Best of 10 calamari in San Antonio
Calamari in San Antonio is a popular dish that can be found in various restaurants throughout the city. This seafood delicacy is made from squid, which is usually battered and deep-fried, then served with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are the top 5 locations to try calamari in San Antonio: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Sea Island Shrimp House, Landry's Seafood House, Kona Grill - San Antonio at North Star, and Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas.
1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Atmospheric Cajun-style seafood restaurant with a lively bar scene

The calamari dish stands out as a must-try for anyone looking for delicious seafood. Its crispy texture and delightful flavor make it one of the best calamari options available. The portion served is generous, providing great value for money.
The calamari is prepared to perfection, with a crispy exterior that complements its tender interior. Its rich flavor is a testament to the quality of ingredients used and the skill of the chef. Whether you're a fan of seafood or looking to try something new, this calamari dish is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Kona Grill - San Antonio at North Star
Modern American cuisine in a sleek and sophisticated setting

The pricing at the restaurant can be perceived as high, with small portions of calamari and edamame costing $21 and $15, respectively. Some may have mixed reviews about the cost, but the restaurant is known for its consistent quality and flavor.
During the visit, service from Brianna was excellent and she contributed to improving the overall experience. The food served was all very tasty, but it's worth noting that the prices have significantly increased since the last visit. A small serving of calamari was priced at $21 and a small bowl of edamame cost $15, which some may consider to be high.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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3. Landry's Seafood House
Romantic atmosphere with river views, Extensive wine list, Live music on weekends

We started our meal with a variety of dishes, including calamari, oysters rockefeller, lobster bisque, several salads, and some seafood options. The location of the restaurant, situated right on the river walk, added to the ambiance of our dining experience. However, I found myself slightly disappointed with the calamari dish, which I felt lacked the wow factor I was expecting, especially considering its cost.
Despite the mediocre calamari, the other dishes we ordered were enjoyable. The oysters rockefeller and lobster bisque were standout choices, full of flavor and freshness. The salads were also well-prepared, with a variety of fresh ingredients. Our seafood dishes did not disappoint, providing us with a satisfying and enjoyable meal overall. However, the calamari left me wishing for a more memorable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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4. Sea Island Shrimp House
Family-owned seafood restaurant with a loyal following

The calamari dish stood out during the meal, with its perfectly cooked and delicious taste. However, the seafood platter did not meet the same standards. Despite being well-cooked, the platter was not enjoyable due to the seasoning, which was not to the diner's liking.
The diner had a negative experience with the fried calamari when they realized that it came from a bag of frozen "fish" and all the pieces were perfectly round and the same size. This was not the first time they had seafood, and they have had a lot of it, but it was the worst they have ever had. The calamari's quality was questionable due to being frozen, and it did not meet the expectations of the diner.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Mid-Range
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5. Paesanos Lincoln Heights
Family-owned Italian restaurant since 1969 with a cozy atmosphere

The calamari dish was a subject of two different dining experiences. One found the calamari to be perfectly cooked, with a satisfying crispy exterior and tender interior. The seasoning was praised as adding to the overall delicious taste. This calamari is highly recommended. Conversely, another diner's experience was not as positive. While the flavor was deemed good, the texture was criticized for being too chewy. Despite the different opinions, both agreed that the calamari was a worthwhile dish to try.
In summary, the calamari dish received mixed reviews. Some enjoyed the contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior, while others found the texture to be too chewy. The seasoning and flavor were consistently praised. This dish may appeal to different palates in various ways, but it is undoubtedly a must-try for those who enjoy calamari.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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6. Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas
Family-owned and operated, brings a taste of Puerto Rico to Texas

Luna Rosa is a wonderful restaurant that offers excellent food and service. The staff is known for being friendly and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, including unique options like plantain nachos and savory entrees such as Ropa Vieja, Pernil, and calamari. The mofongo is also a standout dish, making Luna Rosa a great choice for those looking to try new and flavorful foods.
Overall, Luna Rosa is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. The delicious food and exceptional service make it a place that you'll want to return to again and again. Whether you're looking for a new favorite spot to grab a cocktail or a satisfying meal, Luna Rosa is the perfect choice. Their plantain nachos and savory entrees are sure to leave you satisfied and craving more. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. La Focaccia Italian Grill
Offers traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist

Chef Fernando is truly a remarkable culinary expert. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sampling a variety of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. Two standout dishes were the fried calamari and the New York cheesecake. If you find yourself in San Antonio, I highly recommend stopping by to try the food. You won't be disappointed.
The fried calamari, in particular, was a standout. Crispy and golden brown on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, it was served with a tangy cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges. The combination of flavors and textures made for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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8. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Live music on weekends, authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine

The calamari appetizer was skillfully prepared and well-seasoned, making it a standout option. Its delicious flavor and perfect cooking make it a must-try for anyone sampling the menu.
The calamari appetizer was a highlight of the meal, with its excellent taste and cookery. Its exceptional flavor and well-preparedness make it a must-have for anyone looking to try the best dishes offered.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Affordable Nightlife
9. Piatti
Kid-friendly, private event hosting, extensive wine list

The fritto misto calamari was prepared exceptionally well, featuring a perfect fried texture. The dish consisted of calamari, lemon, jalapeño, zucchini, olives, and was served with two delicious sauces: tangy marinara and creamy anchovy aioli.
Anchovy aioli and marinara sauce complemented the calamari and other fried ingredients well. Anchovy aioli provided a unique, savory flavor, while the marinara sauce added a tangy and familiar taste. The combination of these sauces and the fried ingredients made for a delightful and well-rounded dish.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Suburban
10. Sorrento Pizza & Restaurant
Family-owned and operated for over 20 years, Classic Italian dishes with a Texas twist

The restaurant, apparently catering to American tourists, served us an overdone appetizer of calamari that seemed to have been previously frozen for a long time. The dish lacked freshness and was close to being rubbery in texture, which was disappointing.
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide, but this particular restaurant failed to deliver an authentic experience. The calamari, intended as an introduction to the meal, was a letdown, given its lack of freshness and prolonged freezing. It did not meet the standards of quality one would expect from Italian cuisine, suggesting a lack of attention to detail and freshness in the kitchen.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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