Top 12 calamari in Dallas
Calamari in Dallas is a popular dish that can be found in various restaurants throughout the city. This deep-fried squid dish is often served with a side of marinara or cocktail sauce and is a favorite among seafood lovers. Some of the top places to try calamari in Dallas include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Ocean Prime, Terilli's Restaurant, and Saint Rocco's New York Italian. Each of these establishments offers their own unique take on the classic dish.
1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Family-owned chain with a focus on Cajun and Creole cuisine

The calamari offered at this establishment is exceptional and a must-try. It stands out for its crispy texture, which adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The dish also includes a delicious dipping sauce that complements the calamari perfectly.
Pappadeaux is known for serving fresh and tender calamari. The quality of the ingredients really shines through in this dish, making it a highly recommended option. The crispy texture combined with the fresh and tender calamari makes for a delicious and satisfying experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Family-owned with a focus on Cajun and Creole cuisine

The calamari dish had a pleasant flavor that was enjoyed by the diners. One comment mentioned that the texture was slightly chewy, but this did not seem to be a major issue. The portion size of the calamari was generous, providing a satisfying start to the meal.
In a separate evaluation of the same calamari dish, it was highly praised and considered to be one of the best versions tried. The calamari was described as crispy and full of flavor, highlighting the quality of the dish. Both opinions agree on the positive taste of the calamari and the satisfying portion size.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Campisi's
Family-owned business since 1946, Voted best pizza in Dallas

The calamari served as an appetizer was disappointing. Its texture was tougher than expected, and it lacked the desired seasoning to enhance its flavor. The dipping sauce that accompanied it was a small redeeming factor, as it provided some taste to the otherwise bland calamari.
The calamari was not seasoned well, and its taste seemed to be lacking. The marinara sauce served with it did not help either, as it seemed to have come from a can and failed to add any flavor to the dish. This appetizer did not live up to the expectations.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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4. Paradiso
Knowledgeable staff, locally sourced ingredients, unique menu options

The calamari dish was cooked to perfection with a satisfyingly crispy exterior. It was well-seasoned, adding to the delicious taste. This appetizer is a standout and not to be missed.
High praise goes to the calamari, which was a definite highlight of the meal. The crispy texture and delightful taste made it a memorable dish. Lovers of calamari should be sure to give this dish a try.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
5. Ocean Prime
Upscale dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and quality ingredients

The calamari stood out as a highlight of the meal, with its excellent preparation and delicious taste. Its crispy texture and great flavor made it a must-try for anyone.
The calamari appetizer was a clear favorite, distinguished by its crispy and delicious qualities. It was widely regarded as one of the best calamari dishes anyone had tasted.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Waterfront
6. Terilli's Restaurant
Elegant yet casual Italian dining experience with a lively atmosphere

The calamari stood out as a memorable dish, with its expert cooking and seasoning. It was a delightful way to start the meal. This appetizer, in particular, boasted a perfect balance of flavors that left a lasting impression.
As a recommended starter, the calamari did not disappoint. Its delightful taste and lack of greasiness ensured a satisfying beginning to the meal. This extraordinary dish offered a tantalizing blend of flavors, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Saint Rocco's New York Italian
Offers a taste of New York in Dallas with a friendly and welcoming ambiance

The appetizers, specifically the calamari, stood out as a highlight of the meal. It was cooked to perfection, with a tenderness that revealed a high level of skill in the kitchen. The seasoning was carefully balanced, enhancing the natural flavor of the calamari without overpowering it.
In addition to the calamari, the truffle fries were also a delicious choice. The rich and earthy flavor of the truffles was present in every bite, making for a truly indulgent experience. Both appetizers were excellent choices to start off the meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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8. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Upscale seafood dining experience with a focus on sustainable sourcing

The calamari dish was a delight, featuring a crispy texture and taste that made it a great beginning to the meal. The fried pepper chips, included in the calamari, were a perfect complement, with each piece providing a satisfying crunch. The dipping sauces that accompanied both the calamari and pepper chips were equally delicious, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
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9. Si Tapas
Authentic Spanish tapas experience in Dallas

Keeper's Fish Shack in Ludington, MI, has received high praise for their calamari, as seen in traveler reviews and photos on Tripadvisor. The calamari stands out as a must-try dish among visitors.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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10. Ravenna Italian Grille & Bar
Authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and a wide selection of wines.

The calamari, as the starting point of the meal, was a shared experience in both cases. One critique of the calamari was that it was slightly overcooked, while the other described it as fresh and delicious, suggesting a difference in preparation or personal preference. The portion size of the calamari was abundant in both instances. A tangible point of agreement was the quality of the dipping sauce served with the calamari, which was deemed tasty and excellent.
Moving on from the calamari, the focus shifts to the positive flavor aspect of the calamari, despite the slight overcooking. The accompanying sauce, potentially a redeeming factor for the overcooked calamari, received separate praise for its excellence. The use of the word "tasty" by the second reviewer further underscores the appreciation for the dipping sauce's quality, reinforcing a common thread of appreciation for the meal's beginning.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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11. Ziziki's
Unique Mediterranean dishes and flavorful spices

TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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12. Cremona Bistro Italian Kitchen
Authentic Italian cuisine made from scratch using fresh ingredients

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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