Top 15 calamari in South Loop
Calamari in South Loop is a popular dish that showcases the culinary diversity of this Chicago neighborhood. With its tender texture and distinctive taste, calamari is offered in various South Loop restaurants, from elegant dining establishments to cozy pubs. Whether it's served as a standalone dish or an appetizer, calamari in South Loop offers a delightful gastronomic experience for both locals and visitors. Come and savor this exquisite treat in the heart of Chicago's South Loop!
- 1. Lowcountry South Loop
- 2. Victory Tap | South Loop
- 3. Flo & Santos
- 4. Sofi Restaurant
- 5. All Star Seafood and Sports in South Loop
- 6. Kai Sushi
- 7. Chicago Oyster House
- 8. Gino’s East - South Loop
- 9. My Place South Loop Restaurant
- 10. Il Culaccino - Chicago Italian Restaurant
- 11. Amarit Thai and sushi (CHICAGO Location)
- 12. Minghin Japanese Cuisine in South Loop
- 13. Sociale Chicago
- 14. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates in South Loop
- 15. Apolonia
1. Lowcountry South Loop
Seafood specialties with a Southern twist

The calamari dish was a standout, with a crispy texture that was thoroughly enjoyed. Its taste was enhanced by a complementary dipping sauce, making it a definite recommendation.
Calamari was ordered and proved to be a delicious choice. It had a satisfying flavor and was not overly greasy, indicating a well-prepared dish.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
2. Victory Tap | South Loop
Live music, cozy atmosphere, extensive beer selection

The dishes at this establishment are truly delicious. Two standout options are the fried calamari and the eggplant parmesan. The bread, which is provided free of charge, is also a delight.
The calamari appetizer is a must-try. It features a light breading that is neither heavy nor greasy, making it a perfect start to the meal. Additionally, the eggplant parmesan is a crowd pleaser.
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TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Flo & Santos
Featuring a unique fusion of Polish and Italian cuisine.

The calamari dish at Flo & Santos is highly regarded, considered one of the best in the Chicago area. Its popularity is due to its exceptional taste and texture. The calamari is skillfully prepared to be crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The delicious flavor makes it a standout choice for seafood lovers.
Flo & Santos' calamari is a favorite among its patrons. Its crispy texture is a result of expert cooking techniques, while the taste is delightful and enjoyable. Remarkably, this calamari stands out in a city known for its diverse food scene, highlighting the exceptional quality that Flo & Santos brings to its culinary offerings.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
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4. Sofi Restaurant
Intimate atmosphere, extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff

The calamari and scallops stood out as the tender and flavorful stars of the meal. The lobster ravioli, while still enjoyable, did not quite reach the same heights of excellence. An extensive and carefully curated wine list added to the overall dining experience. The evening was filled with enjoyment and great food.
Starting the meal off on a high note, the calamari was cooked to perfection and generously seasoned. The delicious appetizer set the stage for a promising meal. Each bite of calamari was met with appreciation, indicating the quality and care put into preparing the dish.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
5. All Star Seafood and Sports in South Loop
Family-friendly sports bar with extensive beer selection and happy hour specials

The grilled calamari stood out as a delicious part of the meal. Its fresh and robust flavor made it a clear highlight. Other diners would also benefit from trying this dish.
The calamari was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender texture. It had a distinct, clean taste that was enjoyable. The seasoning was well-balanced and complemented the natural flavor of the calamari.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. Kai Sushi
Small, cozy spot with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and a wide variety of Japanese cuisine.

The calamari dish at Kai Sushi was a point of enjoyment during the meal. Its freshness and delicious flavor were notable features. The texture of the calamari stood out as well, contributing to the overall positive experience.
However, there was one aspect of the calamari that detracted from the enjoyment. Its chewiness was a bit too much, which may not align with everyone's preference. Despite this, the flavor remained enjoyable and added to the overall appreciation of the meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Chicago Oyster House
Fresh seafood flown in daily, cozy and intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable and attentive staff

The fried calamari dish was a culinary delight, with its preparation and cooking done to perfection. The portion served was more than enough, leaving a satisfying impression. The dipping sauce that accompanied the calamari added an extra layer of flavor, making the dish even more enjoyable.
However, there were some shortcomings in the dining experience. Both the calamari and soft shell crab appetizers were served warm, rather than hot, which affected their taste and temperature. Moreover, the service was mediocre, which was disappointing. The expectation of a 20% service charge, regardless of party size, implies that the service should be very good. This was not the case, and it negatively impacted the overall experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Celebrations
8. Gino’s East - South Loop
Family-friendly atmosphere, Chicago-style pizza, full bar

The calamari appetizer was a popular choice, priced at $15.05. This dish received an impressive rating of 72%, based on 11 reviews. Customers were overwhelmingly satisfied with their calamari experience. This dish was widely praised for its crispy texture, without being too greasy.
Seafood Platter $52.69 60% (20)
The seafood platter was another standout option. Priced at $52.69, this dish was a bit more expensive but still worth every penny. It received a solid rating of 60%, based on 20 reviews. The platter included a variety of fresh seafood, which was found to be delicious and well-prepared. However, some reviewers thought it could have been a better value for its price.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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9. My Place South Loop Restaurant
Features a lively atmosphere with a great selection of local beers

The seafood dish of calamari was a highlight of the meal, receiving positive comments. The chicken wings were also a standout dish, with guests enjoying their taste. Dessert was not tried during this meal.
Moving on to specifics, the calamari was particularly well-received, with its quality making it a memorable part of the dining experience. Although there were other dishes served, the calamari and chicken wings made a lasting impression. Unfortunately, no comments can be made about the dessert options since they were not sampled during this visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Il Culaccino - Chicago Italian Restaurant
Homemade pasta, extensive wine list, and cozy atmosphere

Grilled calamari is a popular menu item that many customers enjoy. The squid used in the dish is known for its chewy texture. However, in this case, the calamari was particularly chewy, which may not have been to everyone's liking.
Moscato, a sweet white wine, was served with the dish. Some customers found the moscato to be a bit watered down, which affected its flavor. It's possible that their expectations for a flavorful and enjoyable meal were not met, leading to a slight sense of disappointment.
Despite these issues, the grilled calamari remained a favorite among customers due to its unique taste and texture. It's important for restaurants to ensure that the quality of their dishes and drinks are consistent, so that customers can have a positive experience every time they visit.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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11. Amarit Thai and sushi (CHICAGO Location)
Caters to vegetarians, offers gluten-free options, and has a cozy ambiance

The calamari dish showcased a perfectly cooked and satisfying crunchiness that makes it a must-try. Its freshness was a highlight, and the dipping sauce accompanied it well, elevating the overall taste.
Freshness was a defining characteristic of the calamari, making it a standout. The crispy texture, when combined with the delicious dipping sauce, created a harmonious blend of flavors. This calamari dish is highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
12. Minghin Japanese Cuisine in South Loop
Authentic Japanese cuisine, Sleek and modern atmosphere, Wide range of menu options

Minghin Japanese Cuisine offers a delicious calamari dish that is a must-try for anyone in Chicago. The calamari stands out due to its expert cooking and seasoning, resulting in a delightful texture contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior.
Diners rave about the calamari's quality, praising its perfect preparation and high recommendability. The dish's exceptional taste is clear evidence of the restaurant's commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
14. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates in South Loop
Features a modern and sleek atmosphere with a bustling bar scene

The calamari dish was a standout, reminding diners of some of the best they've had in recent memory. Its appearance resembled fried onion rings, adding an unexpected yet delightful twist. The garlic flavor was prominent, enhancing the taste of the calamari without overpowering it. However, there was a noticeable absence of any dipping sauce, which could have been a missed opportunity to elevate the dish further.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
15. Apolonia
Family-owned Mediterranean restaurant with a cozy atmosphere

The calamari dish stood out as a culinary delight during our meal. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor made it a clear standout. The excellent cooking and seasoning of the calamari contributed to its status as a must-try dish.
Fried to perfection, the calamari provided a satisfying crunch with each bite. The seasoning was expertly applied, enhancing the taste of the calamari without overpowering it. Overall, the calamari was one of the highlights of the meal, and I would highly recommend trying it.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Sociale Chicago
Live music on weekends, Wide selection of craft beers
The calamari dish stood out as a notable component of the meal, although opinions varied on its texture. On the one hand, some individuals found the calamari to be crispy and delightful, praising its taste. Moreover, the accompanying dipping sauce served as a complementary element that enhanced the overall experience of the calamari. On the other hand, there were some who found the calamari to be a bit too chewy, resulting in a less enjoyable texture. However, it was agreed upon that the flavor of the calamari was still palatable and pleasing.
In summary, the calamari received mixed reviews, as some people appreciated its crispy texture and tasty flavor, while others found the texture to be too chewy. Despite these differences in opinion, the dipping sauce proved to be a harmonious addition to the calamari dish, adding to its overall appeal.
TOPICS
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pizza places in South Loop Chicago