Top 18 calamari in Chinatown
"Calamari in Chinatown" is a culinary adventure that transports you to the bustling streets of Asia, all while indulging in a beloved Italian dish. This fascinating combination brings together the vibrant cultures of Chinatown and Italian cuisine, resulting in a unique and delectable experience. Dive into the story of calamari in Chinatown, where tradition meets innovation.
- 1. Lounge Chinatown
- 2. Peony Seafood Restaurant
- 3. Shan Dong in Chinatown
- 4. New Gold Medal Restaurant
- 5. Yung Kee
- 6. Shooting Star Cafe
- 7. Gum Kuo in Chinatown
- 8. Ying Kee Restaurant
- 9. Imperial Soup
- 10. R' noodles
- 11. Ming's Tasty
- 12. Big Dish
- 13. Hay Yue Restaurant
- 14. Green Fish Seafood Market (E&F inc)
- 15. Oakland Cafe in Chinatown
- 16. Sakura Bistro Tapas & Sake Bar
- 17. Tao Yuen Pastry
- 18. Yummy Dim Sum
1. Lounge Chinatown
Live music on weekends, diverse menu, and friendly staff

The calamari at Lounge Chinatown is known for its exceptional quality. Its crispy exterior and well-seasoned taste make it a standout dish. Diners should not miss the opportunity to try this delicious calamari.
In terms of flavor and texture, Lounge Chinatown's calamari is top-notch. The tender and succulent squid is skillfully prepared, resulting in a delightful treat for the taste buds. The dish's savory seasoning enhances the natural taste of the calamari, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
2. Peony Seafood Restaurant
Spacious and elegant dining area, specializing in fresh seafood

The calamari dish was a standout, with its crispy exterior and well-seasoned flavor. Its excellent preparation makes it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious appetizer. The calamari was cooked to perfection, offering a tender texture that was not hindered by excessive grease.
This delectable calamari dish exhibit a crispy and well-seasoned exterior with a tender and satisfyingly chewy interior. The avoidance of overly greasy preparation ensures that each bite is enjoyable, without the heaviness that can sometimes come with fried foods. This combination of texture and flavor makes the calamari a must-try.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
3. Shan Dong in Chinatown
Unique homemade recipes with fresh ingredients

The calamari dish was a highlight of the meal, with its preparation and seasoning being particularly noteworthy. One reviewer raved about the perfectly cooked and seasoned calamari, while another found the texture to be a bit chewy but still enjoyed the flavorful taste.
Despite minor differences in texture preference, both reviewers agreed that the calamari was a standout dish. The first reviewer went so far as to call it a "must-try," while the second indicated they would order it again. Overall, the calamari was a success, satisfying the tastes of two different palates.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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4. New Gold Medal Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional Chinese dishes since 1989

The calamari dish was skillfully prepared and seasoned to perfection. Its excellent taste makes it a must-try for anyone visiting the establishment.
The calamari served was crispy and had an enjoyable delicious flavor. It is a highly recommended dish for those who dine in this place.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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5. Yung Kee
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history and a commitment to quality

The calamari, a popular seafood dish, received mixed reviews. One opinion found the calamari overcooked, which affected the texture despite the flavor still being enjoyable. On the other hand, another viewpoint raved about the perfectly crispy calamari and its well-seasoned taste. This second perspective enthusiastically recommended trying it.
In summary, the calamari dish varied in enjoyment between the two opinions. The first mentioned the negative impact of overcooking, while the second appreciated the crispy texture and seasoning. Both agreed on the dish's flavorful aspect, but differed in their overall recommendations.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
6. Shooting Star Cafe
Quaint atmosphere, dedicated to local art scene, pet-friendly

Calamari, a dish made from squid, was served and experienced differently in two separate instances. In one instance, the calamari was just okay, with a chewy texture that may not have been thoroughly cooked or could have been overcooked. This resulted in a less satisfying dining experience.
However, in a different setting, the calamari stood out as a favorite dish. It was cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and delightful texture that was not too greasy. Overall, the second serving of calamari provided a more enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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7. Gum Kuo in Chinatown
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Taiwanese cuisine since 1983

The calamari dish was exceptionally well-prepared and served. It was cooked to perfection, with a delightful texture that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The seasoning was expertly applied, adding a savory depth of flavor that elevated the dish to must-try status.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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8. Ying Kee Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant serving Hong Kong-style cuisine since 1989

The calamari dish received mixed reviews. In one instance, it was described as just okay, with a disappointing chewy texture. On the other hand, the calamari was highly praised for being expertly cooked and not too greasy.
The contrasting opinions on the calamari dish can be attributed to different preparation methods. The calamari that was found to be chewy may have been overcooked, leading to a tough texture. Meanwhile, the perfectly cooked calamari was likely fried or grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and delicious dish. The grease factor also played a role in the positive review, as excessive grease can detract from the overall taste and quality of the dish.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
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9. Imperial Soup
Small, family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere

The restaurant offers an impressive selection of authentic Chinese herbal soups, making it a great destination for soup enthusiasts. The service at the restaurant is top-notch, with staff who are attentive and helpful. The food served is not only delicious, but it is also clean and fragrant, indicating the use of high-quality ingredients.
The food at the restaurant is known for its flavorful offerings, which are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. The herbal soups are a particular highlight, offering a unique and delicious twist on traditional soups. Best of all, the prices are quite reasonable, making it an accessible option for those looking for a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. R' noodles
Cash only, family-owned and operated, authentic Taiwanese cuisine

The calamari at R' Noodles was a delightful and unexpected treat. It stood out for its tenderness and rich flavors, avoiding the greasiness that is often found in calamari dishes. The freshness of the calamari was apparent in its great texture, making it a satisfying and enjoyable choice.
My personal experience with the calamari at R' Noodles was overwhelmingly positive. The dish was cooked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying texture that I greatly appreciated. The freshness of the calamari was impressive, and I was pleased to find that it was not greasy at all. This appetizer was so delicious that I look forward to ordering it again in the future.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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11. Ming's Tasty
Family-owned restaurant serving Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes since 1998

The calamari dish served at this establishment is truly exceptional. Its freshness is evident in every bite, making for a truly delightful culinary experience. The texture of the calamari stands out, with just the right amount of firmness and a delightful crispy exterior. It is clear that great care has been taken in selecting and preparing this dish.
The calamari is not only fresh and texturally pleasing, but it is also skilfully cooked to a perfect crispy finish. The seasoning is expertly applied, enhancing the natural flavors of the calamari without overpowering them. This dish is a standout and is highly recommended for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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12. Big Dish
Friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on sustainable seafood

Calamari was served, and while there were differing opinions on the cooking time, both parties agreed on the flavor being enjoyable. One piece of calamari was overcooked to a slight degree, but the other party found no issues in this regard, praising the texture for having a satisfying crunch. Despite the slight variation in preparation, both parties found the calamari to be a fresh and tasty dish, with one expressing the intent to order it again in the future.
In summary, the calamari dish was praised for its flavor and quality, with one minor critique regarding the cooking time of the dish. The calamari was described as both fresh and crunchy, demonstrating its taste and texture appealed to both parties. With positive feedback and a expressed desire to order it again, the calamari seemed to be a successful dish overall.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
13. Hay Yue Restaurant

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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14. Green Fish Seafood Market (E&F inc)

TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Kosher Options
15. Oakland Cafe in Chinatown
Cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and diverse menu

The calamari at Oakland Cafe is a must-try dish. It stands out for its exceptional preparation, as it is never overcooked or too chewy. The calamari boasts a delightful crispy texture that adds an enjoyable crunch with every bite. This dish is seasoned skillfully, enhancing its taste and making it a memorable part of the meal.
In summary, Oakland Cafe's calamari is a noteworthy item on the menu, thanks to its spot-on cooking and seasoning. The calamari's crispy texture and well-seasoned flavors make it a definite highlight for anyone dining at the cafe, offering a delightful and satisfying experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Sakura Bistro Tapas & Sake Bar
Intimate ambiance with a wide variety of Japanese whiskey and sake.

The calamari dish featured a noticeable contrast in opinions. Some enjoyed the calamari, praising its crispy texture and delicious dipping sauce. The sauce was specifically highlighted as a standout component, making the overall dining experience positive for those individuals.
However, others had a different perspective on the same calamari dish. They found the calamari to be a bit too chewy, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the dish. Despite the chewy texture, they acknowledged that the sauce was still enjoyable. Despite this discrepancy in opinions, the sauce remained a common positive element in the calamari dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Dinner
17. Tao Yuen Pastry
Provides a variety of Asian pastries and desserts, offers catering services

I had rice noodles and turnip cakes for breakfast while traveling for work. I chose them because they were familiar and comforting. The food was fresh and still steaming when it was served.
I ordered take-out from a dim sum restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown. It is a reliable option, and their baked pork buns and fried shrimp dumplings are among the better ones I've had.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
18. Yummy Dim Sum
Cozy family-owned restaurant with excellent customer service

The calamari dish at this location is outstanding. It stands out for its freshness, with a delightful crunch that indicates high quality. The crispy texture is evident, showing that the frying is done with expertise.
This calamari is not only crispy, but also well-seasoned. The spices and flavors used complement the natural taste of the calamari, enhancing its appeal. Food enthusiasts should not miss out on the opportunity to try this delicious dish. With its combination of freshness, texture, and taste, it is a definite must-try.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
- Cheap Eats