13 Best Calamari in New York City
Discover the delights of "Calamari in NYC" - taste the fusion of Italian culinary tradition with a bustling urban twist. Indulge in succulent, tender calamari dishes, prepared with fresh ingredient, in the heart of the city that never sleeps. From cozy hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale dining, "Calamari in NYC" promises a unique and unforgettable gastronomical experience. Don't miss out!
1. Osteria Carlina West Village
Authentic Northern Italian cuisine with a cozy, elegant ambiance.

The calamari at Osteria Carlina is a true standout. It boasts a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a tender, succulent interior. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.
Impressively, the calamari is fried to perfection without a hint of greasiness. Its golden-brown exterior delivers a satisfying crunch, while the delicate squid within remains moist and flavorful. The dish showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and execution, leaving patrons craving more.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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2. Carmine's
Family-style Italian dining in Times Square

The calamari dish that was ordered did not disappoint. It featured an impressive portion size, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a solo meal. The flavor was exceptional, with a savory seasoning that complemented the tender calamari.
Fried to golden brown perfection, the calamari had a satisfying crunch with each bite. The tender interior was met with the right amount of seasoning, creating a harmony of flavors. Whether as an appetizer or a snack, this calamari dish is highly recommended for its delightful taste and texture.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
3. Risotteria Melotti NYC
100% gluten-free Italian rice-based cuisine.

At Risotteria Melotti NYC, the fried calamari stands out as a must-try dish. The calamari's perfect cooking technique ensures a delightful eating experience, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior that leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds.
For those who appreciate a good Italian meal, Risotteria Melotti NYC offers a wide range of delicious options. Among the recommended dishes are the zesty lemon risotto, flavorful calamari, and refreshing Caesar salads. Diners are sure to enjoy the authentic taste and quality ingredients that make up these exceptional dishes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan Options
4. Marea
Award-winning coastal Italian cuisine in a chic setting.

The calamari at Marea is a standout dish, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality ingredients and expert preparation. The dish features perfectly cooked calamari that is both tender and flavorful. The exterior is crispy, while the interior is juicy and delicious. The seasoning is expertly applied, enhancing the natural taste of the seafood without overpowering it.
In addition to the expert preparation, the dish also comes with a delectable dipping sauce. The sauce adds an additional layer of flavor to the already delicious calamari. Overall, the calamari at Marea is a must-try for any seafood lover. It is a perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can be transformed into a truly outstanding dish.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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5. The Clam
Seasonal seafood with Atlantic seaboard influences.

The calamari appetizer at this establishment is a standout dish. Its preparation and seasoning are executed to perfection, resulting in a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, succulent interior. Food enthusiasts would be remiss not to include this dish in their order.
Arriving in a generous portion, the calamari is served as a satisfying appetizer. The dish is elevated by a well-selected dipping sauce, which wonderfully complements the taste and texture of the fried calamari. Diners seeking a memorable start to their meal will find it in this impressive appetizer.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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6. Monte's Trattoria
Authentic Northern Italian cuisine since 1918.

The calamari, to begin with, was a standout dish. It was fresh and cooked to perfection, with a delightful texture that was neither rubbery nor tough. The generously sized portion was served with a tangy and flavorful house-made marinara sauce that complemented the calamari beautifully.
Moving on to other dishes, the fresh mozzarella on the caprese salad was excellent, and the chicken parmigiana was a hit with the reviewer's wife. The sausage and peppers were skillfully prepared, with a beautiful balance of flavors. The meal was capped off with a delicious tiramisu that was enjoyed by all. The full bar offered a good selection of wines and after-dinner drinks that were the perfect accompaniment to the meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Personal Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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7. Legasea Bar & Grill
Fun-casual dining in the heart of Midtown.

The seafood at this restaurant is incredibly fresh and of high quality, making it a standout option for seafood lovers. One particular dish, the yellow tail sashimi, is a must-try for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious flavor. The service at the restaurant is another bright spot, with servers like Clint providing excellent recommendations and ensuring a memorable dining experience. This establishment is a welcome addition to the Tao group of restaurants.
If you're looking for a place to dine on Christmas Day, Legasea is a great choice. They offer a prix fixe lunch menu that is sure to satisfy. The fried calamari and zucchini appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, with its fresh and crunchy texture. The black shell marinara pasta is another standout dish, boasting well-seasoned and flavorful sauce that is sure to delight. Whether you're dining with family or friends, Legasea is a great option for a festive and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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8. Il Mulino - Downtown (West 3rd)
Authentic Abruzzese cuisine with unparalleled service.

The calamari, freshly cooked and well-seasoned, was a promising start to the dining experience. The exterior was crispy, while the interior remained tender and succulent.
A large portion of fried calamari was shared among the diners, setting a high standard for the main courses that followed. Among the entrees were the Riga Bolognese, black pasta, a fish special, and buca Amatria, all of which were priced reasonably with the exception of the sea special, which was listed at $50. Despite the indulgent offerings, there was no room left for dessert or coffee to conclude the meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- High-End
9. Leo's Casa Calamari
Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

At Leo's Casa Calamari, the calamari stands out as a menu highlight. Its exceptional taste and texture make it a must-order for any visitor. The exterior boasts a delightful crispness, while the seasoning is expertly balanced, adding depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Leo's Casa Calamari takes pride in offering superior calamari. Freshness is a key component in ensuring the quality of this dish, and the establishment consistently delivers. Generous portion sizes allow for sharing or satisfying the heartiest of appetites. Undoubtedly, this Brooklyn staple has earned its reputation for serving some of the best calamari in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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10. Isabelle's Osteria
Contemporary Italian dining in Gramercy.

The dishes tried at this midtown fine dining establishment were universally enjoyed. The high price of bottled sparkling water, at $9, was the only disappointment in terms of value. However, the Caesar salad priced at $17, the $18 Trout appetizer, and the $17 Calamari appetizer were all worth their cost, offering delectable flavors and generous portions.
The service at this restaurant was commendable, with prompt food delivery and consistent water refills. Although the ambiance was pleasant, it was a bit noisy. The food quality was satisfactory but did not quite live up to the high expectations set by the restaurant's upscale reputation. The Calamari appetizer, in particular, was a standout dish that left a positive impression. With some minor adjustments, this restaurant has the potential to achieve an exceptional dining experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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11. Casa Bella
Authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Little Italy.

The calamari appetizer is a standout choice at this establishment. Its freshness is clear from the first bite, and the expert seasoning adds depth of flavor. The dish is served with a complementary dipping sauce that further enhances the taste experience.
Cooked to perfection, the calamari boasts a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The combination of textures is truly delightful. This dish is highly recommended for any diner, as it is sure to impress with its quality and taste.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Personal Celebrations
- Dinner
12. Lamia's Fish Market
Mediterranean-inspired seafood in a unique, nautical setting.

At Lamia's Fish Market, the calamari stands out as a must-try dish for any seafood lover. Despite the higher cost, the exceptional quality of the calamari makes it a worthwhile indulgence.
The calamari served at Lamia's Fish Market is remarkable, featuring a fresh and delightful texture. The accompanying dipping sauce perfectly complements the calamari, enhancing its flavor and making for an unforgettable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
13. Lure Fishbar
Fresh seafood with a world-class sushi program.

The calamari dish stood out with its crispy exterior and well-balanced seasoning. This appetizer delighted the taste buds, making for an excellent start to the meal. The chilli-lime flavor added a refreshing twist, elevating the dish to a new height of enjoyment. The lightly fried calamari retained its tenderness, preventing it from becoming rubbery or overcooked.
The delight in the calamari was evident, as my dining companions and I could not resist ordering a second serving. Such was the appeal of this dish that we chose to indulge in it even before our main courses arrived. The combination of crispy texture, exquisite seasoning, and tenderness of the calamari proved to be a sensational combination. This tantalizing appetizer set the stage for the rest of the meal, leaving us all eagerly anticipating the delights that were sure to follow.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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