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Italian food calamari in Jacksonville

A plate of calamari is the natural starting point for a proper Italian meal.

Based on 665 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.

Bruschetta stands out with its top notch quality. Pasta dishes like scampi and fra diavolo feature al dente noodles and phenomenal sauces, with the fra diavolo offering a spicy kick. Chicken parmesan, lasagna, and pesto fettuccine Alfredo also deliver solid Italian flavors.

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
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.

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.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like shrimp fettuccine Alfredo and chicken fettucine Alfredo. The pasta is well cooked and includes unique sauces like a red Cajun sauce.

People are saying

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

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

"You should check out their Italian Food; the pasta is really good."

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.

03
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.

Veal Piccata comes with perfect lemon flavor and penne cooked al dente. Eggplant Parmesan features a great sauce and well-prepared pasta. Penne Al'Arrabbiata offers a balanced spice level. Cannoli serves as a solid dessert choice.

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.

04
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.

Homemade sauce and pasta stand out alongside excellent dishes like calamari, tiramisu, and Frutti Di Mare. The menu also features a charred Octopus appetizer and Ribeye entree.

People are saying

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

"It's a great place for a romantic 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.

05
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 cuisine shines through dishes like gnocchi and lasagna. Desserts include a notable tiramisu and drinks such as martinis and limoncello.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to the attentive servers."

"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.

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.

Authentic Italian dishes include Chicken Francese and angel hair pasta with alfredo rosa sauce. Chicken parmesan comes with a single slice of cheese. Homemade cannoli stands out as a notable dessert.

People are saying

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

"The Italian food here is terrific, and the service is so accommodating."

"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
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.

Tiramisu stands out as a superb dessert, paired with a rich hazelnut and chocolate pastry. Fresh pasta dishes like Spaghetti Puttanesca and lasagna come with flavorful sauces, while lamb chops and mussels add variety to the menu.

People are saying

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

"The Italian food here feels like family, thanks to George's hospitality."

"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.

08
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.

Huge portions stand out, especially the lasagna and large pizzas with meat or prosciutto, goat cheese, and sundried tomatoes. The Rosemary Gorgonzola Chicken over Rigatoni and Burrata salad with crostini add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

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

"The wine suggestions were spot-on and the service was wonderful."

"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.

09
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.

Shrimp tortellini appears in several dishes, including tri-color and cheese versions. Lobster ravioli offers a rich, creamy option. Crab cakes also feature as a notable starter.

People are saying

"The char-broiled oysters here are fantastic."

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

"I tried the lobster ravioli; it was heavenly."

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.

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