Dr. Socransky's Restaurant Review

A few years ago, a new emergency physician asked me about places to eat in Sudbury. Being an ex-Montrealer and thus a lover of good food, I obliged him with a list of the top places for grub. Here is my latest top ten list, in no particular order, of places to dine/chow in Sudbury. Keep in mind that I do not list chains, "family" restaurants, or greasy spoons (although I do frequent such establishments despite being somewhat of a food snob). Rebuttals are welcome, and may even be investigated.

• Ristorante Verdicchio

  West End Business Park, 1351-D Kelly Lake Road, 523-2794
  Classic, sometimes adventurous, Italian menu with a great selection of wines.

• Respect is Burning

  82 Durham, 675-5777 (Downtown)
  Funky Italian cuisine with cool décor. Whereas Verdich's is more likely to attract the business crowd, Respect attracts the "hipsters".

• Bella Vita Cucina

  493 Kathleen Street, 670-8482, (Donovan area)
  Opened a couple of years ago. 3-way race with Verdich's and Respect for best italian in town. The whole menu looks great but I can only confirm that the ravioli is stellar. It's the only thing I've ever had there!

• Sapporo Ichibang

  79 Cedar St., 673-2233 (Downtown)
  This place serves great sushi. Even with more competition, it would do well. Also has great tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes.

• Umai Sushi

  1875 Paris St, 673-8075 (South End)
  Yes, two great sushi restos in the Nickel city! Toss up between Sapporo and Umai. Try both and decide for yourself.

• Stelios

  830 Barrydowne Blvd., 524-2121 (New Sudbury)
  Best Greek in town. Traditional Greek fare as well as some tasty offerings that you're less likely to see in most Greek restaurants. And they still have fish and chips as a hold over from it's days as the Nick's Pier Resto! And if you're looking for Vietnamese in Sudbury, this is the place. Yes, Vietnamese in a Greek restaurant. I don't understand it myself but it's pretty good.

• Pizza Joint

  1500 Paris, 522-2857 (South End)
  Best pizza in town. I know the phone number off by heart. Bring some za in on night shifts and the crew will love you!

• Fontaine Bleue

  1400 Barrydowne Road, 566-8101 (ext #: 7630) (New Sudbury)
  This is the restaurant school of Cambrian College. Every Tues-Thurs evening (and Wed-Fri at lunch) during the academic year, they offer an inexpensive and scrumptious multi-course meal. Often they offer a theme night with the cuisine of a particular country on display.

• Ripe

  1788 Regent Street, 523-8448 (South End; in a strip mall between Poulton's and McDonald's)
  Cool pizzas and homemade pasta. The best deserts in town.

• Indian Summer

  1543 Paris Street, 522-4133 (South End; in the same strip mall as Lockerby Confectionary)
  Best Indian cuisine in town. Naan, curry, mango lassis and the whole shebang!

OK, I've restricted myself to a top ten, but here are some honourable mentions:

• Alexandria's

  211 Shaughnessy, 688-1453 (Downtown)
  A good selection of dishes from various tables around the world.

• Casa Mexicana

  corner Elgin and Elm, 674-9901 (Downtown)
  Traditional Mexican dishes. A little southern spice to warm up those cold Januarys. I've had better Mexican in the States, but downtown Sudbury is closer. Also has a Lasalle Blvd location.

• Parker House Roastery & Inn

  259 Elm Street, 674-2442. (Near Downtown, just down from the courthouse)
  A combined Bed & Breakfast and restaurant perfect for passing a lazy morning over brunch.

• Simon's Café & Deli

  86 Durham St, 522-5649 (Downtown)
  Great selection of fairly eclectic dishes. Often have theme nights.

• Curious Thymes

  1200 Paris St, 522-3500
  Moved into Simon's old digs in the Travelway Inn. All around great continental fare, with a feature game meat every evening

• Creo's Louisiana Grill

  183 Cedar St, 222-2736 (Downtown)
  Best cajun in town! Ok, it's the only cajun in town. But it is very tasty!

• Laughing Buddha

  194 Elgin St, 673-2112 (Downtown)
  Great sandwiches and pizzas. Good for a quick bite before a Wolves' game.