Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Illinois' best

Calamari with parking

You want to sit down for calamari without worrying about where your car is parked. Convenience is a non-negotiable part of the meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Pasta Veneta Italian Restaurant image 1
Pasta Veneta Italian Restaurant image 2
Pasta Veneta Italian Restaurant image 3
View all

Italian restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with a warm and inviting ambiance suited for date nights. Spacious outdoor patio features colorful flowers and dog-friendly amenities. Handmade pasta stands out as a distinctive culinary highlight.

Plenty of free street parking surrounds the spot, making it easy to park on most days. Parking gets a bit tighter on weekends but still remains manageable.

Nicely spiced calamari offers a different twist from the usual. Fried calamari has a good texture and breading, though it leans a bit salty.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is outstanding, especially the truffle and caviar."

"I found plenty of convenient street parking available."

"The calamari here is nicely spiced and well cooked."

Good to know

1

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

2

They charge $4 for bottled water and $3 for bread service.

3

Pasta Veneta offers a special weekly menu with unique dishes.

02
A+ Italian Steakhouse image 1

Old-school Italian steakhouse with classic chandeliers and a spacious dining area creates a cozy, romantic vibe. Valet parking adds convenience while a small bar offers superb cocktails and retro music. Atmosphere stays inviting and comfortable with a touch of elegance throughout.

Parking offers more convenience than downtown spots with options for valet parking and free side street spaces. Many paid spots exist, but parallel parking skills help when choosing free spots.

Grilled calamari stands out with a unique and flavorful taste. It ranks among the top-tier appetizers, alongside baked clams and octopus.

People are saying

"The food here is cooked perfectly and packed with flavor."

"I highly recommend the grilled calamari; it's amazing."

"The parking here is much better than downtown."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers on Thursday evenings.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

3

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

03
Ascione Bistro Skokie image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers modern art deco design with velvet booths, leather chairs, and gold details creating an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Large bar and lounge with fireplace provide spaces for both casual and special occasions. Outdoor seating and free valet parking add convenience to the elegant dining experience.

A private lot offers free parking and valet service, making access easy and hassle-free.

Lightly crisp outside and tender inside, the calamari comes with a bit of spice. Grilled options deliver an absolutely phenomenal texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The service here is outstanding and attentive."

"The calamari is tender with amazing flavor."

"The parking available here is super convenient, with a private lot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals are available only at the bar or high tops.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is likely to get busy.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

04
Reyes Steak House image 1

Small steak house offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with cozy but elevated dining. Tables sit close together, creating a lively, sometimes noisy environment. Steaks stand out as juicy and flavorful, often regarded as among the best available.

Parking is free but a bit confusing to access. Finding a spot can be challenging around reservation times, but spots are generally available.

Grilled calamari stands out with its wonderful flavor and is often served as a substitute in dishes like spicy linguine. It pairs well with seafood like Chilean sea bass.

People are saying

"The service here makes you feel like family."

"I enjoyed the grilled calamari; it was the best in the area."

"Parking was challenging but we made it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is scarce; consider arriving early or using public transport.

3

Expect a noisy atmosphere in the dining area during peak hours.

05
Tufano's Vernon Park Tap image 1
Italian restaurant

Family-owned Italian restaurant with an old school atmosphere featuring chalkboard menus and a bar front. Welcoming vibe with lovely outdoor seating including a dog-friendly patio and a big fountain. Offers free valet parking and a designated room for large parties, creating a homey and convenient setting.

Free valet parking is available, making arrival and departure easy. The service adds a pleasant touch to the overall experience.

Grilled calamari offers a distinct grill taste and shows skilled preparation with quality ingredients. Fried calamari pairs well with wine and stands out as a tasty option.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fantastic and the portions generous."

"I thought the fried calamari was the best I've ever had."

"They have valet parking available out front."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, check, or Venmo; no credit or debit cards.

2

Parking is tough unless using the valet service.

3

They require customers to look at chalkboards for menu items instead of printed menus.

06
K-COOP CHICKEN image 1
Restaurant

Bright yellow exterior leads into a casual space with K-pop videos and music creating a lively, fun vibe. Tables feature service call buttons for convenience, and an outdoor patio offers extra seating. The atmosphere feels like a Korean pub, busy and energetic with upbeat music and decorations.

Parking offers easy access with a good number of spaces available. The lot is plentiful and convenient for visitors.

Crispy texture stands out with an airy batter that keeps the calamari light. It avoids chewiness and delivers a perfectly crispy bite.

People are saying

"This Korean Fried Chicken is the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the honey pancake; it's delicious."

"Parking available was easy and plentiful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 10pm on weekends.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful near the restaurant.

3

The menu includes wings, tenders, sandwiches, and rice bowls.

07
Positano Ristorante - Wheaton image 1

Spacious restaurant features dimly lit, sleek design with classic Italian music and a stacked, see-through wine cellar. Separate bar, lounge, and outdoor patio create distinct seating areas. Atmosphere suits celebrations and family dinners but can become loud and lively as the evening progresses.

Parking is easy and readily accessible near the restaurant. It offers more spots compared to other places nearby.

Fritti misto features mostly tender calamari with a few shrimp and scallops. Calamari appears as a soft appetizer alongside other dishes like bruschetta and vodka pasta.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly outstanding."

"Parking available is easy and plentiful here."

"The calamari here is so tender, it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is easily accessible near the restaurant.

2

The menu offers a wide selection of Italian dishes.

3

Expect a large group fee if dining with more than a few people.

08
Miller's Ale House image 1

Spacious restaurant with separate dining and bar areas and numerous TVs showing sports, including UFC fights without cover charge. Atmosphere varies from family-friendly and welcoming to loud with classic rock music. Offers private rooms and a back patio with a fireplace for relaxed gatherings.

Plenty of parking spots are available, making it easy to find a place to park. The lot requires some turning to enter, but seating happens quickly after arrival.

Delicious calamari stands out as a solid appetizer option. It pairs well with sharing among two or more people.

People are saying

"You can grab good food and cold drinks while watching live sports."

"I found parking available and it was easy to find a spot."

"I thought the calamari appetizer was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with nightly food and drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups of 20 or more.

3

The venue can accommodate events for up to 100 people.

09
Nafsi South Shore Beach image 1

Historic venue blends modern design with classic architecture overlooking Lake Michigan views. Atmosphere stays serene and chill with live jazz and R&B music enhancing the vibe. Outdoor patio with bar extends dining season, inviting dancing and socializing.

Parking is convenient and easy with a lot available for guests. Each car pays for parking, typically around three hours per visit.

Fried calamari comes with light, crispy breading and stays fresh and flavorful. A house-made spicy brown mustard sauce adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"The fried food here is perfectly done and really good."

"The calamari is crispy and flavorful."

"Parking was easy and convenient here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and can be made easily on the website.

2

Expect a 90-minute seating limit that is not advertised.

3

The online menu may be outdated, so verify prices before visiting.

10
Raffi's Locale image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy, quaint atmosphere with a European village vibe. The space feels warm and unpretentious, often quiet and intimate. Guests bring their own wine to enjoy alongside fresh, flavorful Italian dishes like homemade pasta and sea bass.

Parking can be tricky due to the location. Options include a side street, a spot near the liquor store just west, and some spaces along the coast.

Sautรฉed calamari comes in a lemon butter sauce that stands out. It works well as an appetizer and pairs nicely with other dishes like tiramisu.

People are saying

"It's a humble, authentic hidden gem."

"Parking is available on a side street or at the liquor store."

"I started with the sautรฉed calamari in lemon butter sauce."

Good to know

1

Raffi's Locale is a BYOB restaurant that uncorks your wine bottle.

2

The price is $35 per person for unlimited samplings of most of their food.

3

Street parking can be a hassle; arrive early to secure a spot.

11
Southern Chicago image 1

Elegant space features beautiful dรฉcor and a warm, comfortable atmosphere with great music enhancing the vibe. Guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails and high-quality Southern-inspired dishes in a setting that feels both inviting and refined.

Valet parking is available for $17, offering a stress-free experience. Free parking exists in the back of Southern Chicago as an alternative.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared."

"You have to try the fried calamari here."

"I found free parking available in the back, which made the experience better."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

12
Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp image 1
Seafood restaurant

Large seafood restaurant with open spaces and indoor and outdoor seating offers a tropical island vibe and views of the city skyline. Atmosphere ranges from peaceful to loud, with a mix of high and low tables to accommodate all heights. The place operates 24/7 and features wall murals and statues that add character.

Plenty of parking spaces surround the building, including a handicapped access ramp. The parking lot sometimes hosts a few geese, adding a bit of unexpected entertainment.

Fried calamari comes out cooked to perfection with a crispy texture. It pairs well with lemon juice and hot sauce or a Thai sweet chili dipping sauce for added flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the shrimp here was delicious and perfectly breaded."

"There was plenty of parking available."

"I thought the fried calamari with sweet chili sauce was amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours for late-night seafood cravings.

2

House Music patio sessions happen every Tuesday, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Parking is available, making it convenient for visitors.

13
Thorn Restaurant & Lounge image 1

Modern decor with contemporary design and decorative fireplaces creates a chic, elegant atmosphere. Live music, including a singing duo, adds weekend entertainment that complements the quiet, relaxed vibe. The space offers private rooms with views and shades, suitable for families and business meetings.

Free parking exists but the small lot fills up quickly, especially on Monday evenings. Non-hotel guests find limited lot space but can use the garage across from D&B for parking.

Calamari Fritter stands out as very good. The calamari is consistently fresh and tasty, pairing well with other dishes like salmon poke and Greek salad.

People are saying

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

"Parking available, but it's limited if you're not a hotel guest."

"The calamari here is so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Parking is limited for non-hotel guests, but garage parking is available nearby.

14
Jim & Pete's image 1
Italian restaurant

Large indoor and outdoor dining spaces include a covered patio with a fireplace and warm, inviting decor. Atmosphere varies from relaxing and versatile to occasionally loud near the bar. The setting suits both casual meals and special occasions.

Parking varies here. Some visits show plenty of parking and easy access, while others reveal limited spaces and difficulty sharing with neighbors.

Grilled calamari comes seasoned well and fried calamari is also available. Bread and appetizers including calamari receive excellent remarks, though the calamari quality varies from good to okay.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding and authentic."

"I enjoyed their fried calamari; it was seasoned well."

"Parking was easy and plentiful here."

Good to know

1

Parking availability can be limited, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant is suitable for hosting events like baby showers.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

15
Shaw's Crab House image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers an elegant retro design with a speakeasy vibe and a wraparound wooden bar staffed by attentive bartenders. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxing with jazz and live bands enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy fabulous oysters and exceptional cocktails like dry martinis and tequila old fashioneds.

Valet parking offers a convenient car service that handles crowds well. A small parking lot sits beside a large parking garage next door.

Grilled calamari stands out with its unique preparation compared to the usual fried style. It tastes very good and pairs well as an appetizer alongside other seafood like crab legs and shrimp scampi.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the crab cake and shrimp, is perfectly cooked."

"The calamari here is so fresh and tender."

"They offered great valet parking, which was a solution for the crowds."

Good to know

1

A $40 club room fee appears on the bill without prior notice.

2

A 3% surcharge is added to the total bill, not going to staff.

3

Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...