Beyond terrible: If you want basic refinement in dining this is not the place to come to. I blame the owner not the workers for this new years mistake. Imagine getting dressed to the nines and wandering in not greeted at the door, just wandering around till my friends arrived, instead seeing just tables being cleared away. Not a hint of new years decor was the least of the problems. On new years can you believe it were told that they have no desserts. What? No desert? It’s one thing to tell us that the dj they said was going to be there when we made reservations, but to have a lower middle class experience is not to be taken lightly. Ty for the gulp of free champagne I got in my plastic cup though at midnight. I do not want to see the seams in a restaurant, this place had more exposed seams then a torn apart New Years dress. It’s a place sleepwalking in a high end area and if not for their dedicated long term patrons I do not see how it remains opened.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
Roshan Rashed
Amazing experience! We ordered escargot as appetizer and buillabaisse and duck confit for main course. Everything was delicious, but the highlight was definitely the duck confit. The crispy skin was to die for. Dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots Pistou, Duck Confit
Catherine McNabb
This was my third visit to Caren’s — consistently good food and warm, friendly, professional service. I love the back section of the restaurant with the fireplace. Very cozy. The Prosecco was served at the perfect temperature - which is so often not the case. Also, amazing coffee!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joelle Carson
Food was great. Service mediocre. Cocktails could have been built better.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Imogen Duncan
i dined at carens, drawn in by the promise of fondue night. i enjoyed myself.
i was greeted by the owner’s funny and hardworking daughter. the mother daughter team then served together.
this intimate restaurant was lively and i saw old friends, a first date, and families enjoy delicious looking, carefully plated french inspired dishes including steak tartare and mussels.
i ordered white wine and it arrived chilled, this was a refreshing accompaniment to the gruyère and swiss cheese fondue. the contrast between the rich dish and the tart granny smith apples was appealing, although i wish more of the apples had been provided for the dish. i would include fresh ground pepper, garlic, salt, paprika, some spices should be added to enhance the fondue.
there is an artificial fireplace and candles in the upscale space with natural materials. one can dine outside with a heat lamp in accommodating weather at a bistro table. the seating in the back is comfortable and there is an appealing skylight feature.
i would have loved to further discuss the inspirations behind the restaurant and menu. i plan to come back and try the chicken liver pâté.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Gregory Hopkins
The staff are pleasant, polite, and excel at service. The food is delicious and great quality. The tartare was excellent. It's also surprisingly affordable for the quality, decor, and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tanvi Kothari
We were so happy to find this place! My boyfriend is French and was delighted to eat authentic French cuisine. We ordered the classic fondue with a few sides and it was delicious. We will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Fondue
David Russell
As always, the Steak Frites, Apple Tarte Tatin and service were FAB.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Mckerroll
Incredible food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
Jean Marie Heimrath
A reservation was made for a specific table a week before our reservation. When we arrived it was given to someone else. No apology to speak of. I spoke with the manager who was rude, arrogant and argumentative. Destroyed the evening which was a special occasion. Won't be returning after this dreadful experience. The manager should be fired!
This restaurant once had a reputation for being something special in the neighbourhood, but it’s clear that the owner has lost their touch—or perhaps just stopped caring. The food was underwhelming, with the onion soup arriving watery and completely lacking in flavor. Small details around the restaurant also signal neglect, with burnt-out lights and an overall sense of wear and tear.
It’s disappointing, as this place has the potential to shine with just a little attention and care. Sadly, it feels like the magic is gone. Could be something great again, but only if the owner steps up.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Lakshmi Nataraj
My first cheese fondue experience and absolutely loved it! Our server was extremely sweet and her recommendation on the white wine was on point. The french onion soup had generous portion and very flavourful. Perfect ending to our delicious meal- the yummy chocolate fondue. Overall experience was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Fondue, Classic Fondue, Soup Du Jour
Jeymy Foster
Highly recommend this gem. Great atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food. We were a party of 7 and everyone had a fabulous time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S B
Escargot and fondue were fantastic. Great little gem in the heart of Rosedale.
