New York City, a culinary melting pot, offers an incredible array of seafood options. Among these treasures, calamari reigns supreme. Whether you prefer it fried, grilled, or sautéed, NYC boasts a diverse selection of restaurants serving up this crispy, delicious cephalopod. This guide dives into 18 of the best places to find the perfect calamari in the city that never sleeps. We'll explore diverse styles, from classic preparations to innovative twists, ensuring you find your new favorite calamari spot.
Finding the Perfect Calamari: What to Look For
Before we dive into our list, let's consider what makes excellent calamari. Several key factors contribute to a truly memorable dish:
- Tenderness: Overcooked calamari is rubbery and unpleasant. Look for calamari that's cooked just until tender, retaining its delicate texture.
- Crispiness: The breading (if applicable) should be golden brown and perfectly crisp, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Flavor: The calamari should have a clean, slightly sweet flavor, not overwhelmed by excessive seasoning or batter.
- Freshness: Fresh calamari is paramount. It should have a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma, and be firm to the touch.
18 of NYC's Top Calamari Destinations
This list represents a diverse range of culinary styles and price points, catering to various tastes and budgets. Locations are listed geographically for your convenience.
Lower Manhattan & Financial District:
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The Fulton: This upscale seafood restaurant in the Seaport District offers beautifully prepared calamari with a sophisticated twist. Expect perfectly tender calamari with a delicate, flavorful breading. Their seasonal variations are always worth exploring. Price point: $$
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Atera: For a truly unique experience, Atera, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a creative, often unexpected, take on calamari. Their menu changes frequently, so expect a surprise! Price point: $$
Midtown & Upper Manhattan:
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Lilia: This popular Brooklyn restaurant (with a Midtown location) serves up a highly praised fried calamari that's both crispy and incredibly flavorful. Its simple preparation allows the quality of the calamari to shine. Price point: $$
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Carmine's: A classic Upper West Side Italian restaurant, Carmine's offers massive portions of their fried calamari – perfect for sharing. It's a crowd-pleaser, known for its generous portions and comforting atmosphere. Price point: $
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Becco: This elegant Italian restaurant in Midtown offers expertly prepared calamari that’s both crispy and tender, showcasing the subtle sweetness of the seafood. Price point: $$
Greenwich Village & West Village:
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Minetta Tavern: This historic Greenwich Village institution is known for its consistently excellent calamari. The breading is perfectly crisp, and the calamari itself is cooked to tender perfection. Price point: $$
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Rosemary's: In the heart of Greenwich Village, Rosemary's offers a beautifully prepared calamari, often featuring unique seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the seafood. Price point: $$
Brooklyn:
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Grimaldi's Pizzeria: While known for pizza, Grimaldi's calamari is a surprisingly delicious side dish. It's a classic fried version, simple yet satisfying. Price point: $
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Juliana's Pizza: Another Brooklyn pizza institution, Juliana's offers equally good calamari, perfect for sharing while enjoying a slice of their famous pizza. Price point: $
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DeStefano's Steak House: This Brooklyn steakhouse offers a surprisingly well-executed calamari appetizer that complements their meat-centric menu. Price Point: $$
Queens:
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Taverna Kyclades: This Astoria gem serves up a delicious Greek-style calamari, often grilled and marinated with herbs and lemon. Expect a lighter, more Mediterranean take on the dish. Price point: $
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The Rockaway Clam Bar: Located in Rockaway Beach, this seaside eatery offers fresh calamari, often fried to crispy perfection and served with a generous helping of their signature dipping sauce. Price point: $
Other Boroughs:
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Crif Dogs: A NYC institution, Crif Dogs in the East Village offers a unique take on calamari, often incorporating it into their creatively crafted hot dogs. Price point: $
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The Smith: This popular restaurant with various locations offers a consistently good calamari appetizer, a reliable choice for any occasion. Price point: $$
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Shake Shack: While primarily a burger joint, Shake Shack's calamari is surprisingly decent, offering a quick and satisfying bite. Price point: $
Beyond the Typical:
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Via Carota: Known for its charming ambiance and delicious Italian food, Via Carota's calamari is a refined interpretation of the classic dish. Price point: $$
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Il Buco: This Greenwich Village gem presents calamari with a level of sophistication and artistic flair, going beyond a simple appetizer to a culinary experience. Price point: $$
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Loring Place: This West Village restaurant occasionally features calamari on their ever-changing menu, always offering a unique and inventive preparation. Price point: $$
Note: Price points are estimates and may vary. $$ indicates a high price point, while $ indicates a low price point.
This list is just a starting point; many other excellent calamari spots exist throughout NYC. Your adventure to find the perfect calamari awaits! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and reservations before your visit. Enjoy your culinary journey!
