Ahh, fried squid. Sounds appetizing, yeah? If not, then how does calamari sound? Much better, we’re assuming. This dish, most commonly found at Italian restaurants, is a must-have on Long Island if you’re venturing out for seafood on a summer evening. Served best with marinara sauce, aioli, or even just plain, calamari is golden, crispy and oh-so delicious. So if your tastebuds crave it this year, make sure you try the Best Calamari on Long Island to satisfy them.
2024: Long Island Voted Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge Best Calamari!
Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge
4 Patchogue Drive, Rocky Point
(631) 744-4100 – spiroslounge.com
Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge tantalizes taste buds with its exquisite calamari, a standout dish that reflects the culinary mastery of this esteemed establishment. Delicately fried to perfection, the calamari at Spiro’s boasts a crispy golden exterior that gives way to tender and succulent rings of squid. Enhanced with a sprinkle of sea salt and a hint of zesty lemon, each bite bursts with flavor, leaving diners craving more. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, Spiro’s calamari embodies excellence in seafood dining, showcasing the freshest ingredients and expert preparation techniques. Paired with a refreshing cocktail or a glass of fine wine, the calamari at Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge promises a memorable gastronomic experience that delights the senses and satisfies the palate.
2023: Long Islanders Voted Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge Best Calamari!
Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge
4 Patchogue Dr, Rocky Point
(631) 744-4100 – spiroslounge.com
Fried calamari is a popular appetizer, but you don’t want to get it at just any restaurant. At Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge, you are in for some of the best calamari imaginable. Spiro’s offers two different ways to eat calamari. First, the classic Fried Calamari for 2 makes for a great appetizer when on a date or if you’re out with friends or family. Second is the Cherry Pepper Calamari, which takes the classic fried calamari we all know and love at Spiro’s and tops it with sliced cherry peppers, giving the appetizer a little extra kick. So if you’d rather have your calamari spicy or mild, Spiro’s has got you covered one way or the other. If you’re looking to have an evening at home, you can get both calamari appetizers off of the Spiro’s take out menu.
2022: Long Islanders Voted Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge Best Calamari!
Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge
4 Patchogue Dr, Rocky Point
631-744-4100 – spiroslounge.com
Fried calamari is a popular appetizer, but you don’t want to get it at just any restaurant. At Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge, you are in for some of the best calamari imaginable. Spiro’s offers two different ways to eat calamari. First, the classic Fried Calamari for 2 makes for a great appetizer when on a date or if you’re out with friends or family. Second is the Cherry Pepper Calamari, which takes the classic fried calamari we all know and love at Spiro’s and tops it with sliced cherry peppers, giving the appetizer a little extra kick. So if you’d rather have your calamari spicy or mild, Spiro’s has got you covered one way or the other. If you’re looking to have an evening at home, you can get both calamari appetizers off of the Spiro’s take out menu.
2021: Long Islanders Voted Grandpa Tony’s Best Calamari!
Grandpa Tony’s
101 Althouse Ave, East Rockaway
(516) 799-8669 – grandpatonysli.com
Delish calamari that comes among a handful of apps is dished about around town. It’s a good place to start a hearty Italian meal. The house favorite comes with marinara or fra Diavolo and Arrabiata for those who love some heat. The latter is a spicy sauce often made for pasta from garlic, tomatoes, and dried red chilis cooked in olive oil. Sound pleasing? How nice here your platters will be brought out by some of the friendliest serving staff on the Island. The legendary app should reel you in for a bite. And if that doesn’t sound heavenly enough how would you like to hunker down for a spell in a scenic dining room overlooking the sound to enjoy your savory favorites? This is the place.
2020: Long Islanders Voted Pizzatini Best Calamari!
Pizzatini
185 Henry St, Hempstead
(516) 280-8226 – pizzatini.com
Can’t wait until your meal arrives at the table? Complement your entree by ordering a side of delicious calamari at Pizzatini. There’s no frills or fancy twists to this dish! It’s all perfectly fried and perfectly portioned so that you don’t feel full before the main dish arrives. Be prepared to taste the sweetness, crunchiness and nuttiness of the fried squid all at once sprinkled with a hint of lemon for additional flavor. Come by and witness what Long Islanders already know as the best calamari around!
2019: Long Islanders Voted Pizzatini Best Calamari!
