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Fried calamari and bread spots in NJ

A side of bread is the only thing missing from a plate of hot, crispy fried calamari.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Seagull Mediterranean Seafood image 1
Seagull Mediterranean Seafood image 2
Seagull Mediterranean Seafood image 3
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Oceanic decor fills the space with a marine theme and a fresh fish tank that recalls an Asian market. The atmosphere shifts between peaceful and lively, with Arabic music and underwater scenes playing on several TVs. The setting feels like a cozy home in Alexandria, offering a warm, welcoming vibe.

Crispy outside and tender inside, the fried calamari offers a perfect balance of textures. It consistently cooks to crispy and juicy perfection, standing out as a top seafood choice here.

Warm, fresh bread arrives with olives and pickled veggies before ordering. It comes with dishes like mixed mezza and is sometimes served on the house alongside shrimp and rice.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The fried calamari here is so crispy and tender."

"They served warm bread with olives and pickled veggies."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited on busy nights and weekends.

2

Seagull Mediterranean Seafood has its own parking lot.

3

They automatically add a 15% mandatory tip to the bill.

02
Patricia's Downtown image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with crystal chandeliers and understated decor creates an upscale yet intimate atmosphere. Loud noise level and tight seating bring high energy, often filled with soft jazzy music. Space feels packed, with tables close together near the entrance.

Fried calamari comes handmade with a perfect crunch and light batter. It includes tender tentacles and stays fresh, not rubbery.

Fresh, toasty bread arrives with a spicy oil dip featuring garlic and crushed red pepper. The bread stands out as a simple but flavorful start.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The warm bread with spicy oil was the highlight."

"The fried calamari here is so tender and perfectly crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to the restaurant's small size.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, but ice buckets are not provided.

3

A 3.29% service fee applies to debit card transactions.

03
Bella Trattoria E Pizzeria image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant space with unique decor and great curb appeal creates a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere. Relaxing background music enhances the inviting vibe, while BYOB service adds a personal touch. Known for authentic Italian dishes and standout pizza, it offers a warm, intimate dining experience.

Fried calamari comes out fresh and bursting with flavor. It pairs well with homemade sauce and stands out alongside other dishes like rib eye and antipasto salad.

Garlic bread features fresh garlic and superb mozzarella. Cheesy garlic bread stands out with rich flavor and pairs well with other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"The homemade bread here is delicious, especially the cheesy garlic kind."

"You have to try their fried calamari; it's bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on weekends.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing you to bring your own drink.

3

All desserts are homemade, ensuring freshness.

04
Villa Amore image 1
Pizza restaurant

Dining room features Amalfi style decor with a warm and inviting atmosphere that evokes Italy. The place is family-run and offers authentic thin-crust pizza alongside generous portions of Italian dishes. It maintains a clean, updated space with a lively vibe and reasonable prices.

Crispy and well-seasoned, the fried calamari comes alongside other starters like mozzarella sticks and garlic knots. It pairs well with baked clams and sausage & peppers for a varied appetizer spread.

Bread comes fresh and homemade with generous portions. It pairs well with dishes like salads and seafood appetizers.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to have a fresh, crispy, thin crust."

"I enjoyed the fried calamari; it was excellent."

"The bread here is excellent and so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, making it easy to access the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Takeout is available if you prefer dining at home.

05
Oโ€™ Sole Mio Pizzeria Ristorante image 1

Italian restaurant offers family-oriented atmosphere with old-world charm and outdoor patio dining. The space feels like home, featuring authentic decor with paintings and background music. It hosts friendly interactions, including owner-organized games and thoughtful gestures.

Crispy and perfectly prepared, the fried calamari comes with a balsamic touch that adds a fresh, flavorful twist. It pairs well with other dishes like the Grandma pizza, enhancing the overall meal.

Fresh bread arrives hot and is served with antipasto and charcuterie. The garlic cheesy bread stands out for its rich flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was phenomenal, especially the crispy thin crust."

"The fried calamari here is crispy and perfectly prepared."

"I loved the warm bread that came before the meal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYO, so bring your own drinks.

2

Expect higher prices than what's listed on the menu.

3

There is no air conditioning in the restaurant.

06
Trattoria Toscana image 1
Italian restaurant

Renovated space blends rustic touch with classy, clean atmosphere and dark lighting for an upper-class dining feel. Live music and a resident singer create a chill, engaging vibe throughout the week. Spacious layout includes a private room and lounge, supporting both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

Tender texture and tasty flavor define the fried calamari here. It works well as an appetizer alongside salads or other dishes.

Hot, crispy bread arrives first with seasoned olive oil and diced marinated eggplant for dipping. The bread pairs well with sauces, and the manager often adds pesto to enhance the experience.

People are saying

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

"I used the bread to sop up the delicious seasoned olive oil."

"The fried calamari was tender, tasty, and piping hot."

Good to know

1

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

2

Live music happens every Friday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Brunch service is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting at the end of March.

07
Cassie's Restaurant image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious dining area with classic traditional Italian ambiance and floral and brick dรฉcor creates a family-style atmosphere. Multiple televisions add a sports bar vibe, making the place lively and sometimes noisy. The small full bar complements the setting, attracting groups who enjoy casual, energetic gatherings.

Small orders of fried calamari come as a popular appetizer option. It appears alongside other starters like Buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks.

Warm, homemade bread arrives quickly at the table with olive oil for dipping. It pairs well with dishes like meatballs topped with ricotta and adds a hearty start to the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and came out quick."

"I loved the warm, homemade bread served before the meal."

"I got a small order of the fried calamari."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot right behind the restaurant with a path to the venue.

2

The restaurant offers family-sized options suitable for large groups.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

08
House 157 Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a nature-themed garden-scape that creates a peaceful vibe. DJ music plays throughout, enhancing the lively yet intimate energy. Beautiful decor and thoughtful lighting make it ideal for intimate gatherings and date nights.

Freshness stands out with the fried calamari being crisp and not greasy. It pairs well with other delicious appetizers like coconut shrimp and flatbread.

Corn bread stands out with a Southern style that pairs well with meals. Flat bread and pita bread options come with flavorful toppings like honey jerk chicken and parmesan cheese.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The flat bread starter was so tasty and flavorful."

"The fried calamari was fresh and not oily."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must to get a table.

2

Brunch at House 157 Restaurant ends at 3 PM.

3

Expect a 30-minute wait to be seated during peak hours.

09
Star Tavern image 1
Pizza restaurant

Large pizzeria with a bar offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and multiple TV screens for sports viewing. Seating is close together, creating a cozy but busy environment. Cold draft beers and classic tavern vibes complement the experience.

Fried calamari stands out as a very good side and appetizer here. It pairs well with other hot starters and is consistently excellent across visits.

Garlic bread appears often and is consistently fresh and well-made. A fresh loaf comes with the cold antipasto, supporting sandwiches or appetizers.

People are saying

"I thought the thin crust pizza here was the best I had anywhere."

"Their thin-crust pizza has a classic, crisp texture."

"I found the fried calamari to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited, and finding a spot can be challenging.

3

Prices for thin crust pizza are over $15, which is above average for the area.

10
Superfrico Atlantic City image 1

Restaurant features themed rooms with Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor creating a unique dining atmosphere. Entertainment includes pop-up performances blending comedy, magic, and acrobatics that add lively energy. The vibe is fun and loud, attracting a diverse crowd seeking an unconventional experience.

Good fried calamari comes with a spicy sauce that adds a nice kick. It pairs well with other seafood options like deviled crab pizza.

Monkey bread stands out with its unique flavors and is often paired with garlic bread that many find irresistible. Other breads like polenta and pizza also complement the meal well.

People are saying

"Chef Noah's Italian food is innovative and prepared with passion."

"The dinner spots here have attentive staff who really care about your experience."

"I found the garlic bread to be the highlight of my meal."

Good to know

1

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

2

The show at The Hook features acrobatic acts and comedy after dinner.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner to avoid long wait times.

11
Bensi image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with a friendly family atmosphere and classic rock playlist sets a casual, mellow vibe. The space feels neat and clean though slightly dated, offering outstanding tomato sauce and a huge menu with well-loved dishes like chicken Marsala and penne vodka.

Fried calamari here comes from frozen and lacks freshness. It contrasts with other dishes like chicken parmesan and broccoli rabe, which stand out more.

Freshly baked bread arrives crispy outside and soft inside. Garlic Bread comes with melted Mozzarella. Bread served with olive oil offers a warm, crusty, soft-centered texture.

People are saying

"I loved their salads; the Bensi salad was succulent."

"The bread here is warm, crusty, and soft inside."

"I found the fried calamari to be an excellent choice."

Good to know

1

The prices at Bensi are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

The portions served at Bensi are generous and satisfying.

3

Bensi maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout the restaurant.

12
The Pine Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines beautiful indoor area with great outdoor seating and a big bar. Atmosphere ranges from elegant to very loud, especially near the bar or party tables. Layout feels crowded and dimly lit, creating a lively but sometimes challenging environment for conversation.

Chewy and mushy texture defines the fried calamari here. Served as an appetizer, it pairs well with other seafood like grilled octopus.

Garlic bread comes hot and fresh with a cheese, ricotta, tomato, and prosciutto topping. It stands out as very good and well-prepared.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is fresh, delicious, and expertly prepared."

"The garlic bread is hot, fresh, and fantastic."

"The fried calamari here is excellent, the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available most days, offering great deals.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

The Pine Tavern is family-friendly and suitable for gatherings.

13
Brooklyn's Brick Oven Pizzeria image 1

Coal fire brick oven stands at the center, surrounded by a cozy space with stone walls and red checked tablecloths. The atmosphere carries an old-school vibe with Frank Sinatra jazz music setting a nostalgic tone. The place feels lively and authentic, drawing a neighborhood crowd who appreciate classic pizzeria style.

Fried calamari comes in a small serving priced around $10-11 and is sometimes served in warm tomato sauce. Texture varies, with some pieces described as tough and rubbery.

Garlic bread stands out with its rich flavor and is often paired with pizzas. Bread serves as a solid base, sometimes resembling fresh bread with minimal toppings rather than traditional pizza crust.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best in America."

"I found the garlic bread to be delicious and outstanding."

"I found the fried calamari to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The pizzeria accepts only cash payments.

2

They donโ€™t have an ATM on site.

3

Pizza toppings cost almost $3.00 each.

14
Patricia's of Toms River image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen and high ceilings create a welcoming space, but tight table spacing limits movement and raises noise levels. Loud music and hard surfaces make conversation difficult, while sports on big screens contrast with the Italian theme.

Crispy and crunchy textures define the fried calamari here, paired with a sauce that's almost drinkable. It stands out alongside other appetizers like grilled octopus and meatballs for a strong start.

Focaccia and plain Italian loaves come with spicy, garlicky oil that stands out. The bread and oil combo often becomes the highlight of the meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding, truly as good as I've had in Italy."

"The bread and oil were the highlight of the meal."

"The fried calamari is so crispy and the sauce is drinkable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to ensure a table.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, which allows guests to bring their own drinks.

3

They charge a 3.5% fee for credit card payments.

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