Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tampa

American food and calamari

American food that treats calamari as a serious dish, not just a rubbery appetizer.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
LALA Tampa image 1
LALA Tampa image 2
LALA Tampa image 3
View all
Restaurant

Private karaoke rooms offer exclusive entertainment with an extensive music library for all ages. The space combines lively, elegant atmosphere with distinctive themed decor like Gatsby and Moulin Rouge rooms. Well-crafted cocktails and standout dishes complement a vibrant social setting.

Tender, hand breaded calamari arrives fried and cooked quickly. It pairs well with ratatouille on goat cheese toast and offers a consistently delicious bite.

Chicken wings stand out with flavors like garlic parmesan and lemon pepper. The menu also features black truffle mac and cheese and crispy fried chicken.

People are saying

"I had a blast with these fun activities!"

"The fried calamari here is tender and hand-breaded."

"The American Food here, especially the chicken wings, is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations for karaoke rooms are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is very limited and can be chaotic around the venue.

3

There is a 20% discount on food and drinks every Tuesday.

02
Leons Lobstah Shack image 1
American restaurant

Casual American seafood spot with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking calm bay waters and a skyline view. Atmosphere stays low key and relaxing, enhanced by proximity to a park and playground. Frequented by families and seafood lovers enjoying generous portions and a tranquil setting.

Calamari comes very breaded and crispy, often served fried alongside other seafood like clams and shrimp. The kitchen keeps it simple, focusing on freshness and classic fried preparations.

Lobster rolls come cold or hot and serve up a hefty, delicious portion. Clam chowder offers a rich New England style that stands out alongside a giant, mouthwatering shrimp po boy.

People are saying

"The view from here is beautiful, overlooking downtown."

"The American food, especially the lobster rolls, is delicious."

"The calamari was abundant, breaded, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be limited during busy times.

2

Expect a $12 charge for soft drinks.

3

The fries cost an extra $1, which is not clearly disclosed on the menu.

03
Watervue Grille- Downtown Tampa- Harbour Island image 1

Restaurant sits right on the water with beautiful waterfront views and a vacation relaxed vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating offer shady, pleasant dining near a marina and downtown skyline. Atmosphere feels cozy and quiet, ideal for casual meals or date nights.

Calamari comes with a light breading and a bit of chewiness. It pairs well with a wasabi sauce that adds a spicy kick.

Crunchy smoky chicken wings stand out alongside Wagyu burger and flavorful shrimp and grits. Desserts include Key Lime Pie and Creme Brulee, with options like lobster roll and New York Strip also available.

People are saying

"The Dinner Spots here are delicious, especially the perfectly seared crab cakes."

"The American food, especially the seared tuna and mussels, was delicious."

"The calamari here is fantastic, not overly breaded."

Good to know

1

They are now open Friday to Sunday for brunch.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Saturdays between 11-2 pm.

04
Ruth's Chris Steak House image 1

Steak house offers an elegant and cozy atmosphere with complimentary valet parking and a talented piano player in the lobby. Tables sometimes feature rose petal decorations for celebrations, creating a special vibe. The energy suits romantic meals and business meetings, with a calm yet refined pace.

Lightly breaded and exceptionally tender, the calamari stands out with a crisp texture. It pairs well with other dishes but shines on its own as a delicious starter.

Sweet potato casserole stands out as a notable dish. The crab cakes arrive sizzling and packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The steak was cooked perfectly and delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, is perfectly cooked and incredibly tender."

"The calamari here is lightly breaded and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM in the Cocktail Lounge.

2

Reservations are not required for dining.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

05
Driftlight Steakhouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse with classic design and clamshell booths creates an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. Dim lighting and calm energy support romantic dining and quiet conversation. Bar area buzzes with a lively crowd enjoying craft cocktails and martinis made to perfection.

Calamari comes out perfectly crispy and pairs well with other appetizers like crab cakes. It holds up well alongside hearty dishes and offers a satisfying crunch every time.

Crab cakes stand out with good value and flavor. The prime New York strip steak balances tenderness and marbling well. Appetizers like calamari and creamed corn also show quality.

People are saying

"The Delmonico steak was delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the crab cakes, is excellent."

"The calamari here is perfectly crisp."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner and breakfast to ensure seating.

2

Valet parking is complimentary for up to 3 hours on non-event nights.

3

The restaurant is cashless; credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

06
Mr. & Mrs. Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar - Gandy image 1

Seafood restaurant with a vibrant sea life theme and kitschy old Florida atmosphere offers a relaxed, fun vibe with loud, eclectic music mixing club, pop, and rock. Seating is close together, creating a casual and family-friendly environment. The bar features multiple TVs and a comfortable setup.

Crispy, fresh calamari comes with an outstanding sauce. Fried calamari serves well as a tasty appetizer alongside hush puppies.

Clam chowder stands out as the highlight, rich and flavorful. Chicken wings come well-prepared, and hush puppies and fries pair nicely with the juicy dipping sauce.

People are saying

"I found the seafood boil to be some of the best I've ever had."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is outstanding."

"The calamari is crispy and served with an outstanding sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drink specials are available, making it a great time to visit.

2

Friday nights can get very crowded and loud due to live music.

3

All food is fried in the same oil, which may not be suitable for those with allergies.

07
Shrimp & Co. Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant offers a quaint, beachy vibe with casual, welcoming atmosphere. Decor is simple but unique, creating a cozy and vibrant setting ideal for relaxed dining. Guests often arrive in beach attire and enjoy fresh, well-presented seafood with generous portions.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and delicious. The Louisiana steam pot includes calamari and offers a flavorful twist.

Shrimp dishes stand out with a shrimp po boy featuring crab dip and coleslaw with baby shrimp. Hush puppies and fries offer classic sides, while key lime pie provides a sweet finish.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the seafood here; it's insanely good."

"The American food here, especially the seafood, is fresh and delicious."

"The fried calamari here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required; walk-ins are welcome in beach attire.

2

Expect no wait time during lunch hours.

3

Parking is paid only; street parking is cheaper than the lot.

08
Mr. & Mrs. Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar- Westchase image 1

Seafood restaurant offers a newly remodeled interior with high ceilings and decor that feels like being under the sea. Atmosphere ranges from lively and fun to more upscale and quiet, suitable for families or dates. Guests use gloves and bibs for messy seafood boils, enhancing the hands-on dining experience.

Calamari arrives quickly and stays tender, avoiding rubberiness. Portions lean toward small, with a price that feels a bit high for the amount served.

Seafood dishes like lobster bisque, crab cakes, and a seafood broil with Cajun seasoning stand out. Clam chowder and key lime pie also appear on the menu, with chowder sometimes served in a paper cup.

People are saying

"I found the seafood boil here to be amazing and delicious."

"The American Food here is great, and the servers are super nice."

"The calamari was excellent and not rubbery."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drink specials from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during weekend dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare services.

09
Bazille at Nordstrom image 1
American restaurant

Whimsical secret society vibe blends with relaxed atmosphere and elevated but unpretentious style. Bar seating is intimate with 7 seats, offering some of the best cocktails in the area. Dining spaces balance quiet and lively, making it suitable for casual meals or celebrations.

Calamari comes with a unique dipping sauce that stands out. The chef prepares it with expert skill, matching the quality of other dishes like the French dip sandwich and tacos.

Hamburgers cooked medium rare come out perfectly. Brunch offers steak and eggs with three eggs and toast. Salads include a Cobb with roasted chicken and a roasted cauliflower option.

People are saying

"The calamari here is expertly prepared."

"I thought the salads here were delicious and flavorful."

"The American Food, like the Cobb salad, was incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially during busy hours.

2

The restaurant is located inside Nordstrom on the second floor.

3

Sodas cost $4 each, and no bread or salad is included with entrees.

10
The Dan image 1
Restaurant

Speakeasy-style restaurant with Roaring '20s vibe, featuring gilded accents and crystal chandeliers. Atmosphere combines live jazz music with a retro ambiance that suits both romantic and casual dinners. Offers curated craft cocktails alongside a menu praised for standout dishes like lamb pappardelle and red snapper.

Breaded calamari comes with a cajun-influenced sauce that adds a spicy kick. The pieces are on the smaller side, but the unique, delicious flavor stands out.

Breaded calamari comes with a cajun-influenced sauce that stands out despite smaller pieces. The menu features Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes and Cajun Half Chicken as notable dishes, alongside a perfectly cooked ribeye steak and superb lobster mac and cheese.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are fun and delicious, especially with the cotton candy garnish."

"The American Food, especially the scallops and ribeye, was cooked to perfection."

"I thought the calamari was very unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday at 8pm.

3

The venue can get crowded during happy hour, expect a lively atmosphere.

11
Iavarone's Steakhouse & Italian Grill image 1

Classic steakhouse and Italian restaurant with dim lighting and rustic interiors creates an old Europe vibe. The atmosphere feels local and welcoming, balancing a lounge with TVs without becoming a sports bar. A hidden rooftop event space adds a unique touch to the traditional setting.

Calamari stands out as delicious and perfectly cooked. It serves well as a shared appetizer alongside other dishes.

Prime rib stands out with perfect seasoning and comes with a Caesar salad and side for $30. The dish offers a solid value on Friday and Saturday.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are amazing for Date Spots."

"The prime rib here is seasoned perfectly."

"I found the calamari to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

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

3

Easter brunch is a special event that requires advance reservations.

Discover more

Tampa, Florida

Area guide
Loading Map...