I normally do not do this whole review thing but in this case, it’s pretty necessary! The service was not good. The food was TERRIBLE. I have been to the symposium cafe in Elfrida, Brantford, and now this one. The Elfrida one was ok, brantford one was terrible, but I wanted to give this one a shot as it’s been a year or two since I’ve been to one, totally regret it. This one was THE WORST out of all of the ones I’ve been to. The spinach dip was awful, the worst I’ve ever had, they topped the “slop” off with a good ole “melted” slice of Kraft singles cheese, as you can see in the pictures I was able to pick it right up without it falling apart lol, pita chips were ok. Anyway, we did not finish that, $16 trash. Our mains arrived, I ordered the chicken bacon club, chicken was soooo dry, I almost choked. My husband ordered a burger with fries, pictured is uncooked ground beef (maybe cat food?‍♀️), now I know it’s not going to kill you (maybe) but for the price your paying, ummm it better be cooked, but nope, not here. My husband said the fries were still raw in the middle as well. After all this, we received our bill of $72 (plus we tipped $5), an absolute waste of $77, they need to hire a new cook or send them back to training, so beyond unimpressed with this expensive, terrible excuse of a restaurant. We definitely will not be going to ANY symposium cafe again, especially this one. Mind blown that they are still in business to be honest. Save your money and go somewhere else.
Service
Dine in
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1

Symposium on Wilson Street in Ancaster is a great little spot to eat whether on the patio, in the main dining area or at a high top in the bar area. The meals are reasonably priced with generous but not overwhelming portions. Checkout the daily lunch and dinner specials as well as the early bird breakfast menu. This restaurant is clean and cozy(not too huge) with great service. Our server, Trish, definitely made our lunch experience a delight with her engaging conversations which were spiced with wit and humour, and her spot on recommendations. I had a Chicken Caesar Wrap with sweet potato fries(cooked to perfection) which was delicious and my husband had an enormous bowl of soup with the Mediterranean Salad…good to the very last mouthful. We each had a Barrelshed Amber Ale craft beer and I had a dessert to go. The manager stopped by to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. It was fabulous and I highly recommend a visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fries, Salad
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Located in a strip plaza with unlimited free parking.

Have been here several times and always loved it. Not sure what has happened but it was absolutely disgusting. Spinach dip tasted like hot Mayo with spinach. Bruschetta was hard and soggy at the same time. Also ordered two quesadillas. One came out cut into about 20 pieces with little to no toppings. The second one came out about 5 mins later cut into 4 also no toppings. Took a bite out of it and had it sent back. We were then informed by the waitress that it was then put back onto the grill and had more cheese added and came back out with the bite missing piece. This is absolutely disgusting. I can’t even begin to imagine what else Is being “ put back” on the grill. I would absolutely not recommend this place to anyone anymore. Which is unfortunate because I used to love this place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Came with the wife for some dinner, drinks and dessert. We sat out on the patio as the weather was nice, they had music outside which made the experience more pleasant. The service was quick and polite, our servers name was Sid, he was very friendly and quick, always checking if everything was ok and if we needed anything else. Fairly big menu for a cafe style location, lots of tasty food choices, drinks and deserts. The food and drinks were great, desert and coffee topped it off for a great evening out. I recommend the place, the prices are decent and extensive menu selection topped with good atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Decent enough food but kind of expensive. The restaurant was slammed when we were in there so I’m sure that affected a lot of what was going on. Sort of annoyed I paid full price for a burger when there was a burger special on. I didn’t see the sign until I left but you’d think the server would mention that. Again, could have been due to the high traffic in the restaurant at the time. Server was decent but super busy. My wife had the zucchini noodles, which she said were bland, but honestly that’s what you get for ordering zucchini noodles.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

