Top 9 calamari in Desert Ridge
Calamari in Desert Ridge is a popular dish that can be found in several top-rated restaurants in the area. These restaurants offer their own unique twist on the classic fried squid dish, making it a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Desert Ridge. Some of the best places to try calamari include Flower Child, Islands Restaurant Phoenix, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Desert Ridge, Mimi's Cafe, and Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill.
1. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Desert Ridge
Known for its extensive wine and whiskey list and comfortable ambiance

The calamari and bread were the highlights of the meal, with both items receiving high praise. The calamari was expertly prepared, featuring a tender consistency and a delicate breading. It was served with crispy fried jalapeños and red pepper strips, adding a spicy kick to the dish. The bread was also a standout, with its delicious taste making it difficult to resist.
Overall, the calamari was a perfect combination of tenderness and light breading, while the fried jalapeños and red pepper strips provided a nice contrast in texture and flavor. The bread was equally impressive, although its delicious taste made it a challenge to save room for the other dishes. Both the calamari and bread made a positive impression and were clear favorites of the meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
2. Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
Focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients

The calamari stood out as a memorable dish during our meal. Its freshness was evident, adding to its delicious taste. We particularly enjoyed the crispy texture of the calamari, which was cooked to perfection. The seasoning was skillfully done, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
In summary, the calamari was a definite highlight of our meal. Its freshness and taste were exceptional, and the crispy texture was perfectly executed. The seasoning of the calamari was done with great care, adding to its overall deliciousness.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
3. Islands Restaurant Phoenix
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine since 2009

The calamari stands out as a highlight of the dining experience, with its excellent cooking and seasoning. It is a strongly recommended dish for anyone looking for something delicious to try. Its crispy texture and delightful taste make it a satisfying choice, guaranteed to leave a positive impression.
Diners rave about the calamari, delighted by its perfect preparation and seasoning. Its crispy and delicious qualities make it a popular menu item that is sure to impress. The temptation to order it again is strong, as its taste lingers in the memory. Overall, the calamari is a remarkable dish worthy of recognition.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
Relate link
4. Kona Grill - Desert Ridge
Modern American cuisine with global influences, extensive gluten-free and vegetarian options

The calamari dish showcased varying degrees of cooking quality in different meals. In one instance, the calamari was cooked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying crunch with each bite. The taste was delightful, making it an excellent beginning to the meal. Conversely, another calamari experience was slightly disappointing due to overcooking, which led to a chewier texture. However, the flavor was still enjoyable, leaving room for potential improvement and a willingness to try it again.
In summary, the calamari dishes demonstrated inconsistencies in cooking techniques and textures. While one serving presented a flawlessly cooked and appealing appetizer, the other had a less desirable chewy texture due to overcooking. Despite this, both calamari dishes retained a consistent positive aspect - their taste. This common factor indicates that, regardless of preparation, the calamari flavor remains a delightful feature worth experiencing again.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
5. Ocean Prime
Elegant dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and prime steaks

To begin, we enjoyed the calamari appetizer which had an exceptional flavor. The dish was beautifully prepared in a spicy orange sauce that enhanced its taste.
We started the meal with the calamari appetizer, despite the appealing salads. The calamari had an impressive flavor due to the delicious spicy orange sauce it was cooked in.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
6. Tia Carmen in Desert Ridge
Upscale Mexican dining with a desert view

The calamari dish was a standout during the meal, receiving high praise for its taste and texture. Its crispy exterior and rich flavor were particularly enjoyed, making it a memorable part of the dining experience.
The ordered calamari dish arrived and lived up to expectations. Its freshness and delicious taste were notable features, contributing to an overall positive assessment of the meal.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
7. SFIZIO Modern Italian Kitchen
Modern Italian kitchen with a focus on quality ingredients and innovative dishes

The calamari standout in this dining experience due to its freshness and tenderness. The dish was skillfully cooked, resulting in a delicate texture that was enjoyable to bite into. Moreover, the dipping sauce complemented the calamari well, adding an extra layer of flavor and enhancing the overall taste.
This calamari dish is highly recommended due to its excellent preparation and seasoning. The dish's freshness and tenderness were notable, and the dipping sauce elevated the taste. Dining enthusiasts seeking a delicious calamari dish should not miss out on this must-try option.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
8. MERITAGE - an urban tavern
Features local ingredients, unique decor, and a lively bar scene

The calamari dish stood out during the meal, but opinions differed on its quality. For some, it was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning, making it a standout dish worth trying. However, others found the calamari to be overcooked, resulting in a chewy and less enjoyable texture.
In summary, the calamari dish received mixed reviews. While some praised its perfect cooking and seasoning, others were disappointed by its overcooked and chewy texture. It appears that the execution of the dish varied, leading to differing dining experiences.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
9. Marino's Italian Kitchen and Bar
Family-owned Italian kitchen and bar since 1992

The calamari dish stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its crispy exterior and tender interior making it a must-try for anyone who visits. The appetizer was well-cooked, with a perfect balance between crispness on the outside and tenderness on the inside.
The calamari was a delicious choice, offering a tasty and satisfying start to the meal. The dish was prepared in a way that avoided an overpowering greasiness, and the flavors were well-balanced and enjoyable. Overall, the calamari was a clear winner and a recommended choice for anyone looking for a tasty appetizer.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Suburban