Kara Mia

My first restaurant review is about Kara Mia since the taste is still fresh on my tongue as I'd eaten there just a few days ago.  Kara Mia has been around for a while and most of you probably know all about their amazing pastas!  They currently have two locations; one in Vaughan and the second in Mississauga.  I haven't been to the Vaughan location in a while since the Mississauga location is more convenient for me.  So that's where I went for my latest meal.
We were a party of four and ordered the following:
Bruschetta with Cheese (4 pcs) $4.99
Calamari Fritti $7.99
Penne Picante Rose $11.99
Penne De La Casa (Baked with Cheese) $11.99 + $1.50
Bisteca Fungui with Shrimp and Saffron Cream Poutine $22.99 +$2.99
Filet Mignon $24.99

The Bruschetta was average; not much to say about it, but the Calamari....we LOVED it!!  I think it's the best I've tasted in a long time!  The perfectly seasoned breading was light and super crispy.  The squid itself was really tender (how many times have you had really chewy overcooked calamari).  Even the dill dipping sauce was incredible.  I only got to have two pieces as the guys devoured them after one bite (and they were hesitant to order as they're not big on squid).  Overall, a must try!
The pastas are always delicious as Kara Mia.  My favourite used to be the picante rose (which is still great) but this time I tried the saffron cream based penne de la casa an it blew me away!  The perfectly cooked penne was covered in an incredible golden saffron cream sauce with cubes of chicken.  It was baked with cheese and the pasta was warm until the last bite.  It was so great that when I asked the guys to taste it and they ended up finishing it! This dish is my personal favourite now!
I think their saffron cream sauce turns any dish into something special as when it did with the poutine.  I'm not usually big on poutine but couldn't stop eating this one!  A must try in my opinion.  You can also order it as appetizer in single or family size.
The Bisteca Fungui was pretty good although oddly, half the steak was really tender but the other half was overcooked and chewy.  Again, dipped in the mushroom gorgonzola saffron cream sauce made it taste great.
The Filet Mignon was better as it was very tender and the guys loved the mustard herb sauce it was drenched in.
Overall, the guys agreed that although the steaks were good, they don't beat Affy's.  The pastas and calamari, on the other hand, were one of a kind!  The service we got was great (it was a weeknight and only a few parties, so that helped).  I have heard a lot of problems people have had with service and wait times at Kara Mia.  I think that either these are isolated incidents or they have improved these issues as I've been there several times and haven't had any problems.  Another great factor about this Kara Mia location is the fact that it's spacious!  Lots of seating and parking.  Clean washroom with a changing table! (YAY!)
If you haven't been to Kara Mia yet, make it your next special night out!!

www.Karamia.ca
Mississauga Location
5120 Dixie Road ( Dixie & Eglinton), Unit 4
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4J7 
tel: 905 290 1190