Top 15 calamari in Andersonville
Andersonville, a charming neighborhood in Chicago, is home to a variety of delicious dining options, including standout calamari. Calamari in Andersonville is a must-try, with several restaurants in the area offering their unique take on this popular dish. Served crispy or grilled, with a variety of dipping sauces, calamari in Andersonville is a treat for the taste buds. Don't miss out on the opportunity to savor this delightful dish during your visit to Andersonville.
- 1. Calo Ristorante in Andersonville
- 2. Anteprima
- 3. Little Madrid Tapas-Café
- 4. Ranalli's of Andersonville in Andersonville
- 5. Fireside Restaurant & Lounge
- 6. Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar
- 7. Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant
- 8. Little Bad Wolf
- 9. Vincent
- 10. Big Jones
- 11. Andie's Restaurant
- 12. Parson's Chicken & Fish
- 13. Minyoli
- 14. Tanoshii in Andersonville
- 15. Ora
1. Calo Ristorante in Andersonville
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1977

The first dish to highlight is the calamari fritti, a tantalizing appetizer that is sure to excite the taste buds. This deep-fried squid is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicate and crispy exterior that encases tender, succulent meat. The calamari is seasoned with a savory blend of spices that adds depth and flavor to every bite, while a side of tangy marinara sauce provides a refreshing contrast. The combination of textures and tastes creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. Anteprima
Offers a wide variety of Italian dishes and a great selection of wine.

The meal began with an order of calamari, which was prepared to perfection. The dish featured crispy and delicious calamari with a generous portion size. The taste was elevated by a delectable dipping sauce. Each piece of calamari was tender, not rubbery, and well-seasoned, making it a standout dish.
Calamari was a highlight of the meal, with its crispy exterior and tender interior. The portion was substantial, accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce. The excellent preparation and seasoning resulted in calamari that was incredibly tender and enjoyable, making it a must-try for any diner.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
3. Little Madrid Tapas-Café
Authentic Spanish cuisine, cozy atmosphere, outdoor seating, and friendly service.

Chicago is home to some of the best tapas, and the top contender is an establishment that offers exquisite complexity in taste across all dishes. My group tried nine of them and every single one was a hit. The meatballs, shrimp, croquettes, bravatas, and bacon-wrapped dates were all melt-in-your-mouth fresh and delicious. The calamari, in particular, was perfectly cooked and seasoned, with a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a must-try.
With such a memorable experience, we are eager to return for breakfast, brunch, and even the tapas bar on Wednesdays. The freshness and high quality of the food left us all raving. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable tapas experience in Chicago, this place should be at the top of your list, especially for their standout calamari.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
4. Ranalli's of Andersonville in Andersonville
Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere, Delicious homemade sauce

Ranalli's is well-known for its delicious hand-battered calamari. This popular dish is prepared by coating fresh calamari in a batter and then quickly frying it for a light and crispy texture. Once cooked, the calamari is served with your choice of cocktail or marinara sauce for dipping.
The hand-battered calamari at Ranalli's is a standout menu item. The dish features tender pieces of calamari that are encased in a crispy, golden-brown batter. The flash frying technique used to cook the calamari ensures that it is cooked to perfection, while still maintaining its juicy and flavorful interior. Whether you prefer the tangy bite of cocktail sauce or the rich and tangy flavor of marinara sauce, Ranalli's hand-battered calamari is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
5. Fireside Restaurant & Lounge
Offers a warm and inviting ambiance with fireplaces and a lounge area.

The calamari at two separate restaurants, Summer House Santa Monica and The Fireside Restaurant, is highly recommended due to its delicious taste and satisfying texture. At Summer House Santa Monica, the calamari stands out for its amazing qualities, making it a must-try for customers. Similarly, The Fireside Restaurant offers calamari that is crispy and full of flavor, leaving a lasting impression on those who try it.
In both instances, the calamari is a popular choice among diners, highlighting its appeal. The calamari at Summer House Santa Monica is notable for its quality, while The Fireside Restaurant's calamari is praised for its crispy texture. Despite the different dining experiences, the calamari at both establishments is a testament to their commitment to providing excellent food to their customers. Ultimately, whether you're at Summer House Santa Monica or The Fireside Restaurant, the calamari is a standout dish that is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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6. Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar
Cozy ambiance, extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff

The calamari dish was a standout, with a delightful crispy texture that left a positive impression. The pairing of the calamari with a complementary dipping sauce enhanced its flavor and overall enjoyment. It was cooked to perfection, with a balance of seasoning that added to its appeal.
This deep-fried squid dish, known as calamari, was a must-try. Its crispy exterior, combined with a perfectly cooked interior, made for a satisfying experience. The seasoning was expertly applied, adding to the taste without overpowering the natural flavor of the squid. Lovers of seafood will not be disappointed with this offering.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant
Authentic Irish pub with live music and a spacious patio.

The calamari, a popular seafood dish, was prepared and seasoned in a way that resulted in two different dining experiences. One individual found the calamari to be perfectly cooked, with a texture that was easy to chew and enjoy. They highly recommended trying this dish. On the other hand, another person found the calamari to be a bit too chewy for their personal preference. However, they did acknowledge that the flavor of the dish was enjoyable.
In summary, the calamari's taste was a point of agreement between the two individuals. Its flavor was appreciated by both, regardless of the difference in their opinions on the dish's texture. The calamari appealed to one diner's preference for a tender texture, while the other was willing to overlook the chewiness due to the tasty flavor. Clearly, this dish has the potential to be a crowd-pleaser, even with varying individual preferences.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mediterranean Cuisine
8. Little Bad Wolf
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a variety of local beers on tap

The calamari dish at this location is exceptional and a standout choice for any meal. Its crispy texture and delightful flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. The calamari is cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and delicious bite every time.
If you're looking for a must-try dish, the calamari is an excellent choice. It boasts a perfect combination of seasoning and cooking techniques that result in a truly memorable culinary experience. The calamari's crispy exterior and delicious flavor make it a standout option that is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
9. Vincent
Extensive seafood selection, charming ambience, attentive service

The calamari at Vincent's restaurant was expertly cooked and well-seasoned, making it a standout dish. Its crispy texture and delightful flavor make it a must-try option for any visitor.
Vincent's calamari is a stellar choice for seafood lovers. The dish features crispy fried calamari that is cooked to perfection and served in a way that enhances its taste. Its delicious flavor is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
10. Big Jones
Offers a variety of Southern-style dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and has a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The calamari dish stood out as a notable starter, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and flavors that were enhanced by the accompanying dipping sauce. Its quality was exceptional, making it a highly recommended appetizer for anyone exploring the menu.
Kicking off our dining experience, we opted for the calamari dish, which proved to be a fantastic choice. The freshness of the calamari was apparent, adding to its delicious taste, and the generously sized portion allowed for a satisfying start to our meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
11. Andie's Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant serving American and Greek classics

The lamb shank dish stood out for its tenderness, providing a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. The calamari was quite tasty, although it may have been slightly too heavy on the salt. The service staff were attentive and helpful, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere of the dinner.
On the whole, the calamari dish was a hit, boasting a delightful crispy texture that was not overly oily. The lamb shank, in particular, was a standout for its tender and easy-to-digest quality. It is worth noting that the calamari had a touch too much salt, but this did not detract significantly from the overall meal experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
12. Parson's Chicken & Fish
Friendly and lively atmosphere, extensive drink menu, indoor and outdoor seating

The calamari stands out as a delicious and satisfying dish. Its crispy texture makes it a joy to eat, and the flavor is exceptional. The cooks have expertly prepared this dish, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked while retaining its delectable taste.
If you're looking for a must-try dish, the calamari is an excellent choice. Its perfect cooking and seasoning make it a standout option. With its crispy exterior and delightful flavor, this calamari dish is sure to impress and satisfy seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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13. Minyoli
Family-owned and operated since 1977, extensive seafood selection

Minyoli's calamari is a delicious seafood option that is crispy and well-seasoned. The appetizer is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The calamari stands out due to its light batter and tender squid. It provides a great start to any meal at Minyoli.
The calamari at Minyoli is crispy and skillfully seasoned, making it a must-have starter. This dish features a light batter and delicate squid, resulting in a delightful bite. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a tasty appetizer, Minyoli's calamari is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
14. Tanoshii in Andersonville
Authentic Japanese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

The calamari dish varied in quality depending on the dining experience. One account found it to be just adequate, with a chewiness that was less than desirable. However, a different encounter revealed the calamari to be exceptional, with a crispy texture and delightful flavor, ranking among the best in Chicago.
Regarding the overall meal, there is agreement on its excellence. The calamari, in particular, stood out in one instance as a highlight, demonstrating the kitchen's ability to prepare delicious and high-quality dishes. Therefore, despite variations in the calamari's execution, the restaurant's culinary skills and the meal's enjoyment are undeniable.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
15. Ora
Small family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine

The calamari stood out during our meal, surpassing our expectations with its tenderness and rich flavor. At Ora, the calamari was a delicious starter, with freshness and perfect seasoning that made it a dining highlight.
In both dining experiences, the calamari was a triumph. Its exceptional tenderness and seasoning created a memorable taste, and the freshness of the dish was impressive in each instance.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner