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Family owned calamari spots

Family-owned calamari that is prepared with the same care as the rest of the menu instead of being a frozen afterthought.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Giorgio's Restaurant image 1
Giorgio's Restaurant image 2
Giorgio's Restaurant image 3
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant features beautifully renovated space with warm, cozy atmosphere suited for intimate dinners or large gatherings. Live jazz plays at a comfortable volume, enhancing the elegant ambiance. Outdoor seating and a thoughtfully designed party room add to the inviting environment.

Family-owned and ran service creates a welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtful attention goes into both the dining experience and the food, supported by friendly staff.

Fried Calamari comes out cooked perfectly with a crisp texture. It often appears as a starter alongside other seafood like shrimp.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are amazing and perfectly cooked."

"It's a family-owned gem with a very nice owner."

"The calamari was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Giorgio's is a BYOB restaurant, perfect for a romantic evening.

2

The restaurant can host events for up to 60 people in their party room.

3

A 22% gratuity fee is automatically added for parties of six or more.

02
Charlie Blood's image 1
American restaurant

Quirky bar and dining room feature western decor and old-school memorabilia with walls covered in character. Atmosphere feels like stepping into a family kitchen with 80's/90's country music playing, creating a warm and cozy vibe. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt and board games, adding to the homey, fun energy.

Service feels more personal and attentive in this family owned and operated tavern and steakhouse. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming.

Cowboy Calamari stands out with its bold flavor that pairs well with its sauce. Both calamari options are solid, but the Cowboy version offers a notably enhanced taste.

People are saying

"The steak here is perfectly cooked and seasoned just right."

"This place has a timeless, old-school vibe with a John Wayne theme."

"The Cowboy Calamari was surprisingly flavorful with honey and figs."

Good to know

1

Charlie Blood's accepts only cash payments; an ATM is available on-site.

2

The price for a 12-ounce steak is $19.

3

The servings at Charlie Blood's are large enough for two people to share.

03
Red Room Cafe image 1
Italian restaurant

Huge round brick oven dominates the rear, setting a rustic tone. Atmosphere ranges from cozy to noisy and crowded, with tables placed closely together. Outdoor seating offers a seashore town vibe enhanced by wood slat window treatments and occasional live music.

Family ownership creates a personal touch and a sense of being a special guest. The business is locally operated and well-loved in the community.

Fried calamari comes with hot peppers and a gravy that adds a unique touch. It appears alongside other solid appetizers like clams and meatballs.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is outstanding, like little pillows of heaven."

"The filet was cooked perfectly and a very large portion."

"I really liked the gravy served with the calamari appetizer."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended, even for weeknights, as the restaurant fills up fast.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, with a liquor store nearby for drinks.

3

They charge a 4% fee for credit card payments, disclosed at the end of the meal.

04
Il Leone image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a beautifully decorated and thoughtfully spaced interior with an inviting vibe. Atmosphere ranges from intimate and lovely to occasionally loud, especially during celebrations. Guests bring their own alcohol, adding a casual touch to an otherwise high-class setting.

A family-owned Italian restaurant that blends tradition and innovation with heart. It operates as a BYOB spot.

Tender texture stands out in the calamari, making it a solid choice. It pairs well with bread and olive oil for a simple, tasty combo.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have outstanding pasta dishes, especially the spicy rigatoni."

"It's a family-owned restaurant that blends tradition and heart."

"The calamari here is delicious and tender."

Good to know

1

Il Leone allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, with a BuyRite store next door for convenience.

3

Expect high prices, with some dishes over $40.

05
Zoka Aegean Kitchen image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers cozy, warm atmosphere with mellow live music enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy authentic Turkish flavors and exceptional seafood dishes in a setting that feels like dining in Turkey.

Family owned operation runs the place, giving it a personal touch. Staff often reflects the family connection.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and perfectly cooked. It pairs well with other seafood like octopus and sea bass, making for a flawless dish.

People are saying

"The seafood here is cooked to perfection and so flavorful."

"The calamari here is crispy and perfectly cooked."

"I noticed it was family owned."

Good to know

1

Zoka Aegean Kitchen is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

The restaurant features an extensive menu with unique Aegean and Mediterranean dishes.

3

Live music is usually available on Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

06
Agapi image 1
Greek restaurant

Open space with blue and white dรฉcor and checkered tablecloths creates a cozy, inviting environment. Greek music, including live performances on Fridays, adds lively energy. Guests often bring their own alcohol, enhancing the relaxed, authentic vibe.

Staff are friendly and the restaurant is family owned and operated. Portions served are large.

Fried calamari stands out as a crispy appetizer often shared alongside dishes like hummus. It pairs well with other seafood entrees such as garlic shrimp and grilled salmon.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"It's family owned and operated with friendly staff."

"I really enjoyed the fried calamari appetizer."

Good to know

1

Agapi is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your own alcohol.

2

Live Greek music happens every other Friday night.

3

Parking at Agapi is easy and convenient.

07
Evolution Restaurant & Bar image 1

Upscale restaurant with a blue color scheme and a comfortable setting combines bar and dining vibes. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, often featuring live music and rotating entertainment like DJs and karaoke. Space is thoughtfully renovated and spotless, creating a relaxing environment.

Strong sense of family connection shapes the environment. Staff treat everyone like part of the family-owned business.

Fried calamari comes out light and crispy with a spicy dipping sauce that adds noticeable heat. Some servings lack flavor in both the calamari and sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"The food and drinks here are phenomenal."

"The calamari portions here are really generous."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6 pm with $3 draft beers.

2

All-you-can-eat crab legs night is a popular event.

3

DJ plays on Thursday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

08
Gargiulo's Tinton Falls image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy, elegant dining with white tablecloths and romantic music creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and live piano or jazz performances enhance the relaxed, quiet vibe. Outdoor seating and valet parking add to the charming, original setting.

A strong sense of family ownership shapes the atmosphere here. The business traces its roots back to 1965 through a sister restaurant, showing a deep family history.

Calamari appetizers come in generous portions and include options like Calamari racanati and baked calamari. The dishes consistently receive praise for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The house-made pastas and seafood specials are amazing."

"I thought the baked calamari was tremendous."

"It's a family owned business that makes you feel like family."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must for dining.

2

Valet parking is the only option available.

3

Expect to pay around $200 for a meal for two.

09
Ferraro 1061 image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy, intimate setting with a warm, family-style atmosphere that feels like dining with relatives. Charming outdoor seating adds a peaceful, secluded option for groups. The space combines beautiful renovations with a welcoming vibe perfect for romantic or casual meals.

Local, family-owned business runs the restaurant with care. Regular visits show strong support for this family-owned spot.

Calamari comes out perfectly crispy with a great marinara sauce. It pairs well with other dishes like light, flavorful gnocchi.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food, especially the pizza."

"This family owned spot has delicious homemade Italian food."

"The calamari here is perfectly crispy with a great marinara."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets crowded.

3

Parking is available in front of the restaurant.

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