Carisma

As Covid numbers start to go up again especially in Toronto, planning a date night in the city seems unlikely. There are many places to visit, shop, explore and eat, but maybe heading west on the 401 may be on hold again...for now.

One of our favourite places to dine especially if we are celebrating, is Carisma Ristorante in the downtown core tucked away, around the corner from the King Edward Hotel. The restaurant is family owned by a father daughter team, and I must admit there is a feel of family amongst the staff who welcome all patrons with much enthusiasm and who always make the time to chat no matter how busy they are. The ambiance has always been very warm and welcoming and dining room always seems to have such a great vibe.

The food is authentic Italian and beautifully prepared and presented. They have a daily pasta special and on a couple of occasions, we had the black truffle oil tagliatelle. One word, deliciosso! The menu has a variety of antipasti e isalate in which we always enjoy the insalata di bufala along with the table bread. Then it is onto the primi and the pastas range from hand made gnocchi to the pappardelle in a wild boar ragu, which I wasn't sure of at first but I did not regret my choice. If you are still hungry you can select a dish from the secondi di pesce e carne. I personally am pretty content at this point, but the options are very enticing. Be it you like the bistecca (New York Steak) or the pesce del giorno, there is a lovely selection for meat lovers or fish dishes for those looking for something on the lighter side.

A great meal deserves a great drink and Carisma has a varied wine menu that suits any dish and pallet. I prefer to start with a proseco as a cocktail before committing to a wine, which staff are happily to recommended. I have now dined at Carisma at least 4 times and I never have enough room for dessert except for a cappuccino. However if the food is delicious, I am confident the dessert will not disappoint.

Should you visit in the winter or summer, as you sit inside Carisma in its airy and modern dining room, you quickly forget the busyness of the city or the chaos of your day, as you escape into an Italian dining adventure. Buon appetito!