Oakville's Oakville's Symposium Cafe, opened up in late summer, so they have had a more then enough time to iron out the kinks. It is a bistro in the truest sense. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner without the white linen but at comfortable booths or two seater tables - which are gathered together for larger groups. The owners took an interesting take on the meaning of Symposium, which in ancient Greece meant "to drink together". This explains the very large bar fitted out with 3 large flat screens. Large frescos inspired by Greek, Roman, and European art lining the upper walls. It really doesn't feel like a franchise - but rather an independent establishment whose owners were willing to put their money into the atmosphere.
Now is this a fine dining establishment - no. So the expectation is that I get a decent meal, in a reasonable time, served hot by a server who understands what they are serving in an atmosphere that is interesting. They delivered. The meal was good - not great. I had an Italian flat bread with Pesto chicken, artichokes layered with goat cheese. The chicken was pre-cooked so once they put it under the broiler it dried out, and a corner was burned. The flavour combination was good. My friend had a Banquet Burger with specific instructions to make the bacon crispy and a side of fries. The bacon was crispy, the burger patty was large but processed and the fries where institutional.
The menu prices range from $4.45 for a bowl of soup to $22.95 for BBQ pork ribs with coleslaw and fries. A cup of coffee is $2.95 and a large piece of carrot cake (easily does for two) for $8.50. The portions are generous. You will not walk away hungry.The menu prices range from $4.45 for a bowl of soup to $22.95 for BBQ pork ribs with coleslaw and fries. A cup of coffee is $2.95 and a large piece of carrot cake (easily does for two) for $8.50. The portions are generous. You will not walk away hungry.
So for the first sit down cafe with table service to make it to Upper Middle & Third Line, Symposium Cafe & Restaurant delivers the goods. It is busy, friendly, visually interesting and the food is tasty. Hopefully, as this chain continues to grow - the owners will put a little more effort into proper cooking times so that their food is as good as their staff. Would I recommend it - yup!
