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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Bayside

Calamari spots

Calamari that is prepared with care as a main component of the meal rather than a generic fried appetizer.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Sangarita's Tapas Wine image 1
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Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers cozy, intimate space with live Latin music including flamenco and salsa. Atmosphere feels tight and lively, enhanced by scented candles and energetic performances. Sangria and paella stand out as popular highlights among guests.

Food focuses on simplicity and quality ingredients with dishes that are well-prepared and delicious. The menu pairs well with amazing drinks and is supported by outstanding service.

Fried calamari stands out with its excellent crispiness and fresh flavor. It pairs well with the super flavorful hummus served alongside.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and full of flavor."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive with great drink recommendations."

"The calamari here is super flavorful and excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking on Bell is first-come-first-serve; arrive early for the best spots.

2

The restaurant accommodates large group reservations, including for Sunday brunch.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient in the area.

02
Taverna Kyclades Bayside image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a cozy, rustic interior with blue and white accents that evoke island charm. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, though seating can feel tight and cramped in the main dining area. An open kitchen showcases professional staff, adding to the vibrant energy.

Greek cuisine here stands out for its well-seasoned, flavorful dishes that surpass many found in Greece. Food and service consistently reach five-star quality, creating a superb dining experience.

Grilled calamari comes in a big serving and is tasty with a texture that's easy to bite into. Both grilled and fried versions are well-seasoned and fresh.

People are saying

"The grilled octopus here is tender and perfectly seasoned."

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

"The grilled calamari is tender and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

By 7:30 PM, the restaurant is packed and does not take reservations.

2

Get there early to avoid crowds.

3

You can bring your own bottle of wine for $15 per bottle.

03
L'Italiano Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy family atmosphere and intimate, friendly vibe. The space feels like dining at home, often quiet enough for conversation. Known for well-priced, homemade dishes and consistent quality in a neighborhood setting.

Italian cuisine stands out for its authentic flavors and excellent quality. Dishes come at reasonable prices and the overall food experience is consistently impressive.

Grilled calamari appears in a Calamari Salad with a light dressing. Fried calamari serves as a straightforward appetizer option alongside caprese salad for larger groups.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Italian food; it tasted like family tradition."

"The Italian food here is so authentic and made with care."

"The calamari here is served with quick, professional, and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, especially on game days.

2

The restaurant offers tableside card payment for convenience.

3

The restaurant serves veal and lamb, but no pork chops.

04
Valdari Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers open kitchen with wood-fired pizza oven and live music that creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. The space feels romantic and classy with nice decor and good lighting, suited for groups or dates.

Food here stands out for its great taste and consistent quality. Groups find the dishes delicious and satisfying every time.

Fried calamari comes extra crispy with a perfect texture inside. It works well as an appetizer and pairs nicely with pizza and pasta dishes featuring clams.

People are saying

"The wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas here are delicious."

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"The calamari appetizer was delicious and extra crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $100 four-course meal with tax and tip included.

2

Happy hour specials are available with delicious and reasonably priced offerings.

3

Brunch features DJ music on weekends and bottomless options.

05
Maria's Mediterranean image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers warm lighting and cozy seating with an open kitchen that adds visual interest. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and relaxing to lively with live Greek music, creating varied energy levels. Outdoor seating and authentic decor with family photos enhance the inviting vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and tastes like a home-cooked meal. The dishes are delicious and show clear quality in every bite.

Fried calamari comes with a crispy texture but can be oily. It appears alongside other appetizers like lemon potatoes and grilled octopus.

People are saying

"The Greek food here, especially the meat platter, is so juicy and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The fried calamari was a classic, generous portion."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

Parking can be challenging in the area, so be patient.

3

The menu offers plenty of gluten-free options.

06
Jimmy's Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Classic old-style Italian restaurant with nicely spaced tables and a balanced atmosphere that blends family warmth with romantic quietness. The space feels clean and well-lit, inviting conversation without feeling crowded. It suits both special occasions and casual gatherings with familiar faces.

Italian dishes come with an authentic taste and fresh ingredients. Meals are beautifully prepared and consistently delicious.

Calamari comes out crispy and not greasy with a fresh ocean taste. Grilled options stand out as delicious and the overall flavor rates solidly.

People are saying

"The Italian Food here, especially the Penne alla vodka, was out of this world good."

"The food here, especially the Penne alla vodka, is out of this world good."

"I had the penne ala vodka and ordered it again."

Good to know

1

The restaurant requires at least pants, shoes, and a dress shirt.

2

You have to deal with street parking.

3

If you go after 5 PM, you can pay the meter for 2 hours.

07
Trattoria 35 image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting decor with a friendly atmosphere suited for intimate occasions. Valet parking adds convenience despite limited parking options. Dining spaces are clean and well spaced, enhancing comfort during meals.

Traditional Italian food shines with authentic flavors and consistently excellent quality.

Grilled calamari stands out with its tender texture and smoky flavor. It pairs well with other seafood dishes like grilled octopus and complements the menu's fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked perfectly."

"The Italian food here makes you feel like family."

"The calamari here is always great and the service is impeccable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, but expect a 10-15 minute wait upon arrival.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider using street parking around the block.

3

Valet service is available for convenience.

08
The Lazy Cow image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines retro lounge feel with modern design and speakeasy aesthetic in a stylish, intimate space. Atmosphere is warm and lively, with loud music and a fun, relaxed vibe suited for celebrations and late-night drinks. Bartenders craft original cocktails that enhance the energetic mood.

Food here is consistently excellent and phenomenal, with every dish hitting the mark. The kitchen also accommodates families, making it easy to dine with little ones.

Fried calamari offers a light, oily crunch with generous seasoning. Equal parts rings and tentacles create a visually pleasant dish, enhanced by a splash of lemon and a mild dipping sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the lamb chops and chocolate cake."

"The bartenders here are amazing mixologists who make creative, balanced drinks."

"The fried calamari had a light, oily crunch and was seasoned generously."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $13 for a small portion of watermelon with feta cheese.

2

There is a $5 upcharge for sauces that aren't good.

3

The total cost for two apps, two entrees, and two drinks was $175.

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Bayside, New York

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