Carisma in Toronto

Food is tasty, a typical Italian flavor and you wont be disappointed in the dishes. Deserts are superb so go easy on carbs full dishes here.

Nice place! Fancy! Small! Customer service on-point!

I really enjoyed my time in Carisma, good and staff were great

I was planning a team lunch, and I cannot thank Marji enough for her exceptional kindness and support throughout the process. She was incredibly patient, guiding me step by step and even securing the reservation despite my inability to confirm right away. Marji went above and beyond, kindly keeping the booking on hold while I navigated some delays in getting approval. Marji s kindness truly stood out. Although we ve only spoken over the phone, it s clear she is someone who prioritizes people over transactions. She approaches business with heart, genuinely caring about others rather than simply focusing on sales. Her positive, jovial personality is infectious you can t help but laugh and feel at ease when speaking with her. If you re considering booking at Carisma, don t think twice. Marji will ensure your experience is nothing short of wonderful. Highly recommend thank you, Marji, for making this process so seamless and enjoyable! You deserve it my darling, Muah!

Wonderful restaurant located in the Market District. The food & the wine are top rate. Wonderful owners and staff. I highly recommend. Il miglior ristorante Italiano in città! Delizioso!

Terrible time. Came to Toronto with friends and a great evening out. Female waitress recommended our app, and main course. We wanted to order something different. The waitress was so rude, she wont talk to us. At the end of the night, she gave us one bill when we asked for 3 separate bills. She said that the machine wont let her divide it up and for us to calculate it ourselves. Very disappointed with our evening out.... Will not be back and will diffinately not be recommending this restaurant to other people. Kid-friendliness: Awful, terrible.... Female older waitress. Very rude

while the room and food were truly exceptional, the quality of the service was simply superlative. True genuine interest and care while stilll being uber proffesional. Having been in hospitality for 30 plus years, I was blown away by the amazing , honest and genuine experience....bonus is a well priced well selected wine list.

Great Italian food and fabulous atmosphere.

Unique dining experience in Downtown Toronto. Strongly recommend this place for the amazing food and excellent service. Thanks to Margie and Sasha!

you need to update your web site, your current menu posted is outdated and grossly under priced. I understand there s been some heavy inflation recently. prices are marked as much as 200 to 300% cheaper on your website big difference that s worthy of a one star review. i paid $36 for a small ball of cheese with 3 slices of tomato s

Top rated fine dining in Toronto core. Great restaurant for date night or if you re looking to show a client a great time!

Truffle pasta on point

Very warm personal service in a cozy and pleasant dining room. The food was well prepared and well presented featuring quality ingrediants.

One of the best restaurants Ive ever had in TO. The service just blown me away. Amazing food and environment.

We came here for my gf s birthday and every dish we ordered was super delicious along with the wine our server recommended. We were all very impressed by the food, atmosphere and our overall visit. Highly recommend this restaurant!

Had a fantastic lunch here today. Food was sensational but the service was next level. We ll be back for sure

The raviolini was delicious. Great spot for a lunch break.

Good food, good ambience, great customer service

Really great food, youve got to try their Caesar salad, best bacon

Great restaurant! The staff was very friendly and accommodating. In terms of the food, great quality and taste! I was impressed with the desserts being made in house, this included both vanilla and chocolate ice crème! Highly recommend.

Best crème brûlée I ve had, amazing and kind service

I totally fell in love with this place! Im soooooo gonna go back Here for sure. The Big Boss Man of the place takes very good pride in his place and you can feel the good energy here! He made me feel very welcomed and would of stayed longer but I felt the lady working the bar didnt care for me being there and should of left her personal stuff at home and be a bit more professional. Other then that I love the place. Ill be back soon and every the positive atmosphere with some food and drinks soon. Please book your seats because I feel that its gonna be a challenge to get a table soon. Thank you Mr Boss Man for turning my rainy day to a shiny day.

Quality restaurant. You get what you pay for. Excellent food, friendly and attentive staff, and beautiful interior. Very satisfied with my experience and will be back in the future!

Carisma is a hidden gem in downtown Financial District. As it is just a bit off the path, it doesnt have the normal busy hustle business atmosphere the restaurants along the Bay Corridor have. Instead, its charming, quiet and feels authentically Italian (including the servers). The food is really good - as soon as the freshly baked bread is on the table, we know we are in for a treat and we are right. We had Ragu and Ravioli - Yummy. Dessert is very tasty too. The servers are attentive but not overwhelmingly hovering around. We are very happy with this place and will definitely come back and try out other dishes.

Steak was delicious and the pear cocktail was the best.

We had late dinner reservations and they stayed open to accommodate us with the best service! Thank you all!

I had lunch there a few weeks ago. It was a lovely spot in the city and quiet inside, which is nice. The restaurant has very attentive staff, which I really appreciated. The food was good too (though not great ). I had the pappardelle. I will come here again for sure.

I have been going to Charisma for years. The food is fabulous and so is the stuff. Totally excellent experience.

Honestly the best Italian restaurant in town. Food was amazing, and service was wonderful.

Great restaurant. The food was amazing and the service was wonderful. Vegetarian options: A few only, but the waiter switched meat with other ingredients to create some veggie alternatives so they have some options. No vegan meals though. Food : 5/5 |

Five stars even though I dont know what it is and I didnt go here.

The restaurant, the cooks, the staff, never let you down. Excellent experience once again!

I came here initially during covid, it was a tough time because we couldnt eat inside then. However I remembered this place, and I wanted to come back to have the full experience. Last time I praised the service and how incredible the owners and staff are attentive to your needs. THIS TIME it was even better, charisma is what defines them! Kind, courteous, accommodating, lively and so charming! But dont get me wrong this doesnt mean the food isnt up to par! To my pleasant surprise I can say it became more elevated and even more delicious! I highly recommend this place, if you like a chic place thats lively, gives you excellent service and ambience along with delicious Italian food, this is it!

Very friendly, beautiful atmosphere and the food is delicious

What I enjoyed the the most was the warm welcoming as I walked in. The seating was very comfortable and the interior of the building is very formal. My vegetable dish was incredible and the lasagna was great too. Thanks to the Kitchen aswell. Great presentation; very Charismatic

Good simple Italian food.

Very good Italian restaurant. Fresh pasta is delicious. Attentive and fast service. I will definitely come back

Fantastic Service.

The restaurant was crowded and noisy. We were SO close to our neighbour that he welcomed us to his dinner party! lol Waiters made us feel rushed, constantly wanting to take our plates. Food was okay, nothing spectacular or really tasty. Over priced for the quality of food we received. We both agreed we wouldn t go back or recommend this place. I rarely take the time to review but we were extremely disappointed with Carisma!

Went here for dinner and enjoyed some wonderful pasta and service! Loved the truffle pasta, osso bucco (personal favourite), and the seafood calamarata.

Great restaurant!! The food was extremely delicious and the decor was stunning. The staff when I visited was wonderful. Really attentive and knowledgeable. They also have a wonderful drink/wine list.

The place was way to packed, the staff were rude and the place was way to expensive. All the food we ordered was way overcooked. I have let all our friends know and we wont be coming back. Not even worth taking pictures.

Pretentious with below average quality. Loud and uncomfortable environment. Staff were friendly but we go to the restaurant for food not servers.

Great food, beautiful setting and friendly, knowledgable staff

The service was top notch and the food was delicious. They accomodated my request for a bday surprise for my girlfriend perfectly! Highly recommend the veal chop milanese.

Nestled in an intimate space adorned with elegant design elements and verdant potted plants, including charming small olive trees, this quaint establishment exudes a refined ambiance. From the moment we stepped in, it became evident that exceptional service was the cornerstone of our dining experience a rarity in Torontos bustling culinary scene of recent years. Our expectations were set high, and they were met with flying colors. We commenced our culinary journey with a delightful gesture a complimentary offering of fresh, warm bread infused with fragrant rosemary and drizzled with luscious olive oil. A promising start indeed. We informed a server that well share an appetizer, and opted for the Calamari Alla Griglia ($22), a dish that arrived elegantly presented on two plates (a standard practice these days that an extra plate or two are brought as well, but properly and nicely presented smaller portions were a great gesture!). The grilled calamari, cooked to perfection, boasted a tender texture, complemented exquisitely by the warmth of Moroccan black olives and the vibrant scallion tomato salsa. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors, with the olives providing a pleasing hint of bitterness to balance the dish. Moving on to the main course, the Filetto Di Manzo ($65) stole the spotlight a grilled beef tenderloin adorned with a decadent foie gras torchon and drizzled with a rich Barolo wine reduction. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, every element of this dish danced on the palate. The steak, cooked to a flawless medium-rare, melted in the mouth, while the seared foie gras added a luxurious touch with its velvety texture and subtle sweetness, perfectly offsetting the bitterness of the wine reduction. It was a culinary masterpiece, surpassing even our most recent steak experiences. The Osso Bucco Alla Milanese ($50), served with risotto, proved to be another delightful surprise. Though not our usual choice, this rendition impressed with its tender, flavorful meat and a tantalizing addition of bone marrow, expertly highlighted by a special spoon provided for maximum enjoyment. As we concluded our meal, the desserts did not disappoint. The Tiramisu and Crème Brûlée were both standout desserts, with the Tiramisu being the best in Toronto in the last five years (although, I have to admit that about a year ago tasted even a better one in Florida, and the Crème Brûlée is taking the top spot in our dessert list for the same period. In summary, this dining experience transcended mere gastronomy it was a symphony of flavors orchestrated to perfection - in addition to its elegant ambiance - left an indelible mark on our palates and memories.

Excellent service and food as we celebrated a family member s engagement.

Carisma has absolutely fantastic Italian food with unmatched service. We were treated like family by the staff and we can t wait to return!

The service at this restaurant was subperb! The owner greeted my party at the door and we were guided by Silva through a magnificent meal selection where Silva made recommendations that complimented the previous course and proved to be a great meal. If you are in Toronto treat yourself to dinner at charisma. Tom Reeves

Vibe is good. But make sure you don t order the specials off the menu without looking at the price. Got charged $50 for burrata & $24 for a glass of cab

Very nice atmosphere and food was chefs kiss good. Would come back again

We had an amazing time at Carisma, the food was great and the service was amazing . Special shout out to Louis and Harrison for the excellent service

Although it s not light on the wallet, neither is anywhere else especially in downtown Toronto however the quality of food is superb and the service was outstanding. Great place for special occasion or date night.

Very family-run fine dining restaurant feel. The staff were excellent and friendly. Atmosphere was a bit loud since we came during a leafs game night so you had the front bar section playing the game. Saw quite a few tables celebrating birthdays. Ordered 2 mains, a side dish, and 2 desserts. They offered the option of having the mains split into nicely presented sharing (half) portions which was a very nice touch and felt better than reaching across the table to trade food etc. We had the spigolo which was excellent and the wild boar ragu pappardelle, as well as rapini as a side dish. There was a nice slight char to the spigolo and rapini. The wild boar did not taste gamey at all and the taste of the pasta sauce was quite strong. Portions are not super massive like some other Italian places. For dessert we had the ricotta cheesecake and tiramisu. The tiramisu had excellent balance between the cake layers and cream (not drenched in cream), and overall tasted better than the cheesecake which was closer than expected to a regular new york style cheesecake in taste and texture. The ricotta taste was very subtle and the texture was very slightly airier than a normal new york style cheesecake, but overall not differentiated enough when paired against the tiramisu.

I dont post much or rave too much about restaurants, but hands down, Carisma was fantastic. Hot, Fresh, Tasty food. Really good vibe and an amazing service. From the hot, out of the oven bread, to the choices given by our sommelier, to just the small added touches of the servers and the back.... this place is a hidden gem!

Enjoyed a delightful meal at this Italian gem. Beautiful interior decor. Highlights included tender veal, perfectly cooked steak, and heartwarming lasagna, each dish bursting with authentic flavors. The cozy atmosphere and excellent service enhanced the experience, making it ideal for any occasion.

Best scallop I ve had in a long time. Duck confit pasta was delicious.

We really enjoyed the Florentine steak. It was cooked perfectly. The staff were really friendly and really took care of us. Highly recommend this place.

Fine dining at its finest, romantic and beautiful. If I could give 10 stars, I would. 5 Star restaraunt, all friendly, helpful, accommodating waiter staff. Our waiter, she was very nice and knew right away what we wanted to order. Order came out fresh and quick, surprisingly. Complimentary bread was soft and tart. The Spaghettini was the star of the show, with huge tiger shrimp, delicious, palatable and flavourful with Parmesan it turns it up to a whole different level of rare. The chefs here are world class, compliments to the chef. We came here for my wife s birthday in February and we left satisfied. The wine was delightful, best, number 1. Also you can t go here and not get the cappuccino, it was all 6 out of 5 stars. Ambience was elegant, comfortable and very classy. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to try a real 5 star restaurant. Prices are very affordable for the quality that you are getting, cheers and enjoy your day :) Top quality, fantastic, amazing.

Amazing urban legend and a beginning of something exciting

Visited twice in one week! Once for dinner another for a work event. Highly recommended from local colleagues. Hope to visit again soon!

A genuine 5 star restaurant. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious and the servers were fantastic - knowledgeable and attentive. Decor was great too.

Quite loud on a Tuesday evening. Sea bass was perfectly prepared and served.

Fabulous food. Great service. Wonderful personalities. Like being in Italy.

I ve taken many customers here for business meals and we are never disappointed. Exceptional service always at Carisma, with a fun atmosphere. Personally fond of the wild boar ragu.

Food meh. Dessert good!

There are MUCH better Italian restaurants in the city, skip this one. Service was beyond rude, food was flavourless, the pasta tasted frozen and microwaved (not hot at all), no salt, no garlic, no oil or pepper, definitely not fresh pasta - something you d get on the kids menu at a chain restaurant. I m Italian and this place is not authentic, maybe if you go to a tourist trap restaurant in Rome, but I ve had better meals and way better espresso at gas stations in Italy, if you know you know. No clue why this place has good reviews.

Everything was awesome

Been here only once, on a busy week night. The food was phenomenal. The ambience was very nice. But the service could ve been better. No one greeted me when I entered and I had to wave someone down and wait for a few minutes even though I had a reservation. Also, the server who ended up greeting and seating me initially disappeared for a while. Servers kept changing throughout the night. Most of them were polite yet curt & seemed slightly stressed. This is obviously a pricey establishment so avoid it if you re price sensitive. Overall, I had a positive experience and would gladly return for another phenomenal meal.

We had a party of 12, we were seated at a plastic table with a table cloth covering it, which I dont necessarily mind however when you are paying $350 per person there is an expectation for food, service and atmosphere. The food was very disappointing, the Florentine steaks were over cooked, the Truffle pastas strongest flavour was water. And then the bill. Wow! Will definitely not be going back or recommending this place to anyone. Every guest agreed this was no where near the value we were charged for.

Bustling restaurant with great food. Went with 2 girlfriends. Had an assortment of drinks and food from antipasti, grilled octopus, fresh pasta, veal, dessert. Food was delicious, servers were attentive. Its not cheap so be prepared to pay more than your usual night out but I did feel I got what I paid for so all good. Will have to bring my husband next time.

Worst restaurant Ive been to. Food was terrible and badly portioned. Service was bad and it took long. It was my friends birthday and I was offered a complimentary desert that ended up on my final bill

this place

Nice Italian restaurant. Beautiful food. Will be back.

Visited for a business lunch and the service was first class. Would definitely recommend, and absolutely cant wait to revisit for dinner!

I guess our review will be an anomaly. But this was just one of those days when we maybe got the wrong server and it set the whole tone of our meal wrong. Our server right from the moment we sat down was trying to rush us in a very rude and obvious way. Not sure if it was because he wanted to move tables fast or just didn t like us. But we fell extremely rushed to the point we had to tell him and after which he backed off. Then comes the food. The lamb we ordered was medium rare and that s a very standard order at all Italian restaurants and I have ordered that so many times but the lamb was completely rare. We had to send it back and they were kind enough to fix it. But I was in a very patronizing tone told that a medium rare is supposed to be like that. I don t know in what world a medium rare is supposed to be completely rare. And I know my meats well. But we quickly realized this will be one of those meals that was ruined right from the moment we walked in and were treated with not the greatest hospitality. This place from us at least is not getting a second visit but looking at other reviews can t comment much on food. We had a bad experience but it was just the food we would probably visit again but we were overall made to feel very unwelcomed. And we have never experienced that.

Worst experience of our lives! Went for a friends birthday and they refused to let us cut the cake unless we paid FOR THE CAKE WE BROUGHT. They took away our spare plates and cutlery and wanted us to pay for getting side plates for the cake. The food was horrendous. Never order gnocchi as its bland and Negroni because its super duper bitter.

Authentic

This place used to be amazing before they moved to the new location. My wife and I used to love coming here, the pasta was fresh, the food and service was impeccable. Now it seems like the quality is reserved for people the owners want to impress. The food quality is less than to be desired. For the amount of money you spend here you can go to a restaurant like the Butcher Chef and get an amazing experience that justifies the cost.

Best Italian in the core of Toronto. You will love the food with just the right amount of venue formality.

Food was good but too pricy.

Amazing food, amazing service, loved the ambiance

Always a great experience - quality food, fantastic service and great ambiance. Parking: Street parking or covered parking directly across street.

Consistently delicious! My favourite Italian in the city.

Had a great evening. Eclectic items on menu. Something for everyone.

