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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown South

Calamari

A plate of calamari is the only thing that will hit the spot.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Steakhouse shines with an elegant atmosphere and a cozy interior perfect for any occasion. Crispy fried calamari delivers an addictive crunch paired with warm marinara. Spacious layout includes a quiet patio ideal for relaxed dining.

Crispy fried calamari offers a good texture and pairs with marinara sauce served at a good temperature. The dish feels addictive with its crunch.

People are saying

"I thought the fried calamari was unbelievable."

"The fried calamari is perfectly crispy and fresh."

"The fried calamari is crispy, fresh, and the sauce is just right."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a complimentary glass of wine with every meal.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of the meals.

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Warm, modern space offers an intimate vibe with dim lighting and stylish comfort. Fried calamari delivers a solid, flavorful bite that pairs well with imported Burrata. Music and lively crowd create a friendly atmosphere perfect for cozy dinners and social gatherings.

Fried calamari comes out delicious and pairs well with the imported Burrata. It starts the meal with a solid, flavorful bite.

People are saying

"The food is delicious and the atmosphere is welcoming."

"I can't wait to come back here again."

"The calamari here is fresh and beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 8 PM, which is longer than usual for this area.

2

The restaurant can get busy, but there is usually not a long wait.

3

The menu offers great options for both vegetarians and meat lovers.

03
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Art deco design and a mid-century vibe create an elegant, quiet atmosphere perfect for groups in adaptable private rooms. Calamari offers a unique crunchy coating with perfect texture. Signature cocktails served in Empire State Building glasses add a special touch.

Calamari features a perfect texture, avoiding the usual chewiness. Its unique coating stands out, offering a different but tasty crunch.

People are saying

"The food was delicious and portions generous."

"I can't wait to come back again."

"The calamari's coating was even better than I expected."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but booking in advance is recommended.

2

They charge $25 per person for cancellations before noon on the same day.

3

The price for the meal is confirmed to be $69 instead of the advertised $60.

04
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Rooftop bar boasts breathtaking Empire State views and a retractable glass roof for any weather. Calamari is lightly breaded and tender, paired with a flavorful jalapeno vodka tomato sauce. Lively music keeps energy high, making reservations a must for this popular spot.

Lightly breaded and tender, the calamari comes with jalapenos and a sauce similar to vodka tomato that adds flavor without oiliness. Sauces enhance the crispy texture, making it a standout dish.

People are saying

"The calamari here is crispy, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The calamari was crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"We loved sharing crispy calamari with tasty starters and drinks."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour starts at 3:30 PM and is popular among guests.

3

Brunch is served until 2:30 PM on Saturdays.

05
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Spacious bar and grill features modern Deco decor and a lively vibe with great DJ music. Calamari shines with bold Thai chili sauce and is among the best here. Upstairs offers a quieter spot for dining, balancing energy and calm perfectly.

Calamari stands out with its great flavor and pairs well with a delicious Thai chili sauce. It ranges from really good to some of the best served here.

People are saying

"I thought the calamari was some of the best I've ever had."

"The calamari was some of the best I've had."

"I enjoyed the calamari with my meal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM daily with a limited menu.

2

Brunch ends at 3 PM, so arrive early to enjoy it.

3

Reservations are strongly recommended during events at MSG.

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Steakhouse offers cramped seating and a noisy atmosphere near a major arena. Calamari quality is hit or miss, sometimes tender and flavorful, other times oily and undercooked. Dim lighting adds to the intimate but crowded vibe.

Calamari varies here, sometimes tender and flavorful, other times undercooked and oily with little seasoning.

People are saying

"The steaks were tasty but a bit pricey and small."

"It's a great spot to eat before a game or show."

"The calamari appetizer was tender and yummy."

Good to know

1

Reservations for 1 person are not feasible online.

2

The restaurant is perfect for eating before an event at Madison Square Garden (MSG).

3

The restaurant has a private entrance into Madison Square Garden (MSG).

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Large bar buzzes with energetic atmosphere and loud crowds during games. Fried calamari offers a crispy texture and fresh seafood taste, perfect with drinks. Space feels tight in spots despite high ceilings and wide layout.

Fried calamari stands out with its crispy texture and fresh seafood flavor. It pairs well with drinks and is a solid choice alongside other dishes like disco fries.

People are saying

"I really loved the calamari here."

"I love the calamari and other tasty dishes here."

"The calamari here is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 PM to 5 PM with drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended if visiting before a game.

3

Expect large crowds before events, so arrive early for a table.

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Historic decor and cozy booths create a lively, intimate vibe with live music adding energy. Calamari is well-seasoned and perfect for sharing, paired nicely with beet salad. Rooftop bar offers city views and a quieter spot away from the noise.

Nicely cooked and well-seasoned calamari comes as a shareable appetizer. It pairs well with other starters like beet salad and stands out for its excellent taste.

