+1 403-454-7668
If you’re craving a culinary adventure that masterfully blends the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine with the rich, indulgent flavors of Italian cooking, Carino Japanese Italian Kitchen in Calgary’s vibrant 4th Street SW district is an absolute must-visit. This restaurant serves a refined, inventive menu where every dish feels like an inspired celebration of texture, aroma, and bold flavor harmonies.
The atmosphere at Carino strikes a perfect balance between cozy and lively, creating an inviting space ideal for everything from intimate anniversary dinners to festive nights out with friends. The warm, attentive service complements the thoughtfully curated menu, ensuring that each visit feels both special and seamless.
The menu seamlessly weaves together Japanese and Italian influences, boasting standout dishes that have earned glowing praise from locals and visitors alike. Imagine savoring the Special Seafood Pasta, a sumptuous dish that evokes the ocean’s freshness paired with comforting pasta textures, or delighting in the Gyozagna—an innovative fusion combining pork gyoza dumplings layered with Wagyu meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection.
For those seeking bold, nuanced flavors, the Spicy Duck Nanban Soup is a revelation—rich duck leg confit immersed in a deeply flavorful soy-dashi broth enhanced with shimeji and eringi mushrooms, baby bok choy, and an intoxicating hint of truffle oil. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, comforting yet exciting your palate.
Seafood aficionados will find the Spicy Mussels Hot Pot with Frites irresistible, where tender clams and Italian sausages swim in a spicy tomato dashi broth that teases the senses and pairs beautifully with crispy frites for a textural contrast. Another culinary highlight is the delicate Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, drizzled with spicy yuzu kosho oil and topped with fresh arugula, offering a refreshing bite that balances zest and umami.
The creativity in Carino’s pasta offerings deserves special mention—from the lush Bucatini with Wagyu Meat Sauce enriched with parmesan and truffle oil to the vegetarian Tagliatelle with Tempeh Ragu, combining mushroom, parmesan, and truffle oil for a dish that's hearty yet elegantly balanced.
Don’t miss their playful and satisfying Sushi Tacos 3 Ways or indulgent Ricotta Gnocchi with Prawns and Pesto Sauce. The culinary craftsmanship shines in every bite, melding textures and layers of flavor that linger pleasantly on your palate long after the meal is done.
To round out your meal, the dessert options such as the silky Houjicha Crème Brulee and luscious Nutella Cheesecake provide the perfect sweet send-off, bringing subtle smoky notes and creamy richness respectively.
Patrons repeatedly praise the exceptional service and intimate vibe. As one delighted guest, Megan Beaton, shared after celebrating her anniversary, “Everything was absolutely magnificent. The Chicken momo was to die for, as well as the seafood pasta and the pork and carbonara. Every flavor curated together perfectly.” Another diner highlights how the staff’s knowledge and friendliness enhanced their experience, with personalized recommendations that elevated their meal to an unforgettable night.
Carino Japanese Italian Kitchen is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey that offers both innovation and comfort in every thoughtfully plated dish. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply looking to enjoy a remarkable night out, Carino promises a dining experience that resonates deeply, leaving you eager to return.
Location: 2210 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W9, Canada
Phone: +1 403-454-7668
My fiancé and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary together here and everything was absolutely magnificent. The staff, the atmosphere, the FOOD. Ugh, so good. The Chicken momo was to die for, as well as the seafood pasta and the pork and carbonara. Every flavour curated together perfectly. Priced well and worth every bite. Shout out to Stewart, we really enjoyed interacting with you, and your recommendations were stellar. Kudos for impeccable menu knowledge! Highly recommend!
My friend and I were able to secure a same-day reservation for dinner and we were both very impressed. The service was excellent- our server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu and the other servers always kept our beverages topped up. The food was delicious! We shared the chicken momos and I had the Spicy Duck "Nanban" Soup, which was phenomenal. The broth was so flavourful, the udon noodles were a perfect texture and the duck was nice and tender. My friend ordered the Spicy "Wagyu Bolognese" Miso Ramen and said it was one of the best ramen's she's ever had. My only "complaint" is that the space is quite small so the tables are fairly close together, but honestly, it didn't impact our overall experience and we'd definitely come back.
I visited this restaurant with my boyfriend, and every dish we ordered was amazing. The food was delicious, staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was cozy and lively. It’s quite popular, so I recommend making a reservation. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality makes it worth every dollar.
The atmosphere was great, the service was outstanding, and the food was absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Josh for being the best waiter we’ve ever had—super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive. We ordered everything Josh recommended, and it turned out to be the best dining experience we’ve had in Calgary. Highly recommended!
An absolutely phenomenal restaurant that simultaneously does something new and fresh, with classic skills and technique, so that it comes together with aplomb. Highly recommended. The wine list is fantastic as well as the selection of Sake. I had the Black and Red Ramen while my wife had the gnocchi. Both dishes were stellar in their taste and filling in their quality.
We loved Carino so much we actually went twice in one week; it’s easily one of the most creative spots in Calgary. The Lamb! Lamb! Lamb! was super tender, the Duck! Duck! was rich and flavorful, and the seafood risotto was incredibly creamy and fresh. We also loved the savory seafood pasta and the tonkatsu curry, especially since the accompanying carbonara is the perfect pairing for the crispy pork. To finish, the dessert sampler was a hit and the parfait was a light, refreshing end to the night. Plus, the tea sommelier was very knowledgeable and helped us find a unique blend that really elevated the whole experience.
Food was great. The experience unmatched. There are few places in Calgary where you might want to go for the service. The staff take a lot of care or make you feel welcomed and entertained. I would go back again just to be cared for and entertained by the staff. Food is by far the most interesting and exciting. I recommend the momos. They are divine!
This past weekend, my partner and I decided we wanted to try a new restaurant last minute. We were craving italian food and had heard great things about Carino, and were very intrigued about their fusion restaurant. While we weren’t able to get a table on such short notice, we were able to get seats at the bar. The aesthetics and vibe are both beautiful, and the staff were wonderful (accommodating, kind, and provided great recommendations). The food was amazing! An incredible mix of Italian and Japanese food that worked so well. It felt like upscale comfort food. We tried everything on their specials menu on the wall, as well as the chicken karaage.