Best of 17 calamari in Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is a vibrant hub of cultural and culinary delights, and calamari is a standout dish that visitors and locals alike can't resist. From upscale restaurants to cozy cafes, calamari is prepared in a variety of ways, incorporating unique flavors and textures that showcase the dish's versatility. Whether you prefer it fried, grilled, or sautéed, calamari in Downtown San Diego is a must-try for seafood lovers. This coastal favorite is always fresh and expertly prepared, making it a highlight of any meal in this bustling urban center.
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- 1. Water Grill San Diego
- 2. The Fish Market - San Diego
- 3. Osteria Panevino in Downtown San Diego
- 4. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- 5. Joe's Crab Shack
- 6. Roy's Restaurant
- 7. Crab Hut
- 8. Sally's Fish House & Bar
- 9. Saltwater Seafood & Steak
- 10. Operacaffe
- 11. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Downtown San Diego
- 12. Monzu Fresh Pasta
- 13. Roma Mia
- 14. EL Puerto Seafood By the Park
- 15. Ironside Fish & Oyster
- 16. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine- San Diego
- 17. Seneca Trattoria in Downtown San Diego
1. Water Grill San Diego
Sustainable seafood options, raw bar, happy hour specials
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The calamari appetizer was a delightful start to the meal, offering a fresh and crispy texture that impressed our group. The standout dish of the evening, the calamari excelled in its preparation and seasoning.
Crisply fried and served as an appetizer, the calamari delivered a tantalizing taste that left us eager for more. With a spot-on cooking process and well-balanced seasoning, this dish truly shone as a favorite.
The calamari appetizer was a delightful start to the meal, offering a fresh and crispy texture that impressed our group. The standout dish of the evening, the calamari excelled in its preparation and seasoning.
Crisply fried and served as an appetizer, the calamari delivered a tantalizing taste that left us eager for more. With a spot-on cooking process and well-balanced seasoning, this dish truly shone as a favorite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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2. The Fish Market - San Diego
Fresh seafood sourced daily, Beautiful waterfront views, Welcoming and knowledgeable staff
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I tried a variety of dishes, including calamari, fish and chips, king crab legs, a smoked platter, salad, and seared scallops with carrots and rice. Unfortunately, I found the food to be generally bland and lacking in flavor.
However, there were a couple of standout dishes. The calamari, which we ordered to start, was delicious, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The fish and chips were also excellent, with fresh, perfectly cooked fish and crispy, golden batter.
I tried a variety of dishes, including calamari, fish and chips, king crab legs, a smoked platter, salad, and seared scallops with carrots and rice. Unfortunately, I found the food to be generally bland and lacking in flavor.
However, there were a couple of standout dishes. The calamari, which we ordered to start, was delicious, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The fish and chips were also excellent, with fresh, perfectly cooked fish and crispy, golden batter.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
3. Osteria Panevino in Downtown San Diego
Prime location in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter
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The calamari from Osteria Panevino in San Diego is exceptional and highly recommended. It stands out as some of the best calamari I have tasted in the city. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it truly delicious.
If you're a calamari lover, Osteria Panevino's offering is not to be missed. The perfect combination of crispiness and tenderness makes it a must-try. I can confidently say that this calamari is a top choice in San Diego.
The calamari from Osteria Panevino in San Diego is exceptional and highly recommended. It stands out as some of the best calamari I have tasted in the city. Its crispy exterior and tender interior make it truly delicious.
If you're a calamari lover, Osteria Panevino's offering is not to be missed. The perfect combination of crispiness and tenderness makes it a must-try. I can confidently say that this calamari is a top choice in San Diego.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
4. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Live music and elegant atmosphere
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The popular dish of calamari, known for its crispy and delicious taste, is served on a bed of equally crispy noodles. The portion size is large enough to share among a group of four people. Although I personally prefer the crab cake, I still enjoyed the calamari.
