When you visit Carina’s Stone Fired Pizza – Gelato in London Square, you’ll immediately notice the warm flames of the stone fired oven, the centerpiece of Carina’s kitchen and the key to the restaurants’ specialty dishes.
“We cook over the open flame, one of the oldest cooking methods known to man,” said owner Karina Schwarby. “This gives our food a very fresh and unique taste.”
All of the dishes at Carina’s are made fresh from scratch each day using locally grown and often organic ingredients.
“I believe in quality ingredients, healthy eating and no shortcuts,” Schwarby said.
It took more than two years working with executive chefs to perfect all of her recipes before opening her first restaurant in Fort Lauderdale in 2007. She opened her second location in London Square in 2008. Growing up in a family of professional chefs and bakers in Europe, Schwarby always knew that she wanted to open a restaurant and become a part of the culture in a community.
To accomplish that dream, Schwarby supports many local causes. She has provided food for events conducted by Miami Children’s Hospital and the Autistic Society. Carina’s has happily fed groups at the Hammocks Police Headquarters and the Miami Army Reserve, and has offered gift certificates and special dining deals to local schools, churches and sports teams, such as the Miami Toros.
“It’s important to me to give back to the people in the community who generously support my business,” Schwarby explained.
Carina’s customers rave about the homemade soups and flavorful salads, which are made with unexpected ingredients. There are seven types of wraps on the menu and the Signature sandwiches are made with fresh-baked bread.
Pizza always is a crowd pleaser and Carina’s offers unique specialty pizzas that are made with fresh, homemade dough, one of three homemade sauces — organic red sauce, Alfredo and pesto — and unique topping combinations. You also can design your own pizza by choosing from more than 30 meat, veggie and cheese toppings on the menu.
Giovanni Gras from Kendall takes his family to Carina’s every Friday night for pizza and has done so for the past two years.
“It’s become our Friday night pizza night,” Gras said. “The food is just phenomenal. The place is cozy and Schwarby offers excellent service. For us, it’s like going to visit family. The staff sees us come in and starts our pizza before we even sit down.”
To satisfy your sweet tooth, Carina’s serves homemade tiramisu and cannoli, as well as gelato and sorbet. The flavorful, but low calorie sorbet has only two grams of fat per serving. The authentic gelato is natural, made fresh daily and has only seven grams of fat. For a unique taste treat, try a Specialty Gelato Ice Coffee.
On a budget? Lunch combo specials are offered daily and start at $5.95. Craving a great, but affordable dinner? Carina’s serves beer and wine to complement your meal. Planning a party? Carina’s Catering can make your next event, meeting or party a tasteful affair.
“We strive for excellence in our food and with our service,” Schwarby said. “I think people will be delighted with their experience at Carina’s.”
Carina’s Stone Fired Pizza – Gelato is located at 12305 SW 137 Ave. in London Square and the phone number is 786-293-2415. The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, and 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
For more information, go online to www.carinaspizza.com.
