Stopped by here for a team dinner (approx 10-12 of us) on Tuesday evening and this place did have some crowd for a rainy day in Olympia. At first the ambience was nice and upscale. We were promptly seated and ordered the following: 1. Lamb Skewers - This was tasty but the lamb was chewy. Flavors were good but the rubbery texture vs melt in your mouth feel ruined this for us. 2. Cynara Toast - This was delicious and we all enjoyed this platter 3. Prawns Romesco - This was again delicious and we enjoyed the prawns. Wish they served more per plate but we devoured this one. 4. Cauliflower Entree - This dish lacked flavors and seasoning and did not seem well cooked either. My colleagues who had been to Cynara in the past remember this dish being way better and were disappointed with how it tasted on the day we went together. 5. Wild Salmon - The salmon was charred and dry. Once again overcooked and ruined the taste for us 6. Mushroom Risotto - This was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed the risotto Apart from this we ordered a couple of bottles of wine and they had a good selection which we all enjoyed. We also ordered their old fashioned and it was too sugar syrupy for us. We skipped desserts this time. Service was great, staff was polite and the dishes did come out pretty fast. Unfortunately, since their dishes are a hit or miss I am not a fan.

We went to Cynara for a date night and had a great time. The food was delicious and I definitely recommend the duck. The sauce was absolutely amazing and I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. The bread pudding was the perfect amount of sweet and a perfect way to end the night. We will definitely be back again.

I visited Cynara with a girlfriend for dinner and the food was absolutely amazing! It was our first time so we asked our server for some recommendations and she hit the nail on the head! I loved everything she brought to our table! The chicken w/cream sauce and asparagus was to die for! The cocktails were delicious as well! Friendly staff! Definitely a new favorite!

Absolutely amazing new restaurant. Our server Tyler was very informative, just the right amount of checking in with us, and the food... the food was incredible. Well plated, amazing presentation! Combination of flavors was brilliant! Cocktails were exceptional... Definitely a new favorite in Olympia.

So my Sea-🌟 & I did our excursion of eating out and decided to try Cynara for the first time. Holy of Holys, so amazing!!! Pure mouth orgasm in every bite!!! Cynara toast, deep fried artichoke hearts, the Morrocan lamb stew, the Sockeye salmon, & the baklava vanilla ice cream. Go treat ya Self if ya haven't tried Cynara yet. So good! Bon Appetit! PS: the salmon and their saffron almond rice pilaf is gf! 😉😋🤤

Came with a large group of people. The atmosphere was very nice and newer. The food was good except the ribeye steak. It was very thin, overcooked, and certainly not worth $57 (he had shrimp, too). The vegetables included with all the meals were pretty skimpy. Our group had chicken, short ribs, salmon for dinner, lamb skewers, and pawns for sharables. The food was good, but there are cheaper options in Olympia that are just as good.

We were gonna go to Anthony's to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, but saw Cynara on the way. The building looked interesting, and not too busy so we stopped in. This restaurant is in it's infancy stage, being just over 2 years old from what we were told. Our server, Jamie, was super nice and lovely to talk with. I honestly look forward to meeting the owner because that man is a dang genius. From the atmosphere to the food, all of the details were phenomenal. I only wish I could afford to come more, because it's a great experience. My only negative take is that it is on the pricier side, but only because he wants to make sure his staff are appropriately compensated, which I love. Having worked in terrible conditions at low paying jobs myself, I understand why it's so important to charge the amount they do, which is another reason I give 5 stars. Keep doin what you're doin. We will be back when we have more special occasions.

We shared the fried artichokes appetizer and the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato basil bisque. The artichokes or maybe the sauce had a weird intense flavor that we didn’t like. There were whole capers which ruined it when biting into one. The tomato basil bisque tastes like marinara sauce. The grilled cheese sandwich was pretty meh. Just okay. At these prices, I’m not interested in returning.

Really disappointed. The reviews must be from people who think black pepper is spicy, or the cooks must have just had a bad night when we came. Duck and chicken were both incredibly dry, and the "seasoning" didn't go past the skin. Staff told us to let them know if we needed spices, but then never came by so we could ask for them. The "smashed" potatoes were literally whole, not smashed, small potatoes that maybe had once been in the same room as a container of salt.. The portions were very small, which is totally fine if the food is good. But it was so lackluster. The cocktail was the best part, the bartender and one staff member were doing their best with such low staff, but they really need to talk to their cooks about how to marinate and not overcook poultry. I'd come back for drinks, but not the food. I hope they get better cooks and pay their bartender more, as she was holding the place down. Also, please, heat the building more.

We really loved our experience at Cynara. The drinks were amazing and the wine list was great. We ordered a salad to start that was dressed perfectly. Our meals, steak and halibut, were both cooked perfectly. The service was amazing.

My wife and I went to Cynara on a Sunday evening for the first time. We had made reservations ahead of time.The restaurant was moderately full and we were seated on arrival. Our server was Christie, who was doing double duty as the bartender and was very attendant, personable and just super nice!! I ordered the lamb stew which was melt in your mouth tender and delicious, not gamey at all and plentiful. Couldn't finish it though, just too much for me. My wife ordered and enjoyed the duck leg and said it was delicious. She finished hers entirely. Bottom line...Great food and excellent service...I highly recommend Cynara, we will be going back to try the other dishes!!!