My friend and I have enjoyed going to Symposium for a bimonthly breakfast for over a year. Last time the breakfast was quite bad and we were told they were training a new chef. Yesterday was not good at all. We waited quite a long time for our food and then both omelettes were thin and flat and the ingredients added were big chunks. My Mediterranean omelette had one olive a chunk of tomato and two tiny bits of zucchini. I think they forgot the cheese. I could taste the singe of the pan. Sadly we have decided to move along. Servers are always lovely but $20 for inedible breakfast. No thanks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

The atmosphere of this place was great, with Beautiful art murals from Botticelli and Raphael all over the walls. The service was very good and we didn't have to wait at all. I ordered the California Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Potato fries- the fries were delicious, but the sandwich itself tasted somewhat bland and the guacamole used on it did not taste fresh. I wasn't impressed with the taste for the price. However, my friend got the bruschetta flatbread, and it was incredibly delicious. I feel like certain menu items are excellent and others aren't, but it would be pretty expensive to figure out which ones are good.

We dined here as a family after our grandson's music recital. We were warmly welcomed and seated promptly. The menu was varied and accompanied all tastes. The food was most enjoyable. Our server, Emaan, was personable and attentive. We will dine here again.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Calamari, Fish & Chips
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Lots.
Kid-friendliness
Kids ate free on Sunday.

Presentation of the French Onion soup was messy, food along the side of the bowl, for the price you pay for this restaurant, make an effort to make the dish look a little neater. The steak however was fantastic. And the customer service was excellent. So we had a blast. We didn't feel crowded on the patio. Felt very comfortable. A++. Seriously should be 5/5 stars if it wasn't for the lack of attention to presentation. Still had a good time. Nice atmosphere enhanced by wonderful A++ customer service.

The food was not very good. The eggs were overcooked, and the bacon was very fatty. Not only that, but the server we had was very rude. I asked her for another pot of hot water for my tea because I said the first pot was cold. Her reply was well I’m not going home to boil the kettle. I think that was extremely rude and I will not be going back there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Very nice restaurant venue with high vaulted ceilings. Two out of three dishes we ordered were disappointed in their presentation & ratio of food. My friend order the steak bites & it came with fries...very expensive for a few little bites of meet & plain fries. See photos.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Olivia g was my server, she was amazing and on top of it!! Excellent service and got our food out quickly. She even helped my son clean his dessert he spilled everywhere. Lovely inside and out, the atmosphere, the food, the drinks & the lovely people working!!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari, Carrot Cake, Fries, Salad

Chairs need reupholstered. Dark. Appetizer Spinach dip salty beyond. Mediterranean salad lacked value. Although waiter brought additional toppings. Feta cheese crumbled beyond recognition. Butter chicken poutine appetizer three bite size pieces of chicken for 19.95. Value minimalistic. 5pm and empty. Now know why.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1

I really enjoyed my dinner at Symposium. I ordered the French Onion Soup to start and the Portuguese Chicken for the main dish. Both were quite tasty. I also had the Sky High Carrot Cake for dessert and had to take half of it home, it was that big. Our server was attentive and friendly. The restaurant was nicer on the inside than I imagined it would be from driving by it. Overall, a delicious dinner and a nice evening out. Recommended!

Friday night special....50% of a bottle of EXCELLENT Ripasso. Yum. Our server Sid was attentive and charming. Fish and chips was well-prepared in a light breading....delicious. We will be back for sure.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Fish & Chips
Parking options
Free parking lot

Want good food? Good value? and GREAT service? This is the place to come. Came in for breakfast today, the value for money (Early bird special) is amazing, the breakfast potatoes are a must. And if you want the best server in the world ask for Trish. Enough said, go there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We came for a late night bite to eat and have to say we were greeted with such warmth and friendliness from the hostess/server Zoe! She was fantastic!! The manager Chandan was also so accommodating in that he actually made our meals as the kitchen had already closed!! The honey garlic wings and spinach dip was top notch and the atmosphere was amazing!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We went in for tea and left having had some delicious flatbread and ice cold summer style drinks. Lovely service from Sid who made sure we knew the specials and without pressure steered us to an afternoon snack. I highly recommend this restaurant!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Olivia provided great service. Fish/chips delicious, nice and dry. Pesto flat bread was also delicious. The AC was on so it was a bit chilly in the restaurant, thus the 4 for atmosphere. Great value.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Fish & Chips

Great place to start your Sunday ️ Nice food. Quick service. Eggs Benedict is perfect ❗️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$60–70
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
A lot of parking space on plaza.

