Symposium in New York
Site: http://www.symposiumnyc.com/
- Monday:12–9PM
- Tuesday:12–9PM
- Wednesday:12–9PM
- Thursday:12–9PM
- Friday:12–9PM
- Saturday:12–9PM
- Sunday:12–9PM
Symposium in other cities:
Most important tip you can get about this place: GET THE CHEESE. Its on fire. And its so good. The ambiance is nice and service on top. Food was okay but I will stop by again definitely for the cheese (see picture... 🔥 mmm)
The worst lamb souvlaki in New York. The vegetables were watered down. The Tsaziki sauce is extremely over priced at $9. Terrible service overall. There’s much better turkish food if you’re looking to spend on an overpriced meal here.
One of the best gyros Ive had in my life. Other half of the plate was a heaping salad that kept me satisfied and full.
Love eating here! Food is good and the owner/staff are lovely.
Service is very nice but food is terrible. Everything was terrible
A cozy gem of a restaurant where the walls and ceilings are covered in art. The food and wine never fail to restore me. Ambiance cant be beat for an evening of warm conversation with friends. Has kept an honored spot for over ten years in the close circle of cafes and restaurants in the city that I trust to never let me down.
Really amazing, authentic, greek food. One of the few places in the neighborhood unchanged from my childhood and one of my favorite places to eat in the world. The sampler and the lamb, the flaming cheese and delicious sangria, you cant go wrong.In the summer, they have an outdoor garden in the back that is lovely and there is a giant table inside where you can sit next to other people. Great for large or small groups, families.
Its a pretty nice place for dinner. I wasnt a fan of the kebab but the gyros usually hit the spot. The folks are reasonable and its a good spot to bring your date as well. Its not the most noticeable as its slightly sunken but good for Greek/Mediterranean food, especially near Columbia University.
This place has an amazingly friendly staff, great atmosphere and fantastic food.
Best Greek food Ive ever had, lovely people, excellent service! Safe, friendly, delicious. Highly recommend!!
Symposium has been around for ages. If you venture out on a warm evening, walk in and go straight towards the kitchen, pass through into their secret garden in back! Its covered and theyve arranged old radiators around to warm it against the evening chill. Their appetizers are their best feature in my humble opinion. Its typical for customers to go into a Greek restaurant and look at the food in the kitchen before you order. Do that! Wines are nothing special but they arent expensive either. Take a bunch of friends and have fun.
Tasty Greek food! The portions are pretty large and the owner is very nice.
A holdover from at least the 70s, this place is notable for its amazing murals & paintings (by one artist) and its loooooong communal table . Its authentic Greek food has only gotten better over the years. The waitstaff is crusty, funny, and supercompetent. Its a great place to have long, conversation-rich meals.
Nice cozy place. The waiter was very kind and helpful. The food was great, definitely get the Saganaki cheese – fantastic. The prices were also reasonable and we got a 10% discount for paying cash instead of by card. Definitely a pleasant place to go for lunch or dinner.
Authentic Greek restaurant with great Greek Beer!Come and see.
Nice spinach dishes, good chicken, amazing lamb, extraordinary cheese (Get the Saganaki over chicken.) but what truly makes Symposium stand out is the people. The family that owns it has been here forever. The experience is their gift to you. The answer to every request is, “Of course,” with a smile and a wink. It’s beyond the standard “good service”. For an hour and a half . . . you’re family.And don’t forget to get baklava to go for everybody who likes sweet things.
Great Greek food. Authentic. Maybe a little too authentic. The booths are kinda small and the menu isnt the easiest to decipher but the food is excellent. Havent had a bad experience yet. Owners are always around and come to say hello. Definite family vibes.
Oh my Lord. This place does not deserve to have even one star. In the very beginning, we were shocked by the quality of hummus that my friend and I got as an appetizer. Any hummus from Whole Foods would taste better. My friend ordered roast lamb and I got chicken combo. The lamb was very smelly and did not closely look tasty. I am quite sure that my moms Scottish fold would not approach it closer than 1 feet. The chicken was just alright, but maybe it was just because the lamb was absolutely horrible. Waste of time and money. Please, dont humiliate your appetite - do not come to this place for food.
The service was great. The food was amazing. I had the combo gyro and lamb souvlaki with an extra skewer of the pork souvlaki and ate every bit of it. The homemade pita bread is also delicious, I will definitely be back.
