Carisma

What can I say but holy crap this place is awesome! Nondescript on the outside, super amazingness on the inside! Our group of 6 was greeted with smiles all around and efficient coat checking ensued. We were seated at a comfortable table and attended to immediately.
Water and wine was refilled automatically without anyone ever having to ask. The waiter was well experienced and rhymed off the specials as if he had memorized them from childhood. Half of us tried the grouper special with potatoes and vegetables, one colleague had the veal scallopini, someone else had the gnocchi and the last guy had a salad. Everyone was super impressed and I almost forgot… THE BREAD IS TO DIE FOR. Salt, olive oil, herbs and crostini and you’re good to go.
Molten chocolate cake, walnut tart and lychee crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was perfect. A bottle of chianti quickly disappeared.
In and out in 1.5 hours, décor was beautiful. Definitely a romantic spot for you lovers out there. Bathroom in the basement was ridiculously clean. Can’t wait to come back!

I was really craving Italian food after a long day of being a tourist in Toronto. My friend and i quickly stumbled upon Carisma and thought we should try it out. I loved everything about the experience. We arrived a few minutes early so we sat at the lovely bar and ordered a glass of white wine. We were then promptly escorted to our seats just a few minutes later.
The hostess and waiters were extremely nice and the atmosphere has a good romantic vibe because it’s dimly lit. Carisma has such a great wine selection of reds and whites you really can’t go wrong. The staff is also very knowledgable about it as well. I started off with the antipasti scallops which were beautifully presented and tasted amazing. I wish I had more I ate it so quickly. My friend had the carpaccio which was equally as delicious. You should really order them both! I then had the raviolini as my primi. The ravioli paired with the white wine was delicious. My friend had the lobster ravioli which I kind of wish I got because it was so good. Both the dishes were great though! The next dish I ordered was the chicken. It was a good chicken but I wish I ordered something else. My friend ordered the beef which was amazing. For dessert we shared a crème brûlée which is a must!
Overall, I would come back here. The staff treats you like family!

We had a wonderful dinner at Carisma last night. Everything was perfect from the warm greeting we received to the friendly «good evening «when we left. –The ambience is of a restaurant where everyone is enjoying themselves so is a bit noisy but not to an unpleasant decibel level. Our Italian waiter from the Amalfi Coast area was enthusiastic and delightful. The ancillary service staff attended promptly to every need. Most important, of course, was that every dish was superb – the house salad with an excellent dressing using very high quality Sicilian olive oil, the carpaccio with truffle oil, the burrata, the pasta with fresh black truffles and the pappardelle with boar sauce. The wine list has many well chosen Italian wines both by the glass and by the bottle. Upon sitting down, each table is presented with bread warmed with fresh rosemary and that wonderful olive oil (which is automatically replenshed). I only wish I had room for the wonderful sounding second courses and desserts so I hope to be able to return soon.

This is one of our favorite Toronto restaurants. It’s a quaint and intimate family owned spot with delicious food. From the rosemary And olive oil Italian bread to the lovely second and main course dishes, we are always pleased. We typically have the lamb chops and the grilled branzino with either molten chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert.

Mine was a disappointing experience and unfortunately it was just the experience that ruined the night because the food was great and our server Andrew was fantastic. I made a reservation for 20 people a few weeks in advance and had spoken to the restaurant two other times to confirm number and not once did they mention their policy in splitting bills for large parties. I actually still don’t know what the policy is because the rude and angry manager told me two different versions when he was yelling at my party and I. It was a very embarrassing experience and I have never been treated so badly. The only time he stopped yelling at us was to go have a sip of his drink at the bar. Even the lady he was with joined him a couple of times in yelling at us. We were a groups of 30-​something professionals out for a birthday enjoying the evening and simply expected to be treated with respect. We couldn’t be more disappointed. I wish I had read some of the «not recommended» reviews on Unilocal beforehand as it seems that I am not the first to experience this man’s belligerence.

