When it comes to restaurants, Sudbury has many good choices. Ristorante Verdicchio, 1351-D Kelly Lake Rd. (tel. 705/523-2794; www.ristoranteverdicchio.com), owned by the Gregorini family, is generally viewed as the best fine dining spot in town. Taking its name from the grape responsible for Le Marche wine, this Italian restaurant boasts an impressive wine list of over 285 selections and 4,000 bottles. The Bistecca alla Brace is a 21-day aged beef tenderloin with an Umbrian marinade of garlic, rosemary and imported Olivoro extra virgin olive oil. Varied preparations of pasta, chicken, veal, beef, lamb, fish dominate the menu; wine suggestions are helpfully listed next to each dish. Check the dessert menu first: if dolce della nonna is available -- a medley of biscuits, chocolate and three liquors -- save room for it. Main courses cost $17 to $35.50.
The current hotspot in Sudbury is Respect is Burning Supper Club, 82 Durham St. (tel. 705/675-5777), which describes itself as "rural Italian meets urban style" or "Tuscany meets New York bistro lounge." While this may sound a little aesthetically schizophrenic, there's something for everyone here. Fancy pizzas with imported items such as prosciutto and artichokes, dinner-sized salads, and pasta round out the lighter fare, but you can also opt for quail, steak, or salmon. The stylish but casual space has a retro flair -- lots of leopard prints and red lighting -- and the staff is friendly and enthusiastic. Rob and Minnie Gregorini (of the same family that owns Verdicchio) opened the restaurant in 2001, unlike any other place in Sudbury. There's always tiramisu for dessert, but the rest of that menu changes regularly. Main courses, from salads to steak, cost $6-$20.
Alexandria's Restaurant and Lounge, 211 Shaughnessy St. (tel. 705/688-1453; www.highlandsbarandgrill.com) features a Mediterranean menu that truly lives up to its name, with an inventive menu inspired by French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisine. Case in point: Their lamb dishes are available in three separate preparations, curried, Provencal, or Greek, with spices and garlic. Owner Mohammed Zohdui opened the restaurant in 1993, which seats about 40 people in the main dining room. Every once in a while they'll throw in a Moroccan tangine or couscous dish, or spanakopita, and there's always a fresh catch of the day, creatively prepared. Appetizers run $6-11; entrees $15-$20.
Much of Sudbury's cuisine is hybridized, and Apollo Restaurant, 844 Kingsway (tel. 705/674-0574; www.on-biz.com/apollorestaurant), with its mix of hearty Greek and Italian food, is no exception It's a family-owned place and its moderately-priced fare has won raves and reader awards by the city's daily newspaper. Canadian favorites such as ribs and seafood are present, including local rainbow trout. Start with their award-winning Caesar salad, or try the Greek Platter, a combination that comes with Greek salad, two souvlaki skewers, and mousaka with rice. Entrees cost $14.95 to $19.95 Open for lunch and dinner.
A longstanding Sudbury institution, Gloria's Restaurant, 469 Bouchard St. (tel. 705/522-1476), has survived the changing landscape, now a strip mall that surrounds it. Open since 1952, it is the same welcoming place to catch up over breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu has not changed too much, and the Michel family still serves up uncomplicated fare made from scratch, quickly and deliciously. Longtime favorites include breakfast specials #1 (two eggs, bacon ham or sausage and toast) and #2 (all that plus home fries), soups, salads, sandwiches, and a dinner menu. It's the kind of place where your dollar goes far -- dinner entrees come with soup or salad, choice of potato, vegetable and coffee or tea, all for one price. For dessert, try the sugar pie, which is like a French butter tart. Main courses $8-$12.50; breakfast (all day) runs $4-$8.
For a little heat, try La Casa Mexicana, 49 Elgin St. (tel. 705/674-9901) a casual, small restaurant that grew out of owner Silvia Rios's success at the Farmers Market as a prepared food vendor. Open since 2004, La Casa is the only place in Sudbury for authentic, quality Mexican foods, with homemade guacamole, enchiladas, mole poblano, burritos, and chimichangas on the menu. Try their hugely popular Macho Nachos: corn tortillas garnished with jalapenos, avocado, lettuce and cheddar cheese, which can feed up to six people. Mexican beer and margaritas provide some liquid refreshment. It's an affordable place, with prices ranging from $6-$14.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
