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Calamari date spots in Garment District

A date spot should be defined by the quality of the calamari, not just the lighting.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated April 2026
01
Catzuneko Shokudo | Sushi & Japanese Dining NYC image 1
Catzuneko Shokudo | Sushi & Japanese Dining NYC image 2
Catzuneko Shokudo | Sushi & Japanese Dining NYC image 3
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Tiny sushi spot with cat-themed decor creates a cozy, zen atmosphere that feels home-like and intimate. Fresh, high-quality sushi pairs well with unique cocktails served in playful glasses. Quiet during lunch, it draws a steady crowd impressed by its striking sushi display and pleasant vibe.

Fried calamari comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful without grease. It pairs well with beer and is often ordered more than once.

Cozy and stylish ambiance sets a great mood for a date night. The menu features a lovely array of sushi that fits both casual dinners and special evenings.

People are saying

"It's so cozy and cute with all the cat-themed plates and cups."

"This sushi spot is perfect for date night with amazing fish quality."

"The fried calamari is light, crisp, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $6 food and drink items.

2

Lunch specials offer great value for money.

3

The restaurant has vegetarian options available.

02
Alessa Cucina & Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Expansive Italian restaurant with spacious layout, massive main bar, and extra tall ceilings creates a chic yet inviting atmosphere. Subtle lighting and carefully curated decor set a cozy, elegant vibe where music enhances the experience. Tables are spaced far apart, supporting a relaxed pace even during busy times.

Fritto misto includes calamari, shrimp, and zucchini, all lightly fried. Calamari comes with a spicy aioli but tends to be greasy.

Offers a cozy atmosphere ideal for a date night. Serves as a great spot to enjoy a meal before heading to a show.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and on point."

"The meatballs here are stellar for a date spot."

"The calamari here is lightly battered and perfectly fried."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions with prior notice.

3

Expect to pay extra for soda refills during your meal.

03
Chatti by Regi Mathew image 1
South Indian restaurant

Space features warm earthy tones and traditional Kerala dรฉcor that create an authentic atmosphere reflecting Kerala's culture. Energy feels relaxing and vibrant, with carefully crafted cocktails like toddy and Malabar Old Fashioned enhancing the experience. The setting balances bright, airy intimacy with upscale, chic design.

Chilli Roasted Calamari offers a perfect balance of flavors with a mild spice level. Cochin Calamari is cooked to perfection and bursts with authentic flavor.

Decor and furniture reflect a Kerala Christian family background, creating a unique atmosphere. Dinner features Indian cuisine, offering a new taste experience for couples.

People are saying

"The Kerala food here is so authentic, packed with fresh spices and rich coconut flavor."

"The food here is authentic and delicious, perfect for date spots."

"The calamari here is bursting with authentic flavor and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Prices are on the higher side, with smaller portion sizes.

3

Chatti is the first Kerala-style Indian restaurant in NYC.

04
Juniper Bar image 1
American restaurant

Long bar and multiple seating options create an open, cozy space with a relaxed sports bar vibe. Loud atmosphere fills the room with excellent music from DJs, making conversation difficult. Craft cocktails and tasty appetizers complement the energetic, packed environment.

Calamari comes seasoned well and tastes delicious. It pairs nicely with other dishes and is cooked perfectly.

Intimate atmosphere suits dinner dates or happy hour. The chocolate martini stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generous."

"The staff here makes you feel like they've been waiting for you all day."

"I found the calamari to be seasoned well and delicious."

Good to know

1

Juniper Bar offers a Saturday happy hour starting at 4pm.

2

Happy Hour offers great drinks, wines, and beers.

3

Getting there early on a Friday for happy hour drinks allows you to snag a table.

05
Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar image 1

Small space with Latin American decor and a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Live Cuban and bachata music plays at a pleasant volume, sometimes featuring a violinist. Guests enjoy well-crafted cocktails and observe cooks preparing consistent, delicious food.

Seared Baby Calamari stands out with its phenomenal flavor that invites a second order. Calamari Ink Linguini combines sautรฉed scallops, shrimp, and spinach in a lemongrass creamy Alfredo, topped with pecorino and micro purple basil.

Tasty, well-presented food creates a cute date night vibe. The setting suits a special meal or a relaxed evening out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the grilled octopus."

"You'll love the flavorful duck and lobster ravioli at these date spots."

