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Dinner spots with calamari

A plate of calamari is the ideal way to start a dinner spot experience that feels like a treat.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fish City Grill image 1
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with an upscale, modern decor and a spacious, well-arranged layout including a patio with river views and outdoor misters and fans. Atmosphere is cozy yet lively, suitable for casual dining or date nights, with a mix of seating options and TVs for sports. The vibe is friendly and energetic, sometimes getting loud when busy.

Fried calamari uses baby squid that stays tender and flavorful. It comes fresh and is prepared with care, matching well with other seafood like scallops and shrimp.

Dinner features delicious seafood with consistently excellent quality. The spot suits celebrations well, making dinners memorable.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The dinner here was amazing, especially the fresh seafood."

"The calamari here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect food preparation times of 20-30 minutes during busy evenings.

3

The restaurant is pet-friendly, allowing dogs on the patio.

02
Yippon Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers modern decor with warm colors and wood accents, creating a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes private spots, booths, and bar seating by a sushi station, accommodating groups and families. Music is smooth and chill, enhancing the clean and inviting environment.

Fried calamari stands out with its tasty, crispy texture and flavor that surpasses typical versions. It pairs well with other dishes like gyoza and ramen, making it a popular choice here.

Dinner here offers private seating that suits intimate chats and group dinners. The spot works well for family celebrations and casual meetups with friends.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The ramen and sushi here are fresh, flavorful, and filling."

"The fried calamari here is delicious and impressive."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

Prices for ramen dishes are generally under $20 per person.

3

Takeout orders are available with neat packaging to keep food warm.

03
Primo's image 1
Restaurant

Small space with modern decor and inviting patio offers a warm, quiet atmosphere ideal for relaxed conversations. Artisanal pizza and refreshing cocktails complement the cozy, clean setting.

Calamari comes in large chunks with a crispy fried texture. It pairs with an amazing lemon aioli sauce and often includes fried green shishito peppers as a side.

Dinner features fantastic food and service with covered patio seating that suits outdoor dining. The spot works well for dinner and drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the seafood linguine."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing and flavorful."

"I've never had calamari this good; it's top-notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is very limited, so consider alternative transportation options.

3

The brunch menu is only available until 3 PM on Saturdays.

04
Hola! image 1
Tapas restaurant

Tapas restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with funky decor and sensual art on the walls. Outdoor patio features live music and views of downtown, creating a lively yet comfortable vibe. The space supports local artists and combines European style with casual energy.

Calamari with black ink rice stands out as a signature dish. It pairs well with other Spanish tapas like shrimp al ajillo and black mussels, offering a rich, authentic flavor experience.

Dinner here offers a consistently amazing experience with dishes that impress across visits. The atmosphere suits family gatherings and special occasions alike.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here have amazing, fresh dishes you'll love."

"I thought the calamari here was awesome."

Good to know

1

A 25% gratuity fee is added automatically without clear indication on the menu.

2

There is no onsite parking available for guests.

3

The portions are generous and reasonably priced for tapas.

05
Sakana Sushi Hibachi Ramen and Bar image 1

Japanese-inspired decor features cherry blossoms, paper lanterns, and an open kitchen plan creating a relaxing atmosphere. Music plays softly while TV screens show sports, attracting a diverse crowd including families with children. The space feels cozy and inviting despite its smaller size, with every inch used effectively.

Hot, crispy, and well seasoned, the calamari comes in a good portion and is made to perfection with on-point flavors. Presentation is beautiful and it pairs well with other dishes like ramen.

Riverwalk roll and edamame stand out as solid dinner choices. Service runs smoothly, especially before the dinner rush, making it suitable for both date nights and family dinners.

People are saying

"The sushi and ramen here are the freshest and most flavorful I've had."

"The dinner spots here have amazing food and warm, friendly service."

"The calamari here is hot and crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and free for restaurant patrons.

2

An 18% gratuity is added for groups of six or more.

3

Sushi specials are available on Tuesdays.

06
Red Lobster image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with soft lighting and nautical-themed décor that creates a cozy, upscale feel. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with occasional live music and special touches like interactive experiences for children. Drinks include well-made margaritas and a variety of beers, complementing a menu known for fresh crab legs and seafood boils.

Calamari arrives quickly and is cooked to perfection. It features a spicy chili sauce and green onions, making it very tasty and flavorful.

Dinner here features delicious food and attentive service from staff like Terrence, Juran, Sarah, and Tarik. The atmosphere suits special occasions such as engagements, anniversaries, and birthdays.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"Terrence made our engagement dinner experience perfect."