I love nothing more than a psychedelic relic, and I always imagine that Greek hippies opened this place in 1968. Comfort food is good. No pretentions nor conspicuous consumption... just hope the good folks rediscover the place.
Real Greek food with very friendly staff. The portions are large enough for two people to split and still have food left over. Very well prepared and delicious.
Exactly what you would expect in a true Greek restaurant, hospitable, friendly and very welcoming...oh and phenomenal Tzatziki! Owner was also an absolute gentleman, made us feel like we were visiting family!
My shrimp santorini was 1-star but my wifes moussaka was 3 stars, plus the pita and appetizer plate were 5-star and the space and service were old-school and fun, so... Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars. The sides for both of us were embarrassing canned peas and green beans, over-cooked, plus white rice and a boiled potato. Really? Thats the best you could do? But there is a vintage charm about the place.
This food is not worth to be called greek. I am coming from Greece, I know what I am talking about. Worse Greek food I have ever had!! And way too expensive for the bad quality you get. Its an exploitation of people who have no idea how greek food normally tastes like!
Very good Greek food. The staff are attentive and friendly, and if you come more than twice they will remember you (or at least they remembered me) If its your first time you have to try the flaming cheese (saganaki). I recommend the stuffed (with feta and spinach) flounder and the Greek salad (which is big enough to share). The house red wine (from Greece) is good. If you havent completely overeaten (or even if you have) the Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts or the galactaburiko (sp? Its Filo dough filled with cheese and soaked in honey) are both terrific desserts. The restaurant is in the middle of a block of attached row houses (they were built as houses but now theyre small multi tenant apartment buildings or student housing), in the lower floor (2-3 steps below street level) of one of these dwellings. It is a Columbia neighborhood institution, its been there at least since the early 1980s. I miss the hand drawn cartoon menus...
The people were friendly, but the food was absolutely terrible. We got a chicken gyro and a chicken gyro/souvlaki combo platter. The chicken gyro had a disgusting processed chicken product in it that looked like a loaf that had been sliced and then cooked. The chicken souvlaki was exactly the same as the chicken gyro, but had maybe 4 or 5 pieces of actual chicken in it that seemed to have been cooked long ago. It was so tough and dry I could barely bite through it. Will certainly never return.
Im half Greek, so am picky about my Greek food. I have to be honest and say that the food here is among the worst Ive had. The problem seems to be that they use cheap ingredients, and it shows. The Greek salad, for example, was made with wilted iceberg (!) lettuce and tasteless, cold tomatoes. The chicken Saganacki was very salty and the chicken was chewy, like the kind you get at a bad Chinese take-out. Overall nothing here was appetizing and I couldnt wait to get out of there. If you want more impressive food, go to Kyclades in Astoria, Taverna Mykonos in Elmwood Park, NJ, or Anassa Taverna on East 60th street in Manhattan.
I hadnt been back to this Columbia University stalwart for at least two years, but recently went back and was very happy I did. The fish was fresh and tasty, and the yogurt with honey and walnuts for dessert was excellent. The 3 others with me were also very satisfied with their meals.
Worst experience that I ever had in a restaurant ! We got there we ordered they served us and after at least 20 minutes the waiter gave to everybody the checks without nobody asked for it , they said “I need to close the cashier” and it was 10 pm so I was feeling like they are kicking us out ! I didn’t had time to finish my plate so I took it to go ! They took my friends plate without asking and he wasn’t finished yet! Horrible ! We ordered Biftekia sharas the taste was just acceptable.....
Lol... this is the worst greek restaurant ever. I ordered hummus and roast lamb. The hummus was awful and did not look like it was made from scratch. The roast lamb was disgusting. Pure and simple. I refused to pay for it and I sent it back. My friend and I then left. The food is terrible. I cant believe people go to this place.
Hadnt been back since the beginning of the pandemic. Still as great as before: the only authentic restaurant around Columbia campus.
I really wanted to like this place but the portions were small, microwaved, bland and the service was indifferent at best! My experience was at lunch, so perhaps the dinner experience is better but that seems unlikely. I also was not impressed with the desserts, mine clearly was not fresh! I will not be returning.
My favorite tsatsiki ever with delicious warm pita. big fan of the chicken a la greco and the gyros as well. The flaming cheese is a popular one - always brought into the room with a big oppa! (the splendor is well justified once you bite into that delicious gooey cheese). The owner is incredibly warm and friendly - setting the tone for a great family establishment that keeps you coming back for more!
