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Local picks in Jacksonville

Dinner spots for calamari

Made for those who consider calamari an essential starter and require a reliable, sit-down setting for their evening meal.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
House Italian Cuisine image 1
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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.

Dinners come with salad and hot, fresh bread at an affordable price. Multiple visits confirm consistent quality and value.

People are saying

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

"The Italian food at these dinner spots is exceptional."

"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
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.

Dinner includes dim sum now, adding variety to the menu. Dishes like walnut shrimp stand out, making the dinner menu very satisfying.

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 salt and pepper calamari is perfectly seasoned and crispy."

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.

03
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 feels personal with the owner-chef visiting tables to check on guests. The manager Sunny's warm welcome adds to the intimate vibe during meals.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are perfectly cooked and full of flavor."

"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.

04
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.

Attentive and friendly service includes excellent wine recommendations and thoughtful touches like a live saxophonist and handwritten cards. The atmosphere suits special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The servers here are so friendly and attentive during dinner."

"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.

05
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.

Dinner features simple Italian dishes with highlights like scallops pancetta, offering light, large scallops and a perfectly balanced saltiness from peas and pancetta.

People are saying

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

"The pizza here is spectacular, with perfect sauce and cheese."

"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.

06
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.

Dinner here feels like a family gathering with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It suits special occasions like anniversaries and rehearsal dinners, making it a spot for meaningful celebrations.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are amazing and delicious."

"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.

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.

Dinner offers a friendly, very clean, and cozy setting with wonderful service. The meals are consistently exquisite and include satisfying desserts.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are delicious and flavorful."

"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
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.

Dinner features beautifully cooked dishes with amazing, mouth-watering flavors. The owner, George, often engages with diners, adding a personal touch to the experience.

People are saying

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

"George makes you feel like family during dinner."

"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.

09
Pizzaro Italian Cuisine image 1

Cozy Italian restaurant run by family offers a friendly atmosphere with bright lighting and somewhat loud music. The space feels warm and inviting, attracting diners for both lunch and dinner. Large portions and fresh, flavorful dishes define the experience.

Coating on the calamari is perfect and not too salty. It comes with ranch dressing instead of the usual marinara sauce.

Dinner includes options beyond lunch, with plans to try a full pie and other dishes. A discount for military adds a personal touch to the dining experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I'd had."

"The pizza at this dinner spot is excellent, like New York-style."

"I ordered the calamari and it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened recently, so expect some growing pains.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional fee, so consider bringing cash.

3

The meatball sub costs $18 and comes with a large portion.

10
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.

Big groups fit well here, making it a solid choice for family dinners or nights out with friends. The atmosphere suits gatherings, especially for celebrations like anniversaries.

People are saying

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

"The service at dinner spots is amazing and the staff is very attentive."

"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.

11
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.

Perfect lighting sets a great mood for dinner. Staff like Rebecca handle large groups with helpful planning and smooth execution.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here have delicious food, from pasta to pizza."

"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.

12
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.

Dinner features fresh fish and attentive service that enhances the meal. The setting suits date night with a focus on quality seafood.

People are saying

"The char-broiled oysters here are fantastic."

"The seafood dinner here is amazing, especially the blackened grouper."

"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.

13
Miya Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Modern Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and a robotic butler delivering plates. The space stays peaceful and clean, often quiet even during meals. Sushi here features large, fresh rolls and an extensive all-you-can-eat menu with authentic, high-quality ingredients.

Fried calamari comes with a slightly salty batter and cooks perfectly. It stands out as a great dish alongside sushi and other items.

All-you-can-eat dinner offers an extensive menu with a great variety of sushi and appetizers. Staff provide attentive service that supports special occasions.

People are saying

"The sushi here is tasty and artfully prepared."

"The all-you-can-eat dinner spots here are high quality and well priced."

"The calamari here is cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

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

2

The all-you-can-eat dinner costs $25 per person.

3

Children under 3 eat free at the restaurant.

14
Brick Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Exposed brick walls and dimmed lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere with an earthy look inside. Spacious seating includes family-friendly booths and a dog-friendly outdoor patio offering shaded views of the neighborhood. The vibe stays upbeat and welcoming, suitable for casual dinners and social gatherings.

Calamari comes out cooked just right, tender and flavorful. It pairs well with the spinach dip served as an appetizer.

Intimate dinners work well here before it gets crowded. The spot offers a charming setting with a great vibe for family meals or special occasions.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is thoughtfully prepared and delicious."

"The dinner here was delicious and the steak was great."

"I enjoyed their calamari; it was perfection."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait time on Thursdays around 8 pm for a party of four.

2

Happy hour prices may not apply to all drinks; check before ordering.

3

Parking can be tricky; expect to park a couple of blocks away.

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