About Cafe Carolina
Benvenuti a "Cafe Carolina" Come & Discover Encino's Charming Neighborhood Trattoria — Authentic Italian —
Cafe Carolina Description
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 choice, for both our bodies and the soil. Crops derive their nutritional value (vitamins, minerals) from healthy, nutrient-rich soil. When the soil is depleted by large-scale pesticide use and overuse, our food is likewise depleted. So, when such is the case, even that low-cal, “healthy” raw salad is providing little in the way of nutrition. That’s why many of our ingredients are organic. You can count on (at least) our chicken, flour, spinach, mixed greens, arugula, potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, leeks, milk, coffee to be always organic. And, heck, organic just tastes better!
Come experience our warm, inviting trattoria-style atmosphere – perfect for your dining delight – with fresh, authentic Italian cuisine to stir the soul, nourish the body, and nurture the heart. Bring your family, invite your friends.
We offer fresh, natural fare with vegetarian and vegan selections. Let us know of any special requests.
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).
Our soup du jour is always vegan (on those rare occasions it is not, we are careful to point this out), made with vegetable stock and without cream (healthy for any diet). Our fruit cobbler is made without butter (vegan) and sweetened with agave nectar, suitable for most diabetics. Clearly, we take food seriously! (smile)
Since most dishes are made to order, in many cases, menu items can be adjusted to accommodate special needs, whether that means no meat, no dairy or no wheat. We have tofu (sometimes) to replace chicken and gluten-free pasta to replace the wheat.
Above all, we want your dining experience to be a satisfyingone.
We wish you buon appetito!
More about Cafe Carolina
Cafe Carolina is located at 17934 Ventura Blvd, Encino, California 91316
(818) 881-8600
http://www.organiccafecarolina.com/
Reviews
Anonymous
Can't believe it's been over three months 📅 already since we closed shop! I hope everyone is doing well. For those of you wondering, we ARE working on the cookbook, but it's a big project and takes some time.⏳ Add to that the fact that I've started a master's program (MFA/creative writing 🖋), which takes up most of my time. In May I have a break, so I will say May/June is the ETA for our Cafe Carolina cookbook. I've decided, after asking around and checking out publishing options, that a pdf via email is the best, easiest, quickest, and cheapest means of delivery, because, my sense is, it's about the recipes 🍲 and not a pretty book. 📖 I hope I got that right. If you have any comments, I'm here. Cheers! Isabella 😎
Anonymous
Hope your holidays were magical. Wishing everyone a peaceful, blissful New Year full of health, laughter, fun adventures, and sincere self-reflection. 💞 Here's to a bright 2019. ⏳
Anonymous
Happy Thanksgiving! And sending our thanks to you.
Anonymous
Speciali della Puglia ... and last regional menu
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the southern Italian region of Puglia, the “heel” of the Italian boot. Its cuisine has remained relatively rustic and uncomplicated since ancient times. Puglia is renowned for its locally grown, fresh ingredients, especially tomatoes and wheat.
Formaggi Assortiti (good for 2-3 people)... Appetizer of assorted cheeses: imported gruyere, imported pecorino, fresh mozzarella, and goat cheese with sundried tomatoes and parsley, served with grapes and walnuts. $12.75
Cavatelli Pugliesi Small pasta shells tossed with Italian sausages, organic baby broccoli, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil and parmesan cheese. $15.25
Ravioli con la Ricotta Homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta, spinach, onion, parsley, parmesan and nutmeg, tossed with a butter-sage sauce and topped with butternut squash cubes and parmesan. $15.75
Risotto Giallo Arborio rice simmered in fish stock with mussels, scallops, slipper lobster meat, asparagus, saffron, crushed tomatoes, a touch of butter, and parmesan. $16.50
Tonno alla Barese Yellowfin tuna steak lightly coated with cracked black pepper, seared and topped with a sauce of artichokes, cherry tomatoes and white wine, served with rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. $16.95
Vegan “Beef” Wellington Plant-based “filet mignon” wrapped in puff pastry with mushrooms and caramelized onions, served with a Port wine sauce, sautéed broccoli and sautéed spinach. $15.95
Panna Cotta Literally meaning “cooked cream,” this is a traditional rich and velvety custard we are serving with mixed berries. $6.95
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Anonymous
Umbrian specialties through October 12 - don't miss out!
Anonymous
Speciali della Umbria
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the central region of Umbria, often called the “green heart of Italy.” Like many regional cuisines, Umbrian cooking relies on the fresh local produce, especially olives, sheep cheeses and game. Its capital, Perugia, has been home to Perugina®, maker of Baci (kisses) and other fine chocolates, since 1907.
