Symposium Cafe Restaurant Alliston

I have been to other Symposium Cafe Restaurant locations many times. I am a big fan of their menu and food. When it came time to taking my brother out for brunch on his birthday, we thought that would be the perfect opportunity to check out the location in Alliston. This was by far my worst experience at a Symposium Cafe Restaurant. The service was slow- even though we were the only table in the whole restaurant. Our server Donna was far from a delight. We were sat, given menus and served water but then waited over 20 mins before we could place our order for food. She put down our food, immediately asked us if it was good and then I assume went for another smoke break. She did not refill our drinks even once. Once we tracked her down I asked for the bill. I paid the bill and we sat for a few minutes enjoying the small brownie they offer to celebrate birthdays. Donna then came back to us, put her hand on my shoulder and started asking me if I was familiar with restaurant etiquette in Canada. I found this to be very offensive as I was born and raised here. She was referring to the tip I left- which I felt was generous for the service she provided. This was extremely inappropriate. I wish I said something but was taken aback and didn't want to ruin my brothers birthday.

In our opinion. The best restaurant in Alliston!. From the food to the service, and our server, Dianne ( was the best!). We will definitely be returning!

Awesome fresh food and Diane our server was amazing

Place is nice inside and service was good. Came with my kids for dessert only and we were very disappointed. Says online they are a dessert place but after my first time prob be the last. Ordered a chocolate fudge sundae and a croissant dessert they had . The sundae was French vanilla ice cream which was freezer burned and for 8$ was barely 2 scoops of ice cream and the chocolate fudge tasted like no name table sirop chocolate. The croissant dessert wasn't better, the actual croissant part was good the rest was gross kids wouldn't eat anything but outer pastry, it comes filled with some sort of cream cheese or filling of some sort which when I tasted it was very bitter and hard and tasted almost rancid but not 100% sure or not. Server was quick and nice . Dessert was gross don't want to imagine dinner.we won't be back.

Elena was beyond friendly and amazing service.

Diane and Donna were amazing for our large group of 20+ ! Thank you!

Donna and Diane were amazing - thanks for taking such great care of our large group

We had a great mother’s day breakfast! The staff are all nice and friendly specially our server. Food was great! Highly recommend this place!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just left and had a wonderful experience. I saw that kids even got to eat for free today! They have a lot of good specials and the staff is always fantastic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The staff are lovely and the atmosphere inside is so cozy; love this place!

Service: 5

Diane K she was our service she is amazing, funny, friendly, have a warming welcoming spirit and full of vibes, I took my boyfriend for his birthday and he really enjoyed the environment and the food, the environment is layback and relaxing. Beautiful painting all around the restaurant. You get a fine dining feelings.

Parking: Lots of parking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Salad

Rob was the severe he was so nice and made sure we were well taken care of

Parking: We are at the Alliston location

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger

Diane K. Was so lovely with us. Friendly, detail oriented, got everything right, and she’s worked here a long time so she must be a well loved and valued team member! Will be back.

Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp from parking lot and push button door

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Diane K is the absolute best and sweetest server. So attentive and fun!! Love her!! Best server in the restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rob and Donna were both awesome

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5