Top 13 calamari in Gaslamp Quarter
Tantalize your taste buds in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, where calamari dishes come to life! Indulge in a variety of calamari presentations, from fried to grilled, each offering a unique twist that blends perfection with the vibrant atmosphere of the Quarter. Calamari in Gaslamp Quarter is an experience that combines delicious food with an unforgettable setting.
- 1. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Gaslamp Quarter
- 2. The Old Spaghetti Factory
- 3. Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
- 4. Osteria Panevino
- 5. Saltwater Seafood & Steak in Gaslamp Quarter
- 6. Lou & Mickey's
- 7. Operacaffe
- 8. Werewolf
- 9. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
- 10. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
- 11. The Melting Pot
- 12. Roma Mia
- 13. Gaslamp Pizza
1. Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp in Gaslamp Quarter
Fresh seafood delivered daily, lively atmosphere, fun decor

The calamari stood out during our meal, being exceptionally fresh and well-seasoned. Its preparation was impeccable, resulting in a delicate texture that was neither too chewy nor overcooked. The exterior provided a satisfying crunch with each bite.
In recounting our dining experience, the calamari was a clear standout. Its quality was remarkable, with a freshness that was evident in every mouthful. The skillful cooking technique ensured a tender texture, while the exterior offered a pleasant crunch. Overall, the calamari was a testament to the kitchen's abilities.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Budget-Friendly Eats
2. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Family-owned restaurant, vintage setting with a trolley car inside, and gluten-free options

The calamari dish showed contrasting descriptions; some found it well-cooked and seasoned, while others thought it was slightly chewy. Regardless, the flavor was generally appreciated. This appetizer provided a hopeful beginning to the dining experience.
Despite the textural difference in the calamari, the taste was considered good by the diners. Although it may not have been the best calamari they've had, it was still enjoyable. The overall impression of the dish was decent, setting a positive tone for the upcoming courses.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
3. Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
Live flamenco dancing performances and an extensive wine list

The calamari stood out as a delicious starter in our meal. Its preparation and seasoning were spot on, contributing to an enjoyable beginning of our dining experience.
Crispy and packed with flavor, the calamari was a memorable part of our dinner. Its taste was one of the highlights that made our meal memorable and satisfying.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
4. Osteria Panevino
Outdoor dining with heaters, extensive wine list, and happy hour specials.

The calamari was a standout dish, with a perfect combination of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Its freshness was immediately apparent, making it a clear highlight of the meal.
Diners would do well to consider starting their meal with the calamari appetizer, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its delicious taste and freshness make it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
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5. Saltwater Seafood & Steak in Gaslamp Quarter
Seafood flown in daily, lively atmosphere, extensive wine list

Saltwater Seafood & Steak is known for its exceptional service and delicious meals, offering a great dining experience. The Greek Salad, which features heirloom tomatoes, is a popular choice among guests who love its outstanding taste. The restaurant also prides itself on being budget-friendly, making it an even more attractive dining spot. The whole Branzino dish is perfect for sharing, and guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service.
During our visit, we shared the spicy calamari, which was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. We also tried the crab stuffed heirloom tomato salad, which had great chunks of crab, but the tomato was rather mediocre. Nonetheless, the delicious seafood dishes make Saltwater Seafood & Steak a must-visit dining spot.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
6. Lou & Mickey's
Featuring a lively bar and lounge area, live music on weekends, and outdoor patio seating

The calamari stood out as a delicious starter in the meal. Its preparation involved skillfully frying it to a perfect crisp, followed by expert seasoning that enhanced its flavor. Anyone who tries this appetizer is sure to enjoy its taste and texture.
If you're looking for a fantastic way to start your meal, the calamari is a top-notch choice. The exterior had a satisfying crunch, while the inside was tender and flavorful. Diners who follow this recommendation won't be disappointed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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7. Operacaffe
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and intimate environment

The author, who doesn't usually eat much seafood, tried calamari at the recommendation of a friend. To their surprise, they found the calamari to be quite delicious.
In addition to the calamari, the author also enjoyed another dish, though they don't specify what it was. Based on their positive experience with the calamari, it can be inferred that they also enjoyed this second dish. The author highly recommends trying both the calamari and this unnamed dish.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Werewolf
Unique fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine

The calamari dish at the restaurant called Werewolf is truly noteworthy. Its exceptional crispy texture and delicious flavor make it one of the best calamari options around. Food connoisseurs would agree that this is a must-try dish.
Visiting Werewolf and ordering their calamari is highly recommended. The calamari stands out with its fantastic texture and taste. Food lovers should add this restaurant to their list of places to visit, especially for those who appreciate well-cooked and flavorful calamari.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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9. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
Offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a fireplace

The calamari mentioned in the first statement was slightly overcooked, resulting in a chewier texture than preferred. However, the taste of the calamari was still enjoyable. On the other hand, the second statement describes the calamari as perfectly cooked, emphasizing the positive aspect of the dish. The calamari was not only cooked well but also seasoned appropriately, making it a must-try dish.
In summary, both statements discuss the calamari dish's quality, but with different opinions. The first one notes the chewiness of the calamari, while the second one praises its perfect cooking and seasoning, highlighting the dish's desirability.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
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10. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
Features a spacious patio, live music, and sports viewing

The calamari dish was a standout, featuring a crispy texture that was incredibly satisfying. The accompanying dipping sauce added an extra element of flavor that elevated the dish to new heights. It was clear that the calamari was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning to make each bite delicious.
Overall, the calamari is a must-try for anyone who visits this establishment. The combination of crispy texture and delicious flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to leave a lasting impression. High-quality ingredients and careful preparation are evident in every bite, making this dish a true standout.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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11. The Melting Pot
Interactive dining experience, fondue cooking at your table, offers vegetarian and gluten-free options

The calamari dish at The Melting Pot is a standout option. It features tender and flavorful calamari, cooked to perfection. The dish is made even more enjoyable when paired with the available dipping sauces, which complement the calamari well. This appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is not to be missed.
Visitors to The Melting Pot should consider ordering the calamari. The tenderness and flavor of the calamari make it a memorable dish. The ability to dip the calamari in various sauces enhances the dining experience. Overall, the calamari at The Melting Pot is a must-try for those who appreciate well-prepared seafood.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
12. Roma Mia
Authentic Italian cuisine, cozy ambiance, extensive wine list, and friendly service

The Fritto di Calamari e Gamberi, a dish consisting of fried squid and shrimp, was prepared and seasoned to perfection. This appetizer is a must-try for anyone who enjoys well-cooked seafood. Our meal began with the calamari, which featured a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. The tender squid on the interior was just as delightful, making for a delicious start to our meal. Furthermore, the portion size was generous, ensuring that we had plenty of leftovers to take home.
In summary, the Fritto di Calamari e Gamberi was a standout dish, with its perfect cooking and seasoning making it a must-try for seafood lovers. The calamari component of the dish was particularly impressive, with its crispy exterior and tender interior providing a delightful contrast in every bite. Additionally, the generous portion size ensured that we left the meal feeling satisfied and with plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- High-End
- Hidden Gems
13. Gaslamp Pizza
Offers a cozy and casual dining experience with a full bar and outdoor seating

The calamari dish was found to be satisfactory, but there is room for improvement. On the other hand, the pizza was a standout dish and received high praise.
The calamari failed to impress, as it was only deemed decent. In contrast, the pizza was a hit and outshone the other menu items.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots