Symposium Cafe Restaurant Oshawa

My team scheduled lunch here because their site and menu suggested that they could accommodate for dietary restrictions. I let the server know I had celiac disease and couldn’t have wheat and ordered the only non-salad gluten-free entree they had, a rice pasta alfredo. My entree came with wheat bread on it. When I brought it to the server’s attention, she said she’d replace it… but brought the same dish with the bread removed. Eventually, it was properly replaced - I think! - but this resulted in eating ~20 minutes after my colleagues who all said they thought the meal should be comp’ed. It wasn’t; in fact, I was charged extra! The standard fettuccine dish is 17.49, same as the rice pasta one, and added chicken makes it 23.99. I was charged a full $7 for added chicken. My bill also denoted a standard fettuccine meal rather than a gluten-free one, which is now having me concerned that my inattentive server may have triggered my celiac symptoms (time will tell!). The food was only okay; the first plate of pasta had Parmesan while the second didn’t, and I was offered zero drink refills.

When you are looking for a breakfast spot in North Oshawa Symposium may not come to mind immediately but I encourage you to give this restaurant a try - spacious seating options, attentive servers, breakfast menu items to please all tastebuds and refreshing drink options. Patrons are not crammed into a small dining area and you have enough space to have a leisurely meal without bumping into your dining neighbours, which makes the atmosphere very inviting. We liked all the food preparation but it tends to border on greasy spoon instead of a more eclectic and personalized menu preparation style. Their fruit only smoothies are worth a mention and a refreshing start to the morning or brunch experience. They have gluten free options which is always a plus for us. Service was attentive and happy to make requested substitutions. Service was always delivered with a smile and staff were overall pleasant and welcoming. We expect that this location will start to get a lot busy in the days and months ahead as word spreads so visit soon and often.