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Loved by locals

Calamari in California

Made for those who consider crispy calamari the only acceptable way to start a meal.

Based on 739 Opinions
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01
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Spacious Asian fusion spot offers a modern clean interior and family friendly vibe. Crispy calamari shines with great batter and full flavor. Free noodle refills and well-spaced tables make dining comfortable and relaxed.

Crispy calamari comes with a great batter that is not overly breaded. It offers a full flavor and pairs well as an appetizer alongside spicy wontons.

People are saying

"The calamari here has a great batter and is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot just for the area.

2

Expect the restaurant to get packed by 6 PM; arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The food is served quickly, even during busy hours.

02
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Small Italian spot with an open kitchen and cozy vibe feels like a Roman hole-in-the-wall. Calamari fritti is crispy and tender, served with thin fries and rich marinara. Fresh roses and a charming back patio add to the warm, family-like atmosphere.

Crispy and tender, the calamari fritti comes with thin fries and a flavorful marinara sauce. It stays crispy to the last bite and ranks among the city's favorites.

People are saying

"The calamari here is so fresh, light, and crispy."

Good to know

1

Street meter parking is available near the restaurant.

2

There is a public parking lot behind the restaurant.

3

They allow guests to bring their own wine if called ahead.

03
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Bright walls with hand-painted murals create a lively vibe. Crispy calamari offers bold flavors with tender texture. Self-serve salsa bar adds variety of sauces to tacos and burritos loaded with fresh toppings.

Crispy calamari shines with a tender inside and bold flavors. Both tacos and burritos load up on fresh toppings and offer a perfect balance of textures.

People are saying

"I tried the calamari tacos; they were life changing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the corner from the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have public restrooms for customers.

3

Expect no wait to order on Sunday nights.

04
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Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and rustic decor. Calamari arrives fast and tastes amazing, making it a quick starter. Live music adds energy but can get loud during busy times.

Almost no wait time between ordering and serving makes the calamari a quick starter. The new-style preparation stands out as an amazing appetizer with great flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari appetizer was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Dinner prices range from $15 to $30 per entree.

05
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Italian restaurant captures authentic Naples vibe with lively atmosphere and live music. Calamari shines with a lemony sauce, ranking among the best. Quaint decor and indoor-outdoor seating add charm for all guests.

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

People are saying

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

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.

06
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Small Italian spot offers intimate atmosphere with live music and quaint decor. Calamari is tender and juicy with generous portions perfect for sharing. Known for impeccable food and wine pairings, it creates a warm, family-like vibe with tolerable noise.

Tender, juicy calamari arrives hot with an amazing sauce. Portions are generous, often enough to share among three, and the preparation is consistently well-done and appetizing.

People are saying

"The calamari here is tender, juicy, and served with an amazing sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm with various food and drink deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.

3

The restaurant offers a $40 happy hour deal that includes food and drinks.

07
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Modern Italian spot shines with crispy calamari that crunches perfectly. Spacious layout and brick walls create a warm yet sleek vibe. Live music adds charm, while large patio and private rooms offer versatile seating.

Fresh squid rings and tentacles get a crispy batter and are fried to golden perfection. Served as an appetizer, the calamari offers a satisfying crunch and tender inside.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the calamari as an appetizer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted appetizers.

2

The restaurant hosts a wine tasting event with dinner on select weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for special events like bridal showers.

08
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Small dining room offers simple elegance and a warm vibe with generous Italian dishes. Fried calamari is light and crunchy, while sautéed calamari is extremely flavorful. Staff know regulars by name, adding to the welcoming feel.

Fried calamari comes out light and crunchy, making it easy to enjoy. Sautéed calamari also stands out as extremely good and flavorful.

People are saying

"The fried calamari is lite and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size and popularity.

2

The restaurant offers a ravioli sampler for those who want to try multiple dishes.

3

Expect reasonable prices for the quality of food served.

09
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Majestic olive tree anchors a spacious patio with live piano music creating an elegant, relaxed vibe. Grilled calamari shines with refreshing brightness, perfect alongside flavorful, light dishes. Playful industrial loft design blends tradition and innovation, inviting guests to linger.

Grilled calamari comes out light and fresh with a refreshing brightness that stands out among appetizers. It pairs well with other dishes that are flavorful yet not heavy.

People are saying

"The calamari here is light, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9pm.

3

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

10
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Asian fusion spot boasts a modern interior with lively vibes and large seating for groups. Crispy, well-fried calamari shines with perfect seasoning and a tasty sauce. Spacious layout and private dining make it great for gatherings.

Crispy and well-fried calamari comes with a perfectly seasoned batter. The sauce pairs nicely, enhancing the overall flavor.

People are saying

"The calamari is perfectly crispy and well-fried."

Good to know

1

Sona Fusion Kitchen is open until 1:30 AM, making it convenient after a long park day.

2

Disney cast members receive a 10% discount on dine-in orders over $60 with proof of employment.

3

There is plentiful parking available near the restaurant.

11
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Cozy spot with intimate lighting sets a romantic mood. Calamari is lightly breaded and tender, perfect with suppli or lasagne. Authentic Italian dishes pair well with rare wines like Ruche, making it great for dates or small parties.

Lightly breaded and tender, the calamari offers a fresh and delicate texture. It pairs well with other dishes like suppli and lasagne for a varied meal.

People are saying

"The calamari here is lightly breaded, tender, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are limited to 90 minutes for dinner service.

2

Decore charges a $25 corkage fee for bringing your own wine.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

12
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Fries shine with Korean-style toppings like bulgogi and corn cheese, offering a unique taste. Calamari is tender and pairs well in combos with chicken. Enjoy a positive vibe inside with cool staff, comfy seating, and easy parking in a dedicated lot.

Calamari on top cooks perfectly with a tender texture. It pairs well with other options like bulgogi and chicken in combo dishes.

People are saying

"The calamari on top was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Parking at Kingfriez costs $3, even for short visits.

2

You can customize your fries with various seasonings, sauces, and toppings.

3

The kiosk offers more options than the visual menu inside.

13
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Small Italian spot offers a cozy atmosphere with a cute patio where dogs relax. Fried calamari is crispy and fresh, shining in seafood pasta with clams and mussels. Perfect for romantic dinners or family meals in a quiet, friendly vibe.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and fresh. Calamari also appears in seafood pasta with clams, mussels, and salmon, cooked perfectly and tasting fresh.

People are saying

"I thought the fried calamari was delicious."

Good to know

1

Dinner service starts from 4 pm.

2

Bistro Pazzo accommodates large parties, including groups of 11.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

14
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Cozy Italian spot with authentic music and Roma decor sets a warm mood. Stuffed calamari with crab meat is a must-try, perfectly paired with pasta. Indoor and outdoor seating offer privacy and comfort for a relaxed meal.

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

People are saying

"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.

15
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Small restaurant buzzes with lively chatter and kitchen sounds. Dumplings shine with high-quality freshness and open kitchen view. Fried calamari offers a soft, crunchy texture that pairs well with vegetarian options and other favorites.

Fried calamari comes out soft and crunchy with a satisfying texture. It stands out as a favorite dish alongside other items like shumai and fried rice.

People are saying

"The calamari here is soft and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The wait time to get a table is reasonable.

3

Table seating isn't for more than four people; larger groups may need to wait.

16
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Bright, spacious interior with whimsical decor sets a lively, Parisian café vibe. Garlic Calamari is crispy and flavorful with a mild spicy kick. Pet-friendly outdoor seating adds charm, while semi-self-service kiosks keep ordering quick and easy.

Crispy and flavorful, the Garlic Calamari stands out with a nice crunch. It carries a spicy kick that leans toward the mild side but is noticeable.

People are saying

"The calamari is crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

To celebrate the grand opening on 4/29, they offer a limited free mini snow cake and free Sangaria, along with live music from 7 pm to 9 pm.

2

There was plenty of free parking available.

3

The establishment is pet friendly and offers pet friendly entrees.

17
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Seafood shines with fresh ingredients and standout dishes like lobster rolls and bisque. Calamari fries add a crispy crunch that pairs well with other seafood. Cozy seaside vibe and friendly atmosphere make dining relaxed and enjoyable.

Calamari comes as crispy fries that pair well with other seafood dishes. It appears alongside items like lobster tacos and fish and chips, offering a fried, crunchy texture.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the calamari fries; they were perfection."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-minute wait for clam chowder during busy hours.

2

The clam chowder costs over $14 for a small bowl.

3

They do not provide forks; bring your own if needed.

18
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Fresh seafood shines with calamari steak and a calamari sandwich that delivers rich flavor and tender texture. Outdoor patio with cacti creates a relaxed coastal vibe. Buzzy atmosphere invites casual diners who love fresh fish and spacious seating.

Calamari steak stands out with rich flavor and tender texture. The Calamari Sandwich offers an addictive, satisfying bite with breaded calamari as a tasty highlight.

People are saying

"The calamari is so tender and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

19
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Open layout blends sports bar vibe with an in-house brewery and multiple TVs showing extreme sports. Fried calamari is perfectly cooked with a mix of rings and legs. Patio seating with heat lamps offers a cozy outdoor spot despite the lively, sometimes chaotic atmosphere.

Fried perfectly with a mix of rings and legs, the calamari tastes great and stands out among other dishes.

People are saying

"I ordered the calamari, and it was fried perfectly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour special runs from 2 to 4 pm on weekdays for $2.50 a slice.

2

They offer $6 margaritas on Tuesdays as part of their specials.

3

The restaurant has very limited seating, so arrive early.

20
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Japanese restaurant offers a Naruto anime theme with colorful wall art and large LED displays creating a lively vibe. Calamari is lightly fried with a delicious crunch, perfect as a side or with ramen. Cozy seating fits 35 to 60 guests in a clean, quaint space.

Lightly fried with a delicious crunch, the calamari is never gamey. It pairs well as a side or with ramen, consistently on point in flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The calamari is lightly fried with a delicious crunch."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has reopened and is here to stay.

2

The Ramen spot is open until 9:30 PM, but may have low customer traffic.

3

The website menu and paper menu list different prices.

21
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Open concept dining offers stunning ocean views and natural light, creating a warm vibe. Grilled calamari delivers spectacular flavor and pairs well with mezze and tuna tartar. Spacious bar and retracting roof patio add to the modern, airy feel.

Grilled calamari stands out with its spectacular flavor and is a must-try dish. It pairs well with other tasty appetizers like mezze and tuna tartar, making it a highlight of the menu.

People are saying

"I loved the grilled calamari; it was spectacular."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

22
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Small, lively spot with authentic Italian style and a beach town vibe. Calamari fritti is crispy and fresh, perfect alongside Margherita pizza and Buona Forchetta Pappardelle. Tables are close, creating a happy, noisy buzz.

Calamari fritti stands out as a highlight, prepared with a crisp texture and fresh flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like Margherita pizza and Buona Forchetta Pappardelle pasta.

People are saying

"I've never had calamari this good before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets very busy.

2

Parking can be difficult due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

The restaurant offers a plant-based menu for dietary preferences.

23
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Seafood spot offers shaded outdoor seating and a chill vibe perfect for fresh, healthy meals. Calamari shines with a citrus vinaigrette and a sharp green lime kick. Generous portions make it a great choice for seafood lovers.

Calamari comes with a citrus vinaigrette that brightens the dish. The green lime juice adds a sharp kick to the flavor. The crazy calamari bites stand out as a notable option.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari was the best I'd had in a very long time."

Good to know

1

The outside seating is dog friendly.

2

Food is ready within 5 minutes during busy hours.

3

The prices are budget-friendly for two people.

