New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts an incredible array of seafood options. And within that vast ocean of choices, one dish reigns supreme for its crispy texture, tender interior, and addictive flavor: calamari. This guide dives deep into the best places to find this fried seafood delight, exploring everything from classic preparations to innovative twists. Whether you crave a classic, perfectly fried calamari, or a more adventurous take on this beloved appetizer, New York City has something for you.
Finding the Perfect Calamari: What to Look For
Before we dive into our top 18, let's talk about what makes truly great calamari. The key factors are:
- Tenderness: The calamari should be delightfully tender, not rubbery or tough. This comes down to the freshness of the squid and the cooking method.
- Crispiness: The breading needs to be perfectly golden-brown and incredibly crispy, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Flavor: While simple seasoning is often best, the right balance of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of herbs or spices can elevate the dish. Avoid overly greasy or overly salty calamari.
- Presentation: Even the best-tasting calamari benefits from attractive presentation. A generous portion, attractively plated, enhances the dining experience.
18 Best Calamari Spots in NYC: A Culinary Journey
This list encompasses diverse neighborhoods and styles, ensuring a variety of options for every calamari craving. The ranking is not definitive, as taste is subjective – but these are consistently highly-rated spots known for their exceptional calamari.
Midtown Manhattan
-
The Smith: This popular brasserie offers a classic rendition, perfectly fried and served with a zesty marinara sauce. Their consistent quality and large portions make it a reliable choice.
-
Becco: Known for its upscale Italian cuisine, Becco’s calamari is a testament to simple perfection. The light breading and perfectly cooked squid make it a memorable experience.
-
The Clocktower: This elegant restaurant offers a refined take on calamari, often incorporating seasonal ingredients and creative sauces. Expect a more upscale, refined experience here.
Lower Manhattan
-
Carmine's: This family-style Italian restaurant offers a mountain of calamari – perfect for sharing with a group. Expect generous portions and classic flavors.
-
Atera: For a truly high-end experience, Atera’s calamari is a masterpiece of culinary art. This innovative restaurant frequently features unique preparations and flavor combinations.
Greenwich Village
-
Minetta Tavern: This historic tavern serves up a hearty portion of well-fried calamari, a solid and satisfying choice.
-
Via Carota: This charming West Village spot serves a simple, perfectly executed calamari that's as good as its pasta dishes.
Upper West Side
-
Jacob's Pickles: While known for its Southern comfort food, Jacob's Pickles offers a surprisingly delicious and creative take on calamari. Expect a twist on the classic.
-
Sarabeth's: This popular brunch spot surprisingly has some fantastic calamari options. Expect more creative presentations.
Brooklyn
-
Grimaldi's Pizzeria: While primarily known for its pizza, Grimaldi's offers a very popular calamari option that is a great pairing with a slice.
-
Lilia: This highly acclaimed Brooklyn restaurant elevates the simple calamari to new heights with innovative preparation and high-quality ingredients.
-
DeStefano's Steak House: For a hearty steakhouse-style version, head to DeStefano's.
Queens
-
Taverna Kyclades: This Greek taverna provides a delicious calamari that reflects authentic Greek flavors. Expect a lighter, less-bready approach.
-
Astoria Seafood: This seafood spot focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, translating into excellent calamari.
Other Boroughs
-
Bronx Alehouse: This casual spot offers a satisfying, no-frills calamari, perfect for a relaxed meal.
-
The Stand: This popular burger joint is another surprising option, with unexpectedly excellent calamari that stands up next to their renowned burgers.
-
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream: This may seem unusual, but Van Leeuwen occasionally features a seasonal calamari ice cream (yes, you read that correctly!), a truly unique culinary experience.
-
Sushi Yasaka: While a sushi restaurant, many of these spots offer a solid calamari, offering a nice start to the meal.
Beyond the Fried: Exploring Calamari Variations
While fried calamari is the most common preparation, New York City offers exciting variations:
- Grilled Calamari: Offers a lighter, healthier option.
- Calamari Salad: A refreshing and flavorful alternative, often featuring herbs, lemon, and olives.
- Stuffed Calamari: A more substantial dish, often filled with rice, seafood, or vegetables.
Conclusion: Your NYC Calamari Adventure Awaits
New York City's diverse culinary landscape offers countless opportunities to indulge in delicious calamari. This list is a great starting point for your own culinary adventure, but be sure to explore and discover your own personal favorites! Remember to consider factors like tenderness, crispiness, flavor, and presentation when making your choices. Happy calamari hunting!
