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Mozzarella sticks and calamari

Ordering mozzarella sticks and calamari is the standard move when the table needs something fried to share.

Based on 850 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pino Wine Bar & Bistro image 1
Pino Wine Bar & Bistro image 2
Pino Wine Bar & Bistro image 3
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Space features live music and DJ sets that shift the mood from dining to dancing, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The beautiful decor and large sidewalk opening enhance the experience, while the crowd enjoys strong, sweet cocktails and excellent wine flights.

Mozzarella sticks here stand out with fresh mozzarella and come in giant sizes called thundersticks. They serve them with a house-made vodka sauce that sets them apart from typical versions.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and cooked to perfection with a sweet and heat kick in the Thai version. Buffalo calamari and Thundersticks also deliver strong flavors that exceed expectations.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"I found the mozzarella sticks to be out of this world."

"The Thai Calamari was crispy with a delightful kick of sweet and heat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Karaoke night starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Wine Down Wednesday includes live music and special drink offers.

02
Wild image 1
Gluten-free restaurant

Small restaurant with cozy indoor and heated outdoor seating creates a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere ideal for gluten-free dining. Tables are tightly spaced, which may feel cramped for taller guests. Outdoor patio offers pleasant sidewalk seating with heat lamps that keep the space warm even in cooler weather.

Mozzarella sticks come with a crispy outside and a perfectly gooey inside. They have a gluten-free consistency that surprises many.

Crispy fried calamari comes out golden and perfectly seasoned. It tastes great and even gluten-free versions don't lose flavor.

People are saying

"I found the gluten-free food here to be amazing."

"I couldn't believe these delicious mozzarella sticks were gluten-free."

"I couldn't tell the calamari was gluten-free; it tasted like the real thing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is fully gluten-free, which is a key aspect.

2

The restaurant does not honor reservations.

3

Happy hours are from Monday to Friday, 12-7 pm, with $5 off any drink.

03
Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern image 1

Old-school pizza restaurant with a rustic atmosphere and loud, lively energy. Space includes a bar, two dining rooms, and an outdoor seating area. Known for friendly vibe and classic murals that create a welcoming, familiar setting.

Mozzarella sticks come out crispy and flavorful. They pair well with other appetizers like calamari and wings.

Fried calamari comes in generous portions and tastes fantastic. It pairs well with other appetizers like the eggplant tower and rice balls.

People are saying

"I found the buffalo wing pizza to be the best pizza I have ever had."

"The calamari here is so crispy and perfectly seasoned."

"The mozzarella sticks were bomb."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Expect to street park nearby due to limited parking options.

3

They only serve full pizzas, not slices for takeout.

04
La Bella Vita image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with heated outdoor seating and live band music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Space feels cramped but service remains incredible. Classic Italian vibe blends with beautiful exterior and original decor.

Mozzarella sticks taste very homemade and come out especially delicious. They pair well with fried calamari and consistently earn high ratings for their perfect texture and flavor.

Fried calamari comes lightly breaded and super fresh, offering a perfect balance without heaviness. It stands out as a must-try with consistently great quality.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and absolutely delicious."

"The calamari here is lightly breaded and delicious."

"I found the mozzarella sticks to be exceptionally delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are accepted, but walk-ups are seated first.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for two or more people.

05
Rubirosa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Narrow space with a NYC vibe and tight seating creates an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere. Calm music and great air conditioning balance the energy, making it comfortable despite the crowd. Frequent door traffic can cause temperature shifts, adding to the dynamic environment.

Crunchy outside and gooey inside, these mozzarella sticks come gluten-free and pair with a creamy marinara sauce. They offer a rare gluten-free option that stands out for its heavenly texture.

Perfectly crispy calamari fritti features sizable pieces without crunch. The calamari pairs well with red sauce and stands out among other dishes.

People are saying

"The pizza here is thin-crust perfection with a flavorful, crispy crust."

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

"I found the gluten-free mozzarella sticks to be awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made 1 or 2 days in advance.

2

The usual wait is 45-60 minutes, not 90+ minutes.

3

You need to be punctual as they mean it when they say you have ten minutes to get there after the text.

06
The Alley Pizza Lounge image 1
Pizza restaurant

Modern decor blends with classic Italian touches creating a unique, intimate dining space. Warm, inviting atmosphere carries lively, chill vibes with occasional live music. Full bar and espresso menu complement brick oven pizza and fresh pasta, while a secret room hosts private gatherings.

Large mozzarella sticks come with a tasty tomato sauce. They have a delicious, cheesy flavor that stands out.

Fried calamari comes in small portions and sometimes arrives burnt. It is also served as a crispy appetizer alongside other fried items.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was fresh and the dough was crispy."

"The mozzarella sticks were large and very cheesy."

"I enjoyed the fried calamari as an appetizer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

07
Pasta Lovers image 1
Italian restaurant

Large, tastefully decorated Italian restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with an outdoor patio and live music on weekends. Atmosphere balances romantic and family-friendly vibes, creating a pleasant space for conversation. Spacious layout keeps tables uncrowded, enhancing comfort and ambience.

