Top 11 calamari in Theater District NYC
Craving calamari in the heart of NYC's Theater District? You're in luck! This vibrant area is home to several restaurants and eateries that serve up delicious, tender calamari. Whether you're catching a Broadway show or simply exploring the city, taking a break for calamari in the Theater District is a must-try culinary experience. From traditional fried calamari to unique and inventive dishes, there's something for every seafood lover in this bustling NYC neighborhood.
1. Carmine's
Family-style Italian dishes, popular tourist spot, reservations recommended.

Carmine's, a renowned restaurant in New York City, is famous for its exceptional quality calamari. The dish stands out for its perfect cooking technique, which results in a delightful taste and texture. The calamari's flavor is enhanced by a special seasoning that adds an extra kick to the dish.
Diners at Carmine's are guaranteed excellent service to accompany the delicious calamari. The attentive and friendly staff ensure that every diner's needs are met, making the dining experience enjoyable and memorable. The combination of the mouth-watering calamari and the top-notch service make Carmine's a must-visit restaurant in New York City.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
2. Blue Fin
Fresh seafood, Central location, Lively atmosphere

An order was placed for oysters, calamari, and two main dishes at an unspecified point in time. In under five minutes, the first course arrived, and while the oysters were enjoyable, the calamari did not meet expectations. The calamari was heavily breaded and had an excessive amount of oil on the plate, disappointing the individuals who had ordered it. One of the diners chose to send the calamari back, preferring not to have it replaced. After a brief wait, the main courses were served to the remaining patrons, who had already finished their initial dishes.
A variety of sushi rolls and other dishes, including calamari and gyoza, were sampled during a separate meal. Unfortunately, the calamari failed to impress once again. The calamari was heavily breaded, a common issue, and lacked the fresh, crisp flavor that one might expect. Despite the disappointment with the calamari, the other items, specifically the sushi rolls and gyoza, were not mentioned in the review. It can be inferred, therefore, that these dishes were more well-received than the calamari.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
3. Trattoria Trecolori
Cozy and authentic Italian atmosphere, Friendly and attentive staff

The calamari stands out as a delicious appetizer, with its perfectly cooked and well-seasoned preparation. Its crispy texture and minimal oiliness are particularly noteworthy traits.
Diners are sure to enjoy the calamari's high-quality preparation, appreciating its crispy and unblemished nature, as well as the lack of excessive oil. As such, it is highly recommended for anyone seeking a tasty starter.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
Relate link
4. Osteria al Doge
Authentic Venetian cuisine, cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list

The grilled calamari dish at Osteria al Doge is a delicious option for those looking for something light and flavorful. This dish is a great alternative to traditional heavy dinners like pasta or potatoes. The restaurant is an excellent choice for pre-theater dining, as the staff is efficient and takes orders promptly, ensuring a positive dining experience. The cozy atmosphere and convenient location further contribute to the restaurant's appeal.
The service at Osteria al Doge is consistently excellent, and despite the restaurant's popularity, it never feels crowded or rushed. The food quality is high, with the grilled calamari being a standout dish. Even though the restaurant can get busy, the attentive service and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a relaxing dinner before a night at the theater. Overall, Osteria al Doge is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
5. La Masseria NY in Theater District
Authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy and elegant setting

Golden fried calamari is a delicious and popular appetizer. This dish is known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The calamari is typically made from squid, which is coated in a batter and then deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
In addition to calamari, fried shrimp is another popular option. Like the calamari, the shrimp is coated in a batter and deep-fried until crispy and delicious. Both of these dishes are must-tries for anyone who enjoys seafood. Whether you're looking for a tasty appetizer to share with friends or a satisfying snack for yourself, golden fried calamari and shrimp are sure to hit the spot.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
6. Da Marino NYC
Family-owned Italian restaurant since 1985, featuring live opera performances

The fried calamari stood out as a highlight of the meal, thanks to its expert preparation. The exterior was crispy and well-seasoned, while the interior was tender and cooked to perfection. It was a satisfying and tasty way to start the meal. As an appetizer, the calamari was a hit. The portion was plentiful, providing a generous amount to share. The dipping sauce provided an extra layer of flavor and complemented the calamari well.
In summary, the fried calamari was a standout dish with its crispy and tender texture and delicious flavor. The appetizer portion was generous, and the dipping sauce added an extra touch. It is definitely recommended for those who enjoy well-cooked seafood.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
Relate link
7. Red Lobster
Fresh seafood, daily specials, and signature cocktails.

