Houston, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, boasts a surprising number of restaurants offering exceptional calamari. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best 24 spots to indulge in this fried seafood delight, highlighting what makes each location unique and worth a visit. Whether you crave crispy, tender rings, or a more adventurous calamari preparation, this list caters to every palate. We'll cover everything from classic Italian-American joints to upscale seafood restaurants offering creative twists on this beloved dish. Finding the perfect calamari in Houston just got a whole lot easier.
Top 10 Calamari Hotspots: A Houston Foodie's Guide
This section focuses on our top 10 picks, offering a detailed look at each location's signature calamari dishes, atmosphere, and overall experience.
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Giacomo's Cibo e Vino: Giacomo's consistently delivers perfectly fried calamari, showcasing a light and crispy batter that complements the tender seafood within. Their marinara sauce is a classic, but their spicy Calabrian chili version adds a delightful kick. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
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Ocean Blue: This upscale seafood restaurant boasts an impressive calamari appetizer prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The calamari is tender, the breading is light and airy, and the accompanying dipping sauce is a house specialty. Ocean Blue offers an elegant dining experience perfect for special occasions.
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State of Grace: Chef Ford Fry's creation offers a sophisticated take on calamari. Expect perfectly tender calamari rings, a delicate lemon aioli, and a presentation that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The restaurant itself has a lively, upscale atmosphere.
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Tony's: A Houston institution, Tony's consistently delivers high-quality seafood, including their calamari. While their preparation may be classic, the freshness of the ingredients is undeniable. This is a great option for a special occasion or a memorable dining experience.
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Rainbow Lodge: Nestled in a beautiful setting, Rainbow Lodge offers a rustic-chic ambiance and calamari that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Their preparation emphasizes freshness and simplicity, allowing the natural flavor of the calamari to shine.
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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation: A Houston landmark, Ninfa's offers a more casual setting with flavorful calamari. While not the main focus, their preparation is solid, and pairs perfectly with other menu items.
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Brio Tuscan Grille: A reliable option for consistently good calamari, Brio offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a dependable menu. Their calamari is a safe bet for those seeking a classic preparation.
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Trattoria Sofia: This Italian restaurant provides an authentic atmosphere and a traditional approach to calamari. Their preparation is simple yet effective, focusing on quality ingredients and classic flavors.
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Frank's Pizza: This casual pizza joint offers surprisingly delicious calamari. Their preparation may be a bit more casual, but the flavor and value are excellent. It's a perfect option for a relaxed meal.
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Peska Seafood Culture: This restaurant offers a more elevated and creative approach to calamari, frequently featuring seasonal variations and innovative preparations. Expect a refined dining experience.
Beyond the Top 10: Exploring Houston's Calamari Scene
This section delves into another 14 restaurants that deserve consideration when searching for Houston's best calamari. Each offers a slightly different experience, catering to various tastes and preferences.
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Killen's Seafood: Known for its exceptional seafood, Killen's provides a high-quality calamari experience.
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Underbelly Hospitality: This group boasts multiple restaurants, many of which feature creative calamari dishes.
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The Grove: The Grove offers a sophisticated setting and a well-executed calamari appetizer.
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Xochi: This restaurant features Mexican-inspired dishes, sometimes including unique calamari preparations.
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Kata Robata: This upscale Japanese restaurant occasionally features calamari on its menu, often with a unique twist.
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Liberty Kitchen: This restaurant offers a consistent quality across the board, including in its calamari.
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Backstreet Cafe: This long-standing Houston institution offers a classic take on calamari.
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Brennan's of Houston: This landmark restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience and carefully prepared dishes.
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Riel: Riel offers a sophisticated and creative take on calamari.
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La Lucha: La Lucha occasionally features calamari on its menu, often incorporated into larger dishes.
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Pax Americana: Pax Americana often features creative seafood preparations, which may include calamari.
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MF Sushi: This upscale sushi restaurant may feature calamari in unique rolls and preparations.
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Roma: This casual Italian restaurant provides a classic take on calamari.
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Carrabba's Italian Grill: While a chain, Carrabba's delivers reliably good calamari across various locations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Calamari Destination
When choosing where to enjoy your calamari in Houston, consider these factors:
- Atmosphere: Do you prefer a casual setting or a more upscale dining experience?
- Price: Prices vary significantly across these restaurants.
- Cuisine: Many restaurants offer unique twists on calamari, blending it with other culinary influences.
- Location: Consider the convenience of the location and ease of access.
This guide provides a starting point for your calamari adventure in Houston. Remember to check menus and make reservations, especially for popular restaurants during peak hours. Enjoy!