The menu is, and will always be, chaotically organized. but thats just part of the charm! the food is consistently good. my favorites are the pasticcio and the gyro platter. expect to see a columbia crowd there, especially for lunch.
This place has a special atmosphere that you dont find often in Manhattan. The anise tsiporo was excellent, and purportedly homemade in Greece. The owner was very congenial as well.
Weve been going there our whole lives. A perfect place for family meals. The best appetizer platters ever. May they live forever.
Greek home-style comfort food, the chef is out of this world and loves every detail, the service was so friendly and professional. They dont make them this way anymore in New York.
The food and atmosphere are so fantastic. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Some of the best greek food in the city.
Fun and friendly. Food is yummy. If you want to feel like youre having dinner at your best friends dads house, come here! Youll see what I mean when you eat there😊
Charming quiet Greek diner a few steps down from street level. Good food, friendly service. So much better than Toms.
This was a little bit of a let down. One dish was very good and another was mediocre. The service was disorganized for a place that he been in business since the Vietnam War. OK, but not great.
Authentic Geek food that was absolutely delicious. The staff treated our large group of 35 like family. I cant wait to go back.
Decent set of vegetarian options and nice desserts.
Cozy greek place with nice ambiance, friendly staff, and very good food. The pita bread and gyro platters are really good!
Fun and friendly owner. Very good Greek food and decent price. 20% discount on Thu for Columbia students. Ask for a Greek coffee
Hidden gem in the UWS. The owner is really sweet and the food is great.
Amazing hospitality, really great waiter that makes you feel right at home. The food is good too. Worth dropping in.
Excellent authentic Greek cuisine everything is prepared in house and you cannot beat the lunch specials
Nice Greek restaurant;. but food is on the salty side. Also, you have to like lamb to appreciate this restaurant. nice garden out back.
Good value student basement student pub located on frat row of Columbia University neighborhood.Very good Greek style Taramasalata.
Every dish we ordered was fantastic, particularly the lamb. Great for big groups!
Comfortable Greek restaurant with excellent food and courteous service.
Nice place, low key and friendly, fair prices, big portions but the food isnt super tasty. Edible.
I love this place and have been here since it opened.The waiter Tasos is the kindest and nicest and most generous in NY NY .Thanks, Neal H. Hurwitz
Amazing. I tried the symposium salad lunch special and it was fantastic. This place is best for lunch specials, since prices can be a bit high for the regular menu.
Family friendly place. We were absolutely pleased with the food. Very authentic. Great staff.
Very nice restaurant. Good service and good quality. I highly recommend the lamb and the classic Moussaka.
Loved it. Lamb, seafood & veggie dishes get a contemporary twist at this elegant Greek & Afghan restaurant.
All I had was a salad and it was incredible. Warm pita, great service and all around wonderful experience.
Dining there fo 50 years. Great greek food and wonderful staff.
Great place run by lively and lovely people. Whether you live souvlaki or galatabouriko, whatever you choose it will be plentiful, affordable and enjoyable!
Ok greek restaurant.. Nice homey vibe and decent food. The cheese in fire is great!
Low key, not super expensive Greek restaurant. Food is tasty.
Classic old school NYC Greek restaurant. Wonderful staff makes you feel like family every time.
This is the best Greek restaurant in so far that weve got
Visited for the first time 40 years ago while in school. Still eating there...
With service from pros like Tazios, and the best flaming cheese in town I love this place. After 19 years, I still keep coming back...
Very not impressed by this place. I feel like I couldve gotten better Greek from the deli.
The people were very friendly, but the food was pretty gross and looked like it wasnt freshly prepared at all.
Great service. Was pretty low key on a Thursday evening and was a nice location for socializing while eating.
Great food. Great service!! Ask for Tasos the best guy. Highly recommended!
Very boring joint. Dim lighting. Archaic systems. No payment receipts. Extremely laid back. Okay staff
Friendly staff and great food. If you are in the neighborhood, the Symposium is not to be missed.
Old standby can count on good food modestly priced quiet can talk to people
Has been here for 30 years and still serves great food with an outside garden as a real plus.
The symposium is a fixture of morningside heights. not to be missed by the eons of barnard/columbia grads who reminisce over grape leaves and moussaka.
