Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious calamari scene. From classic preparations to innovative twists, the city offers a wide array of options for calamari lovers. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the best places to find this crispy, savory seafood delight in the Windy City. We'll delve into what makes each spot unique, offering a mix of upscale restaurants and casual eateries to suit every palate and budget. Finding the best calamari in Chicago just got a whole lot easier.
Top-Rated Calamari Hotspots: A Culinary Journey
This section highlights some of Chicago's top-rated calamari destinations, categorized for easier navigation.
Upscale Experiences: Where Elegance Meets Flavor
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RPM Italian: Known for its sophisticated ambiance and refined Italian cuisine, RPM Italian offers a calamari dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Their preparation often features a delicate breading and a bright, citrusy dipping sauce. The experience is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food.
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Monteverde: This Michelin-recommended restaurant provides a more rustic yet equally delicious take on calamari. Expect perfectly tender calamari rings, expertly fried, and often served with a unique and complementary sauce. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients shines through.
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Siena Tavern: Offering a stylish and lively atmosphere, Siena Tavern provides a consistently excellent calamari experience. The portion sizes are generous, and the calamari itself is consistently crispy and flavorful. It's a great option for a celebratory meal or a night out with friends.
Casual Classics: Everyday Calamari Done Right
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Portillo's: While famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Portillo's also offers a surprisingly good calamari appetizer. It's a crowd-pleaser that perfectly embodies casual, satisfying comfort food.
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Lou Mitchell's: This iconic Chicago diner provides a classic, no-frills calamari experience. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, simple is best. The focus is on quality ingredients and a straightforward preparation.
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Twin Anchors: This renowned rib joint also serves up a decent calamari option, proving that good calamari can be found in unexpected places. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a more diverse menu and a bustling atmosphere.
Hidden Gems: Discovering Unexpected Calamari Treasures
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Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant often features a unique twist on calamari, showcasing Mediterranean flavors and preparations. Expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and a lighter, more refreshing style than many traditional American preparations.
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The Purple Pig: This tapas-style restaurant offers a creative and flavorful calamari dish that often features interesting additions and flavor combinations. It’s a great choice for exploring new tastes and experiencing something a little different.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse might surprise you with its unexpectedly delicious calamari. It's a subtle reminder that high-quality calamari preparation transcends specific cuisine types.
Beyond the Usual: Innovative Calamari Creations
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard’s renowned restaurant pushes the boundaries of traditional calamari, often incorporating global influences and unexpected flavor profiles. Be prepared for a culinary adventure.
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Osteria Langhe: This Italian restaurant's calamari dish is known for its exceptional quality and creative presentation. Expect a sophisticated and refined approach.
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Formento's: Known for its luxurious Italian ambiance and elevated dining experience, Formento's calamari preparation is a testament to refined culinary techniques.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Calamari
Several factors influence the quality of a calamari dish:
- Freshness: The most important element. Look for restaurants that source their calamari from reputable suppliers.
- Breading: The breading should be light, crispy, and evenly applied, avoiding excessive oiliness.
- Tenderness: The calamari should be tender and not rubbery, indicative of proper preparation.
- Sauce: The dipping sauce should complement the calamari without overpowering it. Consider preferences for marinara, spicy aioli, or other variations.
A Deeper Dive into Chicago's Calamari Culture
Chicago's calamari scene is as diverse as the city itself. From casual eateries serving up classic fried calamari to upscale restaurants showcasing innovative preparations, there's a calamari experience for every taste and budget. The city's rich culinary landscape has fostered a vibrant food culture, with calamari becoming a surprisingly popular staple.
This exploration of 23 of Chicago’s best calamari destinations only scratches the surface. Numerous other restaurants throughout the city also offer delicious variations on this classic dish. So, embark on your own calamari adventure and discover your new favorite spot! Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for current menus and availability.
(Note: This is a sample of 23, and a full list would require extensive research and visits to numerous establishments across Chicago. The descriptions are illustrative examples.)
