CARMELINA, Woodbine and Denison, Markham “ - Visiting Markham’s 3 decades old, indefatigable, Italian culinary icon with tear-jerking outcome!






I am almost certain that most of you have not heard of this long standing, north GTA, off-the-beaten-path, Italian restaurant……let alone set foot in it?! For a restaurant to survive the financial meltdown of 2000 plus the economic turmoil caused by SARS and COVID is indeed a miraculous feat! Supporting a steadfast business decision not to fold in light of adversity and allowing the restaurant to endure such turbulence must exist a back-stage team of skilled and dedicated kitchen staff. More importantly, their food offering must be attractive and well executed enough to attract new, repeat and sustaining customers!..hence our decision to give the place a try!

The rustic, Roman themed decor dining room offers patrons a warm and inviting atmosphere. Live piano, guitar and vocal entertainment featuring nostalgic, pop-classic hits was a most welcoming and heartening addition.

The menu offers a pot-pouri of traditional, homey and comforting Mediterranean and Italian fare that emanates simple and straight forward authenticity. Stand-out char-broiled grilled meats, tender and aromatic, were carefully prepared and cooked to perfection by skilled chefs. Unpretentious and lovingly prepared appetisers, veal and pasta dishes speak mouth watering tastiness!

For sharing we ordered the following:

  • Gourmet Garlic Bread with Mediterranean accent toppings and dips
  • PEI Lobster and Crab cakes with charred corn, lemon and Jalapeno Mayo
  • Steamed PEI Mussels in a homemade tomato sauce with garlic, basil, onion, mixed herbs and white wine
  • Veal Scallopini with Mushroom, Marsala wine, grilled seasonal vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes
  • Char-Grilled Rack of Lamb with Capers, Red Wine Balsamic Reduction, Seasonal vegetables and potatoes.

Before delving into the food. I would just like to say, unexpectedly, tonight’s dining experience was dominated by the live music entertainment offered……with a much lesser extent contributed by the well prepared, delectable food! The ‘aftermath‘… one of the most emotionally overwhelming dining experiences I have ever had! For tonight also happens to commemorate the death of my father nearly two decades ago. His most beloved piece of music / song was “The Moon Represents My Heart” 月亮代表我的心, a popular Mandarin love song by Teresa Teng (邓丽君). Out of the blue, half way through dinner, the elderly Italian gentleman, providing the nightly musical entertainment, suddenly sang this song ‘in Mandarin’, with guitar accompaniment in front of our table!..and such a beautiful rendition it was! Talk about unleashing a sudden Tsunami onslaught of unstoppable nostalgia and fond memories!!

So much for my tear-jerking tale! Back to the food!

The outcome of our culinary adventure was a most pleasant surprise. Every component of our meal from the crunchy, well crusted and super light and spongy Garlic Bread; to the generous, lightly packed and crispy Lobster and Crab cakes; to the plumb and fat Mussels paired with a delicious, spoon-worthy sauce; to one of the best executed Lamb Chop I have had for a long while. The only minor down side of tonight’s dishes was the under salt and under seasoned Veal Scallopini.

Service was attentive and friendly, food portions were more than generous and price-point extremely reasonable

Overall, the meal was a pure delight which emits a ‘ worthy of a re-visit ‘ signal!!





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What a lovely story with happy tears.

I’m surprised Carmelina is still around. My in-laws took us there once as it was a favourite of theirs, along with its neighbouring restaurant Taste of Japan (?), long gone. I will definitely keep it in mind for future dining. Thank you for the wonderful review and photos.

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Re-visiting this gem for an early Pre-Father’s Day family dinner with an equally enjoyable dining experience outcome…if not more!

This time round we gave a few new dishes a try, including one of the best ‘Grilled Calamari’ encountered in recent memory! Perfectly grilled with smokey aroma and taste, paired with a generous pile of super-yummy tomato, capers and olive succotash.

Two pasta dishes were picked. The Pappardelle al Verde with mushroom and creamy Walnut sauce was tasty and fulfilling. The Seafood Risotto was only acceptable since the seafood flavour component was underwhelming and lacking. The rare NY Striploin and Tiger Shrimp surf & Turf dish paired with crunchy, perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables, on the other hand was a satisfying winner.

Attentively served by a team of, now familiar, friendly faces and entertained by the talented Italian pianist/guitarist/vocalist. Our evening was nothing short of delightful, gratifying and memorable!







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BTW, the vocal rendition of the Italian Love Song " O Sole Mio ’ by this gentleman was absolutely tremendous! Incredible tenor voice who can sustain extremely long high notes!!