The Point Judith Calamari Kung Pao Style is another excellent dish, featuring wok-fried vegetables and roasted cashews. This dish has a nice portion size that can comfortably serve four people. Despite the Kung Pao name, the dish is not spicy, allowing for an enjoyable meal with a variety of flavors.
The popular dish of calamari, known for its crispy and delicious taste, is served on a bed of equally crispy noodles. The portion size is large enough to share among a group of four people. Although I personally prefer the crab cake, I still enjoyed the calamari.
The Point Judith Calamari Kung Pao Style is another excellent dish, featuring wok-fried vegetables and roasted cashews. This dish has a nice portion size that can comfortably serve four people. Despite the Kung Pao name, the dish is not spicy, allowing for an enjoyable meal with a variety of flavors.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
5. Joe's Crab Shack
Located near the San Diego Bay with outdoor seating
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Valerie served as our waitress and provided excellent service during our visit. The food we ordered was overpriced and came in smaller portions than expected. For instance, the calamari tortilla appetizer, priced at $19.99, only contained around five calamari pieces, which was disappointing as they looked different from the ones in the menu.
The restaurant's atmosphere and offerings bore many similarities to Bubba Gump, including the cuisine and ambiance, as well as take-home lighted mugs. The portions were large, and despite sharing the calamari dish, we couldn't finish it. The squid was a bit tough, which made chewing difficult.
Valerie served as our waitress and provided excellent service during our visit. The food we ordered was overpriced and came in smaller portions than expected. For instance, the calamari tortilla appetizer, priced at $19.99, only contained around five calamari pieces, which was disappointing as they looked different from the ones in the menu.
The restaurant's atmosphere and offerings bore many similarities to Bubba Gump, including the cuisine and ambiance, as well as take-home lighted mugs. The portions were large, and despite sharing the calamari dish, we couldn't finish it. The squid was a bit tough, which made chewing difficult.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
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6. Roy's Restaurant
Uses fresh ingredients, innovative preparation, and Pacific Rim flavors.
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The Calamari at this location is a must-try dish. It features crispy calamari with julienned vegetables and a delicious kung pao sauce. In addition to the calamari, diners are also treated to a bowl of freshly steamed and seasoned edamame. The overall dining experience is enhanced by the view and the attentive staff. This makes for a great meal, especially for those staying at the Marriott, as the restaurant is conveniently located nearby.
The restaurant has recently been refreshed, and customers are expressing their satisfaction with the changes. The view is especially noteworthy, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal. The staff's attentiveness has also been praised, contributing to the positive dining experience. The Calamari dish, with its crispy texture and flavorful kung pao sauce, stands out on the menu. The complimentary bowl of edamame further enhances the meal. Overall, the restaurant offers a great combination of food, view, and service, making it a recommended dining destination.
The Calamari at this location is a must-try dish. It features crispy calamari with julienned vegetables and a delicious kung pao sauce. In addition to the calamari, diners are also treated to a bowl of freshly steamed and seasoned edamame. The overall dining experience is enhanced by the view and the attentive staff. This makes for a great meal, especially for those staying at the Marriott, as the restaurant is conveniently located nearby.
The restaurant has recently been refreshed, and customers are expressing their satisfaction with the changes. The view is especially noteworthy, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal. The staff's attentiveness has also been praised, contributing to the positive dining experience. The Calamari dish, with its crispy texture and flavorful kung pao sauce, stands out on the menu. The complimentary bowl of edamame further enhances the meal. Overall, the restaurant offers a great combination of food, view, and service, making it a recommended dining destination.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
7. Crab Hut
Offers a fun and casual seafood dining experience with a Cajun twist
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The calamari served at a place called Why this ad? is not to be missed. It was expertly cooked and well-seasoned, making for a delightful dining experience. The calamari stood out as a particularly delicious and enjoyable dish during the meal.
Crispy and delicious, the calamari at Why this ad? is worth trying. It was a definite highlight of the meal, with its expert preparation and seasoning. Fans of calamari are sure to enjoy this tasty and satisfying dish.
