San Antonio is known for its delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and vibrant food scene. However, one dish that often gets overlooked is calamari.
This deep-fried seafood delicacy is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With so many restaurants offering calamari on their menus, it can be tough to find the best places to indulge in this tasty treat.
Whether you're a calamari enthusiast or just looking to try something new, San Antonio has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
From traditional Italian restaurants to trendy gastropubs, there's something for everyone. But with so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best places to enjoy calamari in San Antonio. We'll be looking at a variety of restaurants, from upscale dining establishments to casual eateries, to help you find the perfect spot to enjoy this mouthwatering dish.
So, whether you're a fan of classic fried calamari or prefer to try something a little more adventurous, we've got you covered. Get ready to discover the best places to indulge in this tasty seafood delicacy in San Antonio.
1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers delicious calamari with a crunchy texture and flavorful white sauce.
The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection, and the portions are generous.
The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is friendly and attentive.
While the restaurant can be busy, the experience is well worth the wait.
2. Eddie V's
Eddie V's is a fine dining restaurant that offers some of the best calamari in town.
The dish is perfectly cooked and seasoned, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.
The restaurant's upscale atmosphere and attentive service make for a memorable dining experience.
While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and service justifies the cost. Eddie V's is a great choice for a special occasion or a fancy night out.
3. Maggiano's Little Italy
Maggiano's Little Italy is a great place to go if you're looking for calamari. The food is outstanding and the service is top-notch.
The restaurant has a relaxed, polished atmosphere and is perfect for a family-style Italian meal.
The calamari is fresh and tasty, and the rest of the menu is just as good. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
If you're in the mood for great Italian food, Maggiano's Little Italy is definitely worth checking out.
4. Kona Grill – San Antonio at North Star
Kona Grill – San Antonio at North Star offers a diverse menu that includes sushi, cocktails, and New American fare.
The restaurant is a sleek chain that features low-calorie options and a variety of dishes. While the service is good, the food is the standout feature.
The calamari is a must-try dish, and the redfish and poke bowl are also highly recommended.
The prices are reasonable, and the happy hour menu is a great value. With attentive staff and a great atmosphere, Kona Grill is a solid choice for a night out.
5. Main Street Pizza & Pasta
Main Street Pizza & Pasta is a great spot for calamari lovers. The fried calamari is hot, fresh, and comes with a crispy and flavorful breading/batter.
The homemade marinara sauce complements the dish well, without overpowering the taste.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, including pizza and pasta, which are made fresh daily and taste amazing.
The staff is courteous and attentive, ensuring that customers have an enjoyable dining experience. The prices are reasonable, making it an affordable option for a delicious meal.
6. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown
Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown is a must-visit seafood restaurant for calamari lovers.
The calamari is fresh and well-cooked, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds. The ambiance is perfect for a relaxed evening by the river, and the service is excellent.
The variety of seafood dishes is impressive, and the Mahi-mahi special is a must-try for non-fish lovers.
If you're looking for a seafood restaurant with great food and service, Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen Downtown is the place to be.
7. Battalion
Battalion offers outstanding calamari that is perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The restaurant has a cool ambiance and great service. The menu is simple, with a selection of high-quality dishes that are reasonably priced.
The converted firehouse is a unique and stylish spot for classic Italian plates and cocktails. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive.
The atmosphere is upscale, making it a great choice for a date night or business lunch. The restaurant also offers a good selection of wines at reasonable prices.
8. Naples Italian Ristorante & Pizza
Naples Italian Ristorante & Pizza serves up some of the best calamari around.
The cozy neighborhood atmosphere and friendly staff make for a pleasant dining experience.
Along with the calamari, the bread is a must-try. Prices are fair and the portions are good.
Don't miss out on the other delicious Italian dishes on the menu.
9. Krab Kingz San Antonio
Krab Kingz San Antonio is a seafood restaurant that offers amazing calamari.
The food is well-seasoned and flavorful, making it perfect for seafood lovers. The service is great and the atmosphere is welcoming.
The prices are reasonable and the portions are filling. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes that are worth trying.
Krab Kingz San Antonio is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious calamari.
10. Southtown Pizzeria
Southtown Pizzeria is a must-visit place for calamari lovers. Their calamari is perfectly cooked and seasoned, making it a delicious appetizer to start your meal.
The restaurant offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with friendly staff and excellent service.
Apart from the calamari, their pizza and pasta dishes are also highly recommended. The menu has a good selection of Italian and American cuisine, with something for everyone.
If you're in the mood for some good food and a great experience, be sure to check out Southtown Pizzeria.
11. Surfing Crab
Looking for a fun seafood spot with friendly service, good prices, and delicious calamari dishes?
Surfing Crab offers a pick any 3 combo, with shrimp, black mussels, and calamari with medium spice and mixed flavorings.
Customers also rave about the seafood boil, which includes fresh and delicious lobster, manila clams, and shrimp.
The restaurant provides bibs, gloves, wipes, and paper towels for a mess-free dining experience.
12. Senor Fish Seafood Bar
If you're looking for delicious calamari, Senor Fish Seafood Bar is a great place to go.
The appetizer is full of flavor and definitely worth trying.
The atmosphere is wonderful and the service is friendly and attentive.
While it may be a bit pricey, the quality of the food and drinks make it worth it. Highly recommended for seafood lovers.
13. SA Seafood
SA Seafood is a great place to go if you're in the mood for some delicious calamari.
The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
The dining area can be a bit loud, but the food makes up for it. The staff is friendly and attentive.
If you're looking for a good seafood restaurant, SA Seafood is definitely worth a visit.
14. Piatti
Piatti is a traditional Italian trattoria that serves delicious calamari. The calamari is cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen and stone-hearth oven where they also make delicious pizzas.
The staff is friendly and attentive, providing great service. The wine selection is diverse, and the cocktails are tasty.
Piatti is a great place to enjoy Italian cuisine and their calamari is a must-try.
15. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar offers a delicious selection of seafood and is a great place to get your Cajun fix.
The calamari appetizer is a must-try and the small batch boil with crawfish, shrimp, and sausage is a flavorful option.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is clean and inviting.
Prices are reasonable, making this a great spot for seafood lovers on a budget.
16. La Focaccia Italian Grill
La Focaccia Italian Grill is a must-visit for calamari lovers. The calamari is perfectly cooked and seasoned, making it a standout dish.
The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with attentive service. The menu also offers a variety of delicious Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza and seafood.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of food.
Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a romantic date night, La Focaccia Italian Grill is a great choice.
17. Boiler House at the Pearl
Boiler House at the Pearl is an industrial-chic eatery that serves up some of the best calamari in town.
The gourmet American dishes and fine wines are complemented by an open and airy venue, making it a great place for a night out. The service is top-notch, and the staff is very attentive.
The calamari is cooked to perfection and served with a delicious dipping sauce. The atmosphere is lively and fun, perfect for a date or a night out with friends.
If you're looking for a great place for calamari, Boiler House at the Pearl is definitely worth checking out.
18. Scuzzi's Italian Restaurant
Scuzzi's Italian Restaurant is a great place for calamari lovers. The calamari is crispy and flavorful, and it's served with a delicious dipping sauce.
The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere, and the staff is attentive and welcoming.
They offer a variety of Italian dishes, and the wine list is impressive. The outdoor seating area is a nice touch, especially during warm weather.
Scuzzi's Italian Restaurant is definitely worth a visit for those looking for great calamari and Italian cuisine.
