Although Greater Sudbury has many good places to eat, and some that are great, it’s safe to say the majority of us return to the same two or three restaurants over and over again to order our favourite things. When it comes to food, most of us don’t like surprises.
The Apollo on The Kingsway is one of those friendly and familar places where families celebrate special occasions, couples go on first dates and women meet for “girls’ night.”
People recommend it to newcomers knowing it will never disappoint and that the menu has something for all tastes. This restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for its selection of Greek cuisine as well as steaks, ribs, pasta dishes and seafood.
Established in 1970, the Apollo has outlasted dozens of other establishments because owner Toula Sakellaris gives her customers what they want: good food and good value.
The decor is pleasant, and there is an unhurried atmosphere. It is not too formal yet not casual. In an increasingly hectic and impersonal world, it is nice when the hostess calls you by name.
The lunch menu offers numerous specials at reasonable prices. Souvlaki, chicken, pork or lamb, served on skewer, ($11.95) and moussaka, an eggplant and minced meat dish ($12.95), are served with Greek salad, rice, roast potatoes and a slice of garlic bread. Other lunch items include the feta cheese omelette, spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese pie), and gyro wrapped in a pita.
The gyro, slices of spiced meat in a pita, served to the reviewer’s guest was delicious and had a tasty blend of ingredients. The pita was nicely heated to the point that is was a little crisp on the outside.
Moussaka is not something I make at home, so I order it whenever I can. The lunch portion of this Greek lasagna is not too big or not too small…but just right. And so comforting.
I’ve sampled the soups at the Apollo on previous occasions and found them to be delicous and filling. The vegetable soup is a wonder and so is the thick lentil soup.
Dessert offerings include Boston cream pie, traditional baklava, a chocolate mousse cake and rice pudding (with or without raisins).
My guest and I shared the chocolate mousse cake, called Chocolate Eruption. It is highly recommended for chocoholics. (Usually I order the rice pudding which I think is the best in the city.)
The restaurant is now selling Apollo Olive Oil made from olives grown on land the Sakellaris family owns in southern Greece. The cost of a one-litre bottle is $20. This is the same olive oil that is used at the restaurant. If you haven’t discovered the pleasures of dipping bread in olive oil (perhaps with a little garlic) as an alternative to butter, try it, you’ll love it.
The Apollo Restaurant
844 The Kingsway
674-0574
RATED 4 FORKS OUT OF 5