People are saying

"The calamari here is unexpectedly amazing and uniquely prepared."

"The calamari was tasty but a bit tough."

"I loved the tasty calamari and beet salad appetizers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for tables during peak hours.

3

The last order is taken at 10:30 PM.

09
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Exposed pipes and vintage memorabilia create a historic chophouse vibe. Crispy calamari salad offers a crisp texture and balanced flavor. Classic decor blends with hearty steakhouse energy for a unique dining experience.

Crispy calamari salad stands out with its crisp texture and balanced dressing. It comes loaded with calamari and works well as a starter alongside other appetizers.

People are saying

"The crispy calamari salad was the perfect starter."

"The crispy calamari salad makes a perfect starter."

"I love pairing the calamari salad with hearty mains."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as this is a popular restaurant.

2

The portions at the steakhouse are quite big, so definitely come hungry.

3

If you mention an anniversary when reserving, they celebrate with ice cream and candles.

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Italian restaurant shines with crispy calamari as a perfect starter and in-house pasta that earns high praise. Enjoy unique cocktails like espresso martinis in a space that feels charming and lively, though tight seating may affect conversation.

Crispy texture and great seasoning make the calamari stand out. It comes nicely crumbled and pairs well as a perfect appetizer option.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the calamari I ordered."

"The calamari is fresh and tender."

"I love the calamari with those tasty sauces."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the Valentine's Day menu.

2

The restaurant is busy around happy hour.

3

Brunch is served on weekends with a special Sunday menu.

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Mediterranean restaurant shines with grilled calamari that is tender and perfectly charred. Sleek decor with stained glass and live violin and saxophone create a romantic atmosphere. Upstairs space offers privacy while keeping an open feel.

Grilled calamari offers a tender texture with a perfect char that stands out. It is a rare find on the menu, making it a notable option.

People are saying

"The ambience is stunning and the food is amazing."

"I can't wait to come back and try more dishes."

"The grilled calamari was tender with just the right amount of char."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during restaurant week for guaranteed seating.

2

The restaurant is only open to Manhattan workers at 4 PM.

3

Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors.

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Italian restaurant offers a quiet atmosphere with a rooftop bar showcasing stunning city views. Grilled calamari is perfectly cooked and pairs well with cocktails. Staff provide tableside service for dishes like Caesar salad, adding a special touch.

Grilled calamari arrives perfectly cooked and pairs well with cocktails and other appetizers. It often appears alongside dishes like burrata, octopus, and a tableside Caesar salad.

People are saying

"The calamari here is excellent and worth trying."

"I loved sharing the fresh calamari and salads."

"Some found the calamari tough, others loved it."

Good to know

1

A reservation is not necessary as the restaurant was pretty empty on a Sunday night.

2

The restaurant adds a 20+% gratuity to the bill and then asks if customers will be tipping more.

3

Tap water is chargeable and costs $10.

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Original brick walls showcase comedy legends in a stylish, lively space with a warm Italian vibe. Fried calamari is light and crispy, paired with a very good marinara sauce. Outdoor seating adds a lively option despite tight arrangements.

Fried calamari comes out light and crispy with well-seasoned batter. It pairs with a very good marinara sauce that complements the dish well.

People are saying

"The place has a cozy vibe with tasty Italian food."

"Shiva made our visit extra special with great care."

"The fried calamari here is light, crispy, and perfectly fried."

Good to know

1

The Short Cuts event features excellent Italian cuisine with generous portion sizes.

2

Customers should inform the service about their timing and needs before dining.

3

Live music is part of the experience on Wednesday nights during the event.

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Greek restaurant features a spacious setting with linen tables and cozy seating. Charcoal grilled calamari shines with traditional flavors and red pepper hummus. Staff create a welcoming vibe perfect for socializing or work meetings.

Charcoal grilled calamari comes with red pepper and hummus, offering a flavorful appetizer. Grilled whole calamari stands out as perfectly prepared, recalling traditional family recipes.

People are saying

"I love the grilled calamari and big appetizers."

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

"The calamari was too chewy and bland."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a special menu during restaurant week.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

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Modern design and live DJ music create a lively, chic atmosphere with upbeat energy. Crispy calamari is perfectly seasoned and shines in the happy hour menu. Seating offers spacious tables and booths with blossom trees for a unique vibe.

Crispy calamari comes light, golden, and perfectly seasoned. It pairs well with tasty dipping sauces and features in a happy hour menu with other snacks.

People are saying

"I loved the lively vibe and tasty food."

"The bartenders and servers made my night fun."

"The calamari here is crispy, light, and golden."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes half off appetizers and is highly recommended.

2

Avoid 6pm bookings during the week due to happy hour lasting until 6:30pm.

3

STK has a deal for $69 per person for two, including wine and appetizers.

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Midtown South, New York

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