Pizzatini
185 Henry St., Hempstead
(516) 280-8226 – www.pizzatini.com
Pizzatini is known for their pizza, of course, but also their overall Italian food experience, which can’t be beaten. Their calamari is terrific and served fresh for you. Located conveniently in Hempstead, Pizzatini features great service and great food. You can even order online at their website or over the phone. There’s a number of ways to get their delicious, authentic Italian food to you and your family’s mouths. It’s a great place to get pizza, calamari or whatever Italian cuisine you’re looking for, all prepared fresh for you by Pizzatini’s excellent and helpful staff. Pizzatini is known for being family owned and they are preserving the art & tradition of the New York/Italian pizzeria. Pick-up, catering or delivery; quality & freshness is guaranteed!
2018: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar Best Calamari on Long Island!
Vincent’s Clam Bar
179 Old Country Rd
Carle Place, NY 11514
(516) 742-4577 – vincentsclambar.com
A frequent name on this list, Vincent’s Clam Bar is recognized this year for its incomparable calamari, which you can order for dinner at the restaurant, or for your private party via Vincent’s popular catering service. Either way, you’ll never get enough of this favorite Italian appetizer as prepared according to a recipe passed down through generations since 1904. The family-owned restaurant knows seafood–Vincent’s began as a pushcart selling clams, mussels, and scungilli (conch) from a pushcart in Manhattan’s Little Italy. You can taste the pride the family takes in every bite of Vincent’s delicious fried calamari.
2017: Long Islanders Voted Vito’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Best Calamari on Long Island
Vito’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 91 Forest Ave., Glen Cove. 516-759-1366. vitospizzany.com Vito’s Ristorante & Pizzeria offers an array of delicious Italian meals, but its calamari dishes are simply unbelievable. From stand-alone squid appetizers, such as fried calamari and calamari arrabbiata, to its calamari-incorporated entrees, like Vito’s special and linguini frutta di mare, you will fall in love with this seafood in no time! Combine all this with a great atmosphere and inspiring story of its establishment, it all becomes clear: Vito’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is nothing short of magnificent!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge Best Calamari on Long Island
Spiro’s Restaurant & Lounge 4 Patchogue Dr., Rocky Point. 631-744-4100. spiroslounge.com Spiro Karachopan knows squid. Born in Greece and taught in the ways of unbelievable Mediterranean cuisine as he traveled the world aboard cruise ships, apprenticing under various chefs, his knowledge of the secret to an exceptional calamari (along with countless other dishes) is derived from dedicating nearly half a century to perfecting his craft. Thick, juicy, and fried to succulent perfection, Spiro’s fritters are The Best!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar Best Calamari on Long Island!
Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. vincentsclambar.com Whether your choose the classic tenderly fried calamari or the Calamari Arrabiata tossed in a spicy hot cherry pepper sauce, these crispy little squid circles pop with flavor, are meaty, fresh and filling! They’re also uber-addicting!
2014: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Calamari on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. vincentsclambar.com 2. Chadwicks American Chop House 49 Front St., Rockville Centre. 516-766-7800. chadwicksli.com 3. New York Panini 9 Wall St., Huntington. 631-271-3540. nypanini.com
2013: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Calamari on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com 2. La Parma Multiple Locations. www.laparma.com 3. Fattusco’s Gourmet Pizza Pasta and Panini 1019 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport. 631-651-9777. www.fattuscos.com
2012: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Calamari on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com 2. EB Elliot’s Restaurant 23 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. 516-378-8776. www.ebelliots.com 3. La Parma 707 Willis Ave., Williston Park. 516-294-6610. www.laparma.com
2011: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place Best Calamari on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com 2. La Parma Multiple locations. www.laparma.com 3. The Stone Turtle 4160 Austin Blvd., Island Park. 516-431-6570. www.thestoneturtlerestaurant.com
2010: Long Islanders Voted Vincent’s Clam Bar In Carle Place The Best Calamari on Long Island!
1. Vincent’s Clam Bar 179 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. 516-742-4577. www.vincentsclambar.com 2. Vittorio’s 184 Broadway, Amityville. 631-264-3333. www.vittorios.biz 3. La Parma 707 Willis Ave., Williston Park. 516-294-6610. www.laparma.com