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Calamari and gnocchi

A meal centered around calamari and gnocchi hits that craving for something salty followed by something soft.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated June 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.

Gnocchi comes in airy pesto, rich cacio e pepe style, and with burrata. The texture is divine and the flavors are very rich.

People are saying

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

"I thought the gnocchi was divine and incredibly rich."

"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.

02
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and lovely patio. Music plays softly, creating a calm, inviting vibe without loud noise or crowds. The setting feels warm and simple, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Crispy and fresh calamari comes with an amazing sauce. Portions vary from perfect to share to quite small, and the taste is good but sometimes not worth the price.

Soft, homemade gnocchi shines with a rich basil pesto that tastes incredible. The dish is simple, comforting, and executed flawlessly, with a notable version in four-cheese sauce also available.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The gnocchi here is perfectly soft and incredibly delicious."

"The calamari is crispy, fresh, and the sauce is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

03
Fire My Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Space combines tiled walls, stone tile floors, and a polished copper bar to create a dark and swanky atmosphere. Music plays loudly, contrasting with the otherwise intimate and chill vibe suited for dates or casual meals. A full bar and a pet-friendly outdoor patio add to the relaxed setting.

Calamari fritti stands out with excellent quality and crisp texture. It pairs well with their variety of pastas and creative alcoholic drinks.

Gnocchi here is light and melts in your mouth, often served with pesto that complements its texture well. It stands out alongside dishes like meatballs and braised short ribs for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

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

"The gnocchi here is so light and melts in your mouth."

"The calamari here was excellent."

Good to know

1

On Monday nights, they offer pasta specials for $15.99.

2

On Wednesdays, they have martini specials.

3

Street parking is available, but can be tough to find.

04
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.

Gnocchi cooked to perfection offers a delicious, tender bite. It pairs well with dishes like meatballs and stands out alongside options like ravioli and Eggplant Parmesan.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the gnocchi to be exquisite and cooked to perfection."

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.

05
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.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi come with a smooth, silky pesto sauce. Each bite feels like clouds of potato perfection with a fantastic flavor.

People are saying

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

"The gnocchi here is so soft and pillowy."

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

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.

06
Asti Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, dim-lit Italian restaurant with cozy ambiance and elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Noise level can be high due to lively groups, making it less suited for quiet dining. Offers outdoor seating and a prominent bar area within a compact space.

Golden, crisp, and impossibly light, the calamari comes with a spicy marinara sauce that hints at long-simmered tomatoes and a touch of heat. The sauce is very delicious and complements the crisp texture well.

Gnocchi comes in creamy gorgonzola sauce with shrimp, Alfredo sauce, and vodka sauce. Each sauce is rich and flavorful, with the gorgonzola version featuring added shrimp for extra taste.

People are saying

"The food here tasted amazing, truly incredible."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, tasted amazing."

"The gnocchi in creamy gorgonzola sauce with shrimp was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for large parties.

3

Expect higher prices for menu items, especially during peak hours.

07
Volare Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, authentic atmosphere and dated interior that feels like a time capsule. The place hosts an eclectic group of local regulars and offers a locals-only secret vibe. It serves excellent Italian food with standout dishes like lasagna and Oso Buco.

Italian-style fried calamari comes in a thin, crispy crust with a super tender inside. The portion is generous and the calamari is not greasy, paired with a craveable dipping sauce.

Shrimp and mushroom gnocchi come with creamy sauce and cook to perfection. Mushrooms add a great flavor combination to the dish.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, just like in Boston or NYC."

"The gnocchi with mushrooms and creamy sauce was cooked to perfection."

"The calamari here is super tender with a thin, crispy crust."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

08
The Fly Trap image 1
Californian restaurant

Cozy, historic restaurant with charming decor and a heated alleyway patio offers a relaxed atmosphere despite loud acoustics. The space feels snug with indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly area. Drinks feature unique cocktails and a great wine selection.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and not too oily, making it a solid appetizer choice. The dish is generally well-prepared and stands out alongside other menu items like ribeye.

House made gnocchi stands out with fantastic flavor and a tasty bacon variation. Service around this dish is top-tier and it pairs well with Brussels sprouts.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious, especially the risotto."

"The calamari here is served with such cheerful, quick service."

"The gnocchi here is soft, creamy, and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. with great deals on drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

3

The full menu is available starting at 7 p.m.; only bar snacks are served before then.

09
La Marina Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers spectacular marina views with cozy indoor seating and a lively outdoor patio featuring live music. Atmosphere ranges from warm and inviting to crowded and noisy during peak times. Guests enjoy authentic homemade pasta and a well-curated wine list.

Lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection, the calamari avoids overload and stays tender. Comes with a flavorful red dipping sauce that complements the dish well.

Homemade gnocchi stands out with options like bolognese and four cheese varieties. Pesto gnocchi offers a fresh twist alongside other pasta dishes.

People are saying

"The homemade gnocchi here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The homemade gnocchi here is really good."

"The calamari here is lightly battered and tastes great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often overbooked, leading to long wait times.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait even with a reservation during busy times.

3

Prices are high for Italian food in the area, averaging $80 for two.

10
Scardino's Italian Restaurant image 1

Small Italian restaurant with cozy atmosphere and tight seating offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor dining with heating. Frequented by locals, it features older style decorations and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Wine selection includes Italian red ale and various wines enjoyed by many.

Fresh calamari tastes like ocean and comes with a marinara sauce perfect for dipping bread. The calamari marinara stands out as a delectable appetizer often paired with other seafood dishes.

Gnocchi comes in several styles here, including one with pesto and another with vodka sauce. The gnocchi is generally good, though some sauces can be a bit acidic.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and truly excellent."

"The marinara calamari was surprisingly delectable."

"I loved the gnocchi with vodka sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant becomes crowded on weekends, so plan accordingly.

2

Parking can be a challenge during busy times.

3

Expect a 30-minute wait on Saturday nights around 6 pm.

11
Nado Republic image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a stunning aesthetic featuring exposed ceiling studs, antique books, and a spinning disco ball. Outdoor seating feels cramped but cozy with heat lamps close by. Energetic, hip music plays, enhancing the fun, lively vibe.

Delicious calamari stands out as a must-try dish here. It pairs well with the spicy mango margarita and complements the pasta offerings.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi stands out with rich sausage and a hearty meatball. It pairs well with dishes like lobster ravioli and bucatini amatriciana.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to the spectacular and personable service."

"I highly recommend the gnocchi; it's the best I've ever had."

"I found the calamari to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect to pay around $60 per person, especially with drinks.

3

They charge $6 for bottled water; no tap water is available.

12
Settecento DTLA image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio and garden with twinkling lights and live jazz music create a romantic, peaceful atmosphere. Interior features a library-themed decor surrounded by lush greenery. Cocktails and Italian dishes like truffle pizza complement the elegant, relaxed vibe.

Fried calamari costs $19.00 and comes with shrimp, making a great starter. The lemon served with it can roll off the plate, adding a bit of fun to the outdoor seating experience.

Soft, tender gnocchi comes with a rich Ragu alla Napoletana sauce. The sauce pairs well with pizza, letting you enjoy every bit on the crust.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and reasonably priced."

"The gnocchi's soft, bouncy texture was amazing with the ragu."

"I highly recommend the fried calamari."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2pm to 6pm, ending at 5:45pm.

2

Live music is available from Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

3

The restaurant validates parking for $6 for three hours at the Library parking lot.

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