Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Midtown West

Calamari and cake spots

Made for those who balance the savory crunch of calamari with the immediate reward of a cake.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Limani image 1
Limani image 2
Limani image 3
View all
Mediterranean restaurant

White decor and a reflective pool with blue lighting create a clean, unique atmosphere reminiscent of Greece. The space feels upscale and beautiful, with a terrace overlooking a bustling city center. Tables sit close together, and the crowd includes professionals dining and meeting on weekday evenings.

Fried and stuffed versions of calamari stand out here. The appetizers include crispy fried calamari and delicious stuffed calamari with great flavor.

Greek Orange cake with syrup stands out as a distinctive dessert here. Cakes come paired with ice cream, including unique flavors like honey lavender.

People are saying

"The grilled octopus starter was tender with a smoky char."

"The cake with ice cream was delicious."

"The fried calamari appetizer was delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended a few days in advance due to popularity.

2

A service fee of $149 is automatically charged on your bill.

3

Expect a long wait time of 1 hour and 30 minutes for lunch.

02
White Olive image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a blend of ancient Greek and modern design creates a warm, authentic atmosphere enhanced by live violin music and a cozy private room. The space feels chic and classy, inviting relaxed, intimate dining experiences. Strong cocktails and sophisticated wine selections complement the setting.

Calamari stands out as a flavorful and phenomenal dish here. It pairs well with grilled octopus and shrimp saganaki, making it a must-try option.

Molten cake offers a rich flavor and gooey texture. White Olive suits birthday cake occasions well. Baklava tastes delicate and balanced.

People are saying

"I had an awesome dinner; the space is beautiful and the food is amazing."

"The calamari here is delicious and flavorful."

"Our server was delightful and very knowledgeable about the cake."

Good to know

1

White Olive has a performance every night.

2

Guests may be seated in a makeshift area during events.

3

The restaurant does not have a liquor license yet.

03
Empire Steak House West image 1

Steak house offers understated sophistication with handcrafted chandeliers and polished mahogany tables creating a timeless charm. Atmosphere stays calm and hospitable with live music and occasional fire performances adding energy. Staff often celebrate special occasions with singing and desserts, enhancing a welcoming vibe.

Crunchy texture and good portion stand out in the calamari. It arrives well seasoned and nicely presented.

Chocolate desserts stand out with lava cake and mousse cake featured prominently. Birthday celebrations include a cake with a candle and singing, adding a festive touch.

People are saying

"I thought the steaks here were the best I've ever had."

"The calamari here is fresh, crunchy, and well seasoned."

"The chocolate mousse cake and cheesecake were incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

2

The pre-theater menu offers 3 courses for an unbeatable price of 50 dollars.

3

The happy hour lasts until 7 PM with discounted drinks.

04
Loi Estiatorio image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant showcases traditional blue and white decor with candlelit ambiance that feels warm and inviting. Guests enjoy private outdoor seating and artistic Greek music, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The space welcomes groups and celebrations with a friendly, home-like vibe.

Small pieces of calamari made from octopus stand out with a wonderful taste. The calamari is not deep-fried and generally very good, though cooking can be uneven and it might benefit from a bit more salt.

Flourless chocolate cake with Loi olive oil stands out among desserts. Gluten-free options include this luscious cake, alongside baklava and ekmek kadaifi.

People are saying

"The desserts, like baklava and chocolate cake, were rich and sweet."

"Chef Maria Loi makes everyone feel special."

"The calamari, octopus, and branzino were all amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Last seating is at 9 PM, even though the restaurant closes at 10 PM.

3

The restaurant accommodates gluten-free diets and uses no butter in dishes.

05
Felice 56 image 1
Italian restaurant

Dining area sits underground with two-story high ceilings and a striking watercolor tapestry as a backdrop, creating an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Space separates dining and bar across two floors, fitting for dates, events, and casual hangouts. Lighting stays low and sound balances well, supporting a quiet, pleasant vibe.

Calamari comes with fried artichokes and a side sauce. It has a spicy kick that stands out and is cooked to perfection.

Pistachio cake stands out as a magnificent and highly recommended dessert. The gluten-free chocolate cake offers a decent option for those avoiding gluten.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are consistently excellent and delicious."

"The pistachio cake is super delicious and I'm still dreaming about it."

"The calamari with fried artichokes is prepared to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for prime time on Saturday night as the dining room gets busy.

2

You can secure a table without a reservation on a Thursday evening.

3

If you have trouble with stairs, you may wish to inquire about elevator access.

06
wagamama, midtown, new york image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers a two-story ceiling and open kitchen with visible food preparation. Atmosphere feels cozy and intimate with beautiful decor including wine barrels and cherry blossoms. Outdoor seating is spacious and quiet, suitable for groups or romantic evenings.

Chili calamari stands out with its spicy kick and solid flavor. Other calamari options exist but vary in quality compared to dishes like Miso Cod and Bang Bang Cauliflower.

Chocolate cake stands out with an amazing taste and rich flavor. It serves as the star dessert and draws strong enthusiasm from diners.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I tried the chocolate cake; it was unforgettable."

"The chili calamari was really good."

Good to know

1

Wagamama offers a 3-course Valentineโ€™s Day set menu from February 12th to 16th for $38.

2

Restaurant week offers a $45 for a 3 course dinner.

3

You need to make reservations, especially during busy lunch hours.

07
Duomo51 image 1
Italian restaurant

Rooftop Italian restaurant offers stunning city views including St. Patrickโ€™s Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall. Ambiance stays quiet and elegant, suitable for special occasions with both indoor and outdoor seating. Cocktails and food receive high praise, featuring standout dishes like truffle ravioli and branzino.

