Best of 17 calamari in Japantown
"Calamari in Japantown" is a unique culinary experience, blending Japanese cuisine with a popular Mediterranean dish. Japantown's vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect setting to savor delicately fried calamari, seasoned with traditional Japanese spices and accompanied by dipping sauces that elevate the flavors to new heights. This fusion of cultures results in a delectable and unforgettable journey for the senses.
- 1. Kui Shin Bo
- 2. On the Bridge
- 3. Oma San Francisco Station
- 4. An | Japanese Restaurant
- 5. Sasa Japanese Restaurant
- 6. Kippu in Japantown
- 7. Sanppo Restaurant in Japantown
- 8. Suzu
- 9. HINODEYA Ramen Japantown
- 10. Osakaya Restaurant
- 11. Marufuku Ramen
- 12. Udon Mugizo
- 13. Yakitori Edomasa
- 14. Waraku
- 15. Woodhouse Fish Co.
- 16. Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar
- 17. Kissako Tea in Japantown
1. Kui Shin Bo
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 1980.

The calamari stood out during the meal with its excellent preparation. Its crispy texture was delightful, and it is highly recommended. In addition to its delicious taste, the calamari was tender and well-seasoned.
A sauce accompanied the calamari, enhancing its flavor. The tenderness of the calamari made it enjoyable to eat, and its seasoning ensured that it was flavorful. The combination of the calamari and the sauce made for a memorable dining experience. Overall, the calamari was a highlight of the meal and should not be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
2. On the Bridge
Offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere

The calamari dish stood out as a notable component of the meal. Its crispy texture was a highlight for some, while others found it a bit oily. The dipping sauce proved to be a great accompaniment, appreciated by all for enhancing the taste.
The calamari, in particular, received mixed reviews. Some diners found it to be perfectly cooked with a delightful crispy exterior. However, others thought it was a bit too greasy, overpowering the flavor. Despite the varying opinions, the calamari was still deemed as a worthwhile dish to try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
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3. Oma San Francisco Station
Unique Asian-fusion flavors, takeout and delivery available

The calamari served was incredibly delicious. Its crispy exterior and tender interior made it a standout dish, and it was a must-try for anyone visiting the establishment. The cooking and seasoning of the calamari were expertly done, resulting in a delightful and enjoyable start to the meal.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the calamari was a hit. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a recommended dish for anyone looking to dine there. The appetizing start to the meal was thanks to the excellent calamari, which had a satisfying crunch and taste that left a great first impression.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. An | Japanese Restaurant
Offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist

The calamari dish I tried was expertly cooked and seasoned to perfection. It had a delightful crispy texture, yet was not overly greasy. This dish is a standout and not to be missed.
At An, the calamari is a satisfying choice. The squid was fresh and tender, enveloped in a light batter that enhanced its natural flavor. This appetizing calamari is a must for anyone visiting the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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5. Sasa Japanese Restaurant
Offers a wide variety of sushi rolls and traditional Japanese dishes

The calamari stands out as a delicious dish with its expert cooking and seasoning. Its tantalizing taste makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a delectable seafood experience.
The calamari is truly a delight, featuring a crispy texture that adds to its overall appeal. Its delicious flavor is sure to satisfy anyone who tries it, making it a standout choice for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Late Night
6. Kippu in Japantown
Warm atmosphere, friendly service, and fresh ingredients

The calamari dish at this location is exceptional. It stands out for its freshness and unique texture. The crispy exterior, combined with the tender interior, creates a perfect balance of flavors and sensations.
Overall, the calamari is not greasy, which is always a plus when it comes to fried foods. The portion size is generous, making it a satisfying choice for a meal. If you're a calamari lover or looking to try something new, this dish is not to be missed. Its high-quality and delicious taste will leave you craving for more.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. Sanppo Restaurant in Japantown
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional Japanese dishes for over 30 years.

The calamari dish received mixed reviews. One critique was that it was chewier than expected and didn't meet the desired taste. However, others found the calamari to be cooked well with a satisfying crunch that made it a standout dish.
Despite the differing opinions, the calamari had a notable texture that was either criticized for being too chewy or praised for its crunch. It's clear that the preparation of the calamari was a significant factor in the varying reactions.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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8. Suzu
Suzu is a cozy, authentic Japanese restaurant with a wide variety of dishes and a warm atmosphere.

The calamari dish was a standout, with its crispy texture making it a delight to eat. The dipping sauce it came with complemented it well, making for a satisfying seafood experience. It is highly recommended for those who are looking to try this dish.
The calamari served at this establishment is a must-try for any seafood lover. It was noticeably fresh, cooked just right and not overly greasy. Its quality makes it a recommended dish for anyone visiting and looking for a delicious calamari experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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9. HINODEYA Ramen Japantown
Authentic Japanese ramen with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The calamari dish we ordered stood out as a highlight of our meal. Its delicious taste was evident, boasting a robust flavor that was not marred by greasiness. However, there was a slight issue with the calamari being slightly overcooked, which may not align with everyone's preference.
On the plus side, the ramen served more than made up for any shortcomings of the calamari. The flavor and quality of the ramen provided a satisfying and enjoyable experience that helped to balance out the meal. Overall, despite the calamari being a tad overcooked, the combination of the delicious calamari and flavorful ramen resulted in a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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10. Osakaya Restaurant
Authentic Japanese cuisine with a focus on sushi and grilled dishes, in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The calamari dish stood out as a notable component of the meal. For those who enjoy this particular dish, it proved to be a definite highlight. Its freshness was apparent, and the seasoning added to the overall flavor profile, making it a satisfying start to the meal.
However, there were some slight drawbacks to the calamari. A few individuals found it to be slightly chewy, which affected their overall enjoyment. Personal preferences and past experiences with calamari may have influenced this perception, as some people might have had better versions in the past. Despite these minor issues, the dish still had its merits and contributed to the meal's diversity.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
11. Marufuku Ramen
Uses traditional methods to make their noodles and broth

The calamari dish tried was delicious with a light batter that avoided being greasy. It is recommended to others who may consider ordering it. The calamari had a perfectly crispy texture that was easy to enjoy.
As an appetizer before the main course, mainly ramen, the calamari was an excellent choice. Its dipping sauce complemented the dish well, adding an extra layer of flavor to the crispy calamari. Overall, the calamari was a great starter that left a positive impression.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Udon Mugizo
Intimate setting, authentic Japanese cuisine

The calamari stood out as a delicious appetizer. It was skillfully cooked to achieve the perfect texture, and it had a delightful flavor that made it memorable. The crispy exterior of the calamari provided a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the inside remained tender and juicy. The udon served alongside it complemented the dish nicely, creating a well-balanced and flavorful starter.
Diners are sure to enjoy the calamari as a must-try dish. The appetizer boasts an excellent combination of texture and taste, with a crispy exterior and tender interior that is sure to delight. Pairing the calamari with udon proves to be an inspired choice, as the two elements enhance each other and provide a satisfying and delicious experience. Overall, the calamari is a standout dish that should not be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
13. Yakitori Edomasa

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
14. Waraku
Offers an extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions.

The fried calamari stood out as a delicious starter, offering a satisfying crunch without being overly greasy. It provided an excellent introduction to the meal, especially when followed by the restaurant's flavorful ramen.
Although the calamari had a slight chewiness, its taste was impressive and on-point. Seafood enthusiasts should consider giving it a try, as it presents a tasty addition to any meal.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
15. Woodhouse Fish Co.
Sustainable seafood options, cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff

The meal began with a serving of Clam Chowder, which was highly satisfying and set a positive tone for the rest of the dining experience. Another starter, the Crispy Calamari, was prepared to perfection. Its presentation, coupled with two accompanying dipping sauces, made for an enjoyable and tasty beginning to the meal.
The main course featured two types of lobster rolls. Both the small and large lobster rolls came with identical sized bread, but the lobster meat within them differed in quantity, with the large roll having twice the amount of its smaller counterpart. These lobster rolls were a standout part of the meal, delivering a delicious and memorable taste.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
16. Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar
This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a bullet train theme and an extensive sushi menu.

Calamari was served during the meal, with differing opinions regarding its taste and texture. One opinion found the calamari to be just average, with a slightly excessive chewiness that was less than desirable. However, there was also a positive review of the calamari, describing it as expertly cooked and seasoned.
The sushi stood out as a culinary highlight, receiving universal acclaim. Unfortunately, the experience of watching the food arrive via a train was not mentioned in relation to the sushi, but given the kids' enjoyment of the spectacle with the calamari, it is possible they had a similar experience with the sushi.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Kissako Tea in Japantown
Japanese-inspired teas, latte art, and a variety of tea drinks

The calamari dish was a standout, featuring a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. The dipping sauce that accompanied the calamari complemented its flavor perfectly, making for a truly enjoyable culinary experience. It is highly recommended to try this dish.
Freshness and texture were the highlights of the calamari served. Its delicious taste left a memorable impression, and it is certain that ordering this dish again would be a great decision. This calamari was not only appetizing but also prepared with high-quality ingredients.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
- Weekend Dining