I'm happy to update this review since we've had a favorable experience since the last time. Honestly, they do a beautiful job with Greek food. Service has been erratic as I've written before. This time all went well! We came with friends as a party of four. They were reluctant to see us outside initially, but it was a lovely 76° evening and we did not regret that choice and appreciate that they were willing to do that. The food was delicious. We had a pizza, moussaka and pastitcio. Service was excellent and our food was served at the correct temperature. It was a lovely evening! read more

See all

WOW FACTOR? Yes. The lemon rice soup is so delicious. Excellent service from Bertha! HAVE AGAIN: Lamb chops with rices were so good. Just wonderful. I love eating here. read more

Excited to enjoy a meal with the family here. We have been ordering pizzas from here for many years. They have some delicious choices and we love it. They allow you to order the day before to have it ready when they open, which is great service! Ambiance is intimate and dim lighting with table seating. They have a large space and lots of overflow seating. Great spot to try Greek food and some phenomenal pizza! read more

See all

Love the pizza, lamb chops, scallops, etc. all delicious. Great for families. We are always satisfied

Symposium is a true gem -- classic Greek cuisine that's increasingly rare to find in the Sacramento area. I've tried a wide variety of their dishes over the years and you really can't go wrong. My personal favorite is the dolmathes -- flavorful, comforting, and done right every time. My partner is a big fan of their moussaka, and it's become a family favorite spot for a reason. The atmosphere has that warm, familiar feel that makes you want to settle in, and the food always arrives fresh and full of flavor. Only downside? Sundays are pizza only -- but to be fair, their pizza is solid too. If you're anywhere near Davis and craving authentic Greek food, Symposium should be at the top of your list. read more

This is under rated. I had the Greek pizza (their specialty) and a house salad. My pal had the lamb (wonderfully cooked). It's a Greek flavor profile on their pizzas which make them unique. The crust sort of reminded me of the Pizza Hut crust that is crispy and buttery on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. It's not exactly like that, but similar. Very good. As others have said, this is pizza you can eat with a fork and is loaded with toppings. I hear this place has been open for over 30 years. My family has been going here for at least that long. Lots of wonderful family memories here. I usually like to support local business, and this is one the community can take pride in. It's a great place. The Environment however is a little too low-key and divey for today's standards in suburbia. Much different than your typical modern pizza or Greek place, but that's cause it's not a chain and not supported by outside investment. It's all about the good food and friendly family service. As a designer, I have to completely turn my blinders on to the ambiance and environment. The interior lighting is atrocious! If they could figure out an affordable solution to fixing up the dining area and bathrooms, they would have a game changer and more people giving higher ratings. Best of luck, but this type of restaurant is a dying breed. read more

Symposium is consistent and great quality. We love their pizza and it is unique compared to other pizza spots in Davis.

The first time I came here the food was great. This time it started off with a lemon rice soup which was great. The spanakopita was too flaky and the spinach inside which is supoosed to melt in your mouth instead tasted disappointing. The rice pilaf was good and the meatballs were seasoned well but the red sauce was too sweet and the broccoli basically tasted plain having no seasonings to it. Honestly, it was disappointing and I felt let down. read more

Love the pizza and salad. It's a bit distance from the downtown UC Davis but well worth it. Cheers

Order here at least twice a month! Best pizza in town, Greek style! Location is not good at all, but they have been there since forever ago, at least 30 years ago, I would say that they are still around says something about their food read more

Symposium is a true gem. I've been coming here since I was a small child for decades ago. Same weird and wonderful wall art, set up, and vibes. Classy and unknown enough for a chill date, or small family get together. Classy but not at all pretentious. The pizza style is a unique Greek focaccia style and unmatched in any pizza I've tried near or abroad. My go-to is pepperoni-feta-well done with a pleasant salad. Everything is pretty good though. Like most good pizza, the crust is the selling point. It's in a different ballpark than other pizzas, like comparing apples to pomegranates. It's been occasionally underdone in recent years so asking for well done seems to get the texture just right. Being back the New York seltzer and I might die of happiness. They close in the afternoons so plan your siesta accordingly. read more

