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Calamari and Bruschetta

Made for those who insist on starting every meal with a combination of crispy seafood and toasted, garlic-rubbed bread.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Trattoria da Sofia image 1
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic Naples vibe with quaint, detailed decor featuring football shirts and painted marble. Atmosphere feels lively and transporting diners to Italy, with live music enhancing energy. Indoor and outdoor seating provide charming views and accommodate various group sizes.

Calamari comes with a lemony sauce that stands out. It ranks among the best ever had and is a favorite alongside arancini among appetizers.

Starts with bruschetta with prosciutto and figs that tastes delicious. Overall, the bruschetta is really good and well liked.

People are saying

"The pasta here is so fresh, made in house."

"I thought the calamari was the best I ever had, served with a lemony sauce."

"I found the bruschetta with prosciutto and figs delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 5 PM with generous portions of bites and drinks.

3

Parking can be challenging; expect to drive around to find a spot.

02
Colori Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with a homey vibe and charming plant ambiance. Atmosphere feels like visiting an Italian mama's house, relaxed and warm. Small space with about nine tables, popular for romantic dinners and casual nights out.

Trancio di calamari comes tender and well-seasoned, cooked just right. Calamari steak stays flavorful and soft, even for those who usually avoid squid.

Offers delicious bruschetta as a starter. The bruschetta stands out alongside dishes like tagliatelle alla bolognese and spaghetti pomodoro.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and made from scratch."

"The calamari steak is so tender and flavorful."

"I particularly loved the bruschetta."

Good to know

1

You can bring your own wine to Colori Kitchen without a charge.

2

Colori Kitchen moved from downtown to Harvard Heights, which is a nicer area.

3

The prices are reasonable, especially for the quality of food.

03
Alza Osteria image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space fills with lively noise and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Crowds gather especially on weekends, creating a busy, intimate atmosphere. The setting feels clean and inviting, suited for both date nights and family dinners.

Freshness stands out with the calamari, which comes lightly breaded and not grimy. It pairs well with a marinara dipping sauce and feels light and delicious as a starter.

Fresh and well-seasoned ingredients make the bruschetta stand out. The house special and olive tapenade versions offer bold flavors that pair well with other dishes like the soup of the day.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was delicious and cooked perfectly."

"You have to try their seafood pizza; it's unbelievably delicious."

"I thought the bruschetta was to die for."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a 5-10 minute wait for seating during peak hours.

3

Each entree includes a choice of soup or salad, plus complimentary bread.

04
Romanissimo Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian music softly playing. Well-spaced tables and beautiful Roma decor create a warm, inviting setting. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide privacy and comfort, enhancing the dining experience.

Stuffed calamari stands out with crab meat filling and pairs well with pasta dishes like fettuccini. The calamari is consistently delicious and often recommended.

Bruschetta features whipped ricotta, truffle, and honey with pear toppings. It comes highly praised for its rich flavors and unique combinations.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes like you're actually in Italy."

"The bruschetta with ricotta and pear was simple yet delicious."

"I loved the stuffed calamari; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a variety of food options during happy hour for around $60 total.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio for those with pets.

05
Fortuna Ristorante Italiano image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant blends modern design with traditional elements in a warm, inviting ambiance. Outdoor seating offers heated, shielded comfort ideal for conversation, while indoor space feels lively and energetic. Seating inside can be uncomfortable due to chair design.

Lightly breaded and tender, the calamari stands out as a perfectly cooked and delicious appetizer. It fits well with the menu's focus on fresh, traditional Italian dishes.

Starts with mouthwatering bruschetta that pairs well with other appetizers like Tuna Tartare and Calamari. The bruschetta serves as a solid, flavorful opener to the meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes straight out of Italy."

"The Italian food, especially the pappardelle, is pure silk and deeply comforting."

"The bruschetta was absolutely mouthwatering."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded during weekends.

06
Aromi Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with heartwarming decor featuring flowers, mirrors, and art creates an inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio and a private dining room offer versatile seating options. The vibe feels authentically Italian with a vibrant, beautiful interior that enhances the dining experience.

Fritto misto serves large portions of fried shrimp, calamari, zucchini, and carrots. Calamari tends to be overpriced and lacks much flavor.

Bruschetta arrives on a thick baguette with a generous topping of thinly sliced prosciutto and parmesan. Burrata version features a honey glaze and impressive balsamic vinegar, while Pomodoro offers fresh tomato, garlic, and basil on ciabatta.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is top-shelf, like in Little Italy."

"The tiramisu here is unreal, especially the cream."

"The calamari here is perfectly breaded and lightly fried."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM Sunday through Thursday.

2

Happy hour cocktails are $7.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events.

07
La Bella Pizza Trattoria Italiana image 1

Small restaurant offers authentic Italian flavors with a cozy, intimate atmosphere that encourages casual conversation. Both indoor and outdoor seating accommodate guests, often accompanied by live music. The vibe feels warm and homey, making it suitable for quiet dinners or date nights.

Fried calamari comes out light and cooked just right with a delicious sauce on the side. Portions tend to be smaller than expected, sometimes requiring extra sauce from other dishes.

Bruschetta comes with a super fresh topping and a perfect balance of flavors. It sits on hard pizza dough that is tough to cut with knives.

People are saying

"The pasta here is al dente and deliciously rich."

"The calamari here is delicious and cooked just right."

"The bruschetta here is super fresh with a perfect balance."

Good to know

1

There is easy parking available in the back lot, which is free.

2

Ask for the price of the specials before ordering.

3

Pasta dishes can range from $28 to $50.

08
L'Oro Di Napoli image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian trattoria-style space mimics a traditional alley with balconies and window shutters, creating a warm, rustic atmosphere. The vibe is lively with authentic Neapolitan pizza and a separate bar featuring light alcohol drinks and Italian beers. Tables are numerous and sometimes close together, adding to a bustling, intimate feel.

Calamari comes perfectly fried to a golden crisp, tender inside, and seasoned just right. It often includes vegetables that add a nice touch.

Starters include Bruschetta al pomodoro and pasta bruschetta, both noted for their strong flavors. Twist Romana stands out among the bruschetta options for its unique taste.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, was delicious."

"The bruschetta here was amazing."

"The calamari is perfectly fried, tender, and seasoned just right."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to pay around $25-35 per plate for pizza and pasta dishes.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider walking if you're nearby.

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