Excellent meal, superb service. I knew we picked the right place to have our final meal in Toronto on our vacation when we walked in in jeans and sweatshirts after a long day of sightseeing with our 2 young kids... we were instantly greeted cheerfully and at no point did we feel unwelcome or unwanted. Our waiter was on point, my veal osso buco was immaculate, and I'm happy to give this restaurant a top rating... as I told my husband, I only write reviews if I have a really bad experience or a really really good one!
The girlfriend and I just left this place for our valentines dinner, probably the best place I’ve ever eaten out and the staff was phenomenal! This could be our spot for our date nights in Toronto when we visit! Would 100% recommend!
Terrific Food and atmosphere
We received a warm welcome when we arrived. Had a great server. The pasta is excellent and there are a variety of choices. The warm mushroom salad was also excellent. Service was very good. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this restaurant.
Wow! I have been to many restaurants in my life but this one takes the cake! As soon as we walked in it was so friendly and warm! I was greeted in Italian and it made me feeL like I was in Italy! Amardo was our waiter and he was beyond brilliant, funny and attentive! I highly recommend going to this place! You will not regret! So what are you waiting for....??? Taste the delicious food!!
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I have frequently gone by this restaurant, and was curious to try it out. I dined here for a business meeting with several of my colleagues.
The ambiance and decor is elegant and romantic overall, and the staff are very welcoming and hospitable.
Carisma has been an establishment in Toronto for years, and I was eager to try it out based on recommendations.
Upon entering, I was greeted by very hospitable staff. The restaurant was entirely empty upon my arrival, which I found to be unusual given that it was peak dinner time.
Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and had great recommendations about specials that evening and the menu.
My colleague and I decided to share the Grilled Calamari appetizer, which was quite flavorful in nature with the addition of olives and herbs. Although I didn't partake in the bread, my colleague mentioned that it was quite soft and delicious overall!
For our entrees, we ordered the SeaBass Filet which according to my companion was well-seasoned and delicious overall; another colleague asked for a 'surprise' entree and was presented with a combined dish of the gnocchi and agnolotti, which she enjoyed. My entree was the ahi tuna dish which I was excited about; however, I must admit that this was overdone. It was presented as an entire tuna steak, which was likely the issue in the cook overall, as had it been sliced tuna, there may have been more control over the cook. I had asked for it to be rare, and it was far more than well-done, and even charred on one side.
Overall, I am glad that I tried this establishment. I commend the staff and service for their efforts.
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One of my favourite restaurants in Toronto and of course it's Italian fare :)
Anytime I want a good dinner, this is where I go because the food never fails to impress.
Where to begin...the latest experience was of a celebratory nature so the Dom Perignon was on ice for the night. Let me just say that the warm rosemary and olive oil they bring to the table is one of my favorites anywhere. I could eat endless loaves of it, seriously.
The burrata was melt in your mouth freshness and was 100% as delicious as what I've had in Italy. The bufala mozarella with tomatoes also very creamy and delicious. The ricotta stuffed zucchini flower fritters were divine and the beef carpaccio is a staple. By the time the mains arrived I was already in heaven.
I enjoyed a whole branzino which was heavenly while my friends thoroughly enjoyed the boar ragu papardelle, truffle oil ravioli and gnocchi all of which are delicious.
To cap off the night, leave a little room to tantalize your sweet tooth with the chocolate cake or enjoy the warm apple and pear strudel with vanilla gelato.
It's the stuff of my dreams *sigh*. I would eat here weekly if carbs didn't have a habit of viciously attacking defenseless waistlines.
The ambiance, staff, service, food and wine all amazing. Hidden Italian gem, grossly underrated on the Toronto food scene......::::::::::...
Wonderful Italian meal, felt like I was almost brought back to Italy.
The tomato and mozzarella antipasti was amazing.
Grilled scallop was very appropriately seared, with the right amount of seasoning, leaving it crispy, savoury and juicy.
Carisma is an authentic Italian restaurant that is just fantastic. The pasta was perfectly cooked- I had a pasta dish with fresh ricotta and it was incredible. The calamari starter is recommended. The mozarella di Buffalo salad was not as good as the rest of the meal, a bit flavourless.
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Carisma is an authentic Italian spot on King Street, just west of Yonge, and it is definitely not one to just walk by.
I love restaurants that have a one page menu. It helps with my decision on what to eat when all I want is to order the whole menu.
...Which is what we did in terms of the appetizers :D
In addition to the antipesto platters we each had, Carisma's complimentary bread was a huge hit.
I ordered the Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pappardelle pasta with wild boar ragu). The pappardelle was thick and the sauce was a little spicy - so good!
This bolognese penne wasn't on the menu, but our server was awesome and accommodated D's request! It was so nice of them, but D told me that they did this the last time he went there as well. Consistent good service? Love it!
A table favourite was the Gnocchi with a four cheese sauce. Although I didn't taste it, everyone that ordered this pasta cleaned their plates!
I've recommended a couple individuals to dine here and have only heard positive feedback! So I'm recommending this spot to you too. Carisma is very close to the financial district and it will definitely fulfill any Italian cuisine cravings you have.
Food is so good that I will stay another day. Lamb was perfect, cream Brule awesome. Wine top of the line.
Service very discreet and professional.
Fashionable Foodie TO
+4.5
Excellent Food & Service - If you have not checked out Carisma, you need to! The food is appetizing and very filling. The service is amazing as the staff will cater to your every whim. This restaurant is a GEM!!!
Fine dining and exquisite Italian experience as part of our social which was made memorable by John and his support staff.
We were a group of 10 people and tried different specials ( Please see pics for illustration) from their menu and everyone found their pallate regardless of dietary restrictions.
Great place to spend a nice evening with friends and family.
Do make the reservation in advance to make your experience delightful.
Absolutely loved this place! I made a reservation for a friend's birthday and the owner (Michael) met us a the door and personal walked us to our table. He then ordered for us a fabulous 5 course meal that was incredibly delicious. The staff delightful and very attentive. I would highly recommend this place for a date night or a special occasion. I'll definitely go back to see Michael and have some delicious food & wine! 👏👏
This restaurant is WOW!!
If you have special occasions if may take them here, you will not be disappointed!
It’s a bit pricy but worth it!!
The food was amazing, all of them were yummy. We ordered calamari as appetizers, the calamari was tender with burnt fire taste!!! Our main was seafood risotto and gnocchi. No comments, you need to try it by yourself! It was delicious!!
Great service, delicious food and very filling. The starter bread was surprisingly delicious as well with a generous olive oil drizzle. Our favourite was the shrimp spaghettini and the zucchini flower app. Would highly recommend for special occasions!
AMAZING FOOD!
BETTER SERVICE.
Armando and Sylvia were exceptional.
The lasagna was better than mom's and please save room for dessert!
Fantastic little Italian Restaurant. Owners Marji and Michael are gracious hosts...you feel like family when you leave. The chef will create anything for you. The food is outstanding. Service is impeccable, extensive wine list. Make reservations because it is always busy. Close to Scotiabank Arena and Financial District. Separate private dining room.
Really enjoyed dining at Carisma. The mojito was fresh with the right amount of liquor, the Calamarata had a healthy seafood mix, and I’m glad I had enough room to have some of the New York cheesecake. If you’re looking for a lovely Italian restaurant, check them out.
Great place, calamari is incredible, buratta, raviolini delicious, real Italian family atmosphere, with an elegant feel. Birthday presentation of desserts was beautiful.
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