Large fried mozzarella sticks come with abundant cheese inside. Kids enjoy the crispy texture and share them alongside other fried appetizers.

Fried calamari comes out light and not greasy, cooked to perfection with a very delicious crisp.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and served in plentiful portions."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is amazing and flavorful."

"The fried mozzarella sticks were amazing and abundant with cheese."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table during peak hours.

2

The total cost for two people is around $90 without appetizers or drinks.

3

Happy hour is available daily, offering discounted drinks.

08
Nittis Italian Restaurant in Hell's Kitchen image 1

Italian restaurant offers luxurious and romantic decor with garage doors that open to blend indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels warm, cozy, and buzzy with a noir vibe from old movies playing behind the bar. Cocktails and food like calamari and chicken parmesan stand out in a lively setting.

Mozzarella sticks come out fresh and flavor packed. They pair well with other dishes like the Caprese salad.

Light and not greasy, the fried calamari stands out with a crisp texture. Both the calamari and chicken dishes offer fantastic flavor and a satisfying bite.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the lobster ravioli."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and relaxing."

"The mozzarella sticks here are so fresh and perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available seven days a week from 4 to 6 PM, even at the tables.

2

The restaurant requires the purchase of a dessert to perform the birthday celebration.

3

An automatic 20% gratuity is added for parties of 2, which is not disclosed.

09
Parm Mulberry Street image 1
Italian restaurant

Tiny Italian restaurant with limited indoor seating and a bar area alongside outdoor dining. Atmosphere feels intimate and lively, often enhanced by staff engaging guests with music. Known for friendly service and a cozy vibe despite the small space.

Mozzarella sticks come well seasoned and not greasy, paired with a tomato sauce that has a perfect flavor balance. The combination with the sauce takes the dish to the next level.

Fried calamari stands out with its great crispiness and flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like shrimp scampi and garlic bread.

People are saying

"I thought their Chicken Parmigiana was the best around."

"I always enjoyed their delicious mozzarella sticks."

"The calamari here is fried and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available at the bar with great deals on drinks.

2

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is known for its affordable prices, making it a good lunch option.

10
Zia Maria Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers homey atmosphere with live accordion music and table-side fresh pasta preparation. Outdoor seating provides a view of the illuminated Empire State Building with heaters for comfort. Staff engage guests with personalized entertainment and complimentary drinks.

Mozzarella sticks come fresh and homemade here. They stand out as excellent starters with a strong reputation for being delicious and well-prepared.

Crispy fried calamari comes fresh and hot, paired with a spicy house sauce. The dish stands out as a must-have alongside other Italian favorites.

People are saying

"The pasta here is fresh and prepared right in front of you."

"The fried calamari was crispy, not greasy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The mozzarella sticks were just okay."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a fun serenade by the wait staff.

2

The restaurant dims the lights around 4:40 PM for dinner ambiance.

3

An automatic 18% service charge is included for parties of two.

11
L&B Spumoni Gardens image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating with spacious picnic tables and casual alfresco dining creates a lively, neighborhood atmosphere. Loud, energetic environment filled mostly with families shouting over each other. Old-school vibe offers nostalgic comfort and a no frills experience.

Mozzarella sticks have a nice cheesy texture with a strong cheese pull effect that stands out among other dishes.

Plenty of calamari appears in dishes like red sauce and pasta, both served in huge portions. The calamari stands out in appetizers and hearty pasta meals.

People are saying

"I thought their Spumoni ice cream was delicious."

"The calamari here is tender, crispy, and delicious."

"The mozzarella sticks were so cheesy, they had a great cheese pull."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait 30 minutes outside during peak hours for a slice.

2

A tray of Sicilian pizza costs $29 and contains 12 slices.

3

Parking is not available; consider street parking around the block.

12
Vinny’s Gluten Free Kitchen image 1

Small Italian eatery with separate pizza ovens and gluten-free menu options offers a clean, welcoming space with open windows and doors. Atmosphere blends NYC pizza shop vibes with a casual, relaxed energy. Seating suits dine-in comfort amid a busy urban setting.

Gluten-free mozzarella sticks have a perfect texture and well-seasoned breading. They come out delicious and pair well with other items like buffalo wings.

Calamari stands out with its amazing flavor and consistent quality. It pairs well with other dishes like pesto ricotta pizza and gluten free options.

People are saying

"I finally had amazing gluten-free pizza that tasted like real pizza."

"The gluten-free mozzarella sticks were a dream come true."

"I've never had calamari this amazing."

Good to know

1

They have a separate gluten-free menu, but it's not 100% safe for celiacs.

2

Expect cross-contamination as they share equipment with gluten items.

3

Celiacs should beware of potential cross-contamination.

13
Buona Notte image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dark interiors lit by small table lamps and a quiet back patio that opens to an outdoor garden. The space feels intimate yet lively, often getting loud even when not full. Guests enjoy a relaxed outdoor seating area that overlooks city views.

Mozzarella sticks come freshly made on site with a crispy coating and gooey cheese inside. They stand out as a go-to appetizer and taste much better than usual versions.

Fried calamari stands out with its crispy texture and fresh flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like Margherita pizza and beet salad.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and fresh."

"The calamari here is perfectly fried and tender."

"The mozzarella sticks here are much better than the usual fare."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for New Year’s Eve to secure a table.

2

Happy hour offers $10 cocktails and $5 wine deals.

3

A 20% tip is automatically added to the bill.

14
Zia Maria Chelsea image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers stylish interior with comfortable seating and outside views including the Empire State Building's tip. Atmosphere stays inviting and lively with great music enhancing the vibe. Guests enjoy authentic pizza and delicious appetizers in a welcoming environment.

Huge mozzarella sticks stand out as a key feature. Opinions vary on quality, with some finding them excellent and others seeing room for improvement.

Excellent calamari comes with a house-made dipping sauce that stands out. It pairs well with other dishes like sausage with arugula pizza.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"I had the best calamari I’ve ever had."

"These mozzarella sticks were huge and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drinks for $6 and cocktails at 2-for-1 pricing.

2

The restaurant has a 45-minute seating limit during busy hours.

3

Valentine’s Day is extremely busy, so plan ahead.

15
Bond 45 NY image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a comfortable ambiance with live jazz music and a dance floor downstairs. The space features impressive decoration including a mural and a beautiful entrance. It attracts many tourists and provides a lively atmosphere near Broadway shows.

A giant 12-inch mozzarella stick stands out for its incredible taste. It pairs well with other dishes like meatballs and lasagna, making it a solid choice for mozzarella stick fans.

Fried calamari comes loaded with flavor and serves as a solid appetizer. The spicy version stands out but can be a bit intense for some.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I'm still thinking about the giant mozzarella stick."

"The calamari here is pretty good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

The New Year's dinner event features a DJ and an open bar.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during brunch hours, especially on weekends.

16
L’Amore Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a welcoming atmosphere that transports diners to Italy. The space is small and cozy, creating an intimate dining experience. Guests enjoy exceptional pasta dishes and a variety of notable wines and cocktails.

Mozzarella sticks come out crispy and delicious, often paired with other standout appetizers like bruschetta. They hold up well alongside the exceptional pasta dishes.

Calamari arrives hot and fresh with a lightly seasoned touch. The light breading makes it almost float off the plate, keeping it delicate and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing, especially the pasta and pizza."

"The calamari here is so crisp and fresh."

"I found the mozzarella sticks to be exceptional."

Good to know

1

Drinks at L’Amore are on happy hour prices for beers, wine, and cocktails.

2

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to the bill.

3

There is an added 3% convenience fee.

17
John's of Bleecker Street image 1

Nearly 100-year-old coal-burning oven creates a thin, crispy crust and historic vibe with celebrity photos and wooden booths. Atmosphere feels like a return to another era, cozy but sometimes cramped inside. Outdoor seating includes heaters, making it comfortable even in cooler weather.

Mozzarella sticks come with a crispy coating and gooey cheese inside. The sauce is fire, adding a spicy kick that pairs well with the sticks.

Fried Calamari comes in a generous portion with great taste. It offers good value and pairs well with garlic bread.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing."

"The calamari here is so good, I find myself daydreaming about it."

"I thought the mozzarella sticks were great."

Good to know

1

Get there early to avoid waiting; a line forms 20-30 minutes before opening.

2

Expect to wait over half an hour during peak lunch and dinner times.

3

They only serve whole pies, no slices available.

18
Patsy's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-style decor with celebrity photos and a room named after Frank Sinatra creates an authentic Italian atmosphere. Comfortable setting with live music that allows conversation and a vibe like a family get-together. Service feels traditional and experienced, maintaining a classic dining experience.

Mozzarella sticks cost $16 and come with store-bought tasting sauce. The breading disintegrates easily and the cheese lacks flavor, with some orders served at room temperature.

Stuffed calamari stands out with a unique preparation you rarely find elsewhere. Fried calamari comes with an incredible batter and pairs well with house-made pasta sauce.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be simple, delicious, and authentic Italian."

"I found the calamari here to be phenomenal."

"The mozzarella sticks here are great."

Good to know

1

Patsy's kitchen closes at 7:30 PM, despite Google stating it closes at 9 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a Pre-Theatre Price-Fix menu.

3

The cost for two pasta and one wine is 110 USD.

19
Arthur and Sons NY Italian image 1
Italian restaurant

Small tables sit close together in a space styled like an old-school New York pizzeria with loud hip hop and Sinatra music playing all night. The atmosphere feels chill and cool, energized by a mix of classic and modern vibes. A tiny bar area and intimate seating create a cozy but lively setting.

Cheesy mozzarella sticks come with seasoned breading and a homemade touch. Fried provolone appears as a triangular alternative with similar appeal.

Mulberry street style calamari stands out with its addictive flavor and fresh ingredients. The spicy calamari offers a unique taste unlike typical versions.

People are saying

"I found the spicy rigatoni vodka to be delicious."

"The calamari here is spicy, sweet, and plentiful."

"The fried mozzarella sticks were covered in fresh Parmesan and herbs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must to secure a table at this small restaurant.

2

Prices for drinks can be high, with fountain sodas costing $7.

3

Sharing plates is suggested as portions are large.

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