Grilled calamari stands out with its amazing taste and perfect seasoning. Fried calamari also offers a delicious texture that complements the dish well.

Lava cake stands out with its made-from-scratch richness and perfect portion size. Other desserts like tiramisu and Tartufo also deliver balanced flavors and satisfying servings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The calamari here is char-grilled and absolutely delicious."

"The service here is excellent and they offer great recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted until 9:30 PM.

2

Lunch specials are available on weekdays until 2 PM for $40.

3

Expect a $80 dinner cost per person for a five-star experience.

08
Redeye Grill image 1
American restaurant

Semi-private rooms with high ceilings and gorgeous bar create a warm, buzzing atmosphere. Live piano music covers a wide range of genres, adding to the sophisticated vibe. Walls feature unique NYC-inspired murals that enhance the energetic setting.

Fried calamari comes out tasty and well-cooked with a flavorful and savory profile. It pairs well with other dishes like skirt steak and lobster mac.

The crab cake features plenty of crab and pairs with grilled shrimp in a popular dish. Staff bring out the cake with sparkling lights and sing happy birthday, adding a festive touch.

People are saying

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

"The fried calamari was tasty and well-cooked."

"The chocolate cake is super rich, cold, and firm."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers bottomless brunch on Sundays.

3

Live music is featured on weekend evenings, typically jazz.

09
Quality Italian image 1
Italian restaurant

Industrial design with marble staircase and Edison bulbs creates a romantic but cool vibe. Crowds fill multiple seating areas including a downstairs bar known for quality cocktails. Private rooms offer great privacy amid a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere.

Calamari comes with fresh herbs that add a bright flavor. It stands out alongside other dishes like the Sausage & Peppers on toast and the spicy lobster pasta.

Chocolate cakes stand out with a rich, moist texture and a size that feels like a whole mini cake. Gelato desserts and cakes come in large portions, making them good for sharing.

People are saying

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

"The calamari was crispy, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to share this chocolate olive oil cake; it's huge."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private events and are highly recommended for dining.

2

Quality Italian hosts a wine week three times a year, attracting many visitors.

3

Happy hour is available after work, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

10
Jupiter image 1
Restaurant

Space features large windows overlooking an ice rink and a chic dining room with plenty of seating. Atmosphere is loud and vivacious due to hard surfaces and active surroundings. Italian food and wine selections stand out for quality and variety.

Fried calamari comes with a unique dipping sauce and appears in a small serving size for two. It features alongside other appetizers like zucchini bites and bruschetta with crab meat and fennel.

A large slice of chocolate cake called the 30 Rock Cake serves as a rich dessert option. The cake is huge and enough to share among four people.

People are saying

"The Italian food portions here are surprisingly small for the price."

"The chocolate cake here is amazing and huge."

"I enjoyed the calamari with a unique dipping sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often required well in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect to pay around $460 for a party of four, which may not reflect food quality.

3

The restaurant allows BYOB on certain days, which can save on drink costs.

11
Patsy's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-style decor with celebrity photos and a room named after Frank Sinatra creates an authentic Italian atmosphere. Comfortable setting with live music that allows conversation and a vibe like a family get-together. Service feels traditional and experienced, maintaining a classic dining experience.

Stuffed calamari stands out with a unique preparation you rarely find elsewhere. Fried calamari comes with an incredible batter and pairs well with house-made pasta sauce.

All cakes come made in-house with a focus on rich flavors. The Cannoli cake stands out as a favorite, often described as incredible and a perfect dessert choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be simple, delicious, and authentic Italian."

"The cannoli cake is light, fresh, and to die for."

"I found the calamari here to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Patsy's kitchen closes at 7:30 PM, despite Google stating it closes at 9 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a Pre-Theatre Price-Fix menu.

3

The cost for two pasta and one wine is 110 USD.

12
estiatorio Milos Midtown image 1
Greek restaurant

Open, airy space with Mediterranean-style decor and whitewashed walls creates a breezy, coastal charm. The atmosphere is loud and crowded, making conversation difficult. Guests often choose fresh fish directly and enjoy private rooms for events.

Fried calamari stands out with a crispy texture and fresh flavor. The Stuffed Grilled Calamari offers a unique appetizer option alongside other seafood dishes.

Karydopita stands out with its spiced walnut base paired with honey lavender ice cream. The cake is traditional Greek style and served even outside usual hours by request.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Greek salad was fresh, especially the juicy tomatoes."

"You have to try the stuffed grilled calamari."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary as the restaurant is very busy.

2

A reservation should be made at least one week in advance.

3

Milos stays open until 12 a.m., making it great for late-night dining.

13
Serafina Broadway 55th (Midtown) image 1

Small space with cascading wine bottles on walls and elegant seating creates a warm, buzzing atmosphere. Tables sit close together, and lively sounds include international Latin music and frequent children's voices. Signature cocktails stand out amid a kid-friendly menu and inviting, vibrant energy.

Starts with spicy tomato sauce that adds a kick. The calamari tastes delicious and sets the tone for the meal.

Pistachio cake stands out as unique and memorable. Staff celebrate birthdays with a cute little cake and sparkle. Chocolate cake also appears as a shared dessert option.

People are saying

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

"I thought the cakes here were amazing."

"The calamari here is delicious, especially with that spicy tomato sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant adds an automatic 20% gratuity to all bills, regardless of party size.

2

Gluten-free pasta is available for an additional $5 with nearly any dish.

3

Expect prices on the bill to be 10-20% higher than those listed on the menu.

Discover more

Midtown West, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...