Best Restaurant Calamari: 7 Chains Diners Love | Eat This Not That

Calamari, the popular appetizer of lightly battered and fried squid, offers a delightful balance of richness and lightness. But achieving perfectly crispy, tender calamari can be challenging. Fortunately, several chain restaurants consistently deliver a high-quality experience, according to recent reports and diner reviews.

The Capital Grille: A Fiery Favorite

The Capital Grille’s Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers consistently receives high marks. This dish features hand-battered calamari, lightly fried to achieve a “fiery” flavor, though diners can request it without the peppers for a milder experience. One diner praised the calamari as “very tender without being greasy,” noting that the pickled peppers provided a complementary flavor profile.

Bonefish Grill: Seasoning Sets It Apart

Bonefish Grill’s Crispy Calamari is another popular choice, distinguished by its unique seasoning blend. The calamari is fried with peppers and tossed in a sweet and spicy Asian sauce. A satisfied customer commented that the seasoning “made it different from other places we’ve had it, but it was what made it so good.”

Chart House: Kimchi Calamari for the Adventurous

For those seeking a more adventurous flavor, the Chart House’s Kim Chee Calamari is a standout option. Lightly fried with crisp vegetables, this dish has earned rave reviews. “We ordered the kimchi calamari, it was great! I strongly recommend it,” one diner shared.

Legal Sea Foods: Classic Options with a Twist

Legal Sea Foods offers a choice of preparations for its Fried Calamari: classic with tartar sauce or Rhode Island style with hot peppers and garlic. A diner highlighted the restaurant’s gluten-free options, enjoying a platter with calamari and other fried items, along with a key lime pie.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Hearty and Flavorful

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s Crispy Calamari is a popular appetizer, often enjoyed as a meal in itself. The restaurant describes the calamari as lightly breaded, dusted with a special seasoning and fried to golden perfection, served with creamy lemon garlic aioli and marinara sauce.

McCormick & Schmick’s: A Flavorful Experience

McCormick & Schmick’s offers Crispy Fried Calamari served with either marinara sauce or a spicy Asian-inspired sauce. One diner described it as “sooooo good, but spicy!!”, and another noted it was a “hearty” portion.

Olive Garden: A Familiar Favorite

Olive Garden’s Calamari appetizer, served with marinara sauce and spicy ranch, is a familiar and well-liked option. A diner praised the dish, noting its flavorful profile and substantial portion size.

When enjoying calamari, it’s important to remember that preparation significantly impacts its quality. Properly cooked calamari should be tender, not rubbery, and the batter should be light and crispy. These seven chain restaurants appear to consistently meet those standards, offering diners a satisfying appetizer experience.