We totally enjoyed our dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Excellent Vegetarian Pad Thai and Chicken Quesadilla. The two desserts were superb! Our server, Zoe, was pleasant and friendly. We are definitely going back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I just paid $12 for a milkshake...no booze, just milk & ice cream. I mean, it was a good milkshake but I can get one anywhere else for $5-$6, not sure why it's so much more here. Special milk? Who knows...
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

I decided to give them another try after they forgot to feed me a few years ago. The service was attentive.. I ordered stir fry steak. It looked and tasted like a botched science experiment. Back to the no fly zone for you.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Very disappointing food. Waffles were cold. The ham was tough and flavourless. The eggs had a funny taste. My spouses burger didn’t even look like real meat ? It was mushy. Would never go back here.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Came in this afternoon for a late lunch. We were seated for about 20 mins and watched 3 different servers walk by our table with no acknowledgement. No water or anything. It was not busy at all. As we stood to leave, one server actually thanked us for coming ‍♀️
Service: 1

Nice lunch date with my niece; we did get bothered several times asking how the food was (I typically just like being asked once). Servers were kind and friendly! Bathroom vents were broken which made it really uncomfortable and hot but they were trying their best to make it better. More

Awesome atmosphere. Very relaxed and comfortable. I've had Vanessa as a server a few times now and she has been great! Would highly recommend!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Caroline was super sweet and quick with our service today! Food was delicious! Photo is of the butter chicken poutine. Full of flavor, great portion size. Wonderful visit ☺️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–40

A large, varied menu and the food was pretty good. Our server was wonderful. Prices aren't bad, but the atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired – it felt like a warehouse with some ambient lighting.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

Probably the worst experience I’ve ever had in a restaurant. I’ve worked in the industry for 10 years and still work in the industry to this day and have never experienced something like this. Starting off, once seated we waited at least 15

My dining experience was so pleasant. Lots of parking space, and the washrooms are roomy and clean. The interesting focus is the decor--so relaxing; the wall paintings are breathtaking. The triple grilled cheese and calamari tray was served

My family and I enjoyed an exceptional brunch at Symposium today all because of our server, Shannon! She carried herself with a high regards of respect, compassion, and professionalism. She was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided

This restaurant is a very clean and family oriented place. The food and portions are amazing. The service (Waiter Sid) was very tentative to my dietary needs and ensured my order was accurate. Highly recommend for even even just a simple

I come here with my family everytime I'm in town and it never disappoints. The food is wonderful and the portion sizes are great quality for what you pay. At the most recent visit, Emaan was our server and she was so lovely! Attentive,

Shannon our server, was amazing! She made our experience at Symposium truly wonderful! The food, the ambiance, and the culture was delightful, lively, and accommodating. Thanks for making our experience a great one Shannon! More

I usually don’t like to post bad reviews but my experience here for a Sunday breakfast was not great. My friend and I came to dine in at 10:30am for breakfast and mimosas. We were

Wow! What a large selection on the menu. We sat on the patio. Was nice but close to a busy road. The food was great. Had the pad thai with chicken. The server was very nice :) More

Very disappointing experience. I ordered the smoked salmon Benedict. I had difficulty seeing the salmon under my poached eggs. The English muffins were not even toasted.

I was celebrating my 50th birthday with my good friend. Emaan was very kind, curteous and attentive to our needs. More

I visit Symposium regularly, it is a favourite of mine. It has also become a favourite of people I brought there.