Sara Says...

The dynamic duo of Margie and Michael Pagliaro just keeps getting better. Now joined by daughter Monica, this is their most ambitious and mature restaurant to date, and tenders a wine list worth reading for its many highlights. The sophisticated black interior boasts a beautiful bar at the rear, which has become a favourite dining spot of many a customer. This family understands hospitality, and here, you are entering the home of friends.

If you have made enough decisions the day you dine and simply want something delicious to eat, you will be thrilled with the antipasto platter. And if bread is your downfall, watch out: the crusty, just-baked loaf with a sprinkle of rosemary and slick of olive oil will get you.

Tell the server you are torn between Bresaola and Caprese salad of tomato and creamy burrata cheese, and he might bring you both. All the classic Italian dishes are on the menu, but Michael’s loyal clientele know that the kitchen is flexible. Indecisive? Ricotta gnocchi, or papardelle with boar ragout, or truffled tagliolini with duck confit—you can have a little of each. Of course, there is delicate veal picatta al limone, and a halfchicken flattened by a brick as it cooks, but the rack of lamb is still my favourite main course on the menu.

At Carisma, the folly is that you are overtaken by gastronomic lust and order too much food. Waste notwant not, they are happy to pack it up to-go.