Lovely evening for dinner at Carisma. Refreshing to actually be able to hear our own dinner conversation. I find most restaurants far too loud. Recommend the fish, gnocchi and the burrata. Attentive service. Thank you.

Dining with family! That is what Carisma felt like. The food, the atmosphere, the experience it was all perfect. . We had a 10 course chefs choice and the spacing between portions and the wine paring was perfect. We will be back (Party of 10, in semi private room)

THIS. TRULY. HAPPENED !!! FACT: I arrived for a reserved table for two at 6:20pm this evening. Reservation was for 6:30pm. FACT: I checked in at the front host table upon arrival and was seated. FACT: The woman that led me to my assigned table asked What happened to your face...it looks terrible. Her wildly inappropriate and insane question sparked attention from nearby tables. FACT: I quietly responded...Its Cancer. FACT: She walked away. FACT: Seconds later a male approached me and said Hey buddy, do you have a chip on your shoulder or what? FACT: I responded Absolutely not...simply a post surgery scab on my cheek FACT: His response...Okay we dont need your type here...I pay more than $30,000 rent per month...leave now. FACT: I immediately exited the premise and met my friend outside minutes later. FACT; On April 12, 2023, I had an aggressive form of skin cancer carved from my right cheek at Toronto General Hospital. FACT: The surgical removal of the Cancer resulted in a slow to heal - two inch - 5cmX1cm - scab on my right cheek. Im told by medical professionals that the Cancer may have spread to Lymph nodes in my neck...and a CT Scan is scheduled. FACT: I had hoped the dinner/drinks at Carisma would provide a jovial respite following two frightening weeks. FACT: Clearly my hope was quickly demolished by two classless fools at Carisma.

Amazing experience! The food was absolutely delicious; we were a group of 4 and all our plates were wiped clean by the end of the night. But above all, the service was flawless. Ricardo took care of us and made recommendations and adjustments to our meals to make sure we were all perfectly taken care of. Would highly recommend

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Toronto. It has a great family feeling while maintaining a very high level of quality and service. Its a great place to hist a business or other group dinner and located in the heart of Toronto.

It had been some time since I had visited Carisma, and I have now been back twice in the past 4 weeks - the staff are top drawer, owners incredibly hospitable and the food and entertainment experience second to none! I will be back in the next 4 weeks! I love you folks at Cucina!

Went with a large party, and seating was very cramped Food portions were insanely small and extremely overpriced. We were with people who had not dined like this before, and the server was not patient with the questions. Food : 3/5

Good food, atmosphere and great service. Had a wonderful experience.

Had dinner here recently and there was nothing explicitly wrong with it but nothing special either.

Great food and ambience. Very prompt service. Perfect for a lunch meeting.

A bustling spot to share a great meal with friends and family in downtown Toronto. Good service and classy ambience.

Great food

Came here for a date night with my now husband when we just started dating. The atmosphere was so romantic. I loved the dim lighting and the ambiance. The food was delicious and full of flavour! We had; ~ Carpaccio Di Manzo ~ Pappardelle al Cinghiale ~ Osso buco alla Milanese ~ Molten lava chocolate cake

The ambiance was awesome. The service was great, our waiter was so attentive. And the food was phenomenal. Overall it was an incredible dinning experience.

Excellent food, intimate venue, tremendous service.

We love it! Every moment we enjoyed and can t wait to go back! Amazing selection of wine and cocktails and delicious food Luis(our server) just an amazing person we had so much fun and we are never forgetting Chablis Thankyou for amazing experience Food

This is one of my favourite restaurant in Toronto. If not in the top 3 of what I think are the best Italian restaurant in Toronto. Ambiance is sophisticate, romantic, chill. It s family owned and they are the nicest people. Food is delicious, simple ingredients but with the highest quality. Pasta is homemade, appetizers are so good, the pastry are made in house too and you can tell that the team works so hard. Everything feels fresh and Italian. Carisma is perfect to celebrate an important event or just to stop by with a friend to grab a quick meal. Service is top notch!

Everytime I visit for a group gathering the experience is great, music, food and drinks were always good. The owner and host are respectful and professional, things I appreciate.

Authentic Italian food. Thier roast chicken is so delicious and perfectly cooked. The apps are tasty too. Delicious food and very kind servers!

Having returned from Italy, I was hoping to get the taste experience we had while in Rome. Unfortunately this restaurant misses the mark. Portions were good, service was average.

