Best of 20 calamari in Lake View
Calamari in Lake View is a popular dish that showcases the culinary delights of this vibrant Chicago neighborhood. With its tender squid, crispy breading, and zesty dipping sauces, calamari in Lake View has become a go-to choice for foodies and seafood lovers alike. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is a true testament to Lake View's thriving dining scene. Come and indulge in the deliciousness of calamari in Lake View!
- 1. Lowcountry Lakeview
- 2. Tutto Fresco
- 3. Coda di Volpe
- 4. Mia Francesca
- 5. 3rd Coast Fish Bar (a DMK restaurant)
- 6. Black & Caspian Mediterranean Wine Bistro
- 7. Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
- 8. mfk. Restaurant
- 9. Crosby's Kitchen
- 10. Bacino's Italian Grill
- 11. Ella Elli
- 12. Port & Park Bistro & Bar
- 13. Brown Bag Seafood Co. in Lake View
- 14. Cozy Noodles n' Rice in Lake View
- 15. ROCKS lakeview
- 16. PR Italian Bistro in Lake View
- 17. Crab King Cajun Boil & Sushi
- 18. Half Shell
- 19. Swift Tavern - Wrigleyville
- 20. La Gondola Italian Restaurant
1. Lowcountry Lakeview
Seafood focused, creative cocktails, Southern charm in Chicago

The calamari stands out as a highlight of the meal, with its flawless frying and seasoning making it a must-try dish. Its crispy texture and delicious taste are equally commendable, further enhanced by the accompanying dipping sauce.
Fried to perfection, the calamari's seasoning and crispy texture made it a memorable part of the meal. The dipping sauce complemented the dish well, enhancing its overall flavor and appeal. This appetizer is a definite must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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2. Tutto Fresco
Cozy and family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on traditional Italian cuisine

The calamari at this establishment is a must-try dish, with two delicious options to choose from. The first is the calamari fritti, which features perfectly golden and crispy fried squid served with a marinara sauce for dipping. The second option is the grilled calamari, which is sautéed with garlic, rosemary, white wine, and lemon sauce for a tangy and flavorful kick.
Both dishes are standouts, but the grilled calamari particularly shines with its combination of ingredients. The garlic, rosemary, white wine, and lemon sauce create a delicious medley of flavors that complement the tender grilled squid. Whether you prefer your calamari fried or grilled, this restaurant has you covered with two top-notch options.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Coda di Volpe
Family-owned Italian restaurant with a friendly vibe

The calamari appetizer stood out during our dining experience. It was cooked to perfection, resulting in a light and crispy texture that was not greasy. The seasoning was on point, adding to the overall deliciousness of the dish. I would highly recommend trying it.
The calamari was cooked expertly, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The seasoning enhanced the flavor of the dish, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys calamari. The appetizer was a perfect start to our meal and left us eagerly anticipating the rest of our dishes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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4. Mia Francesca
Cozy atmosphere with a lively bar scene

The meal began with a serving of calamari that left a positive impression. Its freshness and flavor were notable highlights. On the other hand, the calamari was described as crispy and tender, making it a delightful dish. Moreover, the dipping sauce that accompanied it was delicious.
In both descriptions, the calamari stood out as a favorite dish. Its appeal came from its fresh and flavorful taste, along with its crispy and tender texture. The additional enjoyment from a tasty dipping sauce was an added bonus. Overall, the start to the meal was enjoyable and promising.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Personal Celebrations
- Mid-Range
5. 3rd Coast Fish Bar (a DMK restaurant)
Wide variety of seafood options, Fresh ingredients, Cozy atmosphere

The calamari dish was a highlight of the meal, with its fresh and satisfying texture. Its quality was notable, making it a standout choice that will prompt a future order.
This calamari featured a delightful crispy exterior, avoiding the common pitfall of being overly greasy. Its appeal is undeniable, making it a strongly recommended dish to try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. Black & Caspian Mediterranean Wine Bistro
Wide selection of Mediterranean wines, cozy and intimate atmosphere

The grilled calamari stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its expert cooking and seasoning providing a fantastic beginning to the evening. Olive tapenade, grilled octopus, gnocchi, and lamb were the other dishes that the diners ordered. They appreciated the restaurant's accommodating approach to plating and timing the dishes, as they enjoyed sharing plates.
Diners had the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes, including grilled calamari, olive tapenade, grilled octopus, gnocchi, and lamb. The restaurant's staff went above and beyond to ensure that the dishes were plated and timed to the diners' liking, making for a wonderful dining experience. The grilled calamari, in particular, was a standout dish, boasting excellent cooking and seasoning.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
7. Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Craft wine bar, artisanal cocktails, rustic Italian dishes, date-night spot

The calamari dish at Frasca in Chicago is truly exceptional. It stands out for its freshness and delicious taste. The cooking and seasoning of the calamari are both spot on, adding to its overall appeal.
If you're a calamari fan, you must try the one at Frasca. Its impeccable preparation and seasoning make it a standout choice. This dish is a testament to Frasca's commitment to serving high-quality, delicious food.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. mfk. Restaurant
Fresh seafood, cozy atmosphere, excellent service

The calamari dish was a standout dish, with a delightful combination of crispy and tender textures. The perfectly cooked squid was elevated to an even greater level of deliciousness thanks to an exceptional dipping sauce. This dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it with its expert seasoning and preparation.
Overall, the calamari can be described as crispy and tender, boasting a delicious flavor that is enhanced by a tasty dipping sauce. Food enthusiasts looking for a must-try dish need look no further than this perfectly cooked and seasoned calamari. This is a dish that is sure to satisfy seafood lovers and casual diners alike.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Crosby's Kitchen
Features a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and comfortable seating. Offers a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Crosby's Kitchen is known for its delicious food and excellent service. The restaurant offers a variety of unique and tasty dishes, including monkey bread, buffalo calamari, lobster deviled eggs, brussel sprouts salad, salmon, rotisserie chicken, cookies with ice cream, and carrot cake. The monkey bread and buffalo calamari are particularly famous and not to be missed.
The service at Crosby's Kitchen is consistently friendly and attentive. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you are made to feel welcome and well taken care of. The food is a highlight, with a range of options to suit all tastes and preferences. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented, ensuring a top-notch dining experience. Overall, Crosby's Kitchen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for great food and service in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
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10. Bacino's Italian Grill
This family-owned restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.

The calamari served was incredibly delicious with a crispy exterior that added a satisfying crunch. The excellent cooking technique ensured the calamari was cooked to perfection, making it tender and flavorful.
The dish was well-seasoned, with the spices enhancing the taste of the calamari. This dish is highly recommended for anyone who visits the restaurant, as it is a crowd-pleaser. The perfect cooking and seasoning made the calamari a must-try for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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11. Ella Elli
Cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list, delicious seafood dishes, creative presentation.

The calamari dish at Ella Elli in Chicago is highly regarded for its exceptional quality. It stands out as one of the best calamari options in the city, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
The calamari is prepared to perfection, with a cooking process that ensures a tender and delicious result. It is also expertly seasoned, adding depth and flavor to each bite. The combination of perfectly cooked and well-seasoned calamari makes this dish a standout choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
- Dinner
12. Port & Park Bistro & Bar
Adjacent to the scenic Lincoln Park, extensive wine list, and live music on weekends

The dinner experience was outstanding, featuring a range of appetizers and desserts that were refreshingly fresh. The carpaccio and calamari stood out as exceptional choices, offering a perfect start and finish to the meal. The service during the dinner was excellent, with staff providing great wine and ensuring a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening.
The grilled calamari was a highlight of the meal, with its delicious taste and perfect cooking. Overall, the food was amazing, with every dish loved by all. The experience was not just about the food, but also about the ambiance and service, which together created a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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13. Brown Bag Seafood Co. in Lake View
Sustainable seafood, casual atmosphere, and build-your-own seafood options

The calamari dish was enjoyed by both individuals, with one finding it delicious and the other finding the flavor still good despite being a bit overcooked. The calamari was fresh and not overly greasy, indicating high-quality ingredients and preparation.
While one person found their calamari to be slightly overcooked, they still enjoyed the flavor and appreciated the dish overall. The freshness and lack of greasiness were common points of praise, suggesting a well-prepared and delicious calamari dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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14. Cozy Noodles n' Rice in Lake View
Family-owned restaurant serving Thai and Japanese cuisine with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

The calamari dish is a standout option at this location, offering a fresh and enjoyable experience. The texture of the calamari is particularly noteworthy, as it was fresh and not overly chewy. This results in a satisfying and delightful culinary experience.
High-quality preparation is evident in the calamari's crispy exterior and tender interior. The contrast between the crispy outside and the soft, succulent inside makes for a perfect combination. The excellence of this dish makes it a highly recommended choice for any diner.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
15. ROCKS lakeview
Featuring a diverse menu, cozy atmosphere, and live music on weekends.

The calamari appetizer was a delicious start to the meal. Its generous portion was satisfying, and the freshness of the calamari was evident in every bite. The dish was well-prepared, with the right amount of grease that did not overpower the taste of the calamari.
The appetizer stood out for its quality and portion size. Freshness was the key factor that made the calamari appetizer exceptional. The dish was not greasy, which was a pleasant surprise as it can often be a common issue with calamari. Overall, the dish was well-cooked, presenting a tasty start to the dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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16. PR Italian Bistro in Lake View
Offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a wide range of Italian wines.

The calamari dish was expertly prepared, with a perfectly cooked and well-seasoned presentation. It is highly recommended and not to be missed. The calamari had an outstanding crispy and tender texture that would satisfy any discerning palate.
This calamari dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. The crispy and tender texture of the calamari creates an unforgettable dining experience. The exquisite seasoning elevated the flavor profile of the dish, making it a standout entree.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
17. Crab King Cajun Boil & Sushi
Fresh seafood, diverse menu, and lively atmosphere.

Upon receiving the ordered food, it was noticed that the calamari was missing from the bag. This was disappointing as it was one of the expected dishes. However, the rest of the food that was received was delicious and satisfying.
The calamari, when ordered on other occasions, was found to be perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. The flavors were well-balanced, making it a must-try dish for anyone who visits the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
18. Half Shell
Cozy atmosphere, attentive service, extensive wine list
The fried calamari stood out as a memorable dish, with its impeccable cooking and seasoning making it a definite must-try. Another notable offering was the calamari and shrimp appetizer, which was highly praised for its fresh and delicious taste.
If you're looking for a delicious seafood appetizer, the fried calamari and calamari and shrimp options are excellent choices. The fried calamari was cooked to perfection and generously seasoned, making it a must-try for anyone who visits. Meanwhile, the calamari and shrimp appetizer was both fresh and tasty, providing a wonderful start to any meal.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
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19. Swift Tavern - Wrigleyville
Cozy neighborhood tavern with a friendly atmosphere and a variety of craft beers on tap.

The calamari appetizer stood out as a delicious start to the meal. Its generous portion ensured that everyone at the table could enjoy a taste. The freshness of the calamari was evident, contributing to its excellent taste and texture.
Those who tried the calamari were impressed by its quality. Its freshness was notable, and its texture was described as great. The consensus was to order it again in the future, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the dish.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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20. La Gondola Italian Restaurant
Family-owned Italian restaurant serving classic dishes since 1982

The first subject to be discussed is the grilled calamari, which earned praise in customer reviews and was featured in four photos. The dish was well-received by diners, although there were some issues with other menu items. For instance, one customer's Sunday sauce entree was undercooked, and the pasta was raw, requiring it to be sent back to the kitchen. Another diner found the Italian Pork Chop to be a bit dry.
In terms of service, the restaurant received mixed reviews, with some customers praising the staff and others finding it to be just adequate. The overall experience left some customers unsure if they would return for another visit. The second dish to be considered is the fried calamari, which was featured in three photos and received 19 reviews. However, specific details about the quality of this dish were not provided.
Overall, while the grilled calamari was a hit with customers, there were some issues with other menu items and varying opinions on the quality of service. Further investigation is needed to determine if the fried calamari is as well-liked as its grilled counterpart and if any changes have been made to address the issues raised by customers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems