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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lenox Hill

Cozy calamari spots

Made for those who want the comfort of a familiar, intimate space while they snack on crispy calamari.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Italian restaurant

Space feels like a slice of Naples with imported Italian decor and a wood-fired oven for authentic pizza. Atmosphere is cozy and warm, suited for small groups and intimate conversations. The place offers both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a family-like vibe that welcomes diners.

Warm hospitality greets every guest with an immediate feeling of coziness and warmth. The owner and staff treat people like family, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

Calamari comes perfectly crisp in fried form and appears tender in seafood pasta alongside octopus and shrimp. It also features in a fresh red fish stew with clams and octopus, all cooked with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I experienced authentic Italian food that tasted straight out of Campania."

"The food here is exquisite, with authentic, flavorful Italian dishes."

"The fried calamari here tastes like southern Italy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable, especially during weekends and special events.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional charge, so consider cash for convenience.

3

Every dish is handcrafted in-house, ensuring freshness and authenticity.

02
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Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers dim lighting and a warm, vibrant atmosphere blending sophistication with comfort. Guests enjoy exceptional drinks crafted with attention to detail and a chic, eclectic decor that mixes styles from classic to modern. The space fills up on weekends, creating an electric vibe suited for intimate conversations or celebrations.

Warm welcome sets the tone. Ambiance feels warm and vibrant, mixing sophistication and comfort.

Crispy calamari comes with a perfect batter that is never soggy. It is fried in fresh oil, making it really delicious and a standout appetizer option.

People are saying

"The cocktails are thoughtfully crafted with fresh ingredients and inventive twists."

"It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night with great vibes."

"It's a nice, quiet, and cozy cocktail bar."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices include cocktails off the menu.

2

There is no happy hour on Sundays.

3

Making a reservation is recommended.

03
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an elegant interior with chic dรฉcor and an amazing sound system that creates a lively atmosphere. The space suits both large groups and intimate dinners, filling with energy especially around the bar. Guests enjoy a spectacular Greek wine selection and fresh, standout dishes like grilled octopus and seafood pasta.

Warm vibe and friendly staff create a welcoming feel. Soft lighting and intimate seating add to the romantic, coastal Greece atmosphere.

Flash-fried calamari stands out with its freshness and delicious flavor. It pairs well with other appetizers like char-grilled octopus and spanakopita, all served in good portions.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and super tasty."

"The calamari here is light and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and stylish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large tables on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on Fridays with vegan options available.

3

The venue can accommodate large parties, but it's best to reserve in advance.

04
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy, old school atmosphere with live music adding calm energy. Space feels intimate and charming, suited for quiet, romantic evenings or family meals. Tables sit close together, enhancing a personal, homestyle vibe.

Warm professionalism and friendly service create a cozy atmosphere filled with positive energy. Staff provide attentive, genuine care that ensures comfort without rushing.

Fried calamari comes crispy on the outside and soft inside, served with a perfectly seasoned marinara sauce. The calamari is fresh and not overcooked, making it a standout appetizer.

People are saying

"The Italian food here tastes homemade and cooked from scratch."

"The grilled salmon and steak were cooked perfectly and flavorful."

"The calamari here is nice and crispy."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended to ensure a table.

2

The price of $34 for a veal cutlet Parmesan is standard for the area.

3

The restaurant offers large portions suitable for sharing.

05
Piccola Cucina Uptown image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a loud, lively energy where people speak loudly to be heard. Space feels tight and cozy, enhancing a family-oriented, homey vibe. Outdoor seating and table-side dish preparation add to the experience.

Warm, inviting atmosphere feels like a slice of Italy in the city. Staff offer a warm welcome and attentive service, creating a family-oriented and homey vibe.

Beautiful presentation highlights the calamari here. The appetizer stands out with fresh, crisp texture and pairs well with salads.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was fantastic."

"The atmosphere here is so warm and cozy."

"The calamari here is amazing and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's small size and popularity.

2

Lunch specials are available for $19.90, offering good value.

3

Gluten-free pasta options are available, catering to dietary restrictions.

06
Crave Fishbar Upper East Side image 1

Seafood restaurant offers a sleek, warm atmosphere with beautiful decor and a cozy design. The space includes a skylight in the back that adds natural light and a great vibe. Guests enjoy a relaxed pace without pressure to turn over tables quickly.

Sleek atmosphere with a warm feel creates a comfortable setting. The cozy design and attentive service add to the charm inside.

Crispy and tasty textures define the calamari here. It pairs well with fries for a satisfying crunch.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing, and the service is second to none."

"The calamari here is amazing and the staff are so sweet."

"The restaurant felt cozy and welcoming inside."

Good to know

1

On weekends, happy hour runs from 4-6 pm.

2

During the week, happy hour runs from 5-6:30 pm.

3

Happy hour oysters are priced at $18 for a dozen Blue Point oysters.

07
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Thai restaurant

Cozy Thai restaurant with beautiful decor and both indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly patio with heaters. Atmosphere is friendly and lively, though it can get loud and tables are close together. Heating booths offer private, comfortable dining experiences.

Warm ambiance blends modern aesthetics with Thai-inspired decor. Attentive staff create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, especially in cozy booths.

Calamari comes out crispy and fresh, cooked to avoid chewiness. The fried version holds up well, though it can be a bit salty at times.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"I found the atmosphere to be really nice and cozy."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take bookings, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

2

It is advisable to get on the waitlist before arriving during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers happy hour from Monday to Friday.

08
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Italian restaurant

Large dining rooms with multiple spaces create a quiet and pleasant atmosphere even when busy. Opera singing and private rooms add a unique touch to the experience. The venue combines New York Italian classy style with family-style dining and huge plates.

Warm family atmosphere creates a cozy classic vibe. Food stays super fresh and warm, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.

Tender calamari stands out with just right cooking and a texture that is not too chewy. Strong flavors make it a solid choice as an appetizer alongside dishes like seafood paella.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"I found the calamari to be fantastic and worth ordering."

"It's got this old-world feel with dimly-lit, cozy decor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

The restaurant offers a special menu for events, available only for a limited time.

3

The venue has a private room available for gatherings and events.

09
Up Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Low-lit space with colorful lanterns and lively greenery creates a fun and elegant atmosphere. Bar area features comfortable seating and a mixologist crafting cocktails, adding energy to the setting. Music plays throughout, enhancing the vibrant yet cozy vibe.

Warm and inviting with kind staff and beautiful decorations. The atmosphere feels comfortable and cozy, though turning off some music could improve it.

Slightly overcooked calamari has a breading that falls apart but keeps a great flavor. It pairs well with dishes like crab fried rice and red curry.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The food here is amazing and beautifully presented."

"The calamari here is perfectly crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

A reservation is necessary on Thursday evenings due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special on weekdays.

3

Make a reservation on weekends to avoid long wait times.

10
Serafina Always 61st (UES) image 1
Italian restaurant

Rustic, cozy space with close seating and a big bar downstairs creates an intimate, lively atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a sunny spot, while upstairs provides plentiful room. The vibe suits lovers of Italian cuisine seeking a traditional trattoria feel.

Rustic decor and a warm atmosphere create a cozy trattoria vibe. Staff like Jessie and Ivan add a warm and inviting touch that makes the space feel comfortable.

Crunchy texture and well-seasoned flavor define the calamari here. It appears in dishes like fried calamari and black linguine with clams, offering a consistent quality across preparations.

People are saying

"This Italian food's black truffle pizza is a dream."

"It's a cozy place with a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

"The calamari here is so crunchy and fabulous."

Good to know

1

Booking a table is recommended to secure a good seating area.

2

The restaurant charges an automatic 20% gratuity on all bills.

3

If you donโ€™t have a reservation, expect to be seated in a lower-quality area.

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Lenox Hill, New York

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