Incredible service!!! Thank you Sa a !! Weve absolutely love it!! Ilina Ivana Food : 5/5

There for a business meeting. Very attentive staff. Salad was delish. It was a little loud, but to be expected during lunch. Definitely would like to come back and have dinner.

I cant say enough of the hospitality and authenticity of the place! From the moment we walked in till we left the staff was attentive and courteous I took my parents and they felt so accommodated and appreciated not to mention the food is fantastic!! Cant wait to go back! Dietary restrictions: Asked to have my dads dish without salt and thry were happy to do it!

One of the best Italian restaurant s I ve ever been to. Margie, the owner made us feel at home. The service was 1000% flawless. Every single bite of every course was delicious and perfect. The Peartini craft cocktail is recommended.

The food is amazing!

Great food, great service and affordable.

Good place

Food was good, not amazing but our server was very rude and condescending, and really rushed us.

If you are looking for a restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere, Carisma is the place to come. As for the food, my entree was delicious; however, my salad was mediocre. I feel like the prices reflect the quality of the food.

Right from the start we felt like home! Amazing service and recommendations by our friendly waiter Dany! Everything is fresh and delicious! Highly recommended! 5 stars for us!

First time here and will definitely be back. Not the cheapest place but great food and great service. One little annoyance...when Im offered some water I should be told you are going to charge me $9.00 for a bottle of water. Tap water would have been fine. Otherwise everything was great.

Staff was amazing, option of outside dinning is nice, wine selection also good. Its Italian food cmon its delish Parking: Parking lots easy to find and walking distance away

Beautiful atmosphere, wonderful staff, and delicious food.

Well, it was ok. Risotto special was ok, Ive had better. molten lava cake was just cake...nothing molten. We had fun non the less. Food

The one who serve us is so amazing

Great experience! Amazing food! Awesome service and a nice atmosphere. We would definitely go back. Food

Holy smokes this restaurant is good! Look, there are tons of options if you want to go out for Italian food, right? And many of them are good. After all, Italian food is delicious and so commonly done well. But Carisma is next level. No. That s not it. They re not even playing the same game. My wife and I had a 7:00 pm reservation. This was our first time there and it s quite a drive for us (over an hour) so we were really hoping it would be worth it. There s an underground parking garage next door, but we found easy street parking. We arrived and were seated immediately at a nice table for two. We were struck immediately by the ambience. Comfortable, clean, and roomy even though there are a lot of tables relatively close together. Our server showed up immediately and was friendly without being overbearing, informative without being condescending, and for the entire dinner was attentive to what we needed (ready to clear dishes, replace cutlery and clean the table between courses) and what we might want next, all without that sometimes I m too posh for you vibe that you can get with that level of service at high end restaurants. In other words, the perfect server. Let s talk about the food though. Wow. First they bring bread for the table. The bread seemed like a really nice pizza dough kind of bread that was crunchy on the outside but amazingly tender inside. The crunch was just right. Crunchy enough to satisfy but stopping just shy of shredding the top of your mouth. It s topped with a garlic butter and rosemary combination that made it something we ate too quickly. But all is well. We ordered more! For our mains, my wife wanted the raviolini, which is stuffed with braised veal, but it comes in a tomato sauce which she doesn t generally like. We fully expected the common we don t make substitutions refrain you get, usually with disdain, at quality restaurants. Not here! Our server was quick to let us know that they can make any substitutions you want - different pasta, different sauce - and they are happy to do it. They want you to get your food the way you want it! Such a great attitude. So my wife went with the alfredo sauce. I chose the papardelle ragu, which is a wild boar ragu. First of all, the raviolini. The veal filling was so well seasoned, and so well ground. The texture and taste were perfect, and the pasta was delicious and perfectly cooked. The alfredo sauce was actually light while still holding full alfredo flavour. A trick that almost seems like magic because alfredo sauce is usually so heavy. My papardelle was also perfectly cooked. And that wild boar ragu had such deep flavour I wanted to devour it but ate slowly so I could savour it. Many really nice Italian restaurants we go to have not the greatest choices for dessert. But not here! I had an apple strudel that was fantastic, and my wife had strawberry sorbet. Perfect finish. They have gluten-free pasta as an option, so for people with that requirement, you re covered! We will be returning with our kids at our earliest opportunity!

We have been coming here for generations the owners Margi and Michael are awesome! They are willing to adapt to any food you could want. The ambiance and service is great as well and they have the best Italian food in the city. The gnocchi is the best I highly recommend.

Best dining experience of my life.