The calamari served at a place called Why this ad? is not to be missed. It was expertly cooked and well-seasoned, making for a delightful dining experience. The calamari stood out as a particularly delicious and enjoyable dish during the meal.
Crispy and delicious, the calamari at Why this ad? is worth trying. It was a definite highlight of the meal, with its expert preparation and seasoning. Fans of calamari are sure to enjoy this tasty and satisfying dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. Sally's Fish House & Bar
Fresh seafood, creative cocktails, waterfront dining
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The calamari dish stood out as a highlight of the meal. It was cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful crispy texture. The tender and flavorful quality of the calamari made it a must-try for anyone who enjoys this dish.
The calamari was a delicious choice, boasting a perfect balance of taste and texture. It was cooked without an overpowering amount of grease and skillfully prepared to maintain its tenderness. The exquisite flavor of the calamari made it a satisfying and memorable dish for all who tasted it.
The calamari dish stood out as a highlight of the meal. It was cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful crispy texture. The tender and flavorful quality of the calamari made it a must-try for anyone who enjoys this dish.
The calamari was a delicious choice, boasting a perfect balance of taste and texture. It was cooked without an overpowering amount of grease and skillfully prepared to maintain its tenderness. The exquisite flavor of the calamari made it a satisfying and memorable dish for all who tasted it.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
9. Saltwater Seafood & Steak
Fresh seafood flown in daily, waterfront dining
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Saltwater Seafood & Steak is known for its exceptional service and delicious meals. The spicy calamari stands out as a favorite dish, with excellent flavor and quality. Another option is the crab stuffed heirloom tomato salad, which features generous chunks of crab, but is let down by the mediocre quality of the tomato. The Greek Salad with heirloom tomatoes is one of the restaurant's highlights, with its fresh and vibrant ingredients.
Guests will appreciate the budget-friendly prices at Saltwater Seafood & Steak. The whole Branzino dish is a popular choice for sharing, and is sure to please. The attentive and friendly service adds to the overall dining experience, making it a highly recommended spot for anyone looking for great seafood and steak options. Overall, the restaurant boasts a strong menu and welcoming atmosphere that keep guests coming back.
Saltwater Seafood & Steak is known for its exceptional service and delicious meals. The spicy calamari stands out as a favorite dish, with excellent flavor and quality. Another option is the crab stuffed heirloom tomato salad, which features generous chunks of crab, but is let down by the mediocre quality of the tomato. The Greek Salad with heirloom tomatoes is one of the restaurant's highlights, with its fresh and vibrant ingredients.
Guests will appreciate the budget-friendly prices at Saltwater Seafood & Steak. The whole Branzino dish is a popular choice for sharing, and is sure to please. The attentive and friendly service adds to the overall dining experience, making it a highly recommended spot for anyone looking for great seafood and steak options. Overall, the restaurant boasts a strong menu and welcoming atmosphere that keep guests coming back.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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10. Operacaffe
Featuring a warm and intimate ambiance with a focus on Southern Italian cuisine.
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This location is a popular favorite, offering an enjoyable atmosphere that is particularly well-suited for date night. The calamari stands out as a menu highlight, receiving high praise from many guests. Even those who typically refrain from eating seafood find the calamari to be a delicious and worthwhile choice.
The establishment's appealing atmosphere and the quality of the food make it a top choice for many. Among the most popular dishes is the calamari, which has won over many skeptical seafood eaters. This restaurant's calamari is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty addition to their meal.
This location is a popular favorite, offering an enjoyable atmosphere that is particularly well-suited for date night. The calamari stands out as a menu highlight, receiving high praise from many guests. Even those who typically refrain from eating seafood find the calamari to be a delicious and worthwhile choice.
The establishment's appealing atmosphere and the quality of the food make it a top choice for many. Among the most popular dishes is the calamari, which has won over many skeptical seafood eaters. This restaurant's calamari is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty addition to their meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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11. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Downtown San Diego
Fresh seafood, fun atmosphere, lively location in Gaslamp Quarter
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The calamari stood out as a delicious star of the meal, with a notable combination of sweet and spicy flavors from the chili sauce. Its taste was enhanced by a nice kick, making it a satisfying and enjoyable dish.
Indeed, the calamari was a big hit - it featured an appealing crispy texture that contrasted well with the dipping sauce. The sauce was exceptional, perfectly complementing the taste and texture of the calamari, making the whole dish memorable and worth recommending.
The calamari stood out as a delicious star of the meal, with a notable combination of sweet and spicy flavors from the chili sauce. Its taste was enhanced by a nice kick, making it a satisfying and enjoyable dish.
Indeed, the calamari was a big hit - it featured an appealing crispy texture that contrasted well with the dipping sauce. The sauce was exceptional, perfectly complementing the taste and texture of the calamari, making the whole dish memorable and worth recommending.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Budget-Friendly Eats
12. Monzu Fresh Pasta
Emphasis on fresh, house-made pasta and seasonal ingredients
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The calamari dish I was served was excellent, some of the best I've ever had. The quality of the squid was exceptional, with a fresh and tender texture that was cooked to perfection. The breading was crispy and well-seasoned, adding a nice crunch to each bite. The accompanying sauce was also a highlight, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complemented the calamari nicely.
Overall, the dish was elevated by the use of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. Whether you're a fan of calamari or simply looking to try something new, I would highly recommend giving this dish a try. It's a perfect example of how careful attention to detail and quality ingredients can elevate a simple dish into something truly exceptional.
The calamari dish I was served was excellent, some of the best I've ever had. The quality of the squid was exceptional, with a fresh and tender texture that was cooked to perfection. The breading was crispy and well-seasoned, adding a nice crunch to each bite. The accompanying sauce was also a highlight, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complemented the calamari nicely.
Overall, the dish was elevated by the use of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. Whether you're a fan of calamari or simply looking to try something new, I would highly recommend giving this dish a try. It's a perfect example of how careful attention to detail and quality ingredients can elevate a simple dish into something truly exceptional.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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13. Roma Mia
Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and live music on weekends.
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The calamari stands out as a delicious dish, prepared and seasoned to perfection. It offers a satisfying contrast between a crispy exterior and tender, fresh meat on the inside. This dish is a must-try for anyone seeking an excellent calamari experience.
The calamari, in particular, is a highly recommended dish. Its freshness is evident in each bite, and it is neither too greasy nor overpowering. The seasoning complements the calamari well, making it one of the best versions of this dish compared to others.
The calamari stands out as a delicious dish, prepared and seasoned to perfection. It offers a satisfying contrast between a crispy exterior and tender, fresh meat on the inside. This dish is a must-try for anyone seeking an excellent calamari experience.
The calamari, in particular, is a highly recommended dish. Its freshness is evident in each bite, and it is neither too greasy nor overpowering. The seasoning complements the calamari well, making it one of the best versions of this dish compared to others.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- High-End
- Hidden Gems
14. EL Puerto Seafood By the Park
Fresh seafood flown in daily, waterfront views
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The happy hour at this establishment is highly recommended, with fresh and delicious food that is sure to satisfy. The owner is incredibly friendly and contributes to the overall positive atmosphere. One standout dish is the spicy mayo, which is said to be the best available. Sports fans will be pleased to know that baseball games, specifically the Padres, are often played on the television. The calamari is also a must-try, as it leaves customers wanting more. Overall, this place is a great spot to enjoy good food and company.
In this welcoming environment, the fresh and appetizing food is a highlight of the happy hour experience. The owner's presence adds to the enjoyable atmosphere, and the spicy mayo is a crowd favorite. The television plays sports games, such as those of the Padres, for the entertainment of customers. The calamari is particularly delicious and leaves a lasting impression. In summary, this location offers a wonderful happy hour experience with its delicious food and inviting atmosphere.
The happy hour at this establishment is highly recommended, with fresh and delicious food that is sure to satisfy. The owner is incredibly friendly and contributes to the overall positive atmosphere. One standout dish is the spicy mayo, which is said to be the best available. Sports fans will be pleased to know that baseball games, specifically the Padres, are often played on the television. The calamari is also a must-try, as it leaves customers wanting more. Overall, this place is a great spot to enjoy good food and company.
In this welcoming environment, the fresh and appetizing food is a highlight of the happy hour experience. The owner's presence adds to the enjoyable atmosphere, and the spicy mayo is a crowd favorite. The television plays sports games, such as those of the Padres, for the entertainment of customers. The calamari is particularly delicious and leaves a lasting impression. In summary, this location offers a wonderful happy hour experience with its delicious food and inviting atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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15. Ironside Fish & Oyster
Spacious and stylish interior with a large oyster bar, and a popular happy hour with discounted drinks and food.
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I recently tried calamari during a meal, and I found the actual calamari to be enjoyable. The texture was cooked just right, and the taste was quite pleasing to my palate. However, my complaint lies with the sauce that accompanied the dish. It didn't complement the calamari well, and I would have preferred a different sauce or no sauce at all.
In summary, I had a mixed experience with the calamari. On one hand, the calamari itself was cooked well and tasted great. On the other hand, the sauce was a disappointment and detracted from the overall dish. It would have been better if the sauce had been more to my liking or if I had been given the option to have the calamari without it.
I recently tried calamari during a meal, and I found the actual calamari to be enjoyable. The texture was cooked just right, and the taste was quite pleasing to my palate. However, my complaint lies with the sauce that accompanied the dish. It didn't complement the calamari well, and I would have preferred a different sauce or no sauce at all.
In summary, I had a mixed experience with the calamari. On one hand, the calamari itself was cooked well and tasted great. On the other hand, the sauce was a disappointment and detracted from the overall dish. It would have been better if the sauce had been more to my liking or if I had been given the option to have the calamari without it.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- High-End
- Dinner
16. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine- San Diego
Stylish restaurant with a focus on sustainable seafood and creative cocktails
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The calamari dish stood out with its expert cooking and seasoning. Its contrasting textures, crispy exterior and tender interior, made it a joy to eat. This appetizer is highly recommended for anyone who visits.
The ordered calamari dish did not disappoint. Its generous portion size was satisfying, and the dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor. Overall, the calamari was a delicious starter that complemented the meal well.
The calamari dish stood out with its expert cooking and seasoning. Its contrasting textures, crispy exterior and tender interior, made it a joy to eat. This appetizer is highly recommended for anyone who visits.
The ordered calamari dish did not disappoint. Its generous portion size was satisfying, and the dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor. Overall, the calamari was a delicious starter that complemented the meal well.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- High-End
17. Seneca Trattoria in Downtown San Diego
Located on the 19th floor with stunning views of the bay
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The calamari, a popular seafood dish, received mixed reviews. One individual found the calamari to be overly chewy, which detracted from their dining experience. However, the same dish was praised by another person who enjoyed the flavor and found the texture to be satisfying. The calamari, when cooked correctly, can be crispy and tender, providing a satisfying contrast in mouthfeel.
Despite the differences in opinion regarding the calamari's texture, there was agreement on its flavor. Both individuals found the taste of the calamari to be enjoyable, suggesting that the dish was well-seasoned and prepared. It is possible that the difference in texture preferences was due to variations in the cooking process or the size of the calamari pieces. Overall, the calamari was a tasty dish that was seemingly prepared with care.
The calamari, a popular seafood dish, received mixed reviews. One individual found the calamari to be overly chewy, which detracted from their dining experience. However, the same dish was praised by another person who enjoyed the flavor and found the texture to be satisfying. The calamari, when cooked correctly, can be crispy and tender, providing a satisfying contrast in mouthfeel.
Despite the differences in opinion regarding the calamari's texture, there was agreement on its flavor. Both individuals found the taste of the calamari to be enjoyable, suggesting that the dish was well-seasoned and prepared. It is possible that the difference in texture preferences was due to variations in the cooking process or the size of the calamari pieces. Overall, the calamari was a tasty dish that was seemingly prepared with care.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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