Calamari is just one of the fresh catches that Ocean State fishermen bring to the dock daily. But it’s also one of the tastiest. Locals love it so much that in June of 2014, calamari was declared to be the Rhode Island’s official appetizer. So if you’re having a craving for a true taste of Little Rhody, head to one of these restaurants to sample some of the best calamari around.
- Mews Tavern - 456 Main St., Wakefield
Facebook/Mews Tavern
Facebook/Mews Tavern At Mews Tavern, the crispy calamari has a slight Italian spin. Enjoy the state appetizer served with house-made cherry pepper relish and fresh basil. Add a squeeze of lemon to top it off and you have heaven on a plate.
- Hemenway’s - 121 S. Main St., Providence
Google Images/Ashish Gupta
Facebook/Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar While you might be tempted by the raw bar at Hemenway’s, save some room for the calamari. Small and crispy rings are topped with hot peppers and a rich garlic butter sauce. When you’re in Providence, this seafood spot never disappoints.
- George’s of Galilee - 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd., Narragansett
Facebook/George’s of Galilee
Facebook/George’s of Galilee The views at George’s of Galilee are almost as good as the calamari. Using squid straight from the dock, the crave-worthy dish is prepared with hot pepper rings, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, garlic, red onion, and a special recipe cocktail sauce.
- Edgewood Cafe - 1864 Broad St., Cranston
Facebook/Edgewood Cafe
Facebook/Edgewood Cafe An incredible starter for any meal at the Edgewood Cafe, you’ll adore the Italian flavors in this perfectly prepared dish. The calamari is gently tossed with sliced pear tomatoes, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar at this tasty eatery.
- Mariner Grille - 140 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett
TripAdvisor/management
Facebook/Mariner Grille The Mariner Grille amps up their calamari with the addition of traditional Greek flavors. Expect crispy squid with feta, olives, fresh spinach, and spicy pepperoncinis for that Little Rhody kick.
- Twin Oaks Restaurant - 100 Sabra St., Cranston
Google Images/Twin Oaks Restaurant
Google Images/peter stickney The sauce comes on the side when you order calamari at the Twin Oaks Restaurant. The garlic, butter sauce has a little twang that complements the seafood to make a five-star combination.
- Champlin’s Seafood - 256 Great Island Rd., Narragansett
Facebook/Champlin’s Seafood Deck
TripAdvisor/Juripanda Champlin’s is synonymous with fresh seafood. Squid is pulled straight off the dock and then fried to a crispy gold. This appetizer is simple yet scrumptious.
- Marchetti’s Restaurant - 1463 Park Ave., Cranston
TripAdvisor/dave2480
Google Images/Sergio Ysasis Marchetti’s Restaurant puts up their calamari Point Judith style for diners who love tradition. Voted the best calamari by the readers of the Providence Journal in 2018, the fans testify to how good this appetizer really is.
Where’s your go-to spot for delicious calamari. Did your favorite spot make this list? Stuffies are another iconic Rhode Island dish. If you’re looking to get your hands on a few of these yummy seafood creations, click here.
Facebook/Mews Tavern
At Mews Tavern, the crispy calamari has a slight Italian spin. Enjoy the state appetizer served with house-made cherry pepper relish and fresh basil. Add a squeeze of lemon to top it off and you have heaven on a plate.
Google Images/Ashish Gupta
Facebook/Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
While you might be tempted by the raw bar at Hemenway’s, save some room for the calamari. Small and crispy rings are topped with hot peppers and a rich garlic butter sauce. When you’re in Providence, this seafood spot never disappoints.
Facebook/George’s of Galilee
The views at George’s of Galilee are almost as good as the calamari. Using squid straight from the dock, the crave-worthy dish is prepared with hot pepper rings, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, garlic, red onion, and a special recipe cocktail sauce.
Facebook/Edgewood Cafe
An incredible starter for any meal at the Edgewood Cafe, you’ll adore the Italian flavors in this perfectly prepared dish. The calamari is gently tossed with sliced pear tomatoes, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar at this tasty eatery.
TripAdvisor/management
Facebook/Mariner Grille
The Mariner Grille amps up their calamari with the addition of traditional Greek flavors. Expect crispy squid with feta, olives, fresh spinach, and spicy pepperoncinis for that Little Rhody kick.
Google Images/Twin Oaks Restaurant
Google Images/peter stickney
The sauce comes on the side when you order calamari at the Twin Oaks Restaurant. The garlic, butter sauce has a little twang that complements the seafood to make a five-star combination.
Facebook/Champlin’s Seafood Deck
TripAdvisor/Juripanda
Champlin’s is synonymous with fresh seafood. Squid is pulled straight off the dock and then fried to a crispy gold. This appetizer is simple yet scrumptious.
TripAdvisor/dave2480
Google Images/Sergio Ysasis
Marchetti’s Restaurant puts up their calamari Point Judith style for diners who love tradition. Voted the best calamari by the readers of the Providence Journal in 2018, the fans testify to how good this appetizer really is.
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