
Cafe Carlo
A cozy Canadian bistro in Winnipeg's Little Italy, celebrated for its unique Italian and Asian-inspired dishes, especially its legendary Fett Chile pa...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Cafe Carlo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Canadian bistro in Winnipeg's Little Italy, celebrated for its unique Italian and Asian-inspired dishes, especially its legendary Fett Chile pasta.
"This place was insanely good. It is pricey but the portion sizes are generous."
Make Reservations
Popular spot, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
Try Seafood
Seafood dishes like Cannelloni or Chowder are highly praised for their unique flavors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fett Chile Pasta
A legendary dish with fettuccine, chicken, chorizo, and roasted red peppers in a spicy chile cream sauce.

Cozy Atmosphere
Warm, relaxed Canadian bistro with a welcoming vibe, perfect for dates or celebrations.

Diverse Menu with Global Twists
Italian classics blended with Asian-inspired dishes and unique global flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Popular spot, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
Try Seafood
Seafood dishes like Cannelloni or Chowder are highly praised for their unique flavors.
Weekday Dining
Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience than the bustling weekends.
Spicy Appetizers
Spring rolls come with a notably spicy dipping sauce, and the broccoli appetizer is a standout.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Popular spot, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
Try Seafood
Seafood dishes like Cannelloni or Chowder are highly praised for their unique flavors.
Weekday Dining
Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience than the bustling weekends.
Spicy Appetizers
Spring rolls come with a notably spicy dipping sauce, and the broccoli appetizer is a standout.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Cafe Carlo's inventive menu and cozy atmosphere, especially highlighting the famous Fett Chile pasta. While many rave about the delicious food and friendly service, some have noted occasional inconsistencies in food preparation and service attentiveness. The intimate space can also get quite noisy during peak hours.
"Amazing food. Quint little place. Loved the broccoli appetizer. Bruschetta was good, but not as good as Cibo. Spring rolls were very good and I loved that the dipping sauce was so spicy (maybe too spicy for some). Ceasar salad was good, but the Fett Chili pasta stole the show. Still dreaming about it. Good wine menu. Chef special vermicelli pasta and rosé sauce with meatballs was great. Meatballs were very special. Weird, but it was the first time I try creme brûlé. Was great but I have no point of reference. Great coffee too, which is important. Waitress did not bother us all the time but did follow up to make sure all was good after serving the food. I'll go again for sure! It's a different and refreshing kind of alternative."
Martin Cloutier
"One of the best service experiences I have had in Winnipeg, and I dine in many unique locations. Great wine, beer and menu items. They welcomed our table of three, which grew to four and with ease to accommodate us. Thank you Cafe Carlo for letting old friends catch up with some great eats! Cheers, Spicy Jan"
Spicy Jan
"If you’re looking for a solid spot for a date night or a small celebration, Cafe Carlo is a great pick. The place has a cozy vibe that feels like a hidden gem. The food was delicious and the service was super friendly and helpful. I’d definitely come back and would recommend it to anyone looking for a chill but elevated dining experience."
Emily
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cafe Carlo is most famous for its legendary Fett Chile pasta, a unique dish featuring fettuccine with chicken, chorizo, cashews, and roasted red peppers in a chile cream sauce.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as Cafe Carlo is a popular spot and tables can fill up quickly.
Cafe Carlo offers a warm, cozy, and relaxed atmosphere, often described as a hidden gem, making it suitable for date nights or small celebrations.
Yes, while pasta is a highlight, the menu offers a variety of other dishes, including appetizers and main courses, with Italian and Asian influences.
Popular appetizers include the broccoli appetizer and the spring rolls, which come with a notably spicy dipping sauce.
Cafe Carlo is described as a family-friendly Canadian bistro, offering a warm and comfortable atmosphere for dining with loved ones.
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This place was insanely good. It is pricey but the portion sizes are generous. I had the Fett Chile and the pesto Gnocchi and both were phenomenal. The bread comes with a spicy butter and was perfect for soaking up the leftover sauces. I didn't particularly love the Apple-Berry Crisp dessert and wouldn't order it again, but the entrées were bursting with flavour.". "Second time ordering. First time was 3 orders of Fett Chili..we all loved it .This time I tried the Vong. warmed it up in the micro for only 2 mins. Came out hard and dry. Not enough sauce . .Highly recommend .Fett Chili but sorry, not the Vong. Seafood chowder was tasty, but a very small portion for $18.00. Will be trying more dishes based on Fett Chili and recommedations from friends.
