The Iron Trail was settled by immigrants from over forty countries, who arrived with their family recipes. Today, these old country recipes are still tasted in savory cuisine and ethnic foods like sarma’s, porketta, potica, baklava and pasties. These delightful favorites can still be found in many of our dining establishments. Whether you are sitting down in an old-fashioned café feasting on delicious home cooked favorites including cream of wild rice soup, homemade meatloaf, blueberry pie, or savoring a delicious steak, crab legs or freshwater walleye at a four-star restaurant, we have it all on the Iron Trail.


Ciao Rustic Italian Restaurant

12860 Rudstrom Road
Side Lake, MN 55781
218-254-2007

Ciao Rustic Italian serves up traditional Italian cooking in the northwoods of Minnesota. Ciao offers fresh Italian fare, with an emphasis on the freshest ingredients as well as in-house breads and pizzas.

All of Ciao’s offerings are created with an emphasis on fresh, traditional recipes to let the flavors speak for themselves.

To complement our menu, we have a selection of great imported as well as domestic wines and beers.  Menu available here.


Whistling Bird Cafe & Bar

101 Broadway Street North
PO Box 597
Gilbert, MN 55741
218-741-7544

AWARD WINNING!!! This uniquely decorated restaurant specializes in Caribbean Specialties – International Pastas – Steaks & Fresh Catch Seafood – Tropical Drink Specialties.  Open for dinner seven days a week.  Menu available here.