Was passing through Davis and wanted pizza. Saw this place and let me tell you the food didn't disappoint. There was plenty of toppings on the pizza, the crust was amazing. The staff was very friendly, and the place was clean. Would definitely come back here again. read more

Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House - Nico Special! - Pizza Near Me - Davis, California

See all

Actually the best pizza place in Davis. Somewhat of a hidden gem and I hope they get plenty of business to stay open forever. You really can't go wrong but the Niko's is the best. All their dips are fantastic too but get some extra pita to be safe. Interior is cool and it's definitely a staple in town. Everyone there is great too from the chefs to the servers to the hosts. read more

Most amazing pizzas!!! Love their peasant salad too. Have been in Davis a very long time and I hope they remain for many years to come!

*** Vegetarian Review *** You wouldn't think anything of this place by the looks of the shopping center. Grocery Outlet, Goodwill, Dollar Tree, and a laundry mat ... the value-quadruplet of stores and then there's Symposium. Plenty of shared parking with inside and outside seating, this place has the best pizza in town. Yeah, they have a full menu of soups/salads, Greek classic appetizers and main dish specialities, but in the 10+ years I've been coming here, I've never found a need to order anything else beyond pizza. Would I Come Back Test? Heck yeah. When we have visitors and they think, "hey, this is a college town. Let's order pizza." Sorry Woodstock's, Symposium is our go-to place to show off the town. Comparisons: There are none. Nothing compares to their crust. It's almost like eating a pastry pie. 3 Tips for First-Timers: 1) Pizzas can take up to 45-60 minutes to order (non-Covid times) so think ahead. 2) They have two separate eating areas inside -- a good place to hold a large party for graduations or birthday parties. 3) Outside seating is available Large #18, Vegetarian Special ($20.99, Grade A+): All the regular veggies; mushrooms, green peppers, olives, onions, and fresh-sliced tomatoes placed on the pizza after it comes out of the oven. The difference is the crust that lays the foundation to elevate all these ordinary ingredients to an extra ordinary bite. It's like no other pizza I've tried. Just like Detroit Style pizza has a unique quality, this ... dare I say "Greek Style" pizza has no rivals. It's more like a really savory pastry crust ... possibly very lightly buttered to add flavor, but I can't attest to it. Has a pan-style feel, but only if the pan-style pizza was made by a baker and not a pizzeria. If you can, eat it there. There is a difference. Eating in allows the crust to remain crunchy. Taking it home, the steam from the closed pizza box doesn't do the crust any favors texturally, but the flavor remains intact. I enjoy the light layer of red sauce on the pizza and they always cook the pizza long enough so the cheese gets a nice darkened color. Not quite burned, but a few minutes more and it would turn to the burn-side. Just a delicious pizza and a large can easily feed 3 adults. Bottom Line: High quality and a unique pizza. Once you've had Symposium, you quickly realize there are different levels of pizza. The kind of stuff you get on the corner to just satisfy your pizza cravings and the kind you invite your family and friends to eat as a meal. read more

See all

The pizza here is the best in town, and it's not close at all. Their crust is almost like a mix of focaccia and pizza dough, and it's such a stark difference between their thick, lightly oiled crust versus a dry piece of cardboard rind that I'd just end up tossing. I recommend their Niko, Max, or Spicy Greek. Their three in-house dips are also so addictive and fresh, I keep changing my mind on which is my favorite but they're all so good. I need this place in my life, I can't get pizza from anywhere else anymore read more

Two stars is for the service which was wonderful. The food is just so-so and not to our liking. Pizza was a hard no for us.

