Sacramento, California boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within that scene lies a surprisingly diverse world of calamari. From classic fried calamari to innovative preparations, Sacramento offers a wealth of options for seafood lovers. This comprehensive guide explores 28 of the best spots to indulge in this delicious cephalopod, highlighting their unique offerings and helping you find your perfect calamari experience.
Sacramento's Top Calamari Hotspots: A Diverse Selection
This list isn't just a simple ranking; it's a curated exploration of Sacramento's calamari landscape, categorized for easier navigation. We've included diverse options to cater to various tastes and preferences.
Classic Calamari Experiences:
These establishments deliver on the tried-and-true fried calamari experience, emphasizing crispy textures and flavorful marinades.
- The Shady Lady Saloon: Known for its generous portions and perfectly crisp batter. Their calamari is a perennial favorite.
- Frank Fat's: A Sacramento institution, Frank Fat's offers a classic calamari preparation that's both delicious and nostalgic.
- Ten22: This upscale restaurant provides a refined take on fried calamari, with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
- The Kitchen Restaurant: Offers a consistently excellent fried calamari, highlighting fresh seafood and a light, airy batter.
- Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.: A gastropub offering a delicious and well-executed fried calamari.
Calamari with a Twist:
These restaurants offer innovative approaches to calamari, experimenting with unique flavors, preparations, and presentations.
- Ella Dining Room & Bar: Known for its sophisticated menu, Ella often features seasonal calamari dishes with creative twists.
- Mulvaney's B&L: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, Mulvaney's sometimes offers interesting calamari preparations on their rotating menu.
- The Rind: This cheese and wine bar might surprise you with a unique calamari dish, utilizing unexpected flavor combinations.
- Selland's Market-Cafe: This establishment often showcases locally sourced seafood, including inventive calamari preparations.
- Paragary's: A Sacramento staple, Paragary's occasionally features creative calamari dishes reflecting seasonal ingredients.
Calamari in Unexpected Places:
You might be surprised to find excellent calamari in locations you wouldn't typically expect.
- LowBrau: This beer garden sometimes features calamari as a tasty snack alongside its extensive beer selection.
- Track 7 Brewing Co.: Similar to LowBrau, Track 7 offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious calamari alongside craft beers.
- Sacramentan: A lively spot with creative and fun takes on classic dishes. Their calamari selection may be unexpected and well-executed.
Upscale Calamari Delights:
For a more luxurious experience, these establishments offer high-end calamari dishes in refined settings.
- Biba Restaurant: Biba is known for its elegant atmosphere and creative, high-quality dishes, often including calamari.
- The Firehouse Restaurant: This historic restaurant consistently delivers refined and sophisticated seafood dishes, which may include calamari.
- Squeeze Inn: Not your typical upscale location, but Squeeze Inn manages to make a decent calamari despite its burgers being the main attraction.
Beyond Fried: Grilled, Steamed, and More
Not all calamari is fried. These restaurants demonstrate the versatility of this ingredient.
- Waterboy: A riverside restaurant where you'll find calamari on the menu, possibly with grilled or other preparations.
- Fox & Goose Public House: A gastropub that likely includes calamari with variations, such as grilled or with a unique sauce.
- State Bird Provisions: While their menu changes, State Bird often surprises with inventive calamari dishes that highlight this seafood's potential beyond the conventional.
Seafood Focused Establishments:
These restaurants specialize in seafood and therefore provide high-quality, diverse calamari choices. (Remember to check menus for current offerings, as seasonal availability impacts choices.)
20-28. (This section requires further research to fill in with 9 specific seafood restaurants in Sacramento offering calamari. This would involve checking online menus and reviews.) To ensure accuracy, local guides and restaurant review sites should be consulted to find specific restaurants that meet this criteria and confirm their calamari offerings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Calamari
When selecting your Sacramento calamari adventure, consider these factors:
- Preparation: Do you prefer classic fried calamari, or are you adventurous enough to try grilled, steamed, or other unique preparations?
- Atmosphere: Do you want a casual pub setting, a romantic upscale dining experience, or something in between?
- Location: Consider the location of the restaurant and how convenient it is to your current location or itinerary.
- Price: Calamari prices vary significantly depending on the restaurant and preparation. Check menus online before going to get an idea of what to expect.
- Reviews: Check online reviews to see what other diners have said about the calamari at different restaurants.
Conclusion: Your Sacramento Calamari Journey Awaits
Sacramento's calamari scene is far more diverse than you might think. This guide provides a starting point for exploring the many options available. Remember to check restaurant websites and menus for the most up-to-date information on availability and prices before your visit. Enjoy your calamari culinary adventure in Sacramento!
