best grilled calamari?

[BLover33]

who makes the best? LOVE Il Bagatto's but looking for another place. preferably below 23rd street.

also, good tuna tartare?

thanks in advance!

[squid kun]

Too far uptown for the OP, but I had a terrific version a couple months back at Cipolla Rossa.

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Cipolla Rossa
1762 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128

[anonymousfoodperson]

Il Bagatto's was absolutely superb, though I only had it once. It was on the special list when I went... does anyone know if it is a standard special or how often it is available there?

[BLover33]

They have it as a special almost every night. It's their signature dish

[City Kid]

The tuna tartare at Buzina Pop has bits of fois gras in it...incredible!

[travpard]

momofuku ssam. end of discussion

[Scotty100]

travpard...you are so right on that one!! Had it last week as an app - most amazing grilled calamari dish I've ever tasted. Momo ssam continues to impress me more and more every time I eat there.

[BLover33]

never been. thanks

[j.jessica.lee]

i just had the grilled octopus appetizer at gramercy tavern last night and it was pretty darn awesome. perfectly cooked and tender. i thoroughly enjoyed every single tasty bite. but i've never tried the calamari at ssam (i know that calamari and octopus are different) or at taverna.

[Pan]

I loved the calamari at Kefi when it was at the old location; haven't been to the new location yet. Lupa is another good spot for things like calamari and octopus.

[RCC]

We averaged 4 meals at Lupa each of the last 3 years and, somehow, may have missed out on their calamari dish. How is it prepared? Is it part of their regular menu?

[Pan]

I don't see any calamari on their current online menu. It must have been a seasonal item or a special. As you probably know, their menu changes seasonally. I do see an octopus with ceci and sorrel on their current menu, though.

[RCC]

While I'm not a fan of the grilled octopus at Lupa, if it was octopus that was asked, my recommndation would be the one that Hearth used to, and still sometimes, offer in their regular menu. Hearth's version is braised - just the way I prefer the dish.

[kobetobiko]

I second Malatesta's grilled calamari. Ethos and Esca also have great grilled calamari.

[RCC]

I don't have grilled calamari often, but have recently had good ones at Malatesta in the W Village area and at Da Andrea (currently closed and in the process of moving to a nearby location in February).

[saminyc]

not in manhattan but worth going to queens for, Taverna Klycades (spelling?) does get verrry crowded... astoria

[BLover33]

love Kyclades but looking for Manhattan. thanks!

[piegirl74]

I agree about the app at Da Andrea. It's delicious! (They are relocating near my office so I look forward to trying them out when they re-open. Though, the original 'hood is far more charming).