First time visit. Our server, Jamie, was understated elegance. She understood the menu, made appropriate suggestions. The fried artichokes were so delicious, we nearly decimated the appetizer before taking a picture of it.

Dined here today at 4:30pm and everything exceed our expectations. We opted for multiple appetizers over entrees and can't recommend it enough. Lamb kabobs & prawns were perfectly cooked - delish! Charcuterie board was gorgeous and well-balanced. The fried artichoke hearts were superb!! Burrata flavor & texture were divine. Attentive, friendly service with just the right amount of good conversation. We will be back again, and soon. Happy to add Cynara to our Oly favorites!

Decent taste and Amazing service. Very clean and decent ambiance I thought of giving 4 star, but the price of menu items little high. I felt bit expensive restaurant. For sure it’s $$$ with two members.

Last night, we came right after swimming lessons. And the restaurant was about to close soon. It is also a much fancier establishment than we were anticipating. With it being a hot summer day and us (a party of 7), coming straight from the YMCA, we were not dressed for the occasion and so, initially felt a little uncomfortable. However, the staff quickly eased that away and definitely did not try to rush us. Jamie was our server and did an amazing job! But we had very friendly and positive interactions with every employee we came in contact with. Stellar staff! Sorry we didn't take any pics this time. But the food was delicious and presentation was amazing. Even the kids loved it!

Very relaxing atmosphere. Friendly staff. High end restaurant with a flavorful taste. Indoor seating in inclement weather. Outdoor seating when sunny. Highly recommend.

Most of the food and drinks were delicious! The Moroccan lamb stew was amazing! The artisan cheese and meat plate was great! The salmon had a bit of an odd freezer flavor but I am used to very fresh fish.

Great service, relaxed yet elevated vibe, the food was good but pretty pricey for what you get, and I wasn't impressed with the portions. I got the ribeye steak which topped out at $60 before tip.

Nice spot for a nice dinner out. I had the shrimp, artichoke appetizer, and the caprese salad. All were super tasty. I ordered the garden party cocktail, and it was light and refreshing. Price was higher, but good quality experience. I paid about $68 before tips, splitting the artichoke appetizer. Patio was nicely shaded. Quiet enough that it was a good place for conversation. Parking would be easy to get. I'd leave the kids at home for this one, save it for a date night. Vegetarian options were good. Gluten free options were available.

Such a great price for food during happy hour! The Mac was small but delicious. The burger was huge and it came with fries for $3?! Great service cute atmosphere. Got very busy for HH in the bar.

Delicious! We visited for lunch and our server Kristy was so efficient and kind. Very comfortable seating which is important since I was lunching with my Mom. Get the mushroom soup - you won’t regret it! Overall a pleasant mix on the menu of comfort and unique. Only thing I would suggest is that they would benefit from a few more non-alcoholic drink options. All the beautiful glassware is going to waste at lunchtime.

Smaller menu for the staff and chef to get it right. Quite Sunday evening while the chain restaurants are full. Definitely worth it.

2nd visit after a year, the good news is the quality of the food and consistency is great. Lovely cocktails as well. We were expecting potentially different menu options, or even specials. Yet, the menu was essentially the same, many entrees are some version of: protein, sauce, asparagus, and smashed potatoes. Which again is nice, but for the price point I'm thinking I can make grilled asparagus and smashed potatoes at home. The duck was prepared nicely - but I need to remember duck leg, just isn't as satisfying as duck breast. We also had an appetizer and dessert, and left full. Had we just had entrees it would not have been as filling. I mention this because it was about $100 per person. All in all I'm glad there's a classy and original place like Cynara in Olympia. We need more restaurants like them. Yet, I'm left wanting a little more variety - not necessarily more items, just different ones? I don't think we'll be back for a dinner out for a time (maybe drinks) but I see us bringing friends from out of town.

went here for the first time yesterday. It was a find!! Delightful food and pro service. we had chicken Verinque, arugula salad, bread budding, so me others, all presented lovely and yummy. We each had a cocktail, very good martini. great place, not inexpensive but worth it. We will be back!

Everything about the evening was a perfect choice. Everyone was happy with their choices and we left knowing we'll be back. My salmon was perfect; my son had intended to save some pulled pork and shrimp for his daughter but it was just too good not to finish. And the DIL's cauliflower entree was amazing. Definitely a return visit on the future

artichoke appetizer - great Cheese plate appetizer - a bit disappointing on the portions, flavors were good Chicken entree - really good Pasta campanelle with shrimp - good. Wish the artichoke was treated some way other than fried (something lighter and more brine-y comes to mind?) And wish it came with more than 4 shrimp :( The atmosphere and service were great!

Best dining experience we have had in Olympia! The food was great — from a truly unique starter (grilled artichoke hearts) to delicious mains (perfectly prepared, succulent Chicken Veronique for my bride, and risotto with wild mushrooms for me) to a dessert of baklava over vanilla ice cream (one order is enough for 2). Service by Jamie was perfect yet not intrusive. The price a little high for Olympia, but worth every penny. We come from Kennewick periodically to Olympia to visit my wife’s siblings. We’ll be back to Olympia and back to Cynara