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Date spots for calamari in Jacksonville

You want a date spot where the calamari is reliable enough to order every time.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
House Italian Cuisine image 1
House Italian Cuisine image 2
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Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere and NY Diner feel. Staff includes family members working together, creating a warm, authentic vibe. Space recently expanded next door, offering more room while maintaining an intimate setting.

Thick cut calamari comes lightly breaded with a flavorful crust. It serves with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The texture stays fresh and tender.

Large portions of delicious dishes like chicken picatta and scampi make meals satisfying. The BayMeadows Special stands out as a notable choice for couples.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the perfectly sauced pastas."

"The Italian food here is so good, it's perfect for Date Spots."

"The calamari here is thick cut and lightly breaded."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The wait can be long without a reservation.

3

They offer dine-in, takeout, and catering services.

02
Sofi's image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant blends rustic charm and modern elegance with beautiful decoration and a stylish vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting, avoiding hectic crowds. Bartender crafts expert cocktails that complement a menu featuring standout seafood and pasta dishes.

Crispy calamari comes out light, tender, and perfectly seasoned. It stands out as some of the best around.

Dinner here offers a great atmosphere for couples. The setting suits a relaxed date night with a partner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is amazing."

"This is a great place for a date night."

"The calamari here is light, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

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

2

Valet parking is available on weekends for convenience.

3

Sofi's offers gluten-free pasta options for dietary needs.

03
YH Dim Sum image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Large, bright space with natural light and spacious seating creates an inviting yet elegant atmosphere. Clean, updated interior features ply board walls and a bar serving strong cocktails. Dim sum and authentic Cantonese dishes complement the relaxed, comfortable vibe.

Salt and pepper calamari stands out with its light, flaky batter and optimal cooking that keeps it flavorful and tender. This dish consistently delivers a delicious, well-seasoned bite.

The spot offers a great vibe for date night with a setting that suits both intimate dinners and casual bites. It balances a relaxed atmosphere perfect for couples and family gatherings alike.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious and authentic."

"The dinner spots here have huge portions; I took food home for lunch."

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Dim sum is only served during lunch hours from 11 am to 2 pm.

2

Happy hour on drinks runs Monday to Saturday, 5-7 PM.

3

Starting July 15th, all-day dim sum is available.

04
Ten Seconds Rice Noodle & Ramen image 1

Hot stone bowls keep dishes warm throughout the meal, enhancing the authentic Asian vibe of the clean, modern interior. The atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with a cool temperature inside. Food arrives promptly, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and a variety of well-prepared ramen and noodle soups.

Crispy Calamari stands out with a texture that holds up well. The accompanying calamari sauce adds a very yummy flavor that complements the dish.

Frequent visits highlight the herbal broth and spicy kimchi noodle soup as standout choices. Portions balance well with pricing, making it a solid spot for couples who enjoy flavorful ramen.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is among the best I've ever tasted."

"The food here is delicious, especially the herbal broth."

"I considered the calamari the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, especially for fried rice.

2

The restaurant takes pride in making everything from scratch daily.

3

The menu lacks clear indications of seafood or imitation crab in dishes.

05
Kyoto Sushi and Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a quiet and calming atmosphere with cozy, beautifully decorated interiors featuring comfortable seating and bright, cheerful lighting. The space suits both romantic dates and family gatherings, combining a modern, trendy design with a warm, inviting vibe.

Calamari comes out crispy and flavorful, standing out alongside dishes like tonkotsu ramen and pork bao buns. It pairs well with other menu items and holds its own as a tasty choice.

Warm and romantic environment suits couples well. Large hot sake adds to the date night vibe. Suitable for both family outings and intimate moments.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is always fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi here is delicious and perfect for date spots."

"I loved their calamari; it was pretty tasty."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily with various affordable options.

2

Sushi rolls average between $5 and $8, making it budget-friendly.

3

The menu includes a diverse selection of ramen, sushi, and poke.

06
Ciao Trattoria Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Bright, cozy Italian restaurant with live music and authentic old world Sicilian food creates a welcoming, homey atmosphere. Well-set tables and a private dining room with mood lighting add to the inviting experience. Full bar offers classic Italian drinks alongside quality meals.

Fresh, crispy calamari comes with a thick, flavorful Marinara sauce. The combination of special sauce and quality makes it stand out.

Simple Italian dinners feature perfectly prepared chicken francese and calamari praised for quality. Pizza by the slice offers a casual start before settling in for a full meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the eggplant parmesan."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

"The calamari here is some of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant has a special Romantic Dinner Sunday with a set menu.

3

The menu is limited after 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
Sr. Ceviche Jacksonville image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Bright, clean, and contemporary space offers a family-friendly vibe with digital menus and a large selfie sign on the wall. Music plays a fantastic role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Known for authentic Peruvian ceviche, it stands out for thoughtful design and a recent renovation.

Calamari comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful. It appears in dishes like the fried seafood mixto with crispy yuca sticks and the creamy seafood chowder with mussels and shrimp.

Authentic Peruvian dishes like Arroz con mariscos and Ceviche Carrerillero create a flavorful setting for couples. The menu includes seafood paella and tacu tacu steak, offering diverse options for a shared meal.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is amazing, bright, and full of seafood."

"The service here is excellent and attentive for Date Spots."

"The fried calamari here is perfectly cooked and crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs until 7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect dishes to cost around $22 each, including an $8 charge per dish.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

08
Dolce Vita Modern Italian image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and carefully curated decor creates a cozy, upscale vibe. Live performances by saxophone and violin players add phenomenal music that lifts the atmosphere. Guests enjoy balanced cocktails and authentic Italian dishes in a setting that feels like a refined home.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and not greasy with a subtle flavor. It ranks as one of the best calamari appetizers in the area.

Authentic Italian food sets the mood for date nights here. The staff creates a warm atmosphere that makes evenings feel special.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The food here is great for a memorable date night."

"The calamari here is great and very pleasing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Karaoke night occurs weekly; check the schedule for specific dates.

3

Entertainment events are scheduled on select dates; visit the website for details.

09
Enza's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Dark ambiance with live piano music sets a relaxing, elegant mood. Tables feature white tablecloths and tight seating in a surprisingly spacious interior. The atmosphere feels old school and intimate, distinct from chain restaurants.

Lightly breaded calamari arrives crispy and tender, cooked perfectly and served hot. It stands out as a tasty appetizer and a highlight alongside other dishes like meatballs and pasta.

Friendly service starts the evening with a warm welcome from the hostess. The setting suits special occasions or casual nights out, making it a solid choice for couples.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and the service is so pleasant."

"The live piano music creates such an inviting atmosphere."

"The calamari here is lightly breaded and crispy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers great specials after work.

3

Expect a $7.50 charge for soft drinks not listed on the menu.

10
Toscana Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with beautiful jazz music and perfect dinner lighting. The space feels modern and welcoming, creating a casual yet fun vibe. It attracts diners looking for a relaxed neighborhood spot with fresh, quality pizzas and entrees.

Seasoned very well, the calamari appetizer comes with a sweet chili sauce that scores high on flavor. The texture leans slightly overcooked but still tastes good overall.

Braised beef ravioli stands out as a flavorful dish that impresses on date nights. The setting suits both casual and special evenings, making it a solid choice for a girl date or romantic dinner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta."

"The food here is amazing, especially the ravioli."

"The calamari appetizer was seasoned very well."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours on weekends.

11
Primi Piatti image 1
Italian restaurant

Classic Italian interior creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere with beautiful lighting and a homey style. The space feels romantic and nostalgic, offering a mellow and pleasant vibe. Guests enjoy a small, clean setting that emphasizes authentic Italian charm.

Calamari comes perfectly breaded with a tasty dipping sauce. It is sometimes frozen but still stands out as a delicious appetizer.

Date nights include dancing after closing and enjoying dishes like Chicken Parmigiana. The atmosphere supports spending hours having fun and sharing a good meal.

People are saying

"The angel hair pasta here is freshly made and cooked just right."

"It feels like family here, a truly great spot."

"The calamari appetizer was perfectly breaded and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Expect a warm, family-like atmosphere during dining.

3

The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

12
Gen Korean BBQ House image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Built-in tabletop grills create an interactive dining experience with modern, cozy decor and effective ventilation that keeps the air fresh. The atmosphere balances fun social vibes suitable for friends, dates, or family gatherings. Small grill size encourages close interaction but can feel a bit cramped during cooking.

Fried Calamari comes ready to eat with a favorite sauce that stands out. It arrives cooked, making it a quick and tasty option among other good seafood dishes.

Korean barbecue offers a fun, interactive dining experience where couples can cook their own food. The vibe suits both intimate dates and casual nights out, with staff attentive to special needs like food allergies.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the meat selection is really solid."

"The Korean BBQ staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"The calamari and other fried items were good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has an all-you-can-eat policy with a $30 base price.

2

Expect to pay around $153 for two people with drinks included.

3

They do not split tabs for more than two people.

13
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar image 1

Seafood restaurant with an airy nautical theme and clean, well-maintained decor creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that can get lively due to its small size. A full bar offers creative cocktails alongside casual dining, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy seafood and watch a game.

Fresh calamari comes with a light batter that stays crispy and never chewy. It arrives hot and well-seasoned, making it a flavorful appetizer choice.

A solid choice for a date night with a focus on seafood dishes like clam strips. The setting supports a relaxed meal that feels special without fuss.

People are saying

"The char-broiled oysters here are fantastic."

"Our server Taylor brought the best energy and personality to our date spot."

"The calamari is fresh, hot, and crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with fantastic drink specials.

2

Wednesdays offer 60-cent oysters, a popular special that draws crowds.

3

Thursdays have Maine lobsters priced at $20, a great deal for seafood lovers.

14
Bazille at Nordstrom image 1
American restaurant

Restaurant combines cozy and elegant vibes with a posh feel, suitable for casual meals and special occasions. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, attracting families and shoppers alike. Menu features diverse, flavorful dishes with seasonal ingredients and a decent wine and cocktail selection.

Starters include Calamari with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burata, offering a fresh and rich combination. Calamari also appears alongside dishes like crab bisque, adding a tender seafood element.

Small portion appetizers like chicken tacos suit light eaters well. The menu includes hearty options such as the French dip sandwich, making it a solid choice for date night.

People are saying

"The French dip and salmon couscous at this Lunch Spot are addictive."

"The calamari starter was delicious."

"You have to try the French onion soup for your date spot."

Good to know

1

The menu features a diverse selection highlighting seasonal ingredients.

2

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available in the mall garage, with validation options.

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