Carolina — Restaurant in Toronto

Ah, the exquisite dance of flavors, the harmonious symphony of textures, and the sheer joy of culinary excellence—such was my recent experience at Carolina, nestled on Dundas Street West in Toronto. This restaurant, with its cozy ambiance and understated charm, proved itself a veritable temple to the art of Italian cuisine.

We began our journey with the Antipasto per Quattro, a veritable feast for both the eyes and the palate. A curated selection of fine cured meats, artisanal cheeses, marinated vegetables, and crusty bread, it was the perfect opening act—a tantalizing prelude to the culinary concert that awaited us. Every bite was a revelation, a harmonious interplay of salty, creamy, and tangy notes.

From the wood-fired oven came four pizzas that were nothing short of masterpieces. The Toto Pizza—oh, what a triumph! Its toppings married simplicity with sophistication. The Tanta Roba Pizza, true to its name, was a generous explosion of flavors, bold yet balanced. The Bedra Mia Pizza delighted with its nuanced layers, while the Calabrisella Pizza brought a fiery kick that lingered just long enough to captivate without overwhelming. Each crust was a work of art: crisp yet yielding, with a delicate char that whispered of authenticity.

The Marcello Panini stood as a testament to the enduring beauty of a well-crafted sandwich. Tender meats, vibrant greens, and a touch of zesty sauce embraced by perfectly grilled bread—it was comfort and elegance in one satisfying bite.

And then came dessert. Tiramisu, a cloud-like confection of mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa, transported us straight to Italy with its delicate sweetness. The Pistachio Lava Cake, with its molten center of nutty decadence, was the kind of dessert that inspires sonnets.

Our libations of choice—Peroni and Negroni—perfectly complemented the meal. The beer, crisp and refreshing, provided a delightful counterpoint to the richness of the fare, while the Negroni, with its bitter and citrusy complexity, stood as a bold, refined companion.

The staff, ever attentive yet unobtrusive, made us feel both welcomed and pampered. It was clear that they, too, were deeply invested in ensuring that every guest’s experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Carolina is not merely a restaurant; it is an experience, a love letter to the culinary traditions of Italy. To dine here is to revel in the joy of good company, good food, and the kind of evening that lingers fondly in one’s memory long after the final crumb has been savored....

I wanted to share my experience from today, January 25th, 2025. We drove for about 25 minutes to try this pizzeria, as we had seen an ad for it on Instagram and thought it looked worth the trip. However, from the moment we arrived, it quickly became clear that the experience would not be what we expected.

The hostess greeted us at the door and immediately offered us a table near the exit, which we didn’t like at all. It was elevated, and the door next to it kept opening and closing constantly. To make matters worse, all other tables on that level were marked as "reserved." We asked if there were any other tables available, but she told us that everything else was occupied, and this was the only one we could have. When she saw that we were about to leave, her tone changed, and she offered us a table on a lower level, where the actual dining area was.

We thought this would be a better option, but once again, she placed us at a table that was right next to the kitchen and the hallway, despite all the other tables being empty. She asked if that was okay, and at that point, we didn’t want to make a scene, so we reluctantly sat down. It felt like she was more interested in placing us at the least desirable spot, and it was frustrating because it was clear that the rest of the lower level was free.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this kind of behavior. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to offer their worst tables first, hoping that guests will settle for them, while saving the better spots for someone else who might complain.

When the menu arrived, we saw that it was just before 11 AM, and only brunch items were available. I asked if we could order something else, and the waiter brought us the regular menu, telling us that pizza was the only option. After everything that had happened, I just didn’t feel comfortable staying there any longer. I ended up leaving without ordering any food, as the lack of warmth and the poor service had left a bad impression. I can’t comment on the food because I didn’t get the chance to try any of it.

Considering this is an Italian restaurant, I can’t help but think they could benefit from a trip to Italy to learn about true hospitality and service. Italian restaurants are known for making their guests feel like family, and it’s something I feel this place could learn from. Guests aren’t just walking ATMs; they deserve to feel welcomed and valued...

Carolina is a bright, lively spot that brings a modern and elevated twist to casual Italian dining. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with a buzzy energy—clean, stylish interiors, and an open layout that blends a laid-back vibe with a hint of European charm. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a casual date night.

We started with the fried calamari, which were perfectly crisp and golden on the outside, yet tender and flavorful inside. The accompanying dip was creamy and balanced the saltiness of the calamari beautifully. A great opening dish that set the tone for the meal.

The pizzas, though, are where Carolina really shines. We tried two and both were standout. The salsiccia e friarielli pizza came loaded with savory sausage, bitter rapini, and creamy fior di latte—an amazing combination of bold, rustic flavors. The dough was light and airy with just the right amount of char on the crust, giving it that classic Neapolitan touch.

Then came the showstopper: the mortadella and burrata pizza, finished with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of olive oil. The richness of the burrata, the delicate saltiness of the mortadella, and the crunch of the pistachio worked together in perfect harmony. Every bite was indulgent but well-balanced.

Drinks were on point too—my Negroni was strong and smooth, served with a nice twist of orange that added a zesty touch without overpowering the drink.

Service was friendly and attentive, despite the restaurant being quite busy. Staff made great recommendations and kept things moving at a comfortable pace.

Overall, Carolina delivers high-quality Italian fare with a fresh, modern flair. The pizzas are definitely the highlight, but the starters and cocktails make it a well-rounded experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back—whether it’s for a quick pizza and cocktail at the bar or a long, lingering meal with friends.

Highly recommend, especially for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors in a trendy,...