Really great pizza though with a Greek twist. I am a big fan of the Spicy Greek in particular. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but definitely worth it. Davis doesn't have a lot of great pizza places so the competition isn't great, but Symposium is my favorite for sure. read more

The younger guy up front is rude and has no class I don't even understand why they have him working there it ruins the whole vibe. The ladies were really nice and had good service tho. If it wasn't for him I'd give 5 stars read more

I first was introduced to Symposium during my post-UCD days when they catered to my first job out of college. I had a mad craving and made the evening drive to pickup a phone-in order to go. Michelle's must-order: Peasant Salad, 1/2 and 1/2 Gourmet Greek Pizza (#20 Spanakotrio Pizza which has spinach and 3 cheeses; and #23 Spicy Greek which has pepperoncini, crushed red peppers, olives, onions, garlic, and feta cheese). Delish. The level of Spicy that the Spicy Greek turns out to be is always a surprise! Don't know why, but I don't love the meat pizzas here as much as the above veggie ones! They're deep dish and a different spin on pizza, please support local small businesses! Haven't tried any of the other dinner menu items, but I do recall dolmas and baklava as well were good. Hidden away in the complex with the Grocery Outlet, Dollar Tree, and Goodwill. read more

Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House - Half Spinach Three Cheese and half Spicy Greek medium pizza takeout - Pizza Near Me - Davis, California

The pizza and salads are excellent! Reasonable if you share pizza and salad. Service is very good. If you like deep dish style pizzas, come here. read more

We showed up at 6:00pm on Saturday evening with 6 people for a dinner reservation we made 9 days earlier. The restaurant could not find our reservation. Their reservation system is apparently not hi tech but very inefficient. It consists of writing phone number numbers on little scraps of paper and sticking them on a frame. The man who answered did not ask for a name. Doesn't seem like they care since the place was jumping with business. read more

An amazing pizza place that is different from your typical pizza place. This pizza is the kind you can eat with a knife and a fork. The best way to describe the pizza is pie like. It's thick, decadent, and flavorful. We got the symposium pizza and paros island and both were absolutely delicious. If you are looking for a change of pace from your normal pizza or are just looking to treat yourself, I highly recommend this place! read more

Let me start with a big "Thank you Thursday" to one of the best family run restaurants in Davis! This eatery has been serving authentically prepared classic Greek dishes and the best specialty pizzas in a casual, convivial atmosphere for 30 years. Dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering. And it is all done with such dedication and pride. Fast forward to the present day virus situation and, thankfully, this Family is still offering its memorable fare in takeout format! They have stepped up and designed a safe and easy way to continue serving the Davis Community. I have personally ordered my favorite Vegetarian Pizza every Thursday for the last four weeks! Call before 2 p.m. and place your order. You may pick up anytime beginning at 5 p.m. Give them the exact moment you want your order and it will be ready and piping hot! The times are spaced out so there is never more than a couple of people waiting to pick up and social distancing is always maintained. I wear my mask and gloves as well as bringing my own pen for signing. Easy peasy! We are so lucky to have this hard working Family in our Community. And believe me...the Community is giving all the love right back to The Symposium and keeping them very, very busy. Till we meet again, Dear Symposium, for that in house dining experience I am so missing! YELP Thursday Thank You! Grateful for each and every one of you! read more

See all

Have been here for dinner many times over the past 35 years esp. in the last 8 years since moving to Napa. Keep ordering my favorite lamb souvlaki dinner. Everything is delicious. Have had mousaka, grape leaves, pizza etc. yum....so good. FORGIVE & correct my Greek spelling... read more

My advisor suggested we meet at Symposium for lunch, a Greek (and pizza) restaurant on my "to try" list since moving to Davis over five years ago. Why did I wait so long?! Nestled in the corner of a shopping center which I'm at all the time (Dollar Tree and Grocery Outlet bang bang!), there is plenty of free parking. Upon entry, you are greeted with photos of the owner and family and "best of" awards the restaurant has received over the years. The large restaurant is tastefully decorated in a Greek theme. There were very nice mid-century Greek themed wall hangings, and the blue and white gingham table cloths were a nice touch. Great values on their lunch menu, with most of the sandwich and salad combos priced around $10. I went with the lamb souvlaki lunch set, served on freshly baked pita bread. This sandwich was heaven! The lamb was perfectly seasoned and tender, the warm pita fresh from the oven. Also tucked inside the pita were slices of tomato and onion, topped with a delicious yogurt sauce and feta chunks. Even the salad dressing on the side salad was memorable. Service was unobtrusive, but our water glasses remained filled throughout our leisurely lunch. That is one caveat-this is not fast food! Truly homemade, from scratch cooking. In sum, an excellent option for affordable, quality food in a comfortable setting. I can't wait to return! read more

Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House - Lamb souvlaki lunch special - Pizza Near Me - Davis, California

See all

Best pizza in Davis! Everything else is good, too! So glad that one of Davis' old & best restaurant is still going strong! read more

This place has more than pizza? Hmm. Never tried it. Probably won't ever actually. The pizza here is something different...in a good way. Not the tomato sauce drenched, mozzarella cheese over-smothered pies from your fave Italian parlor- "Greek"(ish?) pizza! It is located out of the increasingly popular downtown area next to a Goodwill store and from the outside it appears bigger than it actually is inside. Even this location is getting busier but it's nice to get away from the silly pop craze that is downtown Davis. The salty feta sprinkled upon the Niko's Special mixed with a number of meats, olives and mushrooms was great. Maybe a little too salty, but that's why I got another pie. Heh. The sliced red tomatoes didn't hide the fact that it was a veggie pizza. Was a lovely combo after the other slice. People love (to visit, anyways) this town. And they love to say so on this site. Let's have another Yelp event but at this place! The pizza is an awesome twist on the strictly Italian kind and it looks like they have many other dishes as well! http://www.symposiumpizza.com/menu.html read more

See all

Unfortunately no outside seating until next summer. Love to try this place but it will have to wait. I've heard great things and they have the best pizza in town. Love to experience it. Next time. Will update review when time comes. read more

Ordered take out from small business trying to help them out given the *^%# covid-19, no regret ordering from this place! Ordering through phone was easy. Max's special with green olives, feta, tomato and artichoke was VERY good! Also ordered Dolmas- taste very strong flavor.. but tasted very good! Will order again sometime soon! read more

Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House - Pizza Near Me - Davis, California

Kind of a long wait time, but definitely worth it. This is some bomb pizza, seriously. Huge slices, lots of cheese, good flavors. The veggie half of this pizza was so hearty it didn't even need meat! read more

Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House - a pizza in a box - Pizza Near Me - Davis, California

What can I say? my only complaint is that I'm too full to keep eating. Since I was a little girl this is my favorite pizza in town.

Arguably one of the best spots for pizza in Davis, Yes you'll pay for it., but you will always have enough to bring home for breakfast the next day.. I'd love to know how they do their dough as it has quite a unique texture, almost makes me feel like it's started as a sourdough.. it's something different. Toppings are always super plentiful. They do a kind of house made ranch - I'm not sure why I say kind of it's got some kind of cheese in it - most likely feta? So it's not a typical ranch. I first discovered it because it comes with the fried zucchini it's super tasty and I always ask for it with the Pizzas - and for something to bring it home in. I haven't had much as far as their entrees are concerned so I can't really comment on those - I'll definitely be back to update when I have. As far as appetisers I've also had the spanako tiropita which is super tasty, the filo dough is super light and a perfect melt in your mouth feel. It's filled with spinach and feta and is a great dish for one or to share before an entree read more

