Carrara's | Pastries, Gelato & Cafe

Victoria _{on Google}

Apr 11th, 2024

tl;dr Cakes are very expensive, and not flavorful enough to justify the price. Service is fine but the ambiance of the place itself is kind of cold and unwelcoming. Will not return.
Full review:
I wanted to preface this with the fact that I only purchased dessert from here and my review is not on the restaurant or its food as we did not try it.
With that being said, I dont believe the prices of the sweets at this place match up to their quality. We came here for the first time after seeing the reviews and after a friend said she came here. We walked in and the place was almost empty since they were prepping for dinner. We took a look around, amazed at the beautiful pastries and cakes (as pictured) and got to choosing.
My first issue was that there were no cake prices shown and we needed to hunt down an employee to help us out. The cakes come in 3 different sizes, with the smallest starting out at $30 followed by $40 for the next size and $50. For me, an approximately 4-slice cake (if even!) for $30 is a bit pricey, especially since we have always gotten bigger cakes for cheaper at another popular Cuban bakery and Cafe (if you know, you know ). We went with the peach and mango cake (since we LOVE the mango mousse at the aforementioned cafe). I did, however, want to compliment the presentation and packaging since it was beautifully boxed and ribboned and the cake looked exceptionally decorated.
My biggest issue however, was the flavor of the cake, or rather the lack thereof. Usually I can justify a high price tag IF the cake is tasty and flavorful. Mango is a very savory and robust fruit, as well as peach and yet, not one of our guests could determine what the flavor of the cake was supposed to be. It was very sweet with no distinguishable flavor at all which was very disappointing because the cake on the outside looked absolutely fabulous. The cookie base was hard and the red outer layer was just a gelatinous, sugary gloop. The cream on the inside just tasted sweet, kind of like whipped cream and sugar mixed together, which would make sense if this were a cream cake but we were promised mango and peach, of which none were present.
Overall, I wouldn't come back here as it's a bit too expensive with not enough flavor to show for it. I know at least two other places in the area that make amazing, flavorful mango cakes as well as tiramisu and others that offer more product for a cheaper price that are equally delectable. The workers here are very kind and approachable, so i gave my review an extra star for the good service. The atmosphere isn't very cozy, feels more like my college cafeteria to me with the gray walls, high ceilings and metal tables and chairs. I just don't see this as an Italian restaurant seating, seems very sanitized, like the inside of a Yogurt land where you just want to order and go. Sure, the desserts look absolutely stunning but the taste leaves more to be desired.

Ed Bercow _{on Google}

Apr 6th, 2024

Sunday night specials is the best time to go.
Kid-friendliness: To everybodys very patient and kid friendly menu.

Milli Rivezzo & Associates _{on Google}

Apr 5th, 2024

Great dining experience. Exceptional service. Great ambience
The food was excellent. Great Italian restaurant in great Italian pastry and gelato.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
You must stop by the next time you're in Moorpark California. MRR

Anna Iurchenko _{on Google}

Mar 3rd, 2024

I was so excited to go to this place, but, unfortunately, my expectations were crashed. The food was close to awful, drinks even worse. We spent $60 for 2 people and I feel sorry for every cent of it.