29)
  • romantic(28)
Bella Vita Reviews List
Review 1 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sheer delight

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Love the remodeled patio for outdoor dining in cooler climates. Have only lived in Indianapolis four months but have been to your restaurant for years with friends during visits. Also love the expanded casual menu."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Check the website

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Reserved the for Mother's Day through open table because I was told it was a great restaurant. It was very busy and they seated us in good time. We ordered drinks and then the waitress directed us to the buffet as it was buffet only for Mother's Day. Didn't see this anywhere on open table or the restaurant when we entered. The price was 27 per plate and there were six in my party. It was a huge unexpected price and since it was mothersday my other options were very limited. My wife was excited for the treat so no other option but to choke on it and enjoy our time.
To be honest the food on the buffet was really not that good. My oldest daughter insists it is a great restaurant normally and I should try again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"As usual Bella Vita was an outstanding dining experience."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Live music, lake views, excellent food and service."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great night out

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"All in all this is a great spot for food and wine. Menu changes periodically so it never gets old and it had always been a nice getaway from life. Would highly recommend eating outside if the weather is nice!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

good food - poor service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Hostess told us right up front they were short staffed. Even though we had a reservation it took them 15 min to seat us. The waiter was not attentive to our table during our meal and it took at least 15 min for him to return the tab with my credit card."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wow, fresh new look, new menu,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wow, fresh new look, new menu, it really was great! So we are going back tonight and bringing 4 others with us.
I love the Basil martini,,
"
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 8 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The computers were down so

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The computers were down so service was very slow."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 9 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER !

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The overall experience was good but our waiter was absolutely stoic! Never had an experience with a server who never cracked a smile or showed any personality whatsoever! He seemed totally disconnected from his job as a waiter on this occasion. Made our birthday celebration a lot less enjoyable than it could have been. Food was good, table wobbly but the manager made it better. Waiter missed instructions on how to split the bill, and it was just 3 of us! I would go again but not accept this waiter as my server for sure."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Enjoyable!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was delicious, the service was quick, and the staff were very friendly and courteous. The atmosphere was perfect looking out over the water. I really like the idea of an open fire pit in the middle of the outer dinning area. Great place to dine for two, or for a large family outing. We especially enjoyed the menu for "Northside Nights". We will definitley be dinning there again."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Took advantage of special

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Took advantage of special menu as part of the Northside Nights promotion. Pleasantly surprised by the number of choices, enjoyed the blackened tilapia with risotto; the tilapia was seasoned just right and the risotto was good as well. Dessert was banana pudding, rich and creamy and a nice portion.Service was good, our server was attentive and friendly."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was good although ordered

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was good although ordered pesto penne pasta with shrimp...three tiny shrimp on top of pasta for $23.99.
Server seemed a bit overwhelmed...
"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 14 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Friendly and Delicious

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Everything was great! I had indicated when I made reservations that my family was coming to celebrate my husband's birthday and that was acknowledged and mention by the hostess when we arrived. We were early and had a drink at the bar while we waited. Our bartender was made us feel welcome. All of our dinners were delicious. Our waiter was very efficient. This was our first visit and we will return."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The only disappointment was

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The only disappointment was that I had made reservations and there was a 40 minute delay in seating us although we had made reservations. We were seated after folks coming in with no reservation."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 16 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Drinks were creative and good

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Drinks were creative and good but on the high side and no happy hour pricing. The food I had was tasty but portions are on the small side. Dessert was a sorbet but tasted like regular ice cream. Decent but nothing special. Overall not bad and the location, view and ambiance is pretty good."
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 17 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food and service were excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food and service were excellent as always."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 18 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding Food and Service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The steak and seafood dishes my wife and I ordered were excellent. The jumbo shrimp appetizer was excellent, and the sauce tasted just like famous St. Elmo's horseradish-based sauce. We were so pleased that we will be back soon and often."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 19 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We go to Bella Vita for special

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We go to Bella Vita for special occasions. The food and service is top notch. Love the view."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Reservations should matter.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food very good and service good. Did not enjoy the 45 minutes after our reservation time before being seated."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 21 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Valentine's Day dinner by the lake

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We have been Bella Vita fans for a long time. The location on the lake is wonderful and the food is excellent.
Shelly is a wonderful Hostess as are the staff.
We like the place.
"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 22 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Place to Eat

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great place to eat and the service was outstanding."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 23 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

I wasn't a big fan of the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I wasn't a big fan of the fact we had an 8:00 pm reservation and we weren't seated until 8:35. Also it seemed as if they were understaffed for a busy night such as Valentines Day. It took quite a while to get drinks and appetizer bread. I've always enjoying dining here but I wasn't as impressed as previous visits."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
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Review 24 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is a very good restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is a very good restaurant with a view of the water. We always enjoy eating here."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 25 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I had a reservation at 8:30.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I had a reservation at 8:30. We arrived and were told that they were running behind, but we could sit at the bar while waiting for our table. I left my cell phone number with the hostess so she could call me if we didn't hear our name called. 45 minutes later, we still hadn't been seated. I went to the hostess to ask about a table. She said she had forgotten about us. I had no missed calls on my phone. I understand being a little behind on Valentine's Day, but I was very unhappy with being forgotten.
When we finally got a table, the food and service was good.
"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
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Review 26 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Went on Valentine's Day. Staff

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Went on Valentine's Day. Staff tried hard, but they were definitely overbooked or understaffed for the day. We had a party of three, but were squished into a table for two, in the middle of an aisle and right in front of a stairway. Servers were constantly passing our table and bumping our chairs on all sides. I sat in front of the stairway and had to stand up a couple of times to allow employees to bring tables and chairs down from upstairs. Our food was good, but due to either the crowd or understaffing, was very slow. The server was very at tentative and apologetic. We had an early reservation (5:30 pm) and they were out of the "special" desert when we went to order. Have been to this restaurant many times and never this bad a experience"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
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Review 27 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Valentines Dinner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My husband and I did not have plans for Valentines days, and decided to go out that evening. We checked Open Table for and reservations that were still open for the evening and decided on Bella Vita. We were seated right away and that food was great. I was also please that on such a busy night for eating out that did not cram people in together, like we have had done before on previous Valentines dinners."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 28 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

It was Valentine's Day and

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was Valentine's Day and they massively overbooked. We waited about 45 minutes past our reservation time. And it was apparent, by the crowding, that they had added extra tables. They got our order wrong twice. And attentiveness to our needs at the table was non-existent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 29 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic all around!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I absolutely loved the experience we had! We went on a Wednesday the day before Valentine's Day, it was quiet and romantic other than one group being a little loud. The food was so great and I will definitely be coming back!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Bella Vita
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I went to Bella Vita for my

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I went to Bella Vita for my birthday on a Saturday night. This was my second time going, the first being New Year's Eve. I really like the ambiance, even though it's winter time and there isn't much going on outside in the marina!
The food is great, get the bruschetta(sp?) for an appetizer- they put a pretty generous slice of fresh mozzarella on there and bake it before adding the tomato bruschetta mixture. I ordered the scallops off the seafood section of the menu, they melt in your mouth. Everyone I was with had no complaints about what they ordered either.
It was a Saturday night so they seemed a little rushed, which is the only kind of negative thing I have to say about Bella Vita, but it's kind of expected on the weekends."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bella Vita
Based on the average of (51) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic