GONDOLA NAMED BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT BY U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION – 2^ND YEAR

For the second year in a row the Gondola Restaurant in Leominster, MA has been named the “BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT” by the U.S. Small Business Association.

Located on Route 117 (Lancaster Street) in Leominster, MA the Gondola has been owned and operated by the brother and sister team of Mary & Gus Lelli since 1957. With the help of Gus’s daughter and son-in-law, Ric & Margaret Wood, you can still enjoy one of the best cooked Italian meals in the area. Within a very casual setting your meals are prepared fresh daily. Most of the menu items are homemade. Pastas, sauces, dressing and desserts are prepared on the premises with ingredients coming from all local vendors. With the large amount of chains that have inundated the area it is nice to go to a restaurant that is independently owned and operated and really enjoy a home cooked Italian meal.

The staff at the Gondola is friendly and courteous and most have been employed for many years. Walking into this restaurant is like coming home for the holiday. A good majority of the patrons have been frequenting the establishment for many years and are greeted with smiles and hugs. In fact if you talk with some of the customers, they will tell you that they have been visiting the Gondola since they were children coming with their parents. Many generations of customers make this restaurant very casual and comfortable.

Large portions and reasonable prices is another reason to visit. With the economy in a recession you can visit the Gondola and not strip your wallet. They boast luncheon specials for $6.95 which include Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, Manicotti or Eggplant Parmigiana. Your lunch comes with a beverage, salad or soup and bread and butter.

In the evening in addition to a large menu there are Early Bird Dinner Specials. From the hours of 4:00pm-6:00pm from Tuesday through Friday, you can enjoy some of the same Italian Specialties at the bargain price of $8.95. Again these specials include a beverage, soup or salad and bread and butter. You can’t beat that. Also in the evening a variety of Dinner Specials are offered that aren’t on the everyday menu. These include unique Italian specialties from the chef. Some of these specials are Vermicelli Carbonara, Chicken Marsala, Tenderloin Piazzo, Porcini Mushroom Penne, Capris Chicken , Shrimp Rossini, Lobster Stuffed Baby Bella;s and so many more. These specials change nightly, you never know what to expect from the chef on any given day.

In speaking with the patrons you will realize that one of the staples at the Gondola is the Creamy Italian House Salad Dressing. Mary & Gus Lelli created this dressing years ago and it is one of the reasons customers keep coming back.

The dessert menu is another area where the Gondola shines. The majority of desserts are made on the premises and are mouthwatering. With a variety of cheesecakes, custards, cannoli’s, cakes and pies the desserts are hard to pass on.

The Gondola has a full liquor license and comfortable lounge. It is kid friendly and has a separate Children’s Menu for your little ones. A family can enjoy a great meal in a comfortable environment and not break the bank.

Don’t miss trying this place out. You will find that it will be your new dining spot for that great Italian meal!