The Calamari Crispy Dragon is a delicious seafood dish that is prepared with a hand-breaded technique for a crispy texture. The squid is tossed in a sweet and mildly spicy chili sauce, adding an Asian-fusion twist to the dish. It is served with two complementary sauces: a creamy jalapeño ranch and a tangy marinara. This appetizer promises a flavorful and enjoyable dining experience for anyone who tries it.
Priced at $17.48, the Calamari Crispy Dragon is a mid-range appetizer option that is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. The combination of the crispy hand-breaded calamari and the sweet and spicy chili sauce creates a unique and delightful taste. The jalapeño ranch and marinara sauces add even more flavor to the dish, making it a well-rounded and tasty option. Whether you're dining out with friends or enjoying a family dinner, this calamari dish is a great choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. Nizza
Chic ambiance with outdoor seating | Handmade pasta | Gluten-free options

The meal began on a high note with the calamari appetizer. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor made for a satisfying start to the dining experience. This positive impression was not limited to in-person dining, as the calamari delivered to our door retained its crispy quality and flavor, making it a standout dish for both dine-in and delivery.
Impressively, the calamari's crispy texture and taste remained intact throughout the delivery process. Its delightful flavoring was still present, highlighting the restaurant's ability to maintain high food quality in various delivery conditions. This consistency in the calamari's quality suggests the restaurant's commitment to providing a delicious and enjoyable dining experience, whether it's at their location or in the comfort of one's home.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
9. Paul's on Times Square
Vibrant atmosphere, famous Broadway theater district

Fried calamari rings are a popular appetizer, often served in restaurants and bars. The calamari is coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. This dish is typically served with a choice of dipping sauces, such as homemade marinara sauce or chipotle mayo. The combination of the savory calamari and the tangy and creamy sauces creates a delicious and satisfying start to any meal.
Grilled calamari is a healthier alternative to its fried counterpart. The calamari is seasoned and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky and savory flavor. Sometimes, it is paired with ingredients such as fava beans and sundried tomatoes, adding a subtle sweetness and earthiness to the dish. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of calamari without the added calories and fat from frying. Whether fried or grilled, calamari is a versatile and delicious seafood option.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
10. Empire Steak House Times Square in Theater District
Upscale dining experience, elegant atmosphere, excellent service

The calamari was served as an appetizer during our meal. Its texture and taste varied between two experiences. In one instance, it was crispy and delightful, making it a highly recommended dish. On the other hand, the calamari was slightly chewy in texture, although it still provided a good flavor.
Despite the chewy texture in the second encounter, the calamari remained enjoyable due to its taste. Both accounts concur that the dish was still worth having, even if it wasn't the best calamari ever experienced. The differing opinions revolve around the calamari's texture, but the flavor remains a consistent highlight.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
11. Mermaid Oyster Bar Times Square
Sustainable seafood, raw bar, cozy atmosphere

We made a stop at the Mermaid while waiting for our room to be ready. The interior of the establishment is stunning, and the staff greeted us warmly. We ordered the calamari, which was excellent. We had planned to return for dinner, but ultimately ran out of time during our trip.
We arrived early at the Mermaid, shortly after it opened, as we had an early flight out of JFK. The restaurant filled up quickly, and we ordered lobster knuckles and fish tacos, both of which were delicious. We were disappointed that they didn't have cod available, but the pollock was a satisfactory substitute. The calamari was very good, not overcooked or rubbery, and the oysters were delicious - small and fresh-tasting, which we prefer over huge oysters. The service staff provided excellent service.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots