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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Little Italy's best

Fried Calamari and Coffee

Fried calamari that pairs with a real coffee, not just a cup of burnt diner brew.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Enzo's of Arthur Avenue image 1
Enzo's of Arthur Avenue image 2
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant designed like a Tuscan villa with cozy, family atmosphere and spacious terrace resembling a Florentine piazza. The vibe is welcoming and intimate, with lively indoor dining and comfortable outdoor seating. It fills up quickly, attracting those seeking authentic Italian ambiance.

Soft texture and delicious frying define the fried calamari here. It serves as a shareable appetizer that pairs well with other starters like rice balls and stuffed clams.

Espresso stands out with excellent quality. The cappuccino rates very good, around 8.7 out of 10. The latte also delivers a solid option among the coffee choices.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta."

"The coffee and cannoli here are amazing."

"The fried calamari here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Lunch offers paninis & 12 choices but only M-F 11:30am-3pm.

2

Reservations are required as the restaurant gets busy.

3

Parking is easy with a municipal lot located right behind, costing $2.00 per hour.

02
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.

Crispy and fresh, the fried calamari comes perfectly fried with a spicy-lishous house sauce. It pairs well with flavorful arancini and stands out as a popular starter in Italian-style meals.

Italian coffee stands out with excellent espresso that pairs well with desserts like tiramisu. The coffee consistently impresses with its rich flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

"I thought the coffee here was exceptional and packed with a punch."

"The fried calamari here is perfectly fried and delicious."

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.

03
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.

Super fresh fried calamari stands out here. It pairs well with the excellent dough pizza and is often recommended alongside salads.

Cappuccinos stand out with amazing taste and consistent quality. Espresso also features prominently, often offered by the Italian waiter, adding to the authentic coffee experience.

People are saying

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

"The coffee here tastes homemade and is delicious."

"You have to try the fried calamari; it's super fresh."

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.

04
Osteria Barocca image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen features fresh pasta made in house and a big cheese wheel for cooking. Interior blends modern design with traditional Italian elements, including sleek banquets and brass tables. Live contemporary jazz music and energetic tap dance performances create a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Fried Calamari comes out browned perfectly and tastes very delicious. It works well as a starter and gets strong recommendations from the host.

Italian espresso stands out with a rich, authentic flavor. Coffee here pairs well with desserts like tiramisu and limoncello, creating a classic Italian experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the servers are so attentive."

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"The fried calamari was browned perfectly and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like San Gennaro.

2

A 3% credit card transaction fee is added to the bill.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically included on all bills.

05
Casa D'angelo New York image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic homey atmosphere with live opera singing and pasta made in view. Space feels tight but beautifully lit, featuring outdoor dining with a local band enhancing the vibe.

Perfectly cooked fried calamari stands out with a crisp texture and tender inside. It pairs well with other Italian dishes like lasagna and tortellini.

Cappuccino stands out with a rich, smooth taste that often surpasses the coffee itself. Both espresso and coffee deliver consistent, delicious flavors that pair well with desserts.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is top-notch and perfectly cooked."

"I'm still dreaming about that pesto gnocchi."

"I thought the fried calamari was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

A special menu is offered for Thanksgiving dinner.

2

Happy San Gennaro is celebrated with vibrant festivities.

3

A mandatory 18% gratuity is added to all bills.

06
Gelso & Grand image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers elegant interior design with an open kitchen and a hidden basement speakeasy. Atmosphere varies from loud indoor dining to a quiet, traffic-blocked outdoor patio ideal for people watching. The space combines ample outdoor seating with a lively, well-decorated vibe.

Crispy and fresh textures define the fried calamari here. It appears as a main course alongside fried artichoke pieces and also serves as a starter option.

Espresso stands out with excellent quality and a nice foam on top. Service can be rough, as the coffee server showed rude behavior during service.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pastas, was amazing."

"The coffee here has a nice vibe, making it feel warm and relaxed."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy hours to secure a table.

2

Brunch can get busy, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant has a $25 cake cutting fee for special occasions.

07
Da Nico image 1
Italian restaurant

Wood-burning oven and spacious interior create an authentic Italian setting with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden and terrace. Live music featuring classic tunes adds a lively, warm atmosphere. The place offers classic Italian dishes with a focus on pasta and vodka sauce.

Light and fresh fried calamari stands out as a perfect appetizer here. It pairs well with other dishes like lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo.

Coffee comes with free extras like zeppole sometimes. The espresso and cappuccino taste great, but prices can be unclear and sometimes high, like $6 for a small serving not listed on the menu.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is the best I've ever had."

"The food here is absolutely beautiful and delicious."

"The fried calamari was light and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially on busy nights.

2

Expect wait times over an hour during peak dining hours.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

08
Da Gennaro image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating triples indoor space and offers live Italian music and heaters for warmth. Tables sit close together, creating a crowded but lively atmosphere with views of the street under an iconic sign. The vibe blends authentic Little Italy charm with a busy, fun energy.

Fried calamari comes with an exceptional vodka sauce. The dish is decent but leans toward being overpriced.

Coffee here has an Italian touch with espresso that tastes like it does in Italy. The cappuccino is great and the coffee is intense and delicious.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and served super fast."

"The coffee here is served with amazing, attentive service."

"I really recommend the fried calamari and the lobster ravioli."

Good to know

1

Happy hour priced drinks are available before 7pm for outdoor seating only.

2

A mandatory tip of at least 18% is added to the bill.

3

The cost for two pizzas and a salad is over $160.

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