Best of 15 calamari in Hillcrest
Calamari in Hillcrest is a must-try dining experience for seafood lovers. This dish, popular in the Hillcrest area, features tender squid rings coated in crispy breadcrumbs and served with tangy marinara or garlic aioli sauce. Whether you're a local or a tourist, don't miss out on the delicious calamari in Hillcrest, which combines fresh ingredients and unique flavors for a memorable meal.
- 1. The Red Door
- 2. Parma Cucina Italiana
- 3. Arrivederci Ristorante
- 4. Mia Trattoria
- 5. Cardellino in Hillcrest
- 6. TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST in Hillcrest
- 7. RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill
- 8. Chocolat Hillcrest
- 9. Alexi's Greek Cafe
- 10. Luna Grill Hillcrest
- 11. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- 12. Crest Cafe
- 13. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
- 14. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria e Cucina in Hillcrest
- 15. Massachusetts Mike's Pizzeria
1. The Red Door
Cozy atmosphere, attentive service, extensive wine list

The seafood fettuccine I had was impressive, packed with a variety of seafood such as mussels, calamari, scallops, shrimp, and clams. The dish was made even more unique with the use of squid ink fettuccine, giving it a striking appearance and a subtle briny flavor. The seafood was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, and the pasta had a nice al dente texture. It was truly one of the best seafood fettuccine dishes I have ever had.
The combination of flavors and textures in this dish was outstanding. The briny taste of the squid ink pasta complemented the sweetness of the seafood perfectly. The mussels, clams, and shrimp were cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce that coated the pasta, while the calamari and scallops were seared to give them a nice caramelized crust. Every bite was a delight, bursting with fresh and authentic flavors. This dish was a true seafood lover's paradise, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates great seafood and pasta.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
2. Parma Cucina Italiana
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere

The calamari dish was a great way to start the meal. It had a crispy exterior with a soft and flavorful interior. The perfect cooking and seasoning of the calamari made it a standout dish, and a must-try for anyone visiting.
The calamari appetizer was a definite highlight of the meal. Its crispy texture and delicious taste made it a great choice to start the meal. The seasoning was on point, and the calamari was cooked just right, resulting in a highly recommended dish for all seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
3. Arrivederci Ristorante
Offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, warm ambiance, and a full bar with Italian wines.

The Calamari Caruso and Calamari & Zucchini Fritti lunches are delicious seafood dishes that showcase calamari in two different ways. The Calamari Caruso features sautéed calamari with white wine, tomato, and fresh spinach, providing a flavorful and healthy option. On the other hand, the Calamari & Zucchini Fritti lunch is a deep-fried delight, consisting of calamari and zucchini served with a fresh tomato sauce, offering a crispy and satisfying experience.
Both dishes make excellent choices for anyone craving calamari, but each offers a unique culinary experience. The Calamari Caruso is a lighter, more refreshing option, while the Calamari & Zucchini Fritti is a hearty and indulgent treat. Whether you prefer a healthier or more indulgent meal, both dishes are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings and are ideal for enjoying a delightful lunch.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
4. Mia Trattoria
Family-owned Italian trattoria with waterfront views

The calamari dish delivered on taste and quality. It had a satisfying texture contrast, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The freshness of the calamari was apparent in its delicious flavor. A generous portion was served, making it even more appealing. The meal was enhanced by a tasty dipping sauce, which complemented the calamari well.
In terms of appetizers, the calamari stood out as a significant highlight. Its perfectly cooked and seasoned nature made it a must-try option. Impressive aspects included its freshness, crispy exterior, and sufficient portion size. These elements combined to create a memorable dish. Moreover, the accompanying dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
5. Cardellino in Hillcrest
Homemade pasta, extensive wine list, outdoor seating

The calamari appetizer was a standout dish during the meal. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor made it a definite highlight. The calamari was fresh and well-prepared, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys this type of dish.
As an appetizer, the calamari was an excellent choice to start the meal. It was cooked to perfection, with a fresh and tasty flavor that left everyone at the table impressed. The quality of the calamari speaks to the restaurant's commitment to serving high-quality, delicious food.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
6. TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST in Hillcrest
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy setting with outdoor seating.

Crispy Calamari is a popular appetizer featuring golden fried battered calamari. The calamari is cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. This dish is usually served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, which adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to each bite.
Overall, the Crispy Calamari is a delightful dish that combines crunchy texture with tender seafood. The sweet chili dipping sauce complements the calamari nicely, offering a sweet and spicy contrast. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a snack, Crispy Calamari is sure to please anyone who loves fried seafood. This dish is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and foodies alike.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
7. RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill
Authentic Japanese pub atmosphere, Chef's special recipes

The calamari dish had a delicious flavor that was enjoyed by the individual. However, the texture was a bit tough and chewy. On the other hand, another person had a different experience with the same calamari at the same place. They found the calamari to be crispy and delightful.
Both individuals found the flavor of the calamari to be enjoyable, but the texture was a point of difference. One person found it to be chewy, while the other person described it as crispy. Despite the variation in texture, both parties seemed to have had a positive experience with the calamari.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
8. Chocolat Hillcrest
Family-owned business with a commitment to sustainability

The calamari dish stood out and lived up to our expectations. Its great flavor and texture made it a delightful treat. The squid was cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy and delicious exterior.
Lovers of calamari will be thrilled with this dish. Its crispy and appetizing quality makes it a must-try for anyone visiting. The squid is cooked in a way that enhances its natural flavor while providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
9. Alexi's Greek Cafe
Family-owned Greek cafe with homemade recipes

The calamari dish stood out, prepared and seasoned to perfection. Its taste and quality make it a must-try for any visitor. Its crispy and delicious texture is sure to satisfy anyone who tries it, making it a definite recommendation.
Fans of calamari will be delighted with the dish served in this location. Crispy on the outside and cooked just right, each bite offers a burst of flavor. Its appetizing nature is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality, making it a must-eat for any calamari lover.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
Relate link
10. Luna Grill Hillcrest
Upscale casual dining with a modern, inviting atmosphere.

The calamari dish at Luna Grill Hillcrest is a must-try for any seafood lover. The calamari is consistently fresh and full of flavor, making it a standout dish at the restaurant. The chef expertly prepares the calamari, ensuring it is cooked to perfection and well-seasoned.
If you are looking for a delicious and satisfying seafood option, the calamari at Luna Grill Hillcrest is an excellent choice. The perfectly cooked and seasoned calamari is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable part of your dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Uses high-quality ingredients, caters to various dietary preferences, and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options

The calamari at this restaurant is exemplary and well-seasoned. Its excellent preparation makes it a standout dish. Food enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to try it.
Snooze offers outstanding calamari. Its flavor and texture are exceptional, making it one of the best calamari dishes I have ever tasted. I highly recommend giving it a try.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
12. Crest Cafe
Retro-style diner with a cozy ambiance and a popular brunch spot.

The calamari dish at Crest Cafe in San Diego is highly recommended, known for its exceptional taste and quality. It stands out as one of the best calamari options in the city, drawing praise for its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Diners enjoy the crispy calamari, which is widely regarded as a standout menu item at Crest Cafe. The satisfying crunch and delightful taste of the calamari make it a popular choice among patrons, contributing to the dish's excellent reputation in San Diego.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
Relate link
13. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service.

The calamari dish in question received mixed reviews. One person described it as perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, indicating a high level of satisfaction. They strongly recommended trying it. On the other hand, another person found the calamari to be slightly chewy, which affected their overall enjoyment of the dish. However, they did acknowledge that it had a good flavor.
Despite the difference in texture preferences, both reviewers seemed to agree that the calamari had a delicious taste. Neither of them rated the dish as exceptional, but one of them did consider it worth trying. In summary, while the calamari could have been more tender, its flavor was generally regarded as positive.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
14. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria e Cucina in Hillcrest
Family-owned and operated, uses traditional Italian recipes

Calamari Fritti has received high praise in four reviews, accompanied by 107 high-quality photos and an additional 102 user-generated images. The menu offers a variety of options, with the soup, calamari, pizza, and salad highly recommended. The establishment's ambiance is a standout feature, described as charming and homely, reminiscent of 'nonna' and her family who own and run the place. Customers have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with their dining experience, stating that they have no complaints.
The calamari, in particular, has been singled out for its delicious sauces, adding an extra layer of flavor to an already excellent dish. The atmosphere at Calamari Fritti is warm and inviting, making it a great spot for a family dinner or a night out with friends. The restaurant's commitment to quality and hospitality has earned it high marks from patrons, with many vowing to return for future visits. Overall, Calamari Fritti is a hidden gem that offers delicious food, excellent service, and an ambiance that is both comfortable and authentic.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
15. Massachusetts Mike's Pizzeria
Family-owned pizzeria with a wide range of Italian dishes

The calamari stands out as a highlight of the meal, with its freshness and lack of greasiness making it a great starter. Its crispy texture and flavorful marinara sauce make it a must-try dish.
Once the calamari has piqued your appetite, the pizzas offer a delicious follow-up. With a variety of options, there's something for everyone, but the real star is the quality of the pizza and its fresh ingredients.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
Relate link