"The calamari here is served with warm, friendly, and attentive service."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Brunch costs $40 per person and includes unlimited mimosas or sangria.

3

Happy hour drinks are available with great deals on weekdays.

06
Legasea Bar & Grill image 1

Modern and elegant space with spacious table layout and a nice bar featuring a foosball table for waiting guests. Atmosphere is loud and lively with great music and attentive staff. Popular from Thursday to Saturday, it draws a crowd that enjoys unique cocktail offerings and a classy vibe.

Crispy calamari comes perfectly cooked with a flavorful dipping sauce. It costs around $16 and pairs well with other dishes like ribeye.

Hosts recognize special occasions like birthdays, adding a personal touch. The bar serves notable martinis that stand out during date nights.

People are saying

"I loved the unlimited ribeye steak and fries deal."

"The bartenders here make our Date Spots experience unforgettable."

"The crispy calamari was perfectly cooked and delicious."

Good to know

1

$2 oysters and $8 wine from 3-6 is an unbeatable deal in midtown.

2

The unlimited ribeye special is only available on Sunday and Monday.

3

Everyone in the party must order the Unlimited Ribeye special to partake in the experience.

07
Butcher and Banker NYC image 1
American restaurant

Dining takes place inside a restored bank vault with original trimmings like the vault door and lockers. The atmosphere feels like a cozy, elegant speakeasy with a small, intimate setting suited for adults. The vibe recalls the Golden Era of NYC, offering a unique and classy experience.

Seasoned with a creamy horseradish sauce, the calamari offers a pleasantly good appetizer option.

Dim lighting and little to no phone reception create a distraction-free setting. The small, intimate space suits private dates well, and the tomahawk steak for two stands out as a recommended dish.

People are saying

"The food and signature cocktails were spectacular for dinner."

"This place is perfect for a date, especially the steak."

"The calamari was perfectly cooked with good breading."

Good to know

1

The kitchen at the steakhouse closes at 9 PM on a Saturday.

2

Reservations are recommended as seating is limited in the vault.

3

Shorts are banned from this restaurant.

08
Beer Authority image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar spans two floors plus a rooftop terrace with NYC street views and a lively atmosphere. Music is very loud inside, making conversation difficult, but the terrace offers a more balanced sound. Crowds fill the space, creating a busy, energetic vibe throughout.

Fried calamari comes out decent but tends to be low on salt. Quality varies from okay to amazing depending on the visit.

Offers a relaxed vibe ideal for chilling and date night. Serves as a casual spot to unwind with a partner or friends.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be great and wide."

"The calamari here has a unique flavor and its sauce complements it well."

"The beer selection here is huge, offering something for everyone."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour pricing starts at 11am.

2

There is a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm where draft beer costs 5 USD.

3

The small bar downstairs is cash only.

09
Tavola Hells Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Interior preserves 1920s decor with historical fans and wood oven, creating a cozy, vintage atmosphere. Seating is tight and cramped, fostering a local, intimate vibe. The space feels like a small active town venue, distinct from typical city restaurants.

Tender, beautifully breaded fried calamari comes with an exceptionally delicious gravy. The dish lacks tentacles but serves well as an appetizer.

Offers a cozy atmosphere ideal for intimate conversations. Serves as a solid choice for a date night or catching up with friends.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding, with authentic flavors and perfectly cooked pasta."

"The pizza here is delicious, just like in Italy."

"The fried calamari here is tender and beautifully breaded."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices are available before 5 PM.

2

Lunch specials end at 3 PM.

3

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

10
Stella 34 Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Open space inside a department store offers spectacular city views including the Empire State Building. Bar area serves well-crafted cocktails and hosts lively drag performances. Atmosphere blends cosy and peaceful vibes with occasional distractions from personal conversations.

Crispy and well-seasoned calamari stands out here, never greasy and paired with a flavorful dipping sauce. The frying is precise, keeping it light and delicious.

Offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a first date or unwinding after shopping. The fruit plate includes a date circled as proof of spoilage, showing attention to detail in presentation.

People are saying

"The views here are amazing, especially of the Empire State Building."

"The calamari here is so crispy and delicious."

"The view from here is spectacular, overlooking the city."

Good to know

1

The entrance is located on the 6th floor; enter through Macy's.

2

You must purchase an entrรฉe to attend the drag brunch.

3

They stop serving drinks 30 minutes before the drag brunch ends.

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Garment District, New York

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