"I found the calamari to be the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

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

2

Lobsterfest features special lobster dishes available for a limited time.

3

Expect a $25 surf and turf special on Wednesday nights.

07
Casa Mía Italian restaurant image 1

Open kitchen and upscale decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere with quiet, relaxing energy. Space feels clean and cozy, distinct from typical east side restaurants. Nicely appointed bar adds to the overall experience.

Crisp and fresh, the calamari comes perfectly cooked without any greasiness. It pairs well with a creamy aioli dip and serves as a nicely prepared appetizer.

Dinner offers solid Italian dishes with good service and a pleasant atmosphere. Prices run around $60 plus tip for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is homemade and tastes so fresh."

"The dinner spots here are hearty and flavorful."

"The calamari was fresh and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $15 per plate, with kids' meals costing $10.99.

2

Expect to pay around $60 for three people, excluding tips.

3

The takeout order matches the quality of the dine-in experience.

08
Mina & Dimi's Greek House image 1

Small space with Mediterranean taverna décor creates a warm, family-driven atmosphere. Weekend belly dancing adds lively entertainment and cultural immersion. Known for authentic Greek food including standout gyros and Greek fries.

Calamari here comes as a crispy appetizer often paired with tzatziki sauce. It appears alongside other Greek staples like gyros and shish kebabs, making it a common choice to start a meal.

Dinner features consistently great service. The spot holds a sense of longstanding tradition for special occasions.

People are saying

"This Greek food is simply amazing and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the gyros."

"I thought the calamari here was among the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Belly dancing shows occur on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Parking is available, but the lot can get crowded during peak hours.

09
El Cevichero Restaurant y Cantina image 1

Small space with colorful decor and loud Latin music creates a cultural, inviting atmosphere. Energetic live performances include a talented mariachi band and a DJ playing popular Latin hits. The vibe is friendly and lively, drawing people who enjoy vibrant music and intimate settings.

Large servings of calamari come with a unique breading that delivers a perfect crisp crunch. The calamari is consistently perfectly cooked and very tasty.

Dinner offers a great evening experience with excellent food. Both lunch and dinner times work well for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"The calamari is so tasty and perfectly crisp."

"The dinner spots here have delicious food in generous portions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-6pm daily.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a table.

10
Mambo Seafood - Brooks City Base image 1

Bright, clean space with an open floor plan and colorful, family-friendly vibe. Music sets a pleasant, inviting atmosphere that balances liveliness with easy conversation. Busy but efficient, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a well-regarded bar setting.

Starters include calamari that offers a distinct flavor some find an acquired taste. It generally satisfies but does not stand out as exceptional.

Dinner here features seafood dishes served in a setting suited for celebrations. Staff like Kimberley contribute to an amazing dining experience that invites repeat visits for special occasions.

People are saying

"The fried rice with seafood is huge and top-notch."

"I received outstanding service from Savannah the bartender."

"The dinner spots here are fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a generous military and veterans’ discount.

3

They ran out of fish at 3pm, so arrive early for the best selection.

11
Jazz, TX image 1
Jazz club

Speakeasy-style jazz club with a cozy intimate setting and spacious seating that avoids crowding. Live jazz bands deliver phenomenal music while guests enjoy craft cocktails and carefully prepared food. The venue feels like a hidden gem with a basement stage and a tiny dance floor.

Fried calamari comes out perfectly crispy and seasoned to perfection, paired with a tangy sauce that complements it well.

People are saying

"The jazz musicians are talented and clearly passionate."

"You have to come for the fantastic live music and great shows."

"The calamari here is perfectly crispy and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a seat for popular events.

2

Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend performances.

3

Expect sold-out shows, especially on weekends and special event nights.

12
Range | Steak - Seafood - Field image 1

Steakhouse with historical-style decor and riverwalk views offers a laid-back atmosphere despite upscale pricing. Lighting tends to be bright and music loud, creating a lively but sometimes crowded vibe. Known for top-tier steak and seafood, it attracts diners seeking quality meals near downtown.

Calamari comes cooked to perfection with a tender texture and a seasoned batter that adds good flavor.

Dinner features wagyu Salisbury steak and careful plating that shows attention to detail. Staff like Pablo and Angela provide personalized service that enhances the meal experience.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is superb, especially the flavorful, fresh pasta."

"The food at these dinner spots was delicious."

"The calamari here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy events like Valentine's Day and the Ford Holiday parade.

2

Parking downtown can be difficult and expensive, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect high prices, with a typical meal costing around $200 for three people without alcohol.

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