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Fried calamari and dessert spots

A meal that starts with decent fried calamari and ends with a dessert that was actually made on the premises.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated April 2026
01
Patricia's Downtown image 1
Patricia's Downtown image 2
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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.

Desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake, and tartufo. They arrive quickly and taste rich.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

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

"The desserts, especially tiramisu, were excellent."

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.

02
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.

Tiramisu stands out with its super fresh and homemade quality. Desserts often come on the house, adding a nice touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try the tiramisu for dessert."

"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.

03
Peru Chikann image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Spacious restaurant with dim mood lighting and live music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine alongside the option to bring their own bottle. The setting feels like dining in a welcoming home, blending comfort with clean, attractive decor.

Fried Calamari comes with a Salsa Criolla that adds a fresh, tangy kick. It pairs well with other dishes like chaufa de pollo, which also features fried calamari.

Traditional Peruvian desserts like Picarones and Flan stand out here. Picarones come highly praised and often impress with their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The desserts here are an interesting and unexpected treat."

"The Fried Calamari with Salsa Criolla left me wanting more."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Expect wait times of over an hour during peak dining hours.

04
Nisiotis Taverna image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers an authentic, cozy atmosphere with a lively seaside taverna vibe and a welcoming family feel. Outdoor patio and floral table centerpieces add to the airy, charming setting. Guests often enjoy bringing their own wine from a nearby store, enhancing the relaxed, fun experience.

Fried calamari stands out as a notable dish here, often paired with octopus. Preparation varies, with some servings described as awesome while others are just okay.

Warm walnut cake arrives fresh and flaky with a delicate texture. Servers sometimes bring special desserts with extra nuts, adding a satisfying end to meals.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the authentic and delicious Greek food here."

"The desserts here are delicate, fresh, and very satisfying."

"The fried calamari here is awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.

2

The restaurant offers a BYOB option, with a liquor store nearby.

3

A special menu is available for private events and parties.

05
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.

Desserts come as part of a 3-course meal priced around $40 during the week. Staff often offer complimentary desserts and celebrate occasions with personalized service like singing happy birthday.

People are saying

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

"The homemade desserts here are fresh and delightful."

"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.

06
Sofia's Fine Italian Cuisine Restaurant image 1

Dining room displays Godfather and Goodfellas themed photographs with a Frank Sinatra aesthetic creating an upscale, classy atmosphere. Noise levels rise, and the space offers great privacy during meals. BYOB policy and ample parking add practical appeal to the experience.

Fresh and well cooked fried calamari serves as a solid appetizer option. It pairs well with other seafood like hotty totty shrimp.

Desserts stand out with excellent tiramisu and consistently top notch quality. They match the high standard set by the appetizers and entrees.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and seafood, was delicious."

"The food here is delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The fried calamari was amazing and prepared perfectly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing customers to bring their own alcohol.

2

There is ample parking available in the front and back of the restaurant.

3

The restaurant has a large menu with a variety of options.

07
Prime 374 - Seafood & Steak image 1

Fine dining steakhouse with a modern, clean interior and a cozy, classy atmosphere. Bar area features live piano music and expertly crafted cocktails like espresso and lychee martinis. Space includes an upstairs private room suitable for gatherings, creating a special and inviting environment.

Tender texture stands out with a pop of spice from cherry peppers. Fried calamari pairs well with other dishes like Chilean Sea bass and filet mignon.

Desserts stand out with cheesecake that rivals the main courses. Food, drinks, and desserts all deliver out of this world flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious; the filet mignon is top 3."

"The desserts here, like cheesecake and crรจme brรปlรฉe, were good."

"The fried calamari was tender with a pop of spice."

Good to know

1

Their $35 three-course dinners from 4pm to 5:30pm, Tuesday to Friday, are a great deal.

2

Happy hour features a light menu with discounted drinks from 4pm to 6pm.

3

Bottomless brunch is available on weekends with a set price.

08
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.

Tres leches stands out as a popular choice. The creme with caramel topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries offers a fresh, sweet finish. The fruit tart also gets recommended often.

People are saying

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

"The seafood, especially the octopus, was perfectly charred and tender."

"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.

09
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.

Rum Cake stands out with its simple, well thought out recipe and beautiful presentation. Warm cake served with blueberries and krรฉmas offers a delightful finish to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The desserts here are delicious, especially the cornbread with ice cream."

"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.

10
The Roosevelt image 1
Restaurant

Speakeasy with a secret bookcase entry offers a unique, hidden bar experience. Atmosphere is lively and fun, with live music and dancing energizing the space. Decor and architecture impress, creating a vibrant vibe suited for celebrations and private events.

Fried calamari comes with light breading and is not rubbery or overcooked. Preparation avoids heaviness or dryness.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are amazing and craft signature drinks."

"Erin's infectious smile made our desserts experience amazing."

"The fried calamari wasn't over breaded, over cooked, or rubbery."

Good to know

1

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

2

Valet parking is available on weekends, making parking easier in a tough area.

3

The venue offers private rooms for events, accommodating up to 30 guests.

11
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.

Cocktails and desserts stand out as highlights of the evening. The pistachio dessert offers an out of this world flavor experience.

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."

"You have to try the pistachio desserts; they're out of this world."

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.

12
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.

Desserts include a flambรฉ, toasted almond cake, and made-to-order cannoli. Cheesecake comes in a cone gifted by the owner.

People are saying

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

"The cannoli dessert shells had the perfect texture."

"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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