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Cafe Carolina Reviews List

Cafe Carolina

Chef Giuseppe Dossi, from beautiful Lago di Garda in northern Italy, invites you to experience authentic Italian food as it was meant to be – fresh, delicious, and made with passion!

Formerly of Il Fornaio/Manhattan Beach and Prego/Beverly Hills – after earliest inspiration and instruction at his mother"s side! – Chef Giuseppe is committed to bringing you a culinary experience his "Mama" would be proud of!

We are also proud to serve, to the extent possible, organic products in an earth-friendly facility. We firmly believe organic ingredients are the healthier and tastier choice, for both our bodies and the soil.

Come experience our warm, inviting trattoria-style atmosphere – perfect for your dining delight. While we are not a vegetarian restaurant, we understand the needs of vegetarians, as well as vegans (the chef was a vegetarian for many years). Let us know of any special requests.
See more Cafe Carolina details
61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(61 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(37)
  • fit for foodies(30)
  • special occasion(22)
  • kid-friendly(13)
  • good for groups(11)
  • romantic(10)
Cafe Carolina Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

VERY GOOD ITALIAN FOOD

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"THIS RESTAURANT HAS THE TYPE OF FOOD YOU FIND WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH ITALY
NOT THE USUAL PIZZA, MEATBALL ITALIAN
ALSO CATERS TO HEALTHY CUISINE
A MUST TRY
"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As always, outstanding...!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"After recently returning from a recent trip to several regions in Italy, it was a pleasure to return to Cafe Carolina to revisit our memories of several dishes from the Lombardy region... the beef with Risotto was outstanding! We will go back again and again to relive our true Italian roots in dining..... Ciao!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Never disappoints...

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Another wonderful meal at Cafe Carolina. This restaurant never disappoints."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food, special place

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"So glad we finally tried Cafe Carolina! Everyone at the table of 8 adults + one 2 year old enjoyed their food to the fullest. We celebrated Mother's Day brunch 1 day early. The food was unique, yet not too off the wall, and everything tasted fresh. Flavors were well balanced and complimented each other well. I had the mushroom crepe, which was cooked perfectly. The fritatta with Gorgonzola and walnuts was also excellent. Every dish was exceptional, and the prices were reasonable, especially since you got a decent portion and food I wouldn't cook at home. We will definitely be going back."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Not an Italian Restaurant

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were very disappointed with this restaurant. The place does not look like a restaurant. The food did not taste well at all. We had to ask the server three times to lower the air as it was blowing over us.
We would never go back.
"
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 6 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

What a cheesecake!!! Wow,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"What a cheesecake!!! Wow, Giuseppe you've hit it out of the park. Va bene!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The place is trying to be

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The place is trying to be a quaint café and does not quite reach that level but not too bad. The selection of gluten free is very good. I had asparagus corn soup which was good and gluten free pasta which was also good. The service was very slow. 2 1/2 hours for a 2 course meal. That was the biggest problem."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2013
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Review 8 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My husband and I tried Cafe

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I tried Cafe Carolina for the first time last Friday. The restaurant was full and busy, but we were seated right away. We had the lasagne and gnocchi with pink sauce. This restaurant offered a variety of sauces and types of pasta to choose from, so it was easy to make your own custom selection. I was impressed that Cafe Carolina focuses on organics when possible and when my husband asked for a diet drink, the server offered Hansen's instead of the typical Coke or Pepsi. Has a boutique cafe sort of feel, but has reasonable pricing. Would like to go back and try other items to experience the full menu. Pizzas looked good. Our server was very friendly and helpful. Only negative was the appetizer menu was somewhat limited."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
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Review 9 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We were highly impressed with

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We were highly impressed with the food, service, and atmosphere at Cafe Carolina. We came to see a friend's photographs on display but would certainly return for the food and recommend the place to friends."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

My first and last visit

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This review is by a person of Italian descent and very familiar with the cuisine of all regions of Italy. A poor excuse of an Italian restaurant. Service was slow throuhgout the meal. The service was slow we were seated well over 10 minutes before we were waited on. They did not have caesar salad on the menu, something I never heard of in any Italian restaurant. I settled for a very mediocre spinach salad. The bread was tasteless, and served with some kind of red relish that was totally unpalatable.The wine was substandard. When I made the reservation I indicated it was a birthday dinner but that was totally ignored.The dinner was definitely overpriced for the quality of their food and not worth the $75 I spent."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2013
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Review 11 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Real home made Italian Food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Real home made Italian Food with excellent service!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We love Cafe Carolina! The

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"We love Cafe Carolina! The food is terrific (although the portions are a bit small). They have a reasonable corkage fee and nice wine list of their own. The staff is always fun and helpful. Family owned and run - Giussepe is from Verona and is the chef/owner and often comes out of the kitchen to meet the customers and his lovely wife is always there as well. We have been going there for years and will continue to do so. We love this place."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 13 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Where you want to take your friends

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My friend drove 2 1/2 hours to meet me for dinner (his first time there). He told the waitress he was quite particular about his Alfredo sauce and gave her some specifics about what he preferred. After his FIRST bite he said, "Perfect. This is the best I have EVER had."
And he can't wait to come back. Another friend had brunch there that morning and his comment was, "Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful restaurant."
I have never had a bad meal there. The pasta is divine.
"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our dinners were absolutely

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Our dinners were absolutely delicious and very inventive. We took a chance on this place since we are new to the neighborhood and it was our anniversary. Best gamble we've done in a long time. I practically swooned over the hot chocolate dessert."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding service and delicious

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Outstanding service and delicious meals. Relaxing atmosphere and never rushed."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The food was fine; not great,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was fine; not great, but more than acceptable. However, the lighting is too bright and the service was way below standard. (Note, I am a restaurant owner) Details: It took too long for the menus to arrive and then for the wait staff to come. We split a salad so that the portion was small, yet, the busser appeared well before we were done and when I pointed out that we were not finished, he said that the food was on the way. I said that was unacceptable because we were not finished. Another person came by to explain that the kitchen had thought that we were almost through...absurd as we had just gotten the salad. Immediately, our waitress arrived with the main courses and I sent her away until we were finished."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2005
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Review 17 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The restaurant is very good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The restaurant is very good and it's really nice that they use many organic ingredients."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
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Review 18 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I've eaten here twice. First

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've eaten here twice. First time, both my Gf and I got the specials, which were incredible, just amazing.
2nd time, we got items off of the regular menu, and they were nothing to write home about, very disappointing after the first time.
Also, it took forever to get bread to our table both times, don't know why, it's just bread."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2009
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Review 19 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Spectacular AGAIN

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is the first time I have had brunch at Cafe Carolina and it was every bit as wonderful as was my prior dinner experiences. The mushroom crepes and fratatta were both delicious and both of the salads were as good as any I have had at any restaurant I have ever eaten at."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Nothing but praise...

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Cafe Carolina is a rare find. The food is authentic Italian cuisine, made with quality ingredients and delicious healthy menu options.
I love this place!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food and reasonable price

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food is good and healthy, more like home cook meal. A good neighborhood restaurant."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Loved the food!!! It was mostly

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Loved the food!!! It was mostly organic, they had many gluten and wheat-free choices (including pasta and pizza) and two sugar-free and four wheat-free desserts. Even the coffee and milk was organic! The food was wonderfully prepared and the chef owns the restaurant and is very hands-on. Very authentic and tasty Italian fare. The server was very informative and friendly. My son and his fiance, who are both young, loved the food and the restaurant. My husband and I, felt the same way and we are in our 60s. Check their web-site for the menu. Buon appetite!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 23 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The fresh homemade pasta was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The fresh homemade pasta was heavenly."
Dined on 01/30/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

After reading the reviews,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"After reading the reviews, we were looking forward to some good italian food and great conversation with our company. The company turned out great, but our food was lousy. The wine was not good, like the bottle had been opened for days. Ended up just drinking water. The waitress didn't have a clue to menu items or wine. I was tasting the Pesto sauce all night and had intestinal distress the next day. I judge a restaurant on whether or not I'd go back. I will definitely not return to this establishment. Not good..."
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2008
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Review 25 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Neighborhood Find

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This restaurant is a bit hidden but very worthwhile. It offers both parking in front at meters as well as limited spaces in the back reached via an alley. There are a variety of food choices, with accomodation for vegetarians and for some food allergies. I went with a friend and her baby and it was not a problem having a young child. They actually had crayons there for children to color on the paper tablecloth and had high chairs also. The food and the service were both excellent. I went for brunch but also want to go there for dinner. The food and the desserts are phenominal. I appreciated that the tables are not crowded together so one has a sense of having their own space."
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Gorgonzola,pear and carmelized

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The Gorgonzola,pear and carmelized onion pizza as a starter! What a way to start my gastronomic experience. Thanks Chef Giussepi"
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Cafe Carolina
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

There was only one other party

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"There was only one other party there and it felt too quiet"
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Carolina
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate