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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Diego

Calamari

Calamari that is fried to a light, golden crunch without the rubbery texture that makes most versions a chore to eat.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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01
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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.

02
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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.

03
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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.

04
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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.

05
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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.

06
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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.

07
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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.

08
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Small Italian spot offers tender calamari that shines as a fresh appetizer. Warm, inviting vibe blends modern design with tradition. Outdoor seating stays cozy with heaters, while indoor space buzzes with energy despite uncomfortable chairs.

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.

People are saying

"The calamari here is fantastic and generous."

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.

09
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Italian restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with lively noise and quiet spots. Calamari steak strips shine with a rich white sauce that enhances flavor. Outdoor patios welcome dogs, blending family charm with modern style.

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

People are saying

"I thought the calamari steak strips were amazing."

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.

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Seafood spot shines with live jazz music and a romantic vibe set by dim lights and rose petals. Calamari dishes stand out, especially the Point Judith style and Kung Pao sauce versions, blending fried textures with bright, tangy flavors. Atmosphere and food balance elegance with lively energy.

Calamari comes in several styles here, including Point Judith and Kung Pao with a flavorful sauce. Dishes combine fried calamari with noodles or bright Asian flavors, offering tasty, tangy, and well-balanced textures.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the Kung Pao Calamari with its sauce and noodles."

Good to know

1

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

2

Live music performances occur on Mondays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special events.

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Upscale dining shines with elegant dรฉcor and dim lighting creating a timeless vibe. Chili calamari offers a bold flavor that impresses every time. Steak dishes pair perfectly with a notable wine selection and crafted cocktails for a refined experience.

Chili calamari stands out with its unique preparation and bold flavor. The calamari appetizer consistently impresses and is highly recommended.

People are saying

"You have to try the calamari; it's phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Tomahawk Tuesday offers affordable steak options every Tuesday night.

2

Social hour features snacks and cocktails at reduced prices.

3

Valet parking costs $25 plus a $1.25 credit card surcharge.

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Intimate American spot shines with bottomless mimosas and a warm vibe. Outdoor dining stays cozy with heaters and open-air options. Popular calamari appetizer pairs well with crispy fried artichokes, making it a lively brunch favorite.

Shared calamari stands out as a popular appetizer. It arrives perfectly made and pairs well with other starters like crispy fried artichokes.

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials and appetizers.

2

Enjoy $10 unlimited mimosas during brunch on weekends.

3

Monday features a special on ribs and fries.

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Large warehouse space with open-air feel shifts from calm to lively. Fried Calamari features poblano chiles and morita crema, offering a tasty, well-presented dish. Modern bar and big screen TVs create a sports bar energy while dog-friendly patio with heaters invites relaxed socializing.

Fried Calamari comes with poblano chiles, morita crema, and lemon, creating a flavorful combo. The portion is somewhat petite but beautifully presented and tasty.

People are saying

"The fried calamari with poblano chiles was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available before 6pm with great prices.

2

Saturday nights feature live music, making it louder than usual.

3

Parking can be difficult during rush hour, but nearby stores have spots.

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Big old craftsman house offers a dog-friendly patio with fireside seating and tiki torches. Calamari features crispy breading with a spicy jalapeรฑo kick and a great dipping sauce. Cozy island vibe and lively weekend crowd make it a fun spot.

Breading on the calamari is perfectly crisp with a spicy kick from deep-fried jalapeรฑos. Comes with a very good dipping sauce that complements the dish well.

People are saying

"The calamari's dipping sauce is really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $8 sliders, $7 wine/beer, and $8 appetizers every day.

2

Parking can be tricky; arrive early to secure a spot across the street.

3

A cake cutting fee of $15 applies if you bring your own cake.

15
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Small Italian spot shines with golden calamari crisped to perfection and paired with a spicy marinara. Cozy, dim-lit space offers a lively atmosphere that buzzes with energy. Outdoor seating and a prominent bar add to its charm.

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.

People are saying

"The calamari is golden, crisp, and impossibly light."

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.

16
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Modern steakhouse shines with perfectly breaded calamari and lively DJ beats. Rooftop bar adds a stylish vibe ideal for celebrations. Cocktails and steaks are top-notch, making it a fun spot for food and atmosphere.

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

People are saying

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

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.

17
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Rustic charm meets modern flair with cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating. Calamari features a panko crust and sweet, dessert-like flavor with lime or lemon. Unique European flavors shine through fresh, farm-sourced ingredients blending French and Spanish influences.

Calamari comes with a panko crust and is served in strips. The sweet and sour version is very sweet, almost like a dessert. Lime or lemon are offered as condiments.

People are saying

"You have to try the calamari; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like theater shows.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with tables set up for easy access.

3

It's conveniently located just steps away from the Civic Theater.

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Small, family-owned Italian spot with a cozy atmosphere and a locals-only vibe. Italian-style fried calamari is thin, crispy, and tender inside, served with a tasty dipping sauce. Standout dishes like lasagna and Oso Buco make it a must-visit.

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.

People are saying

"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.

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Small space with gorgeous interior and chic decor sets a relaxed vibe with house music. Calamari is perfectly cooked with a salty, lime touch. Creative cocktails and fresh sushi shine amid close tables.

Calamari cooked perfectly with a nice touch of lime. It has a salty flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The calamari here is cooked perfectly and nice with the lime."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with a special menu.

2

Metered street parking is available, but can be challenging during peak times.

3

Reservations are confirmed multiple times for larger parties.

20
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Quaint spot offers a cool, neighborhood vibe with sidewalk tables perfect for outdoor dining. Calamari tacos shine with fresh, flavorful taste, while burritos show mixed reviews. Known for authentic Mexican flavors, it draws fans of classic burritos and tacos.

Calamari tacos stand out as truly fantastic with a fresh, flavorful taste. The calamari burrito receives mixed reviews, with some finding it amazing and others not so great.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari tacos were truly fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but consider ordering ahead during peak hours.

2

Parking can be difficult to find on the street.

3

The restaurant is small, which may lead to slower service during busy times.

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Cozy Italian spot shines with fresh calamari and homemade pasta. Casual vibe suits date nights, offering large portions and a strong wine selection. Friendly setting makes every meal feel special.

Great calamari stands out with its fresh taste and satisfying texture. It pairs well with other dishes like bruschetta and Scallopina Marsala.

People are saying

"The calamari here tasted fresh with a light batter."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free near the restaurant.

2

The menu features a wide variety of homemade pasta dishes.

3

Portion sizes are large enough for sharing or leftovers.

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