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Los Angeles' best

Calamari

Calamari is the only appetizer that matters, and you refuse to settle for anything less than a properly prepared portion.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
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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.

02
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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.

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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.

04
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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.

05
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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.

06
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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.

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Garden-inspired decor with floral themes and whimsical lighting creates a chic, upscale atmosphere. Cozy seating and a private room support intimate gatherings and events. The space shifts to a lively bar scene with signature cocktails in the evening.

People are saying

"The calamari here is gorgeous, like stepping into a fairytale."

Good to know

1

Enchant LA offers free underground parking for guests.

2

A gratuity of 18% is automatically added to all bills.

3

Happy hour is available during brunch with discounted menu items.

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Elegant venue blends Old New York and Old LA decor with a stylish yet relaxed vibe. Fried calamari shines with a crispy texture, paired with unique squid ink pasta. Attentive staff serve authentic Italian dishes and craft genuine Italian cocktails while live music adds to the refined energy.

Crispy texture stands out in the fried calamari. Squid ink pasta accompanies it, adding a unique touch. Arancini and octopus also appear alongside the calamari dishes.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

The mandatory 18% service charge is added to all bills.

2

Happy hour is available every day of the week.

3

Private events can be hosted with customizable setups.

09
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Repurposed firehouse offers a historic atmosphere with original 1900s floors and ceilings. Calamari is incredibly tender and pairs well with the Salty Pear Martini. Casual dining and bar seating with TVs create a lively yet elegant vibe.

Calamari here is incredibly tender and a standout among happy hour favorites. It pairs well with drinks like the Salty Pear Martini and is often praised for its legit flavor.

People are saying

"The calamari here is the best I've ever tasted and so tender."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm with discounted specials.

2

Street metered parking is available nearby, but expect to walk a block or two.

3

The restaurant is close to the metro for easy transportation.

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Mexican restaurant buzzes with a vintage movie theme and live solo music. Tableside margarita cart adds to the lively atmosphere. Calamari steaks are fork tender and crispy, served with creamy sauces. Handmade tortillas made in view boost the authentic vibe.

Calamari steaks come pounded flat, breaded, and fried to a golden brown with creamy sauces. They are fork tender and delicate but can be a bit salty. Various calamari dishes are crispy and flavorful.

People are saying

"The calamari steaks here are fork-tender and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking at Casablanca can be tight, so arrive early if driving.

3

The restaurant offers a special 'hidden' menu not listed publicly.

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Modern steakhouse offers spacious dining with a live DJ creating a club-like vibe. Calamari is a top dish, perfectly paired with steaks and crab cakes. Birthday parties shine with sparkler celebrations, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Calamari stands out as one of the best dishes here. It pairs well with other favorites like steaks and crab cakes.

People are saying

"The calamari here is crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 5 pm with drinks under $10.

2

Cocktails are $9 and appetizers range from $3 to $9 during happy hour.

3

DJ plays on Thursday nights, enhancing the happy hour experience.

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Italian restaurant buzzes with lively vibe and warm ambiance. Calamari Fritti shines as a must-try dish with great taste. Outdoor patio offers fresh air but lacks full umbrella coverage, perfect for mild weather.

Calamari Fritti stands out as a must-try dish with a great taste. The calamari and vodka pasta offers a tasty option but leans on the saltier side.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari was great and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is served in the bar area until 6 pm.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to high demand.

3

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant, so arrive early.

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Restaurant blends Sri Lankan-American fusion decor with a cozy vibe and colorful murals. Butter-fried calamari shines with a Sri Lankan spice twist. Weekly music shifts from jazz to authentic Sri Lankan sounds, creating a calming yet festive atmosphere perfect for groups and special occasions.

Calamari comes with a Sri Lankan spice twist and appears in a sampler with other tasty dishes. Butter-fried calamari from the ร  la carte menu stands out as especially delicious.

People are saying

"The calamari here is delicious, especially the butter-fried kind."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a $20 lunch buffet on weekends.

3

Kid-friendly options are available, and spice levels can be adjusted.

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Vietnamese spot shines with crispy calamari flavored by sautรฉed onions and cilantro. Cozy, modern space offers a laid-back vibe perfect for casual meals or dates. Warm, family-like energy makes it inviting for all guests.