I made the decision to work a bit later so that the Jays playoff game would be close to done before leaving the office so that I would not have to battle the crowds. I ended up joining 3 of my colleagues for dinner at Carisma. I had been a couple of times previously and really enjoyed it.
Tonight was much like the last time I went — the food and the service was excellent. While deciding on orders and enjoying a Negroni (of course — and it was good), our waiter presented us with «the best bread in the city». I would put it up there. It was a crostini with rosemary, sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
I ordered the Bufala to start. It was a perfect texture and the tomatoes and basil were very fresh. The portion size was just right. I have been to some restaurants where the portion is overdone and takes away from the main course, but not here.
For my main I went with one of the specials, which was the veal ribeye, done medium rare. It was served with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables and topped with a wild mushroom sauce. The veal was cooked to perfection, and again, I found the serving size to be just right.
I ended off with an espresso, and shared some biscotti. A great way to wrap up a very enjoyable dinner!

Had a wonderful dinner at Carisma tonight. Fungi salad and the 4 cheese gnocchi were outstanding. Cheesecake was the literal cherry on top. Service was very attentive and entertaining, treated my girlfriend and I like family. Ambiance was intimate and romantic — will be going back!

Carisma a true food affair. Osso Buco Silky meat gently laid on a soft bed of rizzotto. Each bite melted in my mouth, as I eat slowly the taste of love awakens my memory of bliss. An elegant delight a night I did not want to end. I wanted it to last till sun rise and then do it all over again. Carisma

This is the «family-​owned» Italian restaurant you would find in Italy. Food was amazing– salad, pastas, main dishes were as beautiful to look at as to devour! Service impeccable and family touched each table with their genuine warmth and love of what they are doing! One of the BEST meals I have had in a very long time!

The wife and I ate here and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Her sea bass was spectacular and my veal lemon was an interesting take on piccata. What really pushes Charisma over the top was the service. Our server was extremely attentive without being «in our face». Started up a chat with the owner and her daughter after and they gave us some nice tips for our Toronto trip.
All told, an excellent Italian restaurant.

Choose carisma out of a list of higher end restaurants for an important work dinner and have to say overall it did not disappoint.
The restaurant oozes cuteness and romance. The lights are dimmed just right and the decors are classy yet cozy… I would say it’s more suitable for an intimate date with the honey than work function, but the party seemed to like it a lot.
I got the seared scallops for appetiser, veal ravioli for main and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was delicious. Would I say the dishes were memorable though? I think there are other restaurants like terroni that may do it better. But if you want classic, no nonsense Italian food, this is your place!
Would love to bring a date here. It’s one of those places you turn to when you want to impress.
WYWH

If anyone ever says they like Italian food, I ALWAYS recommend this restaurant. Two of my friends have already came here at two different occasions because of my recommendation and they were just as pleased. I had the gnocchi and it was so great! And for dessert I had the crème brûlée which was definitely the best I’ve ever had, it was SO GOOD. The service was spectacular, the waiter was good but it was the waiter that brought out our food for us that really stood out and explained why the restaurant was called carisma.

This is a great little Italian restaurant.
Ask for the Burrata — it is to die for. This is a cute family owned restaurant and you will want to keep coming back to try all their dishes.

We showed up at 4:15 for our 5:00 reservation, weary from a day of walking the city and, although they weren’t open for dinner until 4:30 — 5:00, they sat us and asked for our patience as they finished prepping for the dinner crowd. Within minutes they asked for a beverage order and as soon as they were ready (before 4:30) they brought us menus. From the hostess and bar staff to the waiter and bus staff, everyone was courteous, gracious and attentive.
Cocktails were excellent and the wine list was extensive. The homemade bread served drizzled with olive oil, sea salt and Rosemary was excellent and they willingly brought out more. The salads were large and fresh (we had a beet salad special, the fresh mozzarella/​Caprese, and house salads).
The food was excellent and the portion size was enough to satisfy! The men in our party had the pappardelle with wild boar sauce, I had the fish of the day and another friend had the gnocchi Gorgonzola. We couldn’t have been happier with our choices.
The dessert selection sounded wonderful, but we had more than enough and couldn’t have another bite!
On top of all this, the prices were reasonable and all well worth it!
Not only would I highly recommend it, but we will certainly be back on future trips to Toronto!

