Best of 21 calamari in Downtown Houston
Experience the culinary delight of "calamari in Downtown Houston." Savor the flavors of perfectly cooked, tender calamari, served in various styles and seasonings, at the bustling heart of the city. From traditional fried calamari to unique interpretations, Downtown Houston offers a range of options for calamari lovers. Don't miss out on this seafood treat in Houston's vibrant downtown scene!
Toc
- 1. La Fisheria
- 2. Aquarium Restaurant
- 3. Grotto Downtown
- 4. Bungalow
- 5. Potente
- 6. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 7. Birraporetti's in Downtown Houston
- 8. Perbacco in Downtown Houston
- 9. The Pearl
- 10. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
- 11. Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
- 12. Hearsay On The Green in Downtown Houston
- 13. Kokoro
- 14. Sambuca
- 15. The Palm - Downtown Houston
- 16. Gotti's
- 17. The Grove
- 18. Zydeco Louisiana Diner
- 19. Figo Sugo
- 20. Cellar7
- 21. Federal American Grill in Downtown Houston
1. La Fisheria
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican seafood for over 10 years
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Fried calamari is a delicious appetizer, and the version described here was no exception. The calamari rings were cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The jalapeno tartar sauce was a standout condiment, adding a spicy and tangy kick that complemented the mild flavor of the calamari.
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll definitely want to try this dish. The combination of crispy calamari and jalapeno tartar sauce is a winning one, and it's sure to leave you craving more. Whether you're dining out at a restaurant or trying to recreate the dish at home, this fried calamari with jalapeno tartar sauce is a must-try.
Fried calamari is a delicious appetizer, and the version described here was no exception. The calamari rings were cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The jalapeno tartar sauce was a standout condiment, adding a spicy and tangy kick that complemented the mild flavor of the calamari.
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll definitely want to try this dish. The combination of crispy calamari and jalapeno tartar sauce is a winning one, and it's sure to leave you craving more. Whether you're dining out at a restaurant or trying to recreate the dish at home, this fried calamari with jalapeno tartar sauce is a must-try.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- High-End
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2. Aquarium Restaurant
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, offering a unique dining experience with floor-to-ceiling aquarium views.
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The fried calamari we ordered was crispy and had a delicious flavor, making it a recommendation for sure. However, there were some issues with the cooking as it was slightly overcooked.
Despite the overcooking, the dipping sauce that accompanied the calamari was excellent and helped to make up for the texture concerns. Both the sauce and crispy texture were positive aspects of the dish.
The fried calamari we ordered was crispy and had a delicious flavor, making it a recommendation for sure. However, there were some issues with the cooking as it was slightly overcooked.
Despite the overcooking, the dipping sauce that accompanied the calamari was excellent and helped to make up for the texture concerns. Both the sauce and crispy texture were positive aspects of the dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Waterfront
- Vegetarian Options
3. Grotto Downtown
Features a lively atmosphere in the heart of downtown Houston, perfect for business dinners or special occasions.
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The calamari dish stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its preparation and seasoning meeting high expectations. Its crispy and delicious texture made it a satisfying choice.
If you're looking for a standout dish to try, the calamari is a top recommendation. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a must-try, and you won't be disappointed with its crispy and delicious flavor.
The calamari dish stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its preparation and seasoning meeting high expectations. Its crispy and delicious texture made it a satisfying choice.
If you're looking for a standout dish to try, the calamari is a top recommendation. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a must-try, and you won't be disappointed with its crispy and delicious flavor.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
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4. Bungalow
Quaint bungalow-style setting with a lively bar scene and live music.
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The author and their guest ordered several dishes at a restaurant, including fried shrimp and calamari, pineapple jerk chicken wings, truffle fries, and a Mediterranean salad. However, they were disappointed with the quality of the food, which they found to be overpriced and subpar. The salad, in particular, was described as overly dressed, wet, and featuring wilted greens that were not fresh.