Barry Litwin
Just went back for the first time in eight years and the meal was really good. Certainly won't wait that long for my next visit.
Beyond terrible: If you want basic refinement in dining this is not the place to come to. I blame the owner not the workers for this new years mistake. Imagine getting dressed to the nines and wandering in not greeted at the door, just wandering around till my friends arrived, instead seeing just tables being cleared away. Not a hint of new years decor was the least of the problems. On new years can you believe it were told that they have no desserts. What? No desert? It’s one thing to tell us that the dj they said was going to be there when we made reservations, but to have a lower middle class experience is not to be taken lightly. Ty for the gulp of free champagne I got in my plastic cup though at midnight. I do not want to see the seams in a restaurant, this place had more exposed seams then a torn apart New Years dress. It’s a place sleepwalking in a high end area and if not for their dedicated long term patrons I do not see how it remains opened.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
Amazing experience! We ordered escargot as appetizer and buillabaisse and duck confit for main course. Everything was delicious, but the highlight was definitely the duck confit. The crispy skin was to die for. Dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargots Pistou, Duck Confit
This was my third visit to Caren’s — consistently good food and warm, friendly, professional service. I love the back section of the restaurant with the fireplace. Very cozy. The Prosecco was served at the perfect temperature - which is so often not the case. Also, amazing coffee!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was great. Service mediocre. Cocktails could have been built better.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
i dined at carens, drawn in by the promise of fondue night. i enjoyed myself.
i was greeted by the owner’s funny and hardworking daughter. the mother daughter team then served together.
this intimate restaurant was lively and i saw old friends, a first date, and families enjoy delicious looking, carefully plated french inspired dishes including steak tartare and mussels.
i ordered white wine and it arrived chilled, this was a refreshing accompaniment to the gruyère and swiss cheese fondue. the contrast between the rich dish and the tart granny smith apples was appealing, although i wish more of the apples had been provided for the dish. i would include fresh ground pepper, garlic, salt, paprika, some spices should be added to enhance the fondue.
there is an artificial fireplace and candles in the upscale space with natural materials. one can dine outside with a heat lamp in accommodating weather at a bistro table. the seating in the back is comfortable and there is an appealing skylight feature.
i would have loved to further discuss the inspirations behind the restaurant and menu. i plan to come back and try the chicken liver pâté.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The staff are pleasant, polite, and excel at service. The food is delicious and great quality. The tartare was excellent. It's also surprisingly affordable for the quality, decor, and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were so happy to find this place! My boyfriend is French and was delighted
to eat authentic French cuisine. We ordered the classic fondue with a few sides and it was delicious. We will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Fondue
As always, the Steak Frites, Apple Tarte Tatin and service were FAB.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
A reservation was made for a specific table a week before our reservation. When we arrived it was given to someone else. No apology to speak of. I spoke with the manager who was rude, arrogant and argumentative. Destroyed the evening which was a special occasion. Won't be returning after this dreadful experience. The manager should be fired!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
This restaurant once had a reputation for being something special in the neighbourhood, but it’s clear that the owner has lost their touch—or perhaps just stopped caring. The food was underwhelming, with the onion soup arriving watery and completely lacking in flavor. Small details around the restaurant also signal neglect, with burnt-out lights and an overall sense of wear and tear.
It’s disappointing, as this place has the potential to shine with just a little attention and care. Sadly, it feels like the magic is gone. Could be something great again, but only if the owner steps up.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
My first cheese fondue experience and absolutely loved it! Our server was extremely sweet and her recommendation on the white wine was on point. The french onion soup had generous portion and very flavourful. Perfect ending to our delicious meal- the yummy chocolate fondue. Overall experience was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Fondue, Classic Fondue, Soup Du Jour
Highly recommend this gem. Great atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food. We were a party of 7 and everyone had a fabulous time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Escargot and fondue were fantastic. Great little gem in the heart of Rosedale.
Just went back for the first time in eight years and the meal was really good. Certainly won't wait that long for my next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...