... Formaggi Assortiti Appetizer of assorted cheeses: gruyere, pecorino, and goat cheese with sundried tomatoes and parsley, served with grapes and walnuts. $12.75 Good for two people. Also makes a lovely dessert, drizzled with honey.
Umbricelli del Trasimeno Linguine tossed with a sauce of fresh wild white fish, carrots, shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes (mild), white wine, cherry tomatoes, snow peas and parmesan (optional). $15.50
Risotto Umbro Arborio rice with porcini and white mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, onions, and gruyere cheese, topped with truffle oil. $15.75
Palombacci con l’Uva Cornish hen braised with red wine, prosciutto, and red grapes, served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $15.95
Salamelle Mild Italian sausages grilled and served on a pool of petite lentils, served with sautéed spinach and pepperonata (bell peppers and onions). $14.95
Trota Farcita Sautéed rainbow trout stuffed with truffle pâté, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice, served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $15.95
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Anonymous
Abruzzo is the saffron capital of Italy - field, flower, and spice.
Anonymous
Speciali d’Abruzzo e Molise
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the central regions of Abruzzo and Molise. From the towering Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, this is a mainly mountainous and wild land. Seafood plays a major role in this cuisine, as does lamb and mutton, as shepherding was the main economic activity until fairly recently.
... Prosciutto e Melone Appetizer of sliced imported Parma prosciutto and fresh cantaloupe. $12.95
Lasagna Vegetariana Homemade spinach pasta layered with carrots, roasted red bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms and béchamel sauce. $15.50
Risotto col Zafferano Arborio rice simmered with white wine saffron, asparagus, scallops, mussels, crushed tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. $15.75
Pappardelle della Maiella Homemade saffron pasta tossed with lamb ragú, artichokes and pecorino cheese. $15.50
Branzino Molisano Fresh striped bass sautéed with garlic, basil, white wine and cherry tomatoes, and served with sautéed spinach and and roasted rosemary potatoes. $17.95
Agnello con le Arance Lamb shank braised with white wine, crushed tomatoes, olives and oranges, topped with gremolata (mint, lemon zest, garlic), served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $17.75
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Anonymous
Speciali delle Marche
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the central Italian region of Le Marche on the Adriatic coast. Its main agricultural products are cereals, vegetables, animal products, grapes, and olives. As with much of Italy, the sea provides a plentiful supply of fish, although some statistics indicate that the “Marchigiani” eat more meat, especially game, than any other Italians.
... Prosciutto e Melone Appetizer of sliced imported Parma prosciutto and fresh cantaloupe. $12.95
Baccalà Mantecato Appetizer of (4) toasted crostini topped with a creamy blend of baccalà (salted cod), garlic, olive oil, parsley, and a twist of black pepper. $9.95
Bucatini con Sardine Hollow long pasta tossed with sardines, fennel, raisins, onion, pine nuts, saffron and chicken broth, tossed with pecorino cheese. $15.50
Risotto Mare Arborio rice simmered with salmon, lobster, scallops, mussels, crushed tomatoes, pesto, and topped with toasted pine nuts and parmesan. $16.25
Ravioli di Magro Homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach, ricotta, shallots, and nutmeg, tossed with a butter-sage sauce and topped with poppy seeds and pecorino cheese. $15.25
Scaloppine alla Rossini Pork tenderloin scaloppine sautéed with Port wine, topped with truffle oil, and served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $15.50
Tonno Balsamico Yellowfin tuna steak seared and served with a balsamic reduction sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $16.25
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Anonymous
Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), Agrigento, Sicily
Anonymous
Speciali della Sicilia
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the Italian island region of Sicily. Although predominantly Italian, Sicilian cuisine shows traces of all the cultures which established themselves on the island over the last two millennia, including Greek, Arab, Norman and Spanish. This island cuisine is traditionally rich in seafood with meat a more recent addition.
Arancini (gluten free)... Appetizer of 4 fried rice balls made with arborio rice, egg, mozzarella, peas, carrots, parmesan, served with spicy marinara. $9.50
Insalata Pantesca Appetizer salad of finger potatoes, fresh tomato, olives, capers, red onion, tossed with white wine vinegar and fresh oregano, topped with caper berries. $7.75
Timbaletto Palermitano Ziti pasta tossed with eggplant, zucchini, red onion, basil, marinara, parmesan, and fontina, baked and served on a pool of marinara. $14.95
Bucatini con le Sarde Hollow long pasta tossed with sardines, fennel, raisins, onion, pine nuts, saffron and chicken broth, topped with pecorino cheese. $15.50
Scallopine al Marsala Port tenderloin scallopine with a marsala-mushroom sauce, served with rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. $15.75 (not gluten free)
Tonno alla Trapanese Yellow fin tuna steak, seared, with crushed tomato, garlic basil and sliced almonds, splash of white wine, served with roasted rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. $16.25
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Anonymous
The Fortress Town of Palmanova, Udine province, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Anonymous
Speciali del Friuli-Venezia Giulia
We are delighted to bring you specialties from the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia at the northeastern tip of Italy. This cuisine has been heavily influenced by its neighbors Austria and Slovenia, as well as by the ancient Romans.
Prosciutto e Melone... Appetizer of sliced imported Parma prosciutto and fresh cantaloupe. $11.95
Pizza del Carso Homemade pizza topped with figs, organic fresh apricots, goat cheese, sheep cheese, parmesan, arugula, and drizzled with honey. $13.95
Tripoline alla Vodka Imported long pasta tossed with chicken, sundried tomatoes, shallots, and a vodka-pink sauce, topped with fried zucchini strips. $14.95
Cjalzon A classic dish of Friuli. Homemade ravioli stuffed with Swiss chard, spinach, chocolate, raisins, rye bread, and ricotta, tossed with a butter sauce and topped with parsley and pecorino cheese. $15.75
Risotto Mare (Friday-Sunday only) Arborio rice simmered in fish stock with scallops, shrimp, rock fish, and salmon, tossed with pesto with crushed tomatoes. $15.95
Goulash Friulano Beef coulotte (sirloin strip) stew with red wine, onions, red bell peppers, paprika, dash of red pepper flakes, served with roasted rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. $16.75
Merluzzo all’Istriana Wild, fresh ling cod sautéed in a sauce of white wine, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, capers, and red pepper flakes, served with roasted rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. $16.50
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Anonymous
Speciali della Liguria
We are delighted to bring you featured specialties from the coastal Italian region of Liguria. Genoa is the capital of Liguria, as well as the home of Christopher Columbus, pesto and, according to The Foods of Italy, also ravioli--hard to imagine Italian cuisine without this classic!
Prosciutto e Melone... Appetizer of sliced imported Parma prosciutto and fresh cantaloupe. $11.95
Panzotti con le Noci Homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach, tossed with a sauce of butter, rosemary and walnuts, topped with shaved parmesan. $15.50
Risotto alla Ligure Arborio rice simmered with chicken stock, ham, asparagus, sage, and fontina cheese. $15.50
Scaloppine coi Carciofi Pork tenderloin scaloppine sautéed with artichokes, crushed tomatoes, and white wine, served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $15.75
Tonno al Pesto Seared yellowfin tuna topped with pesto (no cheese) and cherry tomatoes, served with sautéed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes. $16.95
Crostata di Bacche Shortcrust pastry, Chantilly cream, and sponge cake garnished with an assortment of blackberries, raspberries, red currants and strawberries. $6.25
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Anonymous
food was delissssssssh! Thanks for the awesome service.
Anonymous
Very good Italian restaurant. The owner does everything fresh and the service is very good.
Anonymous
This is the BEST restaurant in LA! This is my favorite restaurant ever! The food is house made, even the pasta. Wow! Best food, best environment/atmosphere, best staff, best place ever! I always go here with family & friends for any special dinner. They have a set menu & a changing menu every 3 weeks with different regions in Italy. I LOVE this restaurant (& Isabella too)!
Anonymous
Like other people have stated, great authentic Italian food and great people. You are allowed to bring your own wine with no corkage fee (or minimal if anything)
Anonymous
It's like going home... except the food's much better! Giuseppe, Isabella, and the rest of the team are all wonderful!
Anonymous
Great food. We always come here for special occasions.
Anonymous
Great food and service always
Real home made pasta �
Anonymous
Delicious! Fresh and tasty food, wonderful service...we've been for brunch and dinner and it was superb!
Anonymous
Authentic! Chefe Giuseppe is not only great but nice person. All crew make you feel home. Excellent food and atmosphere.
Anonymous
Authentic and great neighborhood go to Italian restaurant with amazing food. A portion of menu changes every six weeks presenting great dishes from different regions. A great find with only a $3 corkage fee on T, W, The. See you there
Anonymous
Agreed, one of the best restaurants in LA area. The lasagna is the best I have ever had.
Anonymous
This is our go to restaurant for Italian home cooking. Pastas are great with delicious salads using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Wine fairly priced and delicious.
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