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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Midtown West

Cool calamari

You want a cool environment where the calamari is as much of a draw as the room itself. You shouldn't have to sacrifice style for a solid appetizer.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
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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.

A cool vintage vibe sets the tone with excellent service enhancing the atmosphere. The dancing shrimp offers a visual flair but falls short in taste.

People are saying

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

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

"It's a cool place with a hilarious, eclectic vibe."

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.

02
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.

High ceilings create a loud but cool atmosphere. Easy to talk to people adds to the cool vibe.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is really cool and stylish."

"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.

03
Angelo's Coal Oven Pizzeria image 1

Coal oven creates authentic old-school pizza with a warm, lively atmosphere that feels like a mom and pop spot. Seating spreads across two floors with ample, comfortable tables spaced generously. Loud and chaotic energy fills the space, matching the vibrant vibe.

Fresh, light, and fried perfectly without being overly chewy, the calamari stands out as a well-seasoned appetizer. It pairs well with dishes like Caesar salad and cheese pizza, all cooked to perfection.

A coal-fired oven sits in the back, adding a vintage vibe to the atmosphere. The service and even the big toilet stand out as super cool features.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing and the best I've ever had."

"The pizza here is super cool, especially the crust."

"I've never had calamari this good; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

The restaurant does not allow dining in 35 minutes before closing on Friday nights.

3

Expect a wait to be seated during busy times.

04
Blue Willow 夜来湘 image 1
Hunan restaurant

Vintage Chinese decor creates an elegant old Shanghai vibe with soft, dim lighting that soothes and transports. Private and semi-private rooms accommodate large parties and celebrations comfortably. A full bar downstairs offers unique, well-crafted Baijiu cocktails alongside a lively, busy atmosphere.

Salt and pepper calamari has a very crunchy texture and a strong ground black pepper flavor. It stands out as a delicious dish.

A super cool vibe fills the space, with an atmosphere that feels like a trip back in time. Fast service matches the mid-priced setting in an area lacking other cool spots.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing and authentically Hunan."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and ambient."

"I loved the calamari; it was especially tasty."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant has a 1.5 hour limit on dining time.

3

Customers must finish their meal before 7:00 PM on Saturday nights to be seated.

05
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.

Open concept kitchen lets you watch food being made, adding a cool visual element. The atmosphere feels modern and relaxed, with background music that fits the vibe well.

People are saying

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

"The food here is really delicious and tasty."

"The chili calamari was really good."

Good to know

1

Wagamama offers a 3-course Valentine’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.

06
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a vintage Hollywood flair and fabulous wall photos. Atmosphere is lively and crowded on weekend nights with energetic music from a DJ. Outdoor patio and sidewalk seating provide a comfortable dining experience despite some noisy moments.

Fried calamari stands out with its crispy texture and fresh flavor. It pairs well as an appetizer alongside steak skewers and complements other dishes like pizza and salad.

Impeccable service stands out, with the bartender and hostess ensuring everything stays cool and comfortable. The overall vibe carries a very cool feel throughout.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, is amazing and tasty."

"The calamari here is always served hot and tastes good."

"The pizza here is delicious with a crispy crust."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a happy hour from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays.

2

Each person must order individually if seated at a table.

3

You may have to wait about 30 minutes for a table during peak hours.

07
Docks Off 5th image 1
Seafood restaurant

Underground venue with gorgeous flower decor and Instagram-worthy photo spots creates a stunning atmosphere. Music features a live DJ playing a mix of R&B, hip hop, and pop, keeping energy lively and engaging. Cozy vibe suits casual gatherings and catching up with friends.

Sweet and crunchy texture defines the calamari here. It stands out as a fantastic appetizer alongside other flavorful dishes.

Upscale-but-fun energy creates a cool vibe. The space looks great for photos and suits date night or girls' night.

People are saying

"The food here was fantastic and beautiful."

"The calamari here is fried to perfection."

"The vibe here is so cool, perfect for date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as seating can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

The restaurant closes at 4 PM on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to your bill for parties of six or more.

08
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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.

Atmosphere feels cool and chill with a festive vibe. Staff stays super attentive throughout.

People are saying

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

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

"I'd come back just for the amazing chocolate cake."

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.

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Midtown West, New York

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