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Cafe Calamari
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cafe Calamari
8.2
Mediterranean-leaning seafood and pasta with a focus on crisp, tender calamari and simply grilled fish. Locals use it for relaxed downtown dinners with straightforward flavors and solid portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Calamari, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seafood Pasta
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Mediterranean plates with notably well-executed calamari.
Who should go: Seafood fans seeking casual downtown date-night energy
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for easier seating
What to order: Fried calamari; seafood pasta; grilled salmon
Insider tip: Ask for daily fish specials—often limited to a few portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking along First Street and nearby municipal lots; fills quickly on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt are fine, but many diners dress up slightly for downtown date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly indoors with livelier bar chatter on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy walk-in seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and salad options without seafood or meat.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 customizable items if you ask to omit cheese or butter.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request; some seafood plates naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy downtown setting, shareable seafood plates, and moderate noise level make it a relaxed but polished first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or early evenings; weekends after 6pm are best booked in advance due to limited indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—no dedicated kids’ menu, but families with older children are welcome during earlier dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, well-executed calamari and a more intimate, adult-friendly downtown atmosphere than nearby casual seafood spots.
Skip if: You want a large, boisterous group dinner or extensive raw bar—this is more a calm sit-down seafood experience.
Cafe Calamari
7.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Mediterranean menu with a Middle Eastern lean—think saganaki, grilled seafood, and meze-friendly starters. It’s a First Street pick for sit-down dinners and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Branzino, Fried Calamari, Saganaki
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Mediterranean plates with meze and a full bar.
Who should go: Seafood fans and date-night planners
When to visit: Tue–Thu after 7 for a calmer room
What to order: Branzino; Calamari; Saganaki
Insider tip: Request the branzino deboned tableside and pair with a crisp white.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option along First Street and nearby side roads; it fills up after 6pm on weekends, but public lots within a 2–3 block radius usually have spaces.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses work well; jeans are fine if paired with something polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy walk-in around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample meze and pasta dishes make it vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable options like grilled vegetables or salads.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the candle-lit setting and seafood-forward menu create an intimate, upscale vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weeknights; weekends strongly advised to reserve in advance, especially for larger parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids are fine, but it’s better suited for adults—there’s no children’s menu and the ambiance leans toward couples and groups.
Best For
Better for: More refined and seafood-oriented than nearby Mediterranean spots, ideal for wine pairings and date-night dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick, casual gyro or shawarma meal—this is a full-service setting with slower pacing.
Cafe Calamari
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Mediterranean seafood and pasta with Greek lean—think branzino, octopus, and house pastas. It’s a First Street choice for sit-down dinners, date nights, and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Char-grilled branzino, Fried calamari with house sauce, Skillet saganaki cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Mediterranean plates with Greek staples and a full wine list.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and date-night planners
When to visit: Tue–Thu after 7pm for a calmer dining room
What to order: Branzino; fried calamari; saganaki
Insider tip: Ask for branzino deboned tableside and pair with a crisp white.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on First Street and nearby cross-streets; fills up after 6:30pm on weekends but usually manageable weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual—dress shirts or nice tops fit the tone; jeans are fine if paired well.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation even when full; background music and chatter typical of downtown dinner service.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous mezze and pasta options, including grilled vegetables and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 items like hummus platter and modified pasta dishes upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several dishes marked GF, and kitchen accommodates with gluten-free pasta substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, attentive service, and shareable seafood plates make it ideal for a first or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but weekends strongly favor reservations; bar seating often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and older teens; limited kid options and a more refined dining pace.
Best For
Better for: Romantic dinners and seafood-focused Mediterranean fare—stronger wine list and ambiance than nearby casual spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick eats or budget-friendly casual Mediterranean; nearby cafes fit that better.