Not worth the hype!! They charged 40$ for truffle pasta(appetizer quantity). The server said that we can do half and half with gnocchi and truffle pasta(with 1 bill for both) but in the end, we got charged for both. Basically, one drink, truffle pasta and gnocchi would cost 100$ to be precise. *Limited Vegetarian options!!!!!

The Ambience is amazing as well as the vibe! It s too expensive and there not much options for Veg. There were not much options given to us and each plate cost around $50. So it s kinda fancy but only if you eat meat I would recommend. We ordered Gnocchi & Truffle Pasta.

One of the best spots in Toronto.

Fine Italian dining, friendly and attentive staff.. And a truly splendid wine list.

I had the pleasure of dining at Carisma restaurant in Toronto last night, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The service was truly outstanding - attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. What truly sets Carisma apart is the freshness of their food. Every dish I tried was bursting with flavor and made with the finest ingredients. Generally, when it comes to desserts part, I am crazy about Cheesecakes and I also tired their strawberries cheesecake; it was one of the top ten for me! I highly recommend Carisma to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Toronto. Whether its a special occasion or just a night out, this restaurant delivers in every aspect.

Food is okay, the gnocchi is bland and has no salt. The portion sizes are extremely small and the quality of the food is worse than average. Was expecting amazing quality for the price I m paying and was extremely disappointed. Their cocktail menu is a joke.. they give you a drink in a champagne glass, when it s supposed to be a cocktail you are expecting a decent sized glass and not a mini champagne glass. Also the worst thing was I put a note in my reservation that it was my girlfriend s birthday and I would like them to bring something out for her. And nothing, I waited and waited and they didn t even acknowledge my note. Extremely disappointed with this place would never come back or recommend. I wish I could give lower than 1 star.

Thank you Carisma restaurant for your phenomenal service and sensational, divine food! You are always consistent and I can count on an amazing dining experience with you every time! I am appreciative of your generous kindness, exceptional service with a smile and delicious food! I appreciate you making me look so good with business meeting gatherings or social mingling events by always being marvelous, fun and professional! I am truly grateful for how you make every gathering special and delightful! A special heartfelt thank you to Margie and Michael for always ensuring their staff pay attention to details to accommodate and ensure our experience is nothing less than the best! Truly grateful for Carisma in my life! Thank you! Dr. MV

Their salad is so good. Im so ready to come again

4.5/5 Great food and service. It can get a bit loud in the dining area but the decor is tasteful with a relaxing ambiance. We started with the Insalata Carisma. They split the salad in two without us having to ask which was a thoughtful touch. The dressing was very good and this salad paired very well with the bread served. For mains, we chose the Calamarata and the pasta of the day which was a Butter and Truffle Linguine. The calamarata was a wonderful balance of seafood and tomato, and the linguine was rich and flavourful. The fresh pasta in both dishes was excellent. For dessert, we shared the Torta Di Noci which was nutty and rich. It wasn t too sweet and had great flavour. The food here was terrific. The only detractor would be the price point which is quite high for the size of servings. Overall, a great experience! If you like good pasta, you won t be disappointed here.

I had my birthday dinner with friends. The food was great, and the service was pretty good. However, I just want to give advice not to assume where we are sitting by our race. I know that we were only Asians in the restaurant, but leading us to the table without asking any question (name for the reservation or how many people) was not a pleasant experience. What if I was meeting my other race friends in the restaurant? Other than this, I was pretty satisfied.

Fantastic place for Italian cuisine. Service was exceptional!! Simone was great!!

This was my first time at this establishment. Our servers name was Sasha... he was amazing. Food was spectacular!! We will be back. Food : 5/5

Everything was perfect, great service, wine list and food options. Had one of the specials and a favorite of mine - Chilean sea bass, which came beautifully arranged. Unfortunately it was overcooked, firm and dry (another guest in our party had the same experience). Asked the waiter to tell the kitchen (that they successfully killed the fish twice) - but never got any feedback. Hence a mediocre grade on the food.

This place was a nice find. Great food, but even better staff. It was a fantastic experience, and I am looking forward to returning in the near future.

The atmosphere was cozy. The foccia and grilled calamari were perfection. Our entrees were a little bland. We both added chillies flakes and chilli oil. The service was good but we felt very rushed. Our server was polite but we could feel his eyes constantly. It was uncomfortable. I politely told him on multiple occasions, we needed time. There were several other free tables. Id come back but in hopes that my experience the second time would slightly improve.