Everything is amazing, from the staff to the food.This is my new favorite place.
Good food, and good service. The lunch special is worth it!
Less of a fancy restaurant and more like visiting Grandma and having her cook for you.
One of the better places on the uws for home style greek eats.
Ive literally been coming to Symposium since before I was born. I will return so long as we both exist.
Cozy space with friendly staff and a nice gyro plate.
Family operated, authentic Greek cuisine
Goood food. Columbia intellectuals with vivacious dialogues.
So amazing food and friendly atmosphere
No ventilation during covid
Authentic, old school, standards done right. The Place for Greek on the UWS
Basic greek, basically just fine, serving students for generations.
The food and atmosphere are both nice
Love it
So not Greek. Do not recommend
I eat at this restaurant whenever Im in NYC & have for over 30+ years!
Great food and ambience
Great
Good food and good prices
Gyros and spanakopita are awesome
Healthy, Delicious, Simple...Greek!
The sahanakis (scorched cheese) is not to be missed
Excellent service and food.
The Food is very good
Great service and food.
Hair in the food. Rude personnel.
Old fashioned , diner looking restaurant
Very nice
Good food
Good place to hang out with friends
The server was very nice.
Food is great!
Hasnt changed much in 30 years.
Excellent food.
Not bad actually
Awesome
Lovely
Always a hit!
Wonderful place!
Delicious food
Great service
Great Greek restaurant, authentic, with generous portions. Very affordable prices, especially in New York. The owner is very friendly, and very nice. A super nice address to do and redo.
I liked the greek food, good location, close to the university
Good and abundant food, nice and discreet place.
O-Pah
Good attention
See and good
Total reviews rating 4.2
133 Reviews for Symposium 2023:
Review №1
2022-02-22So it was my first time eating at a Greek restaurant and it was with a big group of around 16. The owner was super nice to us, so we got to try the pita bread and a light dish for free. Everything was really good :) love their chicken gyro!
Review №2
2022-05-13We had lunch. The dishes are pretty big, sharing a small symposyum as an appetizer and asking a souvlaki lamb then, I was completely full, even though I was pretty hungry. Anastasio, the server, makes you feel like you’re in a truly greek restaurant, given his knowledge of each dish and his greek soul. My brother and his girlfriend ordered a chicken gyro platter each, which was also really big and yummy. We were three and spent a total of $67. I’ll definitely come back.
Review №3
2021-11-19Cheap fast-food quality for nice restaurant prices. The meal actually made me laugh because it was so underwhelming and overpriced. The vegetarian plate pictured below was $14.95….for unseasoned steamed vegetables and a quarter of a potato. The Kapama was $30.00 wasted.
Review №4
2021-03-30Ive been eating at Symposium for 29 years - at least once a year and, on many years, multiple times. My favorite Greek restaurant anywhere. You must must get the mixed-salad appetizer. Along with the warm pita that comes with it - I can eat this dish any day, every day!
Review №5
2021-04-10The food was the best and most authentic Greek food around. Tasos was an outstanding host. It was like having a meal by an old friend!
Review №6
2018-09-20I loved this place. The staff treated us so well and the food was so amazing. My husband and I both got the beef gyro combo plate and it was awesome. They put literal pieces of steak in it, which is so good. Also, I love the inside of the restaurant--I think it looks cool. Highly recommend this place if you like good Greek/Mediterranean food.
Review №7
2021-07-22Great food, and their service is even better. Just like having dinner in grandmas house.
Review №8
2021-11-22Probably not a surprise when you walk into this almost empty place that the service is disinterested and the food is even less so. We ordered a spanakotiropita, which was so soggy that we asked for it to be re-baked. When it returned, it was edible. The peasant salad was also edible, which is a compliment. Then onto the souviaki, tough meat,but mushy overcooked vegetables. As I said, the empty tables reflect the general opinion of this neighborhood. The wine...fairly cheap, and even cheaper tasting. Oh well.
Review №9
2018-03-09I love this place, very cozy. The waiter is so nice with great service. I tried several food but I am not a big fan of olive, so I ask them not put olive every time.
Review №10
2021-05-10BEST Greek food in NYC! Service is amazing. We never come to NYC without going to this place! the Greek sangria is amazing, the flaming cheese is awesome too! So much flavor, the atmosphere is cozy and you can feel the love when you walk into there.