Symeon's Greek Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Whitestown

Symeons used to be my favorite restaurant until tonight. It was my birthday and I chose to go to Symeons for dinner. Ordered calamari and grapeleaves which we good. However, our waitress was not great. Couldn't get a refill of water after asking twice. The dinner comes and the appetizer plates are still on the table. Instead of taking them, our dinner was plopped on the table. Another waitress that was tending to other tables cleared the appetizer dishes which was very appreciated. My rice was ice cold and my soulvaki was burnt terribly. My husband's rice was cold as well but he didn't want to send it back..he just pushed it aside. The waitress asked if I wanted anything else, I said no just remove it from the bill. She said she couldn't do that but would talk to a manager. A man came out and brought me more rice and lamb but at that point I was already irritated. Upon leaving, I brought the money to the front and normally you are greeted with a hello and how was your dinner. Today, not a word was spoken to me. Just took the money and provided my change. I couldn't believe the difference in this restaurant actually I was shocked. I asked to speak with a manager and that same man came over however, I can't tell you his name because he never provided it. I told him how Symeons used to be my favorite restaurant and sadly I will not be returning. He said well, this is our first busy night since we reopened. So I basically figured I was wasting my time and I left. I'm saddened because anytime Symeon or his Dad were present in the restaurant I always received a great meal and exemplary service. It was not a great experience especially for a birthday meal. I am not writing this review not to bash this restaurant because I truly loved their food but I believe the owners have a right to know that the food and service tonight...

We were the invited quests of our friend from New Hartford to join him for lunch at his favorite ethnic restaurant. Symeon's is as authentic Greek as you can get in Upstate, NY. The Tsoupelis family has been in business since 1973, The present location, since 1982, is the third in their history. Their success encouraged them to find a larger location than before. This place is big and has spaces for larger family luncheons or dinners. We were seated by the hostess and menus & water brought to the table. We started w/ the Tzatziki dip appetizer ($6.50) w/ veggies & bread-very fresh. Nine apps on the menu. We had some lunch specials - souvaki & chicken ka-bob served w/ rice pilaf ($10 each). Very good. These were second choices because they were out of their signature dish the Thracian chicken. Opa! I'll reserve further comment until our next visit, but we were disappointed after the recommendation by our friends. The third lunch was the moussaka ($16-only in dinner size) - excellent, perfectly balanced flavors. Overall a very good lunch value. Symeon's is not to be confused the ubiquitous Greek diners in the Northeast. This is an authentic Greek restaurant. Check out their menu. They sell their famous spice mix in the lobby. Open M-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12-8pm. Plenty of parking. They also offer family sized meals to go, takeout, & delivery. So a pretty good first impression. We will come back again to try the Thracian chicken & baklava for dessert. Thank you Nick &...

Reviewed once before (well over a year ago). Had a poor dining experience on that occasion and subsequently vowed never to visit again. Felt necessary to update review as I returned...somewhat against my will (family birthday). Initial impression(s), as before: lovely atmosphere. Clean, orderly. Unfortunately, ALSO as before: snobby, disinterested waitstaff. It’s clear (having been a patron a half-dozen times or more in the past 15 years) that there isn’t much of a staff turnover. Which, traditionally, would be a positive sign. Not so here...they’re impatient, intemperate and lacking warmth.

Now on to the cuisine. Nothing to lament. Served adequately seasoned. Warm. Less-than-stellar portions. Having sampled similar eateries in the greater CNY, I can and must admit that Symeon’s is NO bargain. You can, and should, seek out better, more authentic, more cost-effective Greek eats elsewhere. Nothing bad or truly offensive here...nothing noteworthy either.

Final synopsis: overpriced heirloom establishment bolstered almost entirely by an aged customer base. Waitstaff leaves MUCH to be desired. Food is acceptable and entirely inoffensive yet lacks true Greek DNA and character. Owner dutifully makes the rounds to appease (primarily) the aforementioned old folks (most of whom are regulars). He clearly means well, but it takes more than charm and charisma to impress truly...