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Local picks in New Jersey

Fried calamari lunch spots

A lunch break that includes a proper fried calamari starter without making you feel like you are rushing through a dinner-sized portion.

Based on 702 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.

Lunch offers a grilled feast with 2 pieces of grilled fish, 4 seasoned fried shrimp, rice, a tomato and cucumber side salad, and hummus. The lunch special is affordable and suitable for families with kids.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

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

"The seafood at this Lunch Spot is delicious and perfectly cooked."

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
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.

Lunch offers great value with consistently spectacular food. The spot suits both casual lunches and catered events.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious, homemade food with good portion sizes."

"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.

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.

Lunch features margherita pizza that tastes fresh and satisfying. The spot suits groups, welcoming family and friends for a casual meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's food, especially the pizza and tiramisu, was outstanding."

"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
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.

Lunch offers great privacy with few diners around. Service comes quickly, even during late lunch hours.

People are saying

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

"The fried calamari was amazing and prepared perfectly."

"The calamari at this Lunch Spot is 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.

05
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.

Lunch offers an authentic Greek meal made to order with a special including Greek salad, choice of protein, rice or fries, and pita bread for $13. Meals end with a nice dessert.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot serves authentic, fresh Greek food."

"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.

06
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.

Walk-in seating works well during lunch, making it easy to get a spot. Staff support special occasions, and dishes like chicken Parm come in generous portions that can last beyond one meal.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"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.

07
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.

Calm atmosphere suits lunch dates with friends or partners. The lunch brunch offers a satisfying and relaxed meal option.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is amazing and attentive."

"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.

08
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.

Lunch offers worth a revisit with dishes that suit a relaxed meal. It supports family and friends gatherings comfortably.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's Italian food is the best I ever had."

"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.

09
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.

Lunch specials include a coconut shrimp dish and a set lunch menu. Late lunch visits are common here.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's pizza is fantastic, especially the crust and fresh mozzarella."

"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.

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