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Calamari Italian Seafood
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
11 reviews for Calamari Italian Seafood
Boyfriend's uncle was in town and he likes seafood and he likes Italian, so we figured we would try Calamari. We went for dinner, decided to sit inside since it was really windy outside. What a mistake - the a/c must have been at 50 degrees because it was freezing and blowing directly on me the whole night. However, the experience got better after that.
Service was great, very attentive and the food was good. We started with the tuna tartar, which had a layer of something resembling cream cheese on the top - it would have been better without that but otherwise good. Came with warm toasted bread rounds which was a nice touch. Dinner was veal marsala (4.5 stars) pizza Sophia (4 stars) and cappellini with vegetables (4 stars). We ate alot and had lots to take home - the pizza was also loaded with seafood so big plus there. Asked for mozarella to be added to the capellini and it made it much better. The quality of food and service was great for the price - entrees were really reasonable. Good ambiance, good food... the fountain and the vines make you feel like you're not in the grove, rather some exotic destination. And the best part, free valet!
We were looking for a great weeknight restaurant place in the Grove with a nice atmosphere, but not too pricey. We happened upon Calamari while walking around, and I'm sure it will turn into one of our regular places to eat.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and a great place for a romantic dinner on their outdoor patio. The service was attentive, but not overbearing. We ordered the fritto misto as an appetizer, which was lacking some flavour, but the marinara sauce served with it was excellent.
I ordered shrimp scampi, which was really fresh and tasted authentic (light sauce, some julienned vegetables, al dente pasta). My husband had the calamari pasta with marinara sauce, also very tasty.
We haven't tried their desserts yet, but we are looking forward to it! We also saw that they have a wood burning oven, so I can imagine their pizza is really good. We'll keep you updated!
After learning the failed Cefalo's is now Calamari and most noteworthy, owned by Tom Billante, also owner of Villagio, one of my favorite Italian venues in town, I had to visit. Like Villagio, meals start with a delicious basket of warm bruschetta, a perfect bite while we perused the menu.
We went on a Friday and sat outside in one of the many tables surrounding a fountain. They also offer inside seating in addition to an energetic bar but the weather was cool and we wanted to people watch and take in the fresh air. One refreshing thing to note is the parking is complementary, a big plus for a Grove venue where parking can be quite a drag.
We started with a large enough to share fresh house salad including romaine, green and red peppers, cucumber, tomatoes and avocado in a light cilantro lemon vinaigrette which we loved. All the veggies were fresh and the dressing was not overpowering. We also tried the baked calamari, marinated and served with red and yellow sweet peppers. We found the calamari was a bit overcooked which made the meat a bit rubbery and tough to chew.
For dinner we split the spaghetti with special tuna Bolognese sauce, so good we had to dip our bread.
On the service, the waiter was very helpful and friendly. He even took a couple pictures of us and joked on who looked better in the shot.
Dear Calamari's,
I have had a really hard time writing this review. It's actually taken me a whole week just to be able to BEGIN to write it. I guess I just don't know where to start...
The atmosphere is really nice, classy, and nautical. There seemed to be a small Happy Hour group at the inside bar and I love the huge, tall windows that make the restaurant seem so open and welcoming.
Our server was very friendly and outgoing, quite knowledgeable on the menu and even made a couple of suggestions. We had a hard time deciding what to order, and in the mean time we chose red wine (Pinot Noir).
We started with the Grilled Calamari appetizer, based on our server's suggestion, but I have to be honest, I didn't really like it. I found it rather rubbery and hard to swallow because of the texture. The flavor on the other hand was absolutely phenomenal. I don't know what it was marinated with, but it was truly delicious. So I dipped the bread in the sauce instead of eating the Calamari. The BF on the other hand, really enjoyed this.
And speaking of bread... The complimentary brushetta is amazing. It is served with a flatbread that is seasoned just right and the brushetta mix is just delicious. Later our server brought us a regular sliced loaf bread, which is what I used to dip with Calamari. I'll agree with Christopher G. in that the loaf is sliced too thick.
We finally decided on what to order and the BF went with the special, which was a Risotto with Langostini. I also ordered Risotto but with a mix of mushrooms, truffle oil, and I had them add a breast of chicken. Neither of us were really pleased with the Risotto. On the contrary, I think we were both rather disappointed. Also, my chicken breast (which I had them add, it's not part of the dish) was kinda dry and lacked flavor. We took home the leftovers and neither of us touched them. Which NEVER happens.
I guess we left a tad disappointed, although we did enjoy our overall experience. Thank you for the great service and atmosphere. Perhaps we just ordered the wrong dishes. I would definitely be willing to come back and try something else. There was a lady sitting outside of our window who was eating a steak that looked like it would melt in one's mouth! Oh, and the complimentary valet is a very nice touch. :)
Thanks for understanding,
SabrinaAnna*
Additional Info For the Readers:
Our hostess explained to us upon seating that Calamari's is who bought the Taurus. So they are one and the same. You can start at Taurus and make your way here or vice versa. I thought that was pretty neat. And she also explained to us their specials and said we could start with drinks there and then come over. Although we chose just to stay at Calamari's. :-)
I went there on there second night of opening and have been back about five more times. I am a huge fan of this restaurant because the prices are excellent!!! The food is very good!!! The wine list is decent and I adore the courtyard setting.There is a fountain with lights in it and when you sit out there at night it's refreshing hearing the water and it feels like your on a romantic vacation. Lunch is also great here, smaller portions at a better price than dinner and sometimes they bring you a free mimosa.
The service is good and most of the staff seem to be freindly. It is just a nice place away from South Beach and tourist, and away from the Grove's crazier side of town.
Inside is also a nice atmosphere!!!
Looking forward to visiting soon....
They are also part of Luna Cafe on Biscayne which I love as much!!!
I have been here twice now for lunch for work, so my review is not based on the dinner menu.
The highlight of my meal both times was the complimentary bruschetta brought to the table. It is well seasoned with plenty of garlic and fresh basil, and the tomatoes are fresh and juicy. It is served with crusty flatbread that is baked with olive oil. The bread brought to the table also has a nice crust but is sliced too thick.
On the first visit I had a salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts, and grilled chicken, tossed in a honey vinaigrette. The flavors were fresh and subtle, but lacked boldness. The chicken on the salad was fine but slightly dry. On my second visit, I ordered the pollo paillard, based on a recommendation, and was happy with the outcome. The chicken breast is topped with sun dried tomatoes and sauteed mushrooms and served with a side of potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything on the plate was flavorful and balanced, but again the chicken was dry. Prices were reasonable on the menu, which was a nice surprise.
The location is pretty, being on the verdant side of the grove, and the large courtyard will be nice for an afternoon snack and wine during the fall. The interior is loud due to the concrete flooring and the fishnet ceiling is a little hoaky. Service has been good during both visits.
Overall, Calamari has a lot of potential and I imagine it will work out some of the kinks in the near future.
Calamari has made perfect use of a charming location in Coconut Grove, especially the courtyard garden setting, with its ample umbrellas, is more intimate but just as lively as that of a sidewalk cafe. Calamari is part of the family of restaurants that include Il Villagio in Merrick Park and Carpaccio in Bal Harbour.
The menu concentrates on Italian seafood favorites (hence the name) but goes beyond it to include everything from pizza to steak. The portions are abundant, and the prices are economically-correct, which is a top consideration when it comes to value. Another great value is that they have free valet!
Outstanding! I had my Bday party here this past weekend! The ambience, food, prices and service are spectacular! They love kids also! Go, go , go! Vanessa is the party planner! Guiseppe and Mario are wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best food in the grove hands down. Reasonable prices, great atmosphere (especially in the courtyard). Cant wait till the weather cools down, this will be a spectacular place to spend the night with a nice meal and lots of wine sitting in the spectacular courtyard. And now a wine store is open right in the same complex, and you can go and choose your own wine and bring it to the restaurant. Love it!
The decor is a little sparse, however the food is solid quality. As the name implies, this is (primarily) a seafood place, however they do have some pasta and chicken dishes on the menu. The calarmari is quite good, and I've enjoyed a nice salmone here. Judging this on value, this restaurant is excellent. The entrees are generally under $20, and the quality is quite good. I believe this is owned by the same group that owns Rosalia in Aventura Mall and a few other Italian-style places around town. They clearly know what they are doing because the menu is diverse enough, the pricing is good and the service is strong. I wouldn't come here for a special occasion because it can get loud, but as a regular dinner place it is solid. When the weather cools down the outdoor patio they have will be fantastic.
Good all around. Will definitely come back.