Sautรฉed onions and cilantro give the calamari an exceptional flavor. It appears crispy and pairs well with other dishes like chicken wings and garlic noodles.

People are saying

"The calamari here is excellent."

Good to know

1

Wait times range from 10 to 30 minutes during rush hours.

2

Parking is better on the side streets to avoid fees.

3

Takeout orders are usually ready within 15-20 minutes.

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Small seafood spot with a cozy vibe and fresh lobster rolls draws a lively crowd. Calamari fries offer a unique twist on classic calamari. Retro 80s music videos and a hot sauce bar add fun to the modernized Maine lobster shack feel.

Calamari appears as a standout item alongside lobster tacos and lobster roll. Calamari fries offer a unique twist on the classic dish.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari was also amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and only available as valet.

2

Validated parking is available for the garage under the building.

3

Expect to wait for fresh lobster rolls as they take time to prepare.

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Seafood shines with tender calamari and tasty crab cakes. Marina views create a romantic atmosphere perfect for relaxed dining. Heated patio seating adds comfort while enjoying the stunning harbor and boats.

Tender, slightly battered calamari stands out here, avoiding the over-fried texture common elsewhere. Fried calamari serves as a delicious starter alongside other good appetizers like crab cakes.

People are saying

"I really liked the calamari appetizer."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during busy brunch hours.

2

Brunch gets busy around noon, so arrive early for a better experience.

3

There is plenty of free parking available, including an overflow lot.

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Outdoor patio with waterfall and lush greenery offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners. Fresh calamari pairs well with burrata, making it a standout dish. Rotating local art adds character to the warm, inviting indoor space.

Freshness stands out with the calamari here. It pairs well with burrata and often becomes a favorite dish.

People are saying

"I loved the calamari; it was so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Parking validation is available for customers who dine at the restaurant.

3

The average meal costs around $30 per person, excluding drinks.

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Elegant restaurant offers live jazz music and a trendy loft style, creating an inviting atmosphere for casual gatherings. Crunchy calamari with bright lemon aioli stands out as a fresh appetizer. Creative cocktails and gluten-free pasta add to the refined yet approachable vibe.

Crunchy texture and silky squid define the calamari here, paired with a bright lemon aioli that adds a fresh zing. The sauce complements the dish well, making it a standout appetizer.

People are saying

"The calamari here has a satisfying crunch and bright lemon aioli."

Good to know

1

Happy hour only applies to bar seating, not tabletops.

2

Great happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Jazz performances happen every Friday night at 8pm.

19
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Pizza spot shines with Chicago deep dish and a warm, lively atmosphere filled with Belle Epoch charm. Calamari Fritti offers a crispy breaded starter that pairs well with hearty pizzas. Sidewalk seating adds a quiet dining option on nice 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.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari fritti was very good."

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.

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Warm ambiance shines with a cute tree centerpiece and live DJ music. Outdoor seating boasts a fabulous patio perfect for relaxing. Bar serves creative drinks while fried calamari offers a crispy texture and rich flavor.

Fried calamari stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. It ranks among the most phenomenal dishes here.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari was the best I have ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9 pm on Fridays with half-price on the second drink.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

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Tiny space with a cozy, intimate vibe feels like a grandma's kitchen. Fried calamari comes in bite-sized pieces and disappears fast, showing its popularity. Pasta dishes are rich and authentic, paired with excellent wine and artisanal drinks. Loud music and close tables make quiet talk tough.

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.

People are saying

"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.

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Italian spot shines with tender calamari and standout vegan options like vegan calamari. Indoor-outdoor space with plants and beige tones sets a charming vibe. High noise level adds a disco-like energy that livens up dining.

Tender calamari comes with a perfectly crispy coating. Vegan calamari stands out as exceptionally good. Pairing calamari with eggplant works well.

People are saying

"The calamari here is tender with a perfectly crispy coating."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Civico 2064 has a vegan menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

3

Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.

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Open kitchen creates a cozy atmosphere with adorable decor and a family-friendly vibe. Air-conditioned outdoor patio offers a quiet private terrace despite nearby street noise. Space feels full but not cramped, welcoming large groups comfortably.

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot at the back and metered parking on the side.

2

Reservations are required for special events like the quarterly wine tasting dinner.

3

The restaurant offers a set menu for special occasions, which may not be disclosed at booking.

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