My boyfriend and I spent Valentine’s here and it was perfect. Our table was ready for our reservation time, the service was quick and attentive, and the food was truly delicious. We got:
–2 glass house red wine
–Strigoli: Spicy Sausage, Ricotta Salata, Tomato Sauce
–Galletto al mattone: Grain Fed Half Chicken, Caramelized Cipollini Onion, Balsamic Pan Jus
The chicken was SO good. I normally don’t order chicken at restaurants because I cook it so much at home, but I was really glad I ordered this. i ate it all, even though I wasn’t super hungry – I just couldn’t let any go to waste. The wine was good, nothing too fancy but tasted great.
It’s a small restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. I would recommend this place for a romantic dinner, or a small dinner with friends for a special occasion.

Went for business dinner and had a very nice time. Service was excellent. Inviting and friendly they accommodated some special requests quickly and with no fuss. Even as restaurant filled up they continued to be attentive and we never felt rushed or wanting.
Had veal with mushroom sauce and caprese salad to start. Everything nicely seasoned and well prepared. Plating was clean and highlighted the food.
Definitely someplace I’d go back to.

Carisma never disappoints with there menu. I think I have had everything on there menu and it’s all delicious. Great place for a dinner with the husband or just your girlfriends.
Staff and owners are so nice from the minute u enter till you leave.

Delicious Italian food with excellent service — the perfect combo. I ate here once at lunch and another time for dinner — everything spot on during both visits.
Service was exceptional each time — very «old school». Staff are quick to take orders, refill drinks /​wine glasses, make great recommendations and ensure everything is just right. Staff tended to be older and very professional.
Food was really good. A couple highlights:
— I love the grilled Calamari appetizer, huge portion and cooked perfectly. Served with warm black olives and homemade tomato sauce. Just melted in your mouth.
— They do a house Charcuterie platter on occasion — it’s very good. Served on a per person basis. Meat, cheeses, bread olives, and pickles. Give it a try.
— Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi — I love Gnocchi and this didn’t disappoint. Warning — the four cheese sauce is incredibly rich. I wish they had a tomato sauce version. The Gnocchi is stuffed with Ricotta instead of the usual potato.
— There is usually a daily fish special, I tried the grilled Halibut on one visit. The fish was cooked perfectly and served on a bed of Risotto which was also cooked perfectly.
Both my visits were work related functions but I think Carisma would make a great date restaurant. Atmosphere is somewhat formal but still laid back. Lights are dimmed and some couch style seating is available.
Extensive wine menu and a few beer options offered. Apps tend to be in the $ 15 range with most mains priced between $ 22 — $ 30.
Give it a try…
BK

Finally made it to Carisma — I get my haircut and color from Paolo next door and he is always raving about this place.
The food really is very good and I am definitely going to take my parents here.
I decided to take my fiancé out, just to say thanks, and we started out with my favorite cheese, Burrata (they were willing to split it for us), as well as for appetizers, their Risotto Porcini (which again, they split for us).
My main was the Vitello Porcini which was very flavourful, and my SOs Beef Tenderloin, although tasty, was nothing special.
Service was very nice and our glasses never went empty.
I would highly recommend this place for a date night, parents outing, or special occasion. The food will not disappoint!

After reading the reviews I decided to come over here for lunch. This place is very close to the office I have been going to in Toronto. I went for lunch and it was surprised with the amount of people actually dining in there. The place is chic, you are welcomed by truly italian employees where you literally begin your trip to Italy without leaving Toronto.
Everything is fantastic beginning with the super fresh bread with olive oil and a hint of salt. I had the gnocchi quattro formaggi and it was absolutely fantastic! The gnocchi is so fresh and tasty that it melts on your mouth! For dessert I had the chocolate lava cake and it was excellent as well.
The service and food couldn’t be better, hence that’s the reason for the certificate of excellence and happy customers! And I am going back there again for lunch today!