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Carens Wine & Cheese Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
27 reviews for Carens Wine & Cheese Bar
Review Highlights
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"I love the patio (but in front and in the back." In 17 reviews -
"Carens has a nice atmosphere compared to the other cheese..." In 3 reviews -
"...had a sampling of different Canadian cheeses and white wine." In 5 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Steph L.
4/16/2012
Wine. Cheese. Wine.. More cheese, please.. Wine... Cheese......Where did my wine go?
Carens is one of my new favourite spots in Yorkville!
Right across the street from the Cumberland theater, it's the perfect spot to grab a glass and dinner before a film. They have a lovely upstairs area for dudes to liquor up their dates...er I mean converse with their lady. It's also a fun place to catch up with the girls.
Reservations are recommended.
The back patio is just gorgeous.
We were seated on wood benches by heat lamps.
Dim lit, warm, and ambient, I loved the hanging Moroccan style lanterns.
Caren's is indeed a chick bar.
As expected, the wine list was global and extensive, ranging in price from reasonable to stupid expensive. Any wines served by the glass can be served as a half-litre! I feel like I should just carry around a ginormous wine glass (You know, like Big Joe from Cougartown).
The fondue for two ($22) was simple but goopy delicious. A variety of cheeses mixed with a bit of white wine and kirsh, the fondue was mild and well balanced. The accompanying bread was a bit stale, but I pretended I didn't notice. Smothered in melted cheese, it was still satisfying!
We ordered chorizo as a side, which ended up being an excellent choice.
The saltiness worked well with the cheese.
This place seems popular for groups or girly functions. They have a few fixed price menus and hors d' oeuvre packages as well.
Even though I really enjoyed myself, the only downer was our server.
Our server was surprisingly horrible. I don't think he should have been serving at a wine bar. He was such a downer. I should have asked him for a diet coke. -
Review from Mochi M.
12/31/2011
Don't get me wrong, I loved eating at Caren's, but I am a cheap person.
Cheap in the sense that I feel I could just walk around the corner to Whole Foods, head to their cheese section and buy the cheese I want, rather than paying a hefty premium on it to have them slice it for me with some pears at this restaurant.
We took the Cumberland platter (seemed the best out of the lot), with Epoisse (love!), a nice melty cheese that has a bit of a Brie texture, it also came with Morbier (one little slice), which I prefer melted rather than raw, and Chaumes which made me think of sweaty socks. I'd avoid that one. A few cut up pear slices on the platter, and it was $28. Personally, we could have probably bought the same amounts for $14, but it came with unlimited bread.
The cheese was served at the perfect temperature. Not too warm, not too cold.
We also tried the Pernod shrimp platter but I found that for the price of $18 (?) it was skimpy with only 4 shrimp. The platter and shrimp was also a bit cold when it came out, which made me think that it sat at the counter too long.
The main course we shared was the spicy baked mac and cheese, which I liked, but I think the cheese gets a little oily/grainy when it's baked like that, and it wasn't just melted on top, which I would have preferred. When you overcook cheese, it breaks into small crumbly pieces and oil which is unappetizing. Still, I liked it... but the execution could have been better.
If you are a cheese newbie, come here to sample a few cheeses, then go buy the ones you like at Whole Foods and eat them at home. I'd also suggest the Brie de Meaux (my 2nd favourite brie, my first being Brie de Mellin), and enjoy! -
Review from Deborah C.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2012
Great cheese fondue!!!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
If I would have know better...... I would not have order that Canadian Cheese Platter ($36) to share with my Yelp Drinking Buddy at Carens Wine and Cheese Bar!
No way the 2 of us can finish that and have room for a 3 course dinner later in the evening.....
It was a nice warm summer evening... sipping some white wine in the front patio and people/car watching in Yorkville was enjoyable!
I have yet try the food from the kitchen yet... or that amazing BACK Patio! I guess I have to be back?!
But no lunch specials? Just the same pricing but with less item selections?! How disappointing... but Carens is located in Yorkville after all...
