Finding the perfect calamari can be a culinary quest. This guide dives deep into the top 12 spots in Downtown San Jose offering delectable calamari, from crispy-fried to grilled perfection. We'll explore what makes each location unique, examining factors like preparation style, accompanying sauces, and overall dining experience. Get ready to embark on a calamari crawl!
Unveiling San Jose's Calamari Hotspots
Downtown San Jose boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and calamari plays a prominent role. But with so many options, choosing the right restaurant can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide simplifies your search, highlighting twelve establishments renowned for their exceptional calamari dishes.
1. The Italian Place: Classic Calamari Done Right
The Italian Place is a San Jose institution known for its classic Italian fare, and their calamari is no exception. They offer a perfectly crisp-fried version, lightly seasoned and served with a traditional marinara sauce. The portion size is generous, perfect for sharing.
- Highlight: Traditional preparation, generous portions.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Marinara
2. The Vesper Bar: Elevated Calamari Experience
For a more refined calamari experience, head to The Vesper Bar. Their menu showcases a sophisticated twist on the classic dish, often featuring grilled calamari with a lemon-herb butter sauce. The presentation is impeccable, and the ambiance is ideal for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
- Highlight: Gourmet preparation, elegant atmosphere.
- Price Range: $$
- Sauce: Lemon-Herb Butter
3. Original Gravity Public House: Gastropub Charm
Original Gravity Public House offers a relaxed gastropub atmosphere with a surprisingly excellent calamari selection. They often feature seasonal variations, ensuring freshness and exciting flavor profiles. Expect a generous portion, well-suited for sharing as an appetizer.
- Highlight: Seasonal variations, relaxed atmosphere.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Varies seasonally
4. San Pedro Square Market: Diverse Calamari Options
San Pedro Square Market houses a variety of vendors, each offering its own take on calamari. This provides an exciting opportunity to compare and contrast different styles, sauces, and levels of crispness. It's a great place to explore diverse culinary options within the same location.
- Highlight: Multiple vendors, diverse choices.
- Price Range: Varies by vendor
- Sauce: Varies by vendor
5. The Counter: Customizable Calamari
The Counter's build-your-own burger concept extends to their calamari. While not the main focus, their calamari rings are a decent addition. They are a good, solid option if you already plan to get a burger at this location.
- Highlight: Customizable options if you are already there
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Standard tartar sauce
6. Eureka!: West Coast Vibes
Eureka! offers a delicious calamari option with a West Coast flare. Their version is often lightly battered and fried, retaining the tenderness of the calamari. Pair it with one of their craft beers for the complete experience.
- Highlight: West Coast style, excellent beer pairings.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Tartar sauce
7. Blazing Onion: Unique Calamari Preparations
Blazing Onion might surprise you with their unique calamari preparations. They frequently feature unexpected flavor combinations and cooking methods. Expect a creative and adventurous calamari experience.
- Highlight: Creative and unexpected flavor combinations.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Varies
8. Watermark Restaurant & Bar: Waterfront Views
Watermark's calamari is worth trying, especially if you enjoy a nice view to accompany your meal. Their location on the water provides a stunning ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience. The calamari is usually a standard preparation but worth it due to the overall experience.
- Highlight: Stunning waterfront views.
- Price Range: $$
- Sauce: Classic marinara
9. Garden Fresh Restaurant: Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Garden Fresh Restaurant prioritizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and this commitment shines through in their calamari. The freshness of the seafood enhances the overall flavor profile, and you can typically expect a slightly simpler, yet more flavorful, calamari.
- Highlight: Fresh, local ingredients.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Typically a simple lemon aioli
10. O'Flaherty's Irish Pub: Casual Calamari
O'Flaherty's is a classic Irish pub, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a straightforward calamari appetizer. While not overly innovative, it serves as a good, solid option if you are looking for something uncomplicated to accompany a pint.
- Highlight: Casual atmosphere, good for a pint and snacks.
- Price Range: $
- Sauce: Tartar sauce
11. District Kitchen + Bar: Upscale Calamari
District Kitchen & Bar provides a more upscale, trendy environment in which to enjoy your calamari. Expect a well-executed version, served in a stylish manner, perfect for a special occasion or a more sophisticated night out.
- Highlight: Upscale atmosphere, sophisticated presentation.
- Price Range: $$
- Sauce: Varies
12. The Table San Jose: Modern American Cuisine
The Table often features creative takes on modern American cuisine, including their calamari preparation. They might incorporate unexpected flavors or textures, offering a truly unique and memorable calamari experience.
- Highlight: Modern American twist on a classic dish.
- Price Range: $$
- Sauce: Varies
Choosing Your Calamari Adventure
This guide provides a starting point for your downtown San Jose calamari exploration. Remember that menus can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm their current offerings. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
