Karelia Kitchen - Toronto

I loved everything we ate: the cold buttermilk soup, shaved asparagus salad, herring sampler, lovely sponge cake with almond meringue. Beautifully presented and delicately composed while also complex and satisfying. Donna's skill and professionalism as our server are unmatched.

We ended up in TO for a family emergency, staying with folks in a part of town we didn't know very well. When we asked our hosts where to go for a good wholesome dinner that would be in a comfortable place, they recommended Karelia Kitchen on Bloor St. West.Talk about under promising and over delivering! Wow!The menu is Scandinavian influenced-and the vibe is spare and high quality. Fresh food, prepared with love & humour, and a dollop of whimsy-all with that Nordic flair.I got to have the best asparagus soup ever-no kidding, and a main of fish cakes with just the right amount of bite. So happy, the recipe is in Toronto Cooks, which, yes we had to have a signed copy of- can't wait to try it!I wish I could tell you what my hubby ate, but I was so busy eating my own, and I'm sorry, NOT sharing, that I can't remember, except his was really good too!We had lovely desserts- mine was a lovely almond layer cake that went really well with our coffee.Not only did we have a great meal, our hostess Donna, who is one of the proprietors, regaled us with stories about the goodies in the dessert case, and how to make them. It was a lovely evening: great food, served with a generosity of spirit that restores one's faith in humanity. Oh and the very best part-she can whip up a vinetarte, or any other special order with about two days notice.We're going back!

Very good experience. Polite waitress. Excellent food. Great interior and very very clean. Can't wait to come again. I loved the way the tea being served - on a tray, in a tea pot. And tea was exceptionally good.

We came for a Groupon, travelling across the city for super cheap tea and cake. What we got was a couple of amazing desserts, lovely drinks and sunny service.We called to make a reservation and this set the tone for the whole experience - friendly, eager to find a slot to fit us in and just a jolly yet professional interaction that left a smile on my face.We arrived to a warm welcome and prompt seating. We had a choice of teas or coffee and a cake selected from the counter display.I had blackcurrant tea (fragrant and refreshing) and a black cherry cheesecake. I couldn't quite believe the whole thing was for me - a towering round individual chilled cheesecake, edged in generous pistachio and topped with a dark fruity jelly and a couple of glacé black cherries. The cheesecake was creamy and indulgent without feeling heavy. The jelly had the right balance of sugar and sharp. As I say, we were on a deal so it was even cheaper, but the menu price was $7. I was grinning through the whole thing.My husband had earl gray tea and a substantial slice of Russian honey cake. It was dense and the perfect stickiness - it felt luxurious without being cloying. The honey flavour was delicate - a flowery aftertaste, almost, bringing a sophisticated sweetness. I'm not a honey lover and we went halfsies, it was so good. It was served with a dollop of whipped cream, which was welcome but not essential. Again it was around the $7 mark.In short, I couldn't fault it. It's not a fussy place - definitely a café feel, it's not high tea at The Ritz - but the atmosphere is relaxed and warm. My family are coming to visit soon, and I'm going to take them across town just for the cakes.(Also worth noting that the savoury food looked amazing too, but we didn't have any room for that. It's a Scandinavian-influenced menu so delicious looking salads and plenty of smoked fish...)

I went to Karelia once with my boyfriend because we were hungry and stopped in the first restaurant we saw, and I've never looked back. Karelia has an excellent prix fixe menu every time I've been there for dinner, and it's always delicious and a great value (usually 30-35, with the option to add a glass of wine or a beer for $5 I believe).I usually order the crispy roast half hen--perfectly juicy and the dumplings with it are delicious! From various prix fixe menus I've tried a salad with watermelon, gravlax (I'm not a big seafood fan but even I thought it was great), and -the best- beef brisket.Don't forget about the drinks! Karelia has some great cocktails--my favorite is the orchard & grove, but the midnight sun is also good.Presentation on the plates is always nice! I love how everything tastes great and looks so fancy for such a reasonable price. The service is always good--servers come by often enough to refill your drinks or take your order without it feeling like they're pressuring you.I love coming to Karelia (and I actually have been so busy in the past little while I haven't been back recently--that needs to change!)