See all

I'm writing this both as a customer but as well as someone who ate the food while I was in meetings prior to the pandemic as a member of the Kiwanis Club, who also happen to meet at the Symposium every Thursday at noon. It was great that the Symposium was able to incorporate a lunch menu in conjunction with our meetings every Thursday when we met weekly. What I liked about the offerings was that there were vegetarian options, as I haven't eaten any meat since prior to attending college. Although the options may seem limited at first, they rotate the main dish of the day on meeting days to keep the choices fresh. I was always excited to get the salad! I often chose the latter, and occasionally, something additional(had to go to the ordering area). I had to make sure I set up the meeting up first before ordering, but the food is never disappointing there no matter what you order. Kudos to the server lady who also made sure the bread bowls were ready on the tables before the meeting, as those were already there even before I got there- and I usually arrived half an hour before meetings started. When people filed in, the bread was then put into the bowls, fresh out of the oven. Their breads are some of the best in Davis- they're butters not bad either! Occasionally, there were some pizzas instead of the regular options mentioned above. That was what made the meetings a lot, lot better! The pizzas at the Symposium are among some of the best in Davis- possibly even the best in town. Sometimes, the servers would bring in a pizza dish late, way after the meeting started, so the cramped space makes it difficult to go back and get a slice. But on pizza days, I always made to sure to grab a slice or two & thank whoever was serving. The service here is exceptional! No wonder they've been doing business in Davis for more that 40 years- & the likes of Bill Clinton have stopped by for a dish(Clinton himself used to be a member of Key Club, a part of Kiwanis back in the day!) when he stopped by a decade ago: https://www.kcra.com/article/photos-from-the-field-clinton-makes-davis-stump-stop/6344782 On a somewhat related note, I've left a review of the Kiwanis club that meets at the Symposium, which you can read here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/davis-kiwanis-club-davis Back to the Symposium restaurant, Nick and Kontilo Pandeleos are some of the nicest, hard-working people in Davis, so be sure to thank them & the staff when you see them. It's hard to improve on awesome, but if anyone can do it, the Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House can do it! Stop by when you get a chance because you will not be disappointed! Two thumbs up & Five-stars for the Symposium! Jester Jersey read more

See all

Talk about being blow away by their pizza! Hands down easily the best pizza in town. The crust was crispy and crunchy, the toppings generous. Suggestion: Put a kegerator outside with open mic nights, start by doing $5 dollar slices and beers to get it popular... they'd be at 5 stars in 2 days. read more

Symposium Restaurant in Davis, California is not just a dining establishment; it's a transformative journey into the heart of Greece, orchestrated by the culinary genius of Contillo, Nikos, and their son Yanni. From the moment you enter Symposium, you are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. The owners, Contillo and Nikos, pour their heart and soul into every aspect of Symposium. Their passion for Greek cuisine is evident in every dish that graces the menu. The flavors are authentic and transport you to the sun-soaked shores of Greece, where every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure an exquisite culinary experience. One cannot speak of Symposium without mentioning the remarkable expertise of Contillo in the kitchen. Her culinary mastery shines through in every bite, as she effortlessly combines traditional Greek recipes with her own creative twists. From the tender and flavorful souvlaki to the heavenly moussaka, each dish is a testament to her skill and dedication to delivering the true essence of Greek cuisine. Nikos, the welcoming and charismatic host, ensures that every guest feels like part of the Symposium family. His knowledge of Greek wines is unparalleled, and his recommendations elevate the dining experience to new heights. With a genuine smile and an infectious enthusiasm, Nikos creates an atmosphere that fosters joy and celebration. And then there is Yanni, the son who embodies the future of Symposium. With a passion for the culinary arts and a dedication to carrying on the family legacy, Yanni showcases his talent through his innovative creations. His modern interpretations of classic Greek dishes surprise and delight, taking Symposium's offerings to new and exciting heights. The menu at Symposium is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From the tantalizing mezes, such as the creamy taramasalata, tzatziki, and the crispy spanakopita, to the succulent grilled octopus and the aromatic lemon-roasted chicken, each dish is a celebration of Greek flavors and traditions. The dolmas are simply sublime. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every bite bursts with authenticity and vibrancy. Their pizza is unique and unlike anything may have tried as the pizza dough bakes up in the pan almost souffle like culminating in a crisp, foccia-style finish. Each pie variation is a delight with one-of-a-kind variations like the Spicy Greek and the Yianni Special. A a generous, towering slice of Contillo's homemade lemon cheesecake is a sumptuous end. There is so much more to sample - all so, so good. The warm and inviting ambiance of Symposium further enhances the dining experience. From the soft glow of the candlelit tables to the gentle melodies of Greek music in the background, every element has been carefully curated to transport you to a Mediterranean paradise. The attentive and friendly staff adds to the overall atmosphere, making you feel like an honored guest in their own home. For 50 years, Symposium Restaurant in Davis, California is a Greek gastronomic paradise that is the result of Contillo, Nikos, and Yanni's unwavering dedication to their craft. Their love for Greek cuisine shines through in every dish, creating an experience that is both authentic and memorable. Read their touching story on their website as it provides an additional window into their world. Whether you're a devoted fan of Greek cuisine or simply seeking a remarkable dining experience, Symposium is an absolute must-visit destination that will leave you craving for more. OPA! read more

Been eating here for 39yrs One of the oldest restaurants in Davis, CA. Use to be an amazing establishment. But quality and quantity has gone down. At its peak it use to be a 5star restaurant. The pizza gives u the runs now and the souvlaki portion has been cut in half. Not worth the price nor upset stomach: wish the owners would either close the place down or just improve the quality of food again. read more

3/5 food 5/5 service Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger ate here. Bill's picture is on the wall right when you walk in. The Symposium website uses them as indicators of the quality of food. But after visiting and seeing for myself, I realized something all Americans jokingly or willingly believe -- government officials cannot be trusted. We came on a busy Saturday night around 6. Inside was packed, so we sat outside with ample space between other diners. Despite working a dinner rush, our server was attentive and showed us kindness. He left us a water jug because he knew we needed it and didn't want us to wait on him if he was busy. He moved stuff around the table to prepare for incoming food. These actions seem simple, but when done right, can define the customer's entire experience. We appreciated his service tremendously. Bread, butter, and salad were first. The bread was warm, fluffy, and soaked up the salted butter nicely. My friend thought it was a little dry but I thought it was perfect. The salad was a handful of spring mix drenched in creamy feta dressing and topped with a couple olives. Too much dressing. Good tangy and cheesy flavor. Olives were salty. Nothing else to say. Lamb Souvlaki came next. Three layers on the plate -- steamed (?) carrot slices and peas bathed in olive oil; chunks of grilled lamb nestled between alternating chunks of grilled onion and green bell pepper; soft baked potatoes. Everything except the lamb needed more seasoning. Salt, pepper, thyme, anything to elevate the flavor beyond the items' natural profiles. Carrots were soft and had a nice natural sweetness. Peas were peas. Lamb was a tad tough to chew but had a nice char and meaty flavor. Onions and bell peppers also had a nice char. Potatoes were soft and creamy mostly bland. This was the first time I've had souvlaki. Not sure how it's done traditionally but I would have loved little additions to make the dish more robust and interesting. Maybe a drizzle of tzatziki sauce over the meat, onions, and peppers to add some moisture and creaminess. Maybe a crunchy approach to the potatoes for a texture change. I don't know, maybe I'm too wishful. Spanakotriopizza was our second dish. Flatbread pizza with a thin layer of marinara, topped with spinach and loaded with three cheeses - mozarella, parmesan, and feta. Sounds glorious, doesn't it? But as glory shined its light for us to receive, woeful amounts of salt sentenced us to darkness. Three cheeses is a lot of cheese. I think it was too tough to control the salt -- especially with nothing else (tangy, meaty, sweety) to counteract its dominance. I did love the crust though. Focaccia-esque with an airy crispiness, it was light to hold, and a pleasure to crunch on. I think with some slight adjustments to the proportions of cheese and more sauce, this would be a knockout pizza. Overall, dull food brightened by some great service. Sorry Bill. Sorry Arnie. Don't think I'll follow your food journeys any longer. read more

See all

Nikkos special is a top notch pizza. It's one of those weird hour places and I love that

Great pizza and great prices. I heard it's the best pizza in Davis and tbh I'm not sure abt that . would go again tho, love the food diversity. They have pizza and Mediterranean food read more