The restaurant's appetizer menu offers a variety of choices that can be enjoyed with a drink from their wine or craft cocktail menu. The fried calamari and shrimp were standout selections, indicating that at least some of the dishes at the restaurant may be of higher quality.
The author and their guest ordered several dishes at a restaurant, including fried shrimp and calamari, pineapple jerk chicken wings, truffle fries, and a Mediterranean salad. However, they were disappointed with the quality of the food, which they found to be overpriced and subpar. The salad, in particular, was described as overly dressed, wet, and featuring wilted greens that were not fresh.
The restaurant's appetizer menu offers a variety of choices that can be enjoyed with a drink from their wine or craft cocktail menu. The fried calamari and shrimp were standout selections, indicating that at least some of the dishes at the restaurant may be of higher quality.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Corporate Events
- High-End
5. Potente
Voted as one of the best Italian restaurants in Houston
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The calamari appetizer was a standout dish during our meal. It was prepared using fresh calamari, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable taste. The crispy texture of the calamari was a delightful aspect of the dish, making it a satisfying start to the meal.
At Potente, the calamari appetizer was particularly noteworthy. The dish was prepared with fresh and tasty calamari, which was cooked to perfection. The crispy coating added a wonderful texture to the dish, making it a highlight of the meal and leaving us with a positive dining experience.
The calamari appetizer was a standout dish during our meal. It was prepared using fresh calamari, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable taste. The crispy texture of the calamari was a delightful aspect of the dish, making it a satisfying start to the meal.
At Potente, the calamari appetizer was particularly noteworthy. The dish was prepared with fresh and tasty calamari, which was cooked to perfection. The crispy coating added a wonderful texture to the dish, making it a highlight of the meal and leaving us with a positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Corporate Events
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6. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Extensive seafood menu, lively atmosphere, and popular happy hour
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We ordered calamari as an appetizer, priced at $20. However, we were disappointed to find the dish very sparse, with only a few pieces of calamari, artichokes, and other ingredients. The portion size was quite small, which was unexpected for the price.
Despite the sparse calamari, we found the taste to be delicious. The crab spinach dip was a standout, receiving high praise and described as "off the chain." My husband particularly enjoyed the gumbo, adding to the list of satisfying dishes we had that night.
We ordered calamari as an appetizer, priced at $20. However, we were disappointed to find the dish very sparse, with only a few pieces of calamari, artichokes, and other ingredients. The portion size was quite small, which was unexpected for the price.
Despite the sparse calamari, we found the taste to be delicious. The crab spinach dip was a standout, receiving high praise and described as "off the chain." My husband particularly enjoyed the gumbo, adding to the list of satisfying dishes we had that night.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
7. Birraporetti's in Downtown Houston
Featuring a charming patio, extensive wine list, and attentive service
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The calamari dish was a delight, with its crispy texture and lack of greasiness making it a standout. Its delicious flavor will prompt a repeat order in the future. The frying of the calamari was expertly done, creating a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
This appetizer is a must-try for anyone who values high-quality, tasty food. The perfect prep work results in an enjoyable contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, tender interior of the calamari. Its delectable taste and unique texture make it a winning choice.
The calamari dish was a delight, with its crispy texture and lack of greasiness making it a standout. Its delicious flavor will prompt a repeat order in the future. The frying of the calamari was expertly done, creating a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
This appetizer is a must-try for anyone who values high-quality, tasty food. The perfect prep work results in an enjoyable contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, tender interior of the calamari. Its delectable taste and unique texture make it a winning choice.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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8. Perbacco in Downtown Houston
Cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff
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The calamari appetizer was a standout dish, prepared and seasoned to perfection. It had a satisfying crispy exterior, while the meat inside was tender and delicious. This dish is not to be missed for any calamari lover.
The calamari was fresh and flavorful, served in a generous portion. Its great taste was complemented by a scrumptious dipping sauce. This appetizer is an excellent way to start off a meal.
