Symposium Café Restaurant & Lounge

620 Richmond St.
519-667-7000

Rating. 4/5
Price range. $8.95 – $18.95
Reservations. No
Business lunch. Yes
Lunch with co-workers. No
Social lunch. Yes

It is difficult for a restaurant to be all things to all people. Symposium might not have figured out its exact identity but it definitely serves great mussels.

Martini lounge, dessert café and coffee shop all describe this impressive location.

The Renaissance-inspired murals and marble tiling represent one of Richmond Row’s nicest decors.

I review the expansive menu of premium-priced salads, wraps, pizzas and pastas but the mussels’ special is irresistible. An enjoyable window-view occupies me during the long wait.

Much to my delight, aromatic Mussels Florentine ($9.95) arrives steaming hot. Rich pungent Asiago cheese and spinach is offset with lemon acidity.

The 20 orange mussels are tender and meaty and I can not get enough of the broth. Soft, butter-toasted ciabatta bread soaks it up and I hungrily spoon up the remainder.

For incredible European ambiance, and eclectic food and drink, take a vacation at Symposium.