Oh Wait!! Happy Hour Specials with $1 an oyster.... that's sounded more like my kind of place!! Oysters!! Anyone?! -
Review from Ksenja T.
8/26/2011
I love the atmosphere at carens whether in the summer or the winter. The patio is really nice in the summer, they even give you blankets. It's outdoor so that gives it a cool vibe.
Upstairs is very romantic yet relaxed.
The cheese and wine selections are great, however the portions are not large. I would go to have a nice *tasting* of cheese and wine, not for a full out dinner event. -
Review from Kat T.
6/9/2011
Patio weather is here and I love a nice cool wine- rose or white when it is like this. It's always great to have some cheese while sipping a red, though.
As I perused the menu, I was lucky enough to pick the wines they were out of, and some of the food options were out, too. Service was ridiculous on the patio in that we ran out of everything and would have ordered more if someone had bothered to ask. Instead we asked for the check the first time one of us got up to use the bathroom.
If you are a high-volume wine bar, but run out of things regularly, maybe just use a print out menu of what is in stock on a daily basis. It doesn't have to be fancy, but don't let me sit there for 10 minutes picking my wine and THEN tell me it's out.
Yet another Yorkville let down for me. -
Review from Alexandra S.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2011
Carens has a nice atmosphere compared to the other cheese so easily found in Yorkville. It's nice to be tucked away from all the posers. Food is good service for dinner was poor but I am sure to be back.
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Review from Mark H.
5/28/2011
I stumbled upon this place one late Toronto night after typing "wine" into Yelp and realizing that this place was right nearby.
The atmosphere was inviting and chill, and I sat down at the bar and was lead down the Canadian-wine path by a friendly Mexican bartender, who recommended this and that and gave me tastes and samples.
It's hard if not impossible to get Canadian wines (that aren't dessert wines) in the US - Just like wines from Switzerland, I suppose most is not exported. I had a fresh 2008 Blue Mountain Pinot Gris from BC with some Canadian cheeses that were yummy - Niagara gold and Blue benedictin from Quebec. I also had a tasty Malivoire pinot noir with some light salumi.
While I liked the place very much, and the quality was good, I found it overpriced, unfortunately, at least compared to what I'm used to spending for typical fare elsewhere. Maybe it's because I'm an out-of-towner and don't know Toronto well, but I would recommend this only if you're in the mood to splurge. -
Review from Rita E.
6/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Yeah..................... I definitely enjoyed myself at Carens. Hahahaha.
My friends from out-of-town and I were traipsing around Yorkville on a sunny afternoon. Us California kids love us some wine, so Carens was naturally the place to be. (Ciao looked ridiculously busy anyway)
There were a few people sitting in the front patio when we arrived. We expected to sit out there, but the server led us to the back patio. And it was gorgeous. Wonderful natural tree canopies. Lanterns strung up high. Tiny lights. Bright pillows on cushioned benches. and Fans!! Yes!! A/C. It was perfect. It was a surprise.
After going through a bottle of wine recommended to us by our awesome waiter (white, french, Chabli) and a swiss, gruyere, garlic, fondue w/ green apples and bread, we opted to stay for dinner.
We ordered their spicy mac and cheese and their stilton burger w/ cheesy potatoes on the side, and split it three ways. For wine, we went red this time and again we followed the waiter's recommendation -- a wine that wasn't even listed on the menu -- a wine that was actually one of our faves from back home -- a wine by the name of Raven's Wood, get it, it's awesome. The food was delicious. Completely devour-worthy.
And in my final attempts to add something Canadian into the meal, we ordered an Ice Wine (Gewurztraminer, not Riesling) and sorbet for dessert. We weren't expecting the sorbet to be so amazingly refreshing -- we were just expecting a little refreshment given the heat, humidity, and gluttony of the past 24 hours. It certainly hit the spot. It was actually a trio. Perfect for our party of 3. The sorbets were paired with fresh fruit, too. Mango sorbet w/ a strawberry. Strawberry sorbet w/ green apple. Raspberry sorbet w/ cantaloupe. The flavor was strong. The sorbet was smooth. Mango was the winner in my eyes.
After spending so much time lounging out on the back patio w/ A/C, shade, wine, cheese, meat, and fruits... we headed over to Starbucks down the street for a pick me up... yeah, we were feelin gooooooood.
I totally recommend Carens. Maybe we were lucky with the service since it wasn't too busy, but the folks there can be light and fun and they know their wine. Bottles are a little pricey, but that's just what you get for coming out to Yorkville. -
Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2011 3 photos
Carens is a classy wine and cheese bar. The service is very good. The atmosphere is nice, however the price is quite high. I came here with a friend for a taste of cheese and wine.
*** FOOD ***
I had a sampling of different Canadian cheeses and white wine. There were various cheeses but nothing too strong. The cheese was good, but very filling. Although it doesn't look like a lot of cheese, it will fill you up quickly. The cheeses are well kept. They are cold, but not too solid. They can be cut with a bit of pressure on the knife. Trying cheeses and wine was a nice and tasty experience.
*** SERVICE ***
Service was great! As soon as we arrived, we were immediately seated at the patio. Our server was very friendly and sociable. He was very knowledgeable about the cheeses and wines and made great suggestions for us. Orders come pretty quickly, but since it was cheese, they didn't have to cook anything.
*** ATMOSPHERE ***
Carens has a very simple yet classy look. The patio is all wooden furniture with a worn, rustic look. The patio is small and overlooks the street, but the fence is high enough, when you sit down, to keep leering eyes away. I stepped inside briefly to use the restroom and the entire restaurant, inside, outside and washroom is clean. This a fancy and casual dining experience.
*** PRICE ***
Pricing is quite high for just cheese and wine, but then again, it is cheese and wine. The pricing is on par for what you're getting.
* Canadian Platter | $36.00 *
*** EXPERIENCE ***
Carens is a great place to go for some wine and cheese sampling. It can seem expensive for something that isn't a complete meal, but it's worth it for the experience. The service and atmosphere are great and that alone is more than enough reason to come back.Listed in: Noise 'n Poison, Dressed to Impress
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2010 2 photos
I love this place. It's my first choice when I'm in Yorkville and looking for somewhere to have a nice drink or dessert, or get a meal.
It's reasonably priced (for Yorkville) and it's something different.
I love the patio (but in front and in the back). The wooden panelling and furniture gives it a cozy feeling.
I've been here a few times for dinner. The staff is super friendly and recommended wine pairing for my meal that was always perfect.
Everyone on the menu looks amazing, but I have a hard time not choosing my absolute favourite dish, the Spicy Mac and Cheese (made with Corona). Amazing.
I've also been here once for brunch. I really like it because it's something different. And the atmosphere is classy, but not pretentious. I highly recommend the vanilla pancakes.
great for: small groups, couples, drinks, patio -
Review from Caroline Z.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2010
Caren's is one of the Toronto treasures that gives me the utmost pleasure and happiness. I've had lunch and dinner there and I love almost every aspect of it! I don't visit when it's not summer, just because I'm so enchanted by the enclosed patio. All I ask in life is for intimate dates with my lover here, especially if we haven't seen each other in awhile and want to catch up.
The service is consistent and considerate and so far I've been lucky with the wine. I had the sausage pasta last time I visited and it was sooo yummmy! I wouldn't have made it better myself (who am I fooling, I couldn't make that!)...I really appreciated the tangy spices that complemented this dish..
Carens really is a delight.. -
Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
12/15/2009
So I have been here Twice.
Both on first dates. [Maybe I should switch that up].
Either way. Both times, this has been a good Date Place. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good selection of wine. A bit fancy, but not obscene. [obscenely nice...]
What I don't like about this place. It's missing something from being just that next step nice. the staff are friendly, but not loving it there [ so it seems]. Their fondue is sad. The pot is delivered with a little tea light under it. WHAT IS A TEA LIGHT GOING TO HELP KEEP BOILING.
Such a fail.
Apparently their Mac and Cheese is supposed to be delicious, but I have never had a chance to try them [Thanks first dates girls who didn't part-take].
Anywhoo. I have had their Muscles and Oysters and i don't know a good one from a bad one, so i will say they were okay.
Hit this place up for a date. A cheese plate. Their infamous Mac and Cheese which I have not had, or for some wine. Either way, not out of your way expense, and the atmosphere matches. -
Review from Nas M.
North York, ON
11/10/2009
Carens is one of those every occassion places - a quick bite before a movie, winding down after a long day, meeting friends for dinner on a Friday, cocktails at the bar, wine & chesse apres a meal elsewhere - it seems to have been appropriate for almost every need I've had.
The cheese menu is extensive and the wine pairings are excellent. While Carens may be known for wine & cheese, their meals are fabulous too! Love the linguini and risotto and I challenge you to find a better mac'n'cheese!
The atmosphere - both inside and out - is highly conducive to great conversations and fun times!!!
P.S. And they have Gewurtztraminer by the glass - bonus!!! -
Review from Richie S.
1/25/2010
After a hard day of following women around shopping, we fell into this place by chance.
I have to say that we only participated in wine and cheese, but with the selection of cheeses and wines, it took the rest of the afternoon to try most of everything. I'm dedicated like that.
Staff were very friendly and accomodating. Regulars enjoyed the quiet Saturday to speak with one another and staff. I staggered out 2+ hours later fully satisfied. Can't wait to return to have the stilton-stuffed burger. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2008
Caren's is totally a chick restaurant. All the lady details are looked after: chenille blankets hung over chairs on the patio to drape across your lap when it gets cooler at night, small portions, appetizers presented in fresh and sexy ways, like on blocks of wood instead of plates.
And, a lot of chicks go here. And by chicks, I mean, I have lunch with my mom at Caren's all the time. Caren herself is usually around and is happy to stop and chat with customers or get hands on with the service.
My favourite is the pan seared tuna appetizer.
Prices are decent for Yorkville, expensive for a student budget.
Average app: $10-$12, Main: $20-$30 approx. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2010
EPOISSES IS BOSS.
Caren's is a lovely spot after attending a Feature Presentation at The Cumberland or for a late-night snack. I've been for dinner as well, but the place is a wee bit understaffed for a truly blissful dining experience.
If you love unpasteurized, ripe and rare cheese, look no further than Caren's. They have it all. I particularly enjoy their vast array of accompaniments you can order with your cheese. The staff know their stuff and are great at steering your charcuterie board. Bring a friend or date and get your Cheese On! -
Review from Deanna W.
11/9/2008
Yup, I agree with the previous reviewer. Caren's is a chick place all right. Nice patio, dim lighting inside for dates or charming rendez-vous with candles flickering around all over. Plus the hostess/server is sweet and funny. Not as posh or stuck up as some of the other places in tony Yorkville.
This is a great place in Yorkville to unwind after a long week with two of the best things in life: cheese and wine!! Fantastic selection of cheeses from individual selections where you can build your own custom cheese platter with all the fixin's or set cheese platters according to different themes: canadian, italian, goat's etc. If you're into fondue, they have several different cheese ones (good to share with friends) and a chocolate one on a few nights of the week.
And another plus, they are located directly across from the Cumberland theatre so a good place to grab a bite before or after a movie. -
Review from Diana C.
Burlington, ON
3/21/2009
Loved Caren's, it is this cozy little restaurant. Went there with my girlfriend for dinner and we had a fantastic time. We didn't make a reservation so they had to sit us at the Bar, which wasn't a problem at all. The bar tender was really friendly and helpful.
Had the Yorkville Cheese Platter, it was so good, I almost finished it all by myself! The main course was delicious, my friend had the fish can't remember whether it was the cod or the sea bass, doesn't matter, she loved it. The chef changes the specials on a regular basis so you are stuck with a boring menu.
Like the previous reviewer has commented, it is the perfect place to unwind on a Friday night after a long week. -
Review from Tina H.
Updated - 3/26/2010 4 photos
Delicious food in a nice atmosphere (except when they get carried away with the romantic mood lighting and you find yourself eating in the dark almost). I like the outdoor summer back patio more than indoors. The food was delicious. The wine I tried was so so. I didn't love the recommendation (which I sampled), and I thought I'd try a wine I liked before but was a bit disappointed. I like it when restaurants find yummy wines and only put those on the menu, and not make you pick through a crappy menu to find a good wine. I want to order the house wine and have it be delicious, which was the case at some restaurants (though rarely). I'm sure it wasn't the case here, and I was looking at the mid-range to higher priced wines.
We had the Yorkville cheese plate after our meal, which was a bit disappointing. The Brie de Maux tasted a bit off. You could tell it's been in the fridge for a while because not only were the outsides dried out, but having sensitive tastebuds I was able to taste fridge. The blue cheese was delicious.
I know that when I previously went I had a better cheese experience so I don't know what's going on here.
As for mains, the duck was extremely delicious. The pesto shrimp tagliatelli or whatevs was quite good. The risotto with truffle oil was amazing. Overall, actual food is delicious.
They do food and cocktails well here, no debating that, but given that they are a wine and cheese bar I expected more in the wine and cheese department.
Super yummy, and I'd definitely recommend it as a nice summer patio when the weather is warm.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2010
I really like this place. The service is okay but the drinks are really creative. I love a nice… Read more »
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Review from Mel A.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2011
Love a night with the girls here, or even suitable for a date! The patio in the back is gorgeous and they have great service and an awesome menu.
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Review from eric g.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 6/15/2010
Oh, what the hell. After two or three more visits since I wrote my original review, it's time to bump up the rating to a perfect five. Caren's not only has great food at reasonable prices (I've enjoyed every single dish I've had there -- including yesterday's creamy garlic soup for lunch), it has the most romantic patio in the city. It's a perfect date place. Gentlemen, take my word for it. You can thank me later.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2010
A "chick restaurant," as some previous reviewers called it? Nice to know it's great for the ladies,… Read more »
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Review from Denise S.
Have been here twice for brunch and it is a real Yorkville find -- great ambiance, excellent food, good service, and surprisingly affordable especially for the area. Look for the yellow sign across from the Cumberland Theatres... It's easy to miss.
The first time I came here, I ate inside. The decor is simple and elegant. But if the weather cooperates, ask for a seat on the spacious and airy back patio. There is tons of seating with wooden benches, bright cushy pillows, and chenille throws. White lanterns hang above you and it feels like a little garden oasis.
Our server was friendly and efficient, without the fake-ness that seems to plague many Yorkville joints.
They had a few specials (a chilled soup and an eggs benny), but I went with the eggs white veggie omelette with hash browns. It was light and very tasty!
Would love to come back on a summer night to sit under the stars on the patio, enjoying some wine and cheese!Listed in: Patio Season!, Not your average EtOH
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Review from Joe N.
9/25/2009
If you want to spend a wonderful evening enjoying cheese and wine... this is your place. I love sitting on the bar and enjoying the wonderful cheese selection. They also have a nice patio in the back for the summer days. indoor seatings are in the first and second floor (i prefer the 1st floor). the dinner menu is nice and tasty. enjoy
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Review from Diana V.
5/27/2010
New kitchen staff! New menu! Must try the crispy rice cake and tuna and the confit chicken leg stuffed with chorizo and corn. Yum yum yum! Great place to enjoy a glass of wine and now great food too! I do agree with everyone.. total chick place or romantic date place.
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Review from Kat S.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2009
Caren's has become a bit of a "go-to" for my friends and I...no matter what the occasion, we find it fits. They take reservations, the service is great and the patio in the summer is so nice and cozy. I love the blankets that are left on the chairs for when it gets chilly. The bottles of wine hit all price points, which is nice to see. No dress code, and the bar isn't filled with creepers bothering you while you try to have a conversation. The menu could use a touch more variety, but aside from that I really have no complaints!
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Review from cat m.
7/19/2010
Nice wine bar. The patio in back is really cool; its open-air with big trees. Drinks aren't cheap, but you wouldn't expect them to be at a place like this. We were in Toronto for 3 days and this was probably our favorite area, too. Never tried the food.