The calamari appetizer was a standout dish, prepared and seasoned to perfection. It had a satisfying crispy exterior, while the meat inside was tender and delicious. This dish is not to be missed for any calamari lover.
The calamari was fresh and flavorful, served in a generous portion. Its great taste was complemented by a scrumptious dipping sauce. This appetizer is an excellent way to start off a meal.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
9. The Pearl
Uses fresh and high-quality ingredients, offers a variety of seafood options, and has a great selection of wines
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The calamari, a popular seafood dish, was prepared with a crispy exterior that delighted some diners. The taste was enhanced by a well-matched dipping sauce, making it a must-try option for many.
Despite the positive experience of some, others found the calamari to be slightly overcooked. However, they did acknowledge the appropriate seasoning that brought flavor to the dish.
The calamari, a popular seafood dish, was prepared with a crispy exterior that delighted some diners. The taste was enhanced by a well-matched dipping sauce, making it a must-try option for many.
Despite the positive experience of some, others found the calamari to be slightly overcooked. However, they did acknowledge the appropriate seasoning that brought flavor to the dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
Happy Hour specials, extensive wine list, fresh seafood flown in daily
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The calamari dish stood out for its delicious flavor. Following this, the selection included two orders of Pork Belly Bao, accompanied by a lemon drop drink and Bulleit bourbon served neat. However, there was an issue with the calamari as it was served cold, while the fries were hot and fresh. This discrepancy was unfortunate, but the individual decided not to send it back, as they did not wish to wait for a replacement.
Despite the disappointment with the calamari, the meal consisted of other tasty options. The Pork Belly Bao was a satisfying choice, and the cocktail and bourbon were enjoyed. The inconvenience of receiving cold calamari was not ideal, but the decision was made to continue with the meal instead of requesting a new portion.
The calamari dish stood out for its delicious flavor. Following this, the selection included two orders of Pork Belly Bao, accompanied by a lemon drop drink and Bulleit bourbon served neat. However, there was an issue with the calamari as it was served cold, while the fries were hot and fresh. This discrepancy was unfortunate, but the individual decided not to send it back, as they did not wish to wait for a replacement.
Despite the disappointment with the calamari, the meal consisted of other tasty options. The Pork Belly Bao was a satisfying choice, and the cocktail and bourbon were enjoyed. The inconvenience of receiving cold calamari was not ideal, but the decision was made to continue with the meal instead of requesting a new portion.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Mid-Range
11. Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
Upscale ambiance with live music and a extensive wine list
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The fillet mignon dish is a standout choice, and when paired with wild mushrooms, it is simply delicious. This combination is sure to satisfy any meat lover's palate.
As for appetizers, the salt and pepper calamari, foie gras torchon, and bacon & bone marrow selections are truly exceptional. These options offer a range of flavors and textures that are sure to excite and delight any diner. The calamari is crispy and well-seasoned, the foie gras is rich and decadent, and the bacon & bone marrow is savory and indulgent. All in all, these appetizers are not to be missed.
The fillet mignon dish is a standout choice, and when paired with wild mushrooms, it is simply delicious. This combination is sure to satisfy any meat lover's palate.
As for appetizers, the salt and pepper calamari, foie gras torchon, and bacon & bone marrow selections are truly exceptional. These options offer a range of flavors and textures that are sure to excite and delight any diner. The calamari is crispy and well-seasoned, the foie gras is rich and decadent, and the bacon & bone marrow is savory and indulgent. All in all, these appetizers are not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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12. Hearsay On The Green in Downtown Houston
Local brews, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service
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The Happy Hour special at this establishment features calamari and shrimp for only $5. The calamari stands out as a highlight, with its perfect cooking and seasoning making it a delightful start to any meal. Similarly, the shrimp is also a tasty option, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Both the calamari and shrimp are priced reasonably and are sized appropriately for a happy hour special. The calamari, in particular, is cooked to perfection, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in preparing seafood dishes. Overall, the Happy Hour calamari and shrimp are excellent choices for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal option.
The Happy Hour special at this establishment features calamari and shrimp for only $5. The calamari stands out as a highlight, with its perfect cooking and seasoning making it a delightful start to any meal. Similarly, the shrimp is also a tasty option, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Both the calamari and shrimp are priced reasonably and are sized appropriately for a happy hour special. The calamari, in particular, is cooked to perfection, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in preparing seafood dishes. Overall, the Happy Hour calamari and shrimp are excellent choices for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal option.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
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13. Kokoro
Authentic Japanese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, friendly service
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Calamari was a standout dish during the meal, offering a fresh and delicious taste. The calamari was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful experience that was not overpowered by chewiness.
Freshness was a key characteristic of the calamari, making it a particularly enjoyable part of the meal. The texture was ideal, striking a balance between tenderness and chewiness, which greatly enhanced the overall taste and quality of the dish.
Calamari was a standout dish during the meal, offering a fresh and delicious taste. The calamari was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful experience that was not overpowered by chewiness.
Freshness was a key characteristic of the calamari, making it a particularly enjoyable part of the meal. The texture was ideal, striking a balance between tenderness and chewiness, which greatly enhanced the overall taste and quality of the dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
14. Sambuca
Live music on weekends, extensive wine list, elegant ambiance
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The seafood and steak dishes at this establishment were skillfully prepared. The shrimp and linguini, as well as the beef tenderloin, were cooked to perfection. The appetizers, which included calamari, cauliflower, crab dip, were also well executed. In particular, the calamari stood out as a highlight.
Moving on to the appetizers, the calamari was a crowd pleaser. The crab dip and cauliflower were also enjoyable, but the calamari was exceptionally well prepared. All of the appetizers were a great start to the meal, and the calamari was definitely a memorable part of the dining experience.
The seafood and steak dishes at this establishment were skillfully prepared. The shrimp and linguini, as well as the beef tenderloin, were cooked to perfection. The appetizers, which included calamari, cauliflower, crab dip, were also well executed. In particular, the calamari stood out as a highlight.
Moving on to the appetizers, the calamari was a crowd pleaser. The crab dip and cauliflower were also enjoyable, but the calamari was exceptionally well prepared. All of the appetizers were a great start to the meal, and the calamari was definitely a memorable part of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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15. The Palm - Downtown Houston
Stylish rooftop bar with city views
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The calamari dish at The Palm restaurant is truly exceptional and worth trying. It stands out for its exceptional cooking and seasoning.
If you're a fan of calamari, The Palm's offering is not to be missed. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a must-try for any seafood lover.
The calamari dish at The Palm restaurant is truly exceptional and worth trying. It stands out for its exceptional cooking and seasoning.
If you're a fan of calamari, The Palm's offering is not to be missed. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- High-End
16. Gotti's
Family-owned restaurant serving Italian cuisine since 1986
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The calamari appetizer was a hit. It featured a wonderful texture, along with excellent flavor. The crispy coating and proper seasoning made it a standout dish.
The calamari appetizer was a hit. It featured a wonderful texture, along with excellent flavor. The crispy coating and proper seasoning made it a standout dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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17. The Grove
Upscale sports bar with a lively atmosphere and great cocktails
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The calamari dish at The Grove in Houston is highly regarded for its freshness, tenderness, and lack of greasiness. It is often cited as one of the best calamari dishes in the city. As an appetizer, the calamari is a popular choice among diners and is known for its generous portion size and excellent cooking.
The calamari at The Grove is characterized by its freshness, tenderness, and avoidance of excessive grease. It is a well-loved appetizer option, offering a generous portion that is skillfully cooked. The dish's positive attributes include its delicious taste and high-quality ingredients.
The calamari dish at The Grove in Houston is highly regarded for its freshness, tenderness, and lack of greasiness. It is often cited as one of the best calamari dishes in the city. As an appetizer, the calamari is a popular choice among diners and is known for its generous portion size and excellent cooking.
The calamari at The Grove is characterized by its freshness, tenderness, and avoidance of excessive grease. It is a well-loved appetizer option, offering a generous portion that is skillfully cooked. The dish's positive attributes include its delicious taste and high-quality ingredients.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Rooftop
18. Zydeco Louisiana Diner
Cajun and Creole-style dishes, lively atmosphere, friendly service
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The calamari at Zydeco Louisiana Diner is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Houston. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor make it a standout item on the menu.
Visitors to the diner rave about the calamari, which is well-known for its high quality. This dish is perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The excellent preparation of the calamari makes it one of the most recommended dishes at the restaurant.
The calamari at Zydeco Louisiana Diner is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Houston. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor make it a standout item on the menu.
Visitors to the diner rave about the calamari, which is well-known for its high quality. This dish is perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The excellent preparation of the calamari makes it one of the most recommended dishes at the restaurant.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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19. Figo Sugo
Cozy family-owned business with an extensive Italian menu and a friendly atmosphere.
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The calamari dish, either referred to as "calamari fritti" or simply "calamari," was a standout option. Its exceptional quality was conveyed through the use of words like "perfectly crispy" and "tender," indicating a well-prepared and delicious dish. The portion was likely generous and satisfying, with a noticeable lack of grease and an abundance of flavor.
Both parties who ordered the calamari were impressed with its taste. The dish was free from any excessive grease, which can often detract from the overall experience of eating fried foods. The calamari's seasoning and preparation seemed to be expertly handled, resulting in a highly enjoyable and recommended dish for any seafood lover.
The calamari dish, either referred to as "calamari fritti" or simply "calamari," was a standout option. Its exceptional quality was conveyed through the use of words like "perfectly crispy" and "tender," indicating a well-prepared and delicious dish. The portion was likely generous and satisfying, with a noticeable lack of grease and an abundance of flavor.
Both parties who ordered the calamari were impressed with its taste. The dish was free from any excessive grease, which can often detract from the overall experience of eating fried foods. The calamari's seasoning and preparation seemed to be expertly handled, resulting in a highly enjoyable and recommended dish for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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20. Cellar7
Features a cozy and intimate ambiance with a great selection of wines
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The grilled octopus and calamari dish was a memorable part of the meal, with its excellent cooking and seasoning. The calamari, in particular, was a highlight - crispy and incredibly delicious. Food enthusiasts should not miss out on trying this dish.
Impressive in both presentation and taste, the grilled octopus and calamari dish was a clear favorite. The calamari stood out with its perfect crispness and delightful flavor, making it an essential recommendation for anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary experience.
The grilled octopus and calamari dish was a memorable part of the meal, with its excellent cooking and seasoning. The calamari, in particular, was a highlight - crispy and incredibly delicious. Food enthusiasts should not miss out on trying this dish.
Impressive in both presentation and taste, the grilled octopus and calamari dish was a clear favorite. The calamari stood out with its perfect crispness and delightful flavor, making it an essential recommendation for anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
21. Federal American Grill in Downtown Houston
Cozy atmosphere with a variety of seating options, friendly staff, and outdoor patio.
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The Kung Pao Calamari dish was a definite highlight of the meal. Its crispy texture and rich flavor made it a standout choice. The decision to order it again in the future is an easy one.
On the other hand, the calamari was not as impressive. It seemed to be a bit overcooked, resulting in a chewier texture that was not as enjoyable. However, the service at the establishment was top-notch and should be commended.
The Kung Pao Calamari dish was a definite highlight of the meal. Its crispy texture and rich flavor made it a standout choice. The decision to order it again in the future is an easy one.
On the other hand, the calamari was not as impressive. It seemed to be a bit overcooked, resulting in a chewier texture that was not as enjoyable. However, the service at the establishment was top-notch and should be commended.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner