Top 13 calamari in Chinatown
Calamari in Chinatown is a culinary adventure, offering a unique twist on a classic dish. The bustling streets of Chinatown provide the perfect backdrop for this seafood delight, where traditional Italian calamari meets Asian-inspired flavors. Here, the tender squid is prepared with a blend of spices and ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and exotic. Whether you're a fan of calamari or looking to try something new, Calamari in Chinatown is a must-try.
1. House of Nanking
Cash only, no reservations, Michelin Guide recommended

The calamari stood out as a memorable part of the meal, with its cooking and seasoning done to perfection. To start the meal, our table was served the impressive Melt in your Mouth Calamari and Fried Pork Potstickers with HONK peanut sauce, both of which were delightful.
As a continuation, the calamari, in particular, was a highlight, leaving a lasting impression of excellence in both preparation and flavor. The meal began with the Melt in your Mouth Calamari and Fried Pork Potstickers with HONK peanut sauce, setting a high standard for the culinary experience that followed.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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2. Chong Qing Xiao Mian in Chinatown
Small, family-owned restaurant serving authentic Sichuan cuisine

The calamari at this noodle house stands out as a surprising highlight. It was cooked to perfection, with a tenderness that was not overpowered by greasiness. The seasoning was on point, adding to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
If you're a calamari fan, you'll be pleased to know that the version served at this noodle house is exceptional. The tender texture and lack of excessive grease make it a must-try. High praise is deserved for the skillful seasoning, which enhances the flavor of the calamari without overpowering it.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Begoni Bistro
Family-owned restaurant serving Calabrian Italian cuisine

The calamari stands out as a must-try dish with its perfectly crispy and tender texture. It is prepared in a way that allows it to be enjoyed without being too greasy. The flavor is well-balanced and appealing to a variety of palates.
If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying appetizer, the calamari is an excellent choice. Its crispy exterior and tender interior are complemented by a flavorful seasoning that adds enjoyment to every bite. Whether you're a fan of seafood or just looking to try something new, the calamari is sure to please.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
4. The Spicy Shrimp
Offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with great customer service.

The calamari dish showcases excellent cooking techniques, resulting in perfectly cooked and well-seasoned squid. Its delicious taste makes it a must-try for any seafood lover.
The calamari stands out with its crispy texture and delightful flavor. This appetizing dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving high-quality seafood, enticing diners to satisfy their seafood cravings here.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Cheap Eats
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5. Capital
Historic building, popular with locals and tourists, situated in the Financial District

The calamari served at Capital restaurant in San Francisco is widely regarded as some of the best in the city. Its exceptional taste and texture make it a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
One order of the calamari consists of crispy, flavorful pieces that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The dish's high quality is evident in every bite, making it a standout option on the restaurant's menu.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Sam Wo Restaurant
Cash-only, long-standing history since 1907, open until late

The calamari dish at this location is exceptional and worth highlighting. Its freshness is notable, contributing to a desirable texture that adds to the overall enjoyable experience. The calamari's preparation is also noteworthy, as it boasts a perfect crispy exterior without being overly greasy.
This calamari dish stands out and is highly recommended. The combination of freshness and texture make it a delightful choice. Furthermore, the expert preparation of the calamari, resulting in a crispy exterior without an overpowering greasiness, adds to its appeal. This dish is definitely a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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7. Great Eastern Restaurant
Long-standing restaurant with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

The calamari dish served in this location is truly delightful. Its crispy texture, likely achieved through a careful frying process, makes it a standout. The oil content is well-balanced, not leaving a greasy aftertaste that can often ruin the experience of eating fried foods.
However, there is a slight issue with the calamari's chewiness. Despite this, the flavor remains appealing and enjoyable. This inconsistency in texture doesn't entirely detract from the overall taste, which is still quite satisfying.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
8. Grant Place Restaurant in Chinatown
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, serving classic Italian-American cuisine.

Calamari, a popular appetizer in many restaurants, has a unique taste and texture that people often have different opinions about. Some people find it to be a bit chewy, while others enjoy its distinctive firmness. As for the flavor, it is generally agreed to be delicious, with a savory taste that can be enhanced by various seasonings and dips.
On the other hand, the preparation of calamari can greatly affect its quality. When cooked correctly, calamari can be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without being too oily. This creates a satisfying contrast in texture that makes it a must-try dish for many food lovers. The perfect calamari is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Kam Lok Restaurant
Cash-only, long-standing family-run business, tucked away gem

The calamari dish at this location is not to be missed. It stands out for its tenderness, as it is not overly greasy like calamari can often be. The crispy texture and generous seasoning make it a standout choice.
If you're a fan of calamari, this version is a must-try. The tenderness of the calamari is sure to impress, and the exterior is crispy with a well-seasoned coating. Overall, it is a delicious and satisfying dish.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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10. Bow Hon Restaurant

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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11. San Sun Restaurant
This family-owned establishment has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1971, with a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The calamari dish demonstrates varying opinions regarding its texture. One viewpoint highlights the flawless preparation and seasoning, making it a standout choice. In contrast, others experienced a chewier consistency that did not meet their preferences.
Despite different textural experiences, both assessments agree on the flavor's goodness. Calamari's distinctive taste, when complemented by the proper seasonings, contributes to an enjoyable dish. Regardless of individual texture preferences, the calamari's flavor remains a positive aspect worth mentioning.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Mister Jiu's
Winner of multiple awards, innovative Chinese-American cuisine, located in historical building

The calamari dish at Mister Jiu's was a standout during our meal. Its tender and flavorful qualities made it a highlight, enhanced by a skillful balance of spices. Our order of calamari delivered on taste, with a delightful light and crispy batter. The accompanying dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
In summary, the calamari at Mister Jiu's is a must-try. Its tenderness and rich flavors, combined with a perfectly crispy batter and complementary sauce, make for a memorable dining experience. The dish showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation, elevating a classic dish to new heights.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Personal Celebrations
13. Dol Ho Restaurant

TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner