Symposium is an Italian restaurant, wine bar and delicatessen at 363 Roman Road in Bow. The kitchen blends traditional and modern regional cooking through fresh seasonal ingredients, while the adjoining shop and regular tasting events give diners a broader introduction to Italian cheese, charcuterie, wine and pantry staples.
Antipasti begin with sourdough and extra virgin olive oil, potato croquettes, stuffed olives and Sicilian arancini filled with beef ragù. Roman style artichoke, tomato bruschetta, anchovies from Cetara, spicy Calabrian nduja and platters of Italian cured meat or cheese allow the table to build a generous shared first course.
Fresh pasta provides the focus of the main selection. Bolognese ragù offers a deep traditional sauce, tonnarelli pairs nduja with creamy stracciatella, and cacio e pepe ravioli arrives with butter and sage, with salads, bread and marinated courgettes available alongside.
Traditional tiramisu, rum soaked babà, changing homemade cakes and artisan gelato complete the meal, while an Italian cheese board offers a savoury finish. The wine list favours small producers and gives particular attention to natural, organic and biodynamic bottles, an approach explored further through the restaurant’s wine pairing evenings and supper clubs.
Address: 363 Roman Road, Bow, London E3 5QR, United Kingdom