24
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Outdoor patio creates a cozy atmosphere with trains adding charm. Calamari is perfectly crispy and pairs with a unique sauce. Decor inside matches the inviting vibe, making it a charming spot true to South Pasadena.

Calamari comes out perfectly crispy and pairs with a sauce that divides opinions. It stands out as a solid dish alongside the fries.

People are saying

"You should check out the calamari; it's perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Making a Resy reservation is highly recommended.

2

Parking options include valet, street meters, and a paid structure nearby.

3

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours.

25
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Japanese restaurant features a clean, modern interior with Asian artwork and a relaxed vibe. Calamari shines with tempura-style crispiness, perfect as a light appetizer. Authentic dishes like vegetarian curry and ramen keep the menu diverse and satisfying.

Tempura-style frying gives the calamari a crispy, light batter. It pairs well as an appetizer alongside dishes like Spicy Garlic Edamame.

People are saying

"The calamari was so good, I forgot to take a picture."

Good to know

1

You can bring your own alcohol with no corkage fee.

2

Crane & Elephant closes at 2am, perfect for late-night meals.

3

Parking can be challenging due to limited space.

26
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Coastal, upscale decor sets a relaxed, refined mood. Fresh, high-quality seafood shines, especially calamari fries known for exceptional taste. Chef-prepared dishes and careful seafood treatment create a calm, enjoyable dining experience.

Calamari fries stand out for their exceptional taste and freshness. They come from a menu that treats seafood with care, making them a notable choice alongside other dishes like crab cakes and oysters.

People are saying

"The calamari fries here are out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.

2

Happy hour offers limited appetizers and drinks until 5:00 PM.

3

Expect to spend about $50 per person, possibly more with drinks.

27
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Outdoor patio sets a calm, laid back California chic tone with soft live music and cozy lighting. Kung Pao calamari adds a spicy kick that pairs well with eggplant. Unique artwork enhances the upscale yet casual vibe for a relaxed dining experience.

Kung Pao calamari offers a special kick with its spicy twist. The calamari appetizer pairs well with eggplant and stands out alongside dishes like French onion and scallops.

People are saying

"You have to try the Kung Pao calamari; it has a special kick."

Good to know

1

Booking a reservation is a good idea due to limited tables.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy times like weekends and holidays.

3

The restaurant is upscale but doesn't require formal attire.

28
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Seafood lovers enjoy bold flavors and generous portions in a cozy, air-conditioned space. Fried calamari stands out with Cajun fries, perfect alongside dishes like Linguine Jambalaya. The lively atmosphere suits families and groups seeking hearty seafood meals.

Fried calamari comes with Cajun fries and pairs well with seafood dishes like Linguine Jambalaya and a black mussel boiler. It appears as a popular fried option alongside other seafood plates.

People are saying

"The calamari here has delicious, large portions for a reasonable price."

Good to know

1

The seafood boil is very affordable with generous portions.

2

All dishes are served with two house-made, fresh sides.

3

They offer a good selection of different cultural sauces.

29
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Open kitchen and rustic decor create a warm, inviting space with a laid-back atmosphere. Calamari is fresh and crispy with great breading and awesome flavor, often paired with mussels for an Italian touch. Heated outdoor patio offers comfortable seating despite strong sun, perfect for casual meals or date nights.

Great breading and awesome flavor make the calamari stand out. It arrives fresh and crispy, often served alongside mussels that evoke an Italian vibe.

People are saying

"The calamari here is fresh, crispy, and has awesome flavor."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Expect wait times of up to 60 minutes during peak hours.

30
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Steakhouse boasts a modern members-only vibe with a quiet atmosphere perfect for conversation. Calamari features light breading and comes with two tasty sauces. Soft jazz music adds to the cozy yet upscale ambiance.

Light breading covers the calamari, served with two delightful dipping sauces. It arrives as a marvelous appetizer, cooked to perfection alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The calamari appetizer had a light breading and was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Expect to spend around $230 for three people, excluding gratuity.

3

A mandatory 18% gratuity is added to all bills.

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