The 15 BEST Italian Restaurants in Winnipeg (for 2024)
One of Winnipeg’s best Italian restaurants and one of its most respected, Cafe Carlo has been a staple of Corydon Village for decades. This friendly, welcoming restaurant is the perfect place for both a laidback meal or a fun celebration, and as it’s in the heart of Winnipeg’s Little Italy, you know the Italian food is going to be top-notch. Open for dinner seven days a week and lunch on Fridays, there’s an excellent menu to choose from, all of it with a little twist on Italian food; most famous is perhaps the Fett Chile pasta, which is fettuccine with chicken, chorizo, cashews, and roasted red peppers in chile cream sauce.
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Cafe Carlo - If you’re familiar with any of Cafe Carlo’s pastas, chances are it’s the Fett Chile you’ve tried (then tried again and again because it’s just that good). The house-made chile cream sauce has just the right amount of spice to complement the chicken, chorizo, cashews and roasted red peppers for a fettuccine you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Cafe Carlo also makes their gnocchi (tossed in a pesto cream sauce or braised beef ragu) and ravioli (filled with butternut squash, ricotta and brown butter-hazlenut sauce) by hand.
Winnipeg’s Top 5 Best date night restaurants - voted by you!
Located on Lilac in the heart of Corydon, Cafe Carlo is a beloved spot known for its charm, comfort, and incredible food. At Cafe Carlo, the philosophy is simple — great restaurants should be “about the food.” They focus on real cooking, preparing everything from scratch in-house with quality ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and crave-worthy. Their legendary Fett Chile — a fettuccine dish with chicken, chorizo, cashews, and roasted red peppers in a chile cream sauce — proves that some traditions never go out of style.
Winnipeg's Best Places for Pasta Perfection
This cozy bistro has been tucked in its Lilac Street location since 1989. Classic Italian dishes spiked with global flavours and far-flung ingredients have given Café Carlo its status as a beloved destination for imaginative pastas. Don’t skip Chef David Hyde’s inspired curry cream pappardelle.The addition of curry paste kicks up the luscious sauce, sweetly balanced by apple and raisins.
Best Romantic restaurants in Winnipeg [2024]
Address: 243 Lilac St, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2S2, CanadaPhone:+1 (204) 477-5544Website:cafecarlo.comDetails: $$, Italian restaurant. Cafe Carlo is a charming and cozy restaurant located just off Corydon Ave in Winnipeg. With its friendly staff and excellent service, this restaurant creates a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
Best Family Restaurants in Winnipeg 2025
Located in Winnipeg’s Little Italy neighborhood, Cafe Carlo is one of the city’s best family restaurants. This family-friendly Canadian bistro offers a warm, comfortable atmosphere, and perfect scenery as you wait and savor the meal with your loved ones. At Cafe Carlo, it is always about food and fascinating memorable family time.
15 Beautiful Restaurants For Romantic Dinner Date in Winnipeg
Located in Winnipeg’s Little Italy, Café Carlo is a cozy, romantic restaurant that’s perfect for any date night. Whether you’re headed here for a lunch or a dinner date, you’re sure to love your experience at Café Carlo. Don’t forget to save room for one of the delicious desserts when you visit this restaurant!
5 Best Italian Restaurants in Winnipeg 🥇
Cafe Carlo was founded in 1989 and has been a staple in the dining industry in Winnipeg with its comfortable and warm environment. It has been continuously recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the city. The love and passion for food and drink of the very first employees remained the same until today.
5 Best Lunch Restaurants in Winnipeg
Next on our list is a charming Canadian restaurant located in Winnipeg’s Little Italy neighborhood. Cafe Carlo has been the Winnipeggers’ go-to place since 1989 for its warm and comfortable atmosphere. Its décor and interior evolved from its “rummage sale chic beginnings” to the cozy vibe we love today.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Winnipeg, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (204 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5) - Type of cuisine: Italian, Canadian - Price: $$ - $$$ - Address: 243 Lilac St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 2S2 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor
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