It s extremely disappointing when you go to a restaurant and they seat you on foldable patio chairs. We payed upwards of 200$ for the bill of 2 dishes and the chairs were the ones from a backyard BBQ. Absurd experience for a supposed upscale restaurant.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto, Carisma offers an Italian dining experience that strikes a fine balance between elegance and comfort. The chic decor and soft lighting create a welcoming atmosphere that, despite the lively chatter and full occupancy during my visit, maintained a level of noise that was animated yet not intrusive. From the moment we stepped in, the service was exceptional. Attentive and friendly staff ensured our evening was enjoyable, frequently checking in to ascertain our satisfaction. The presentation of the food was a visual treat, with portion sizes that were satisfying without being overwhelming. For our appetizers, the burrata salad was fresh and creamy, while the tuna tartare was seasoned to perfection. The main courses, raviolini and spigola (seabass with vegetables and extra virgin olive oil), were both standout dishes that delivered on taste as beautifully as they were presented. To finish, the apple strudel with vanilla ice cream and the tortino al cioccolato were indulgent and a delightful end to our meal. Carisma truly captures the essence of Italian dining with its combination of a warm ambiance, friendly service, and delectable cuisine. A gem in Torontos culinary scene, this restaurant comes highly recommended for those seeking to enjoy Italian fare with flair.

recommend: walnut tart

Omg! It was the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Great atmosphere, superb food, friendly staff. Did I mention the food? Large group of 16 people, accommodating and very attentive service. Its worth every penny

Warm welcome with a cold beverage Great conversation with a crème brûlée I am a Liquor Licence Consultant with 26 years experience, and most of that as a LSO P1 Licence; take my word, just call for a reservation and order the pasta with truffle Food

Highly recommend for authentic Italian food. The special was a truffle pasta, which was outstanding. The noodles were homemade in the restaurant. Atmosphere was beautiful, classic, chic, I loved the olive trees, they were a charming touch. The service was great, servers were Italian and came from the region where the foods were made. It felt like we were sitting in an Italian chic countryside! Vegetarian options: They have pastas and salads that are all vegetarian! Highly recommend!

came here for my birthday staff were amazing the place looked incredible but the food was mid, cocktails were alright, the lady in charge is brilliant

Everything is wonderful

Great spot for afternoon lunch...will be back!!

Always consistent, great food, great service great atmosphere.

Small restaurant with elegant decor inside. Menu had Good pasta accompanied with good selection of wine.

The space and atmosphere is amazing. It s a cute little date nigh spot with dimmed light. The staff are wondering but the food was just average for Italian.

Just horrible, almost all the servers and waiters are old and almost have no clue what is going on. The food was mid. I ve never had lasagna with no meet in it just filled and puffed up with ricotta cheese, calamari was undercooked and overly cooked, the customer service was the worst to say the least and the attitude of the server was nothing to write home about. To think they were going to charge us for not liking the lasagna and calamari that we only took a bite of is absurd, go here at your own risk, the worst!!!!

Terrible Experience at Carisma I recently dined at Carisma, and unfortunately, it was a dreadful experience from start to finish. The service was abysmal, the ambiance was far from pleasant, and the overall atmosphere left much to be desired. Upon entering, I was shocked to find staff members in the dining area folding towels, which immediately set an odd tone for a dining experience. The food, unfortunately, did not redeem the situation. Not only was it undercooked and hastily prepared, but the lasagna was served cold and drowning in cheese. To make matters worse, it felt like the staff was talking about us, with one server audibly telling another to take it easy on our table. This made me feel extremely unwelcome and, quite frankly, disrespected. Additionally, there were instances where it seemed like they were trying to over-explain items on the menu, as if we were incapable of understanding basic English a potentially racist assumption. In an attempt to salvage the meal, we sent back the calamari ($22) and both portions of lasagna ($52). Despite our dissatisfaction, we were still charged for these items. When we requested the charges be removed from the bill, we were made to wait an additional 20 minutes, with no resolution in sight. We finally had to call them over to express our frustration and indicate our desire to leave. In conclusion, Carisma deserves no more than one star, if that. I strongly advise against wasting your time and money at this establishment. The combination of poor service, a strange ambiance, and subpar food make it an experience to avoid at all costs.

Food was good, service was great but it was way too noisy

The service and the atmosphere and design were fine, but the food is just OK. Italian food is always my first choice and thats why I have dine in numerous italian restaurants in toronto, and if I compare the taste, portion size and the price, this place wont be high in the list. The portions are small and the taste is really mediocre.