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Local picks

Calamari and meatballs in California

A kitchen that manages to get both the calamari and the meatballs right without cutting corners on either.

Based on 751 Opinions
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01
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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.

Fresh, home made meatballs come tender and packed with flavor. The sauce adds a delicious touch that complements the dish well.

People are saying

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

"The meatballs here are so tender and flavorful."

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
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Majestic olive tree anchors a spacious patio with live piano music enhancing an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. Playful industrial loft design blends tradition with innovation, inviting guests to linger. Energy shifts smoothly as live music transitions to a DJ deck later in the evening.

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.

Wagyu meatballs stand out with their excellent flavor and texture. They come as part of a solid appetizer selection including zucchini fritters and tuna tartare.

People are saying

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

"The wagyu meatballs were excellent."

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.

03
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Cozy restaurant with gorgeous interior featuring warm colors, rustic touches, and intimate lighting creates an elegant, romantic atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic Italian cuisine paired with rare wines like Ruche and unique cocktails. The vibe suits romantic dates, friendly gatherings, and small private 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.

Rich and flavorful meatballs stand out, cooked perfectly with a satisfying texture. They pair well with other starters like Suppli and Brussels sprouts, making them a memorable part of the meal.

People are saying

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

"The meatballs were rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

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.

04
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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.

Meatballs come as a top-rated appetizer and pair well with gnocchi. They show up in various dishes like lasagna and ravioli, always well done and flavorful.

People are saying

"The calamari here is fantastic and generous."

"The meatball appetizer here was a 10/10."

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
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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.

Spaghetti with meatballs offers a solid, enjoyable dish. Oxtail meatballs stand out as authentically Italian and amazing in flavor.

People are saying

"The oxtail meatballs are super comfort food you can only get here."

"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.

06
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Italian restaurant with warm, inviting atmosphere and lively noise levels that vary between rooms. Decor features Italian style art and a modern, clean interior with two outdoor patios where dogs are allowed. The space balances a family-owned feel with areas suitable for quiet conversation.

Calamari steak strips stand out with a white sauce that adds rich flavor. The calamari appetizer consistently impresses with great taste and texture.

Meatballs here have a homemade Sicilian style that stands out. They appear in various dishes like spaghetti, subs, and calzones, all with a rich, satisfying flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari steak strips were amazing."

"These meatballs are just like grandma used to make."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is free but can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers a half and half pasta menu for a great price.

07
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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.

Meatballs come homemade and flavorful, often served with pasta like spaghetti or penne. They pair well as a side or main, adding a classic American-Italian touch to dishes like lasagna and spaghetti.

People are saying

"The marinara calamari was surprisingly delectable."

"I was glad I got the Meatballs, they were great."

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.

08
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Open kitchen and rustic decor create a warm, inviting space with a laid-back atmosphere. Heated outdoor patio offers seating with a breeze, though sun exposure can be strong. The place draws a mix of families and couples, making it suitable for casual get-togethers and 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.

Large, tender meatballs come with spaghetti and pair well together. Nona's spaghetti and meatballs offer a good balance of flavors.

People are saying

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

"I loved the large, tender meatball with my spaghetti."

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.

09
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Tiny space with cozy, intimate vibe and chic decor feels like a grandma's kitchen. Warm atmosphere mixes with loud music and close tables, making quiet conversation difficult. Pasta dishes stand out as rich and authentic, paired with excellent wine and artisanal drinks.

Fried calamari comes in tiny bite-sized pieces that make it easy to enjoy. The dish often disappears quickly, showing how popular and tasty it is as an appetizer.

Meatballs here melt in your mouth with each bite and pair well over pasta with marinara sauce. They have a delicious, rich flavor that stands out among the appetizers.

People are saying

"These meatballs just melt in your mouth."

"I thought the fried calamari was just too good."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended before visiting.

2

Parking can be tough in downtown LA.

3

The restaurant is open late for dinner service.

