Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Jacksonville

Calamari

Calamari that is tender and light, rather than the rubbery, breaded rings that usually show up on the plate.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
House Italian Cuisine image 1
House Italian Cuisine image 2
House Italian Cuisine image 3
View all
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.

Food features fresh and delicious ingredients with authentic flavors and generous portions. The menu offers excellent Italian dishes that evoke strong connections to traditional recipes.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Italian food here is wonderful and delicious."

"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.

Food quality stands out with consistently amazing dishes and excellent service enhancing the dining experience.

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

People are saying

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

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

"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.

Authentic Chinese food shines with wonderfully delicious flavors and consistent quality. Service stays excellent alongside a great ambiance and drinks.

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.

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 fresh, hot, and delicious."

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
La Marsa Grill and Seafood image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers a clean and spacious dining room with outdoor seating and ocean views. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet except during busy dinner hours when it becomes lively. Food arrives quickly in a casual, order-at-the-counter setting with halal options and reasonable prices.

Food comes out fresh and hot, made to order with flavorful sauces and filling portions. The dishes are authentic, quick, and handle food allergies politely.

Fried calamari stands out as a popular seafood choice alongside oysters and scallops. It appears frequently in orders, often paired with other seafood items or grilled vegetables.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be great and perfectly fried."

"I found the food to be great tasting and fresh."

"The calamari here is fresh and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments.

2

Prices for meals have increased recently.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value.

05
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.

Food arrives hot and fresh with good portion sizes. Dishes show attention to detail and maintain high quality and freshness.

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

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was delicious and fresh."

"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.

06
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.

Outstanding Italian food features fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Staff collaborate to accommodate food sensitivities, enhancing the dining experience with unique atmosphere and spectacular cocktails.

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

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.

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.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and excellent quality. Service complements the dishes well, creating a solid dining experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"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
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.

Offers authentic Italian food with a clean and delicious taste. Serves as a great spot for lunch or takeout with consistently enjoyable meals.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and very authentic Italian."

"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.

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.

Garlic bread and soup stand out as favorites, paired with consistently excellent food and service. The kitchen handles food allergies well, making dining smooth and enjoyable.

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.

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
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.

Food shows beautiful preparation and clear expertise. Dishes come out delicious and well-crafted.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be great and delicious."

"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.

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.

Food features amazing flavors with delicious grouper fish and salmon. Prices lean high but match the quality and excellent service.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"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
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.

Food offers authentic Italian flavors with dishes full of amazing flavor. Service stays fast and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff ready to explain menu choices.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"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.

13
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.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and superb quality. Service matches the food with top notch hospitality.

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

People are saying

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

"George's recommendations for food and wine were fabulous."

"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.

14
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.

Phenomenal seafood shines with creative flavors and consistent quality. The food pairs well with exceptional service for a satisfying dining experience.

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.

People are saying

"The char-broiled oysters here are fantastic."

"The food here is delicious, especially the seafood."

"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.

15
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.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh with full flavor. Service is exceptional and servers provide helpful insights for first-timers.

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.

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.

16
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.

Food here is consistently amazing and delicious with wonderful service that includes personal attention from the owner.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is always delicious."

"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.

17
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.

Food comes out fresh and tasty at the perfect temperature with a large selection of cooked sushi for those avoiding raw options. Serving big parties happens quickly without delays, offering high quality dishes at a good price.

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

People are saying

"The sushi here is tasty and artfully prepared."

"I found the food here to be awesome and delicious."

"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.

Discover more

Jacksonville, Florida

Area guide
Loading Map...