10
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Open layout combines sports bar vibe with in-house brewery and multiple TVs showing extreme sports. Loud music and narrow walkways create a lively but sometimes chaotic atmosphere, especially during games. Patio seating with heat lamps offers a cozy outdoor option for dining and drinks.

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.

11
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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.

Tender, flavorful meatballs shine in a rich tomato sauce. They stand out as a happy hour steal and pair well with ravioli.

People are saying

"The meatballs were tender, flavorful, and served in a rich tomato sauce."

"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.

12
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Pizza restaurant offers Chicago deep dish style with a cozy interior featuring Belle Epoch and mid-century kitsch decor. Atmosphere is warm and lively, often crowded and loud, with close tables and dark lighting. Sidewalk seating provides a quieter option on pleasant evenings.

Starters include Calamari Fritti with mostly breading. It comes alongside other appetizers like suppli and meatballs. The calamari is part of a spread that can be quite filling with pizzas and pasta.

Meatballs have a homemade taste and a good texture. The sauce is really good, and the side of meatballs is wonderful, though they come at a somewhat pricey $12.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari fritti was very good."

"The meatballs here have a really good sauce and texture."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult; consider using nearby paid lots or street parking.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups of 5 or more.

3

Deep dish pizzas take about 45 minutes to prepare.

13
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Modern, chic steakhouse with a live DJ creating a lively, fun atmosphere. The space includes a rooftop bar and a stylish, energetic vibe suited for celebrations rather than quiet dinners. Cocktails and steaks receive high praise, enhancing the overall experience.

Calamari comes out perfectly breaded and super tender. Preparation is spot on, making it stand out among other dishes.

Meatballs come in different styles here, including Wagyu meatballs that offer good value. They range from delicious to just okay depending on the visit.

People are saying

"The calamari here is amazing, thanks to the attentive staff."

"I started with the meatballs, which were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2:30 to 6:30 pm with great deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging during holidays due to downtown location.

14
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Spacious layout includes indoor and outdoor seating with an open kitchen design and ample bar seating. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with dim lighting and candles, supporting easy conversation under high ceilings. Music leans casual, contrasting with the high-end Italian decor.

Spicy meatball pizza stands out as a lunch option. Meatballs come in pork or chicken, with the latter available on request. They pair well with white truffle garlic bread as an appetizer.

People are saying

"You have to try the meatballs; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dining times to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour pricing helps offset the high prices.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor seating area.

15
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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.

Meatballs appear as a standout appetizer and feature in dishes like gnocchi and spaghetti. The veal meatballs and those paired with sausage receive consistent praise for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The meatballs here are amazing, especially as an appetizer."

"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.

16
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Multiple rooms filled with old pictures, cultural statues, and red and white gingham tablecloths create a unique, lively atmosphere. Friendly energy rises with roaming photographers and birthday songs adding to the experience. The setting feels like an Italian dining room with a cozy, homey vibe.

Fried calamari comes out crunchy and delicious. It pairs well with classic sides like Caesar salad and garlic bread.

Very large, spicy meatballs come doused in marinara and fill you up for hours. The meatball roll and spaghetti with meatballs stand out as tasty and filling options, often enjoyed over multiple meals.

People are saying

"The meatballs here are large, delicious, and satisfying."

"I loved the fried calamari; it was delicious and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect large portion sizes; a normal serving feeds about five people.

3

Meatball Mondays offer 50% off any meatball item, including sandwiches and pasta.

17
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Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a clean, classic interior and above-average service. The vibe suits quiet romantic dinners and family gatherings, featuring a warm, inviting energy and a touch of nostalgia from family-owned charm.

Very unique calamari comes in small portions with about four rings and some vegetables.

Spaghetti with meatballs serves as a simple, familiar dish here. Some find it bland, while others, including kids, enjoy its straightforward taste.

People are saying

"I found the calamari here to be great."

"The spaghetti with meatballs was super good."

Good to know

1

Parking at La Pasta is very limited, so plan to arrive early.

2

Lunch specials run from 11am to 4pm and are priced well.

3

Expect small portion sizes for the price at La Pasta.

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