After seeing the Calamari restaurant for over two years we decided to try it Last Night. What a Surprise. EVERYTHING from the Octopus, Calamari, Bronzini, the vegetables, Rice and the Rice Pudding were off the Charts. The owner waits the tables and explains everything and makes SURE it comes out of the Kitchen right. My advice is to get here soon as you can see from the reviews that this is an A plus hidden Gem in downtown Livermore. Kudos for a job well done. Bob and Heather read more

We needed a dog-friendly restaurant, and this lovely mediterranean-style restaurant in downtown Livermore had a shady outdoor table for us. The complimentary bread and dipping sauce is very good. We started with the roasted beet appetizer with a yogurt sauce, and we enjoyed it. My husband had the chicken shish kabob, which came with veggies and rice, and he loved it. I had the wild mushroom ravioli in a garlic cream sauce. It was rather heavy with sauce and could have used a couple more raviolis, but the taste was excellent. The service was very good as well. I would be happy to return here when in the area. read more

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I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant during Livermore's Bites & Vines and I'm sure glad I did. I was served a generous sample of calamari and it was quite frankly the best I've ever had. It was piping hot, the crust was thin, crispy with good flavor and the calamari itself was very tender, not chewy at all. I'll definitely be back for a full dinner and to taste their Branzino. The owner (assuming that's who he was) was extremely welcoming and attentive. read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Calamari sample - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

It may be the last restaurant on downtown first street, but not last in quality. The seafood fettuccine was excellent. Quality ingredients and great flavor. The service was quick and friendly. The decor is very stylish. Don't sleep on this spot! read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Seafood Fettuccine - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

Calamari Cafe is a true Livermore hidden gem. The mixed grill platter and black pepper fettuccine were fresh, perfectly seasoned, and thoughtfully portioned. The hot bread with their tangy dipping sauce was unforgettable and the rice pudding, oh, it was perfect way to end the epic meal! Our server was funny, attentive, and genuinely delightful. We'll definitely be back. read more

Cafe Calamari opened 4 years ago where Roya Afghan Cuisine was. Still has outside & inside seating. Ambiance inside has a new blue & green finish with some new fixtures. Soft music In background. Greeted when entering door. Seated. ordered, food came in 10ish minutes. Food prepped to order. Offerings (Mediterranean, Turkish, Modern European): soups & salad, appetizers, entrees, alcohol, sides, desserts, coffee & tea. Bites: Char-Grilled Octopus (24.75) -O tender & juicy pieces, unlike a similar dry dish @Bodrum, accompanied by red onion slices, tomato ovals in a mini pool of olive oil, green dry seasonings +?. Deliz it was. Comped tasty baked biscuit with intriguing dip made from extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, balsamic vinegar + ? . Tipping in O sauce an option. Fried Calamari (18) -asked server if batter was similar to "hard" Italian version. Assured it wasn't. -calamari was moist, semi-juicy. Had slight sweetness. Batter definitely not "hard". It fell off the calamari easily. Batter not the "panko" type. Probably a thin batter made with less flour, more water/liquid. Much better than "hard" batter. 4.5 stars Worthy! Quality: artisanal ingredients. Quantity: reasonable. Would repeat if I find some fish entrees suitable. read more

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We were really looking forward to our meal at Cafe Calamari based on the menu options, but left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Nothing was bad by any means, but also, nothing stood out to us as a dish we looked forward to coming back to try. The beets in the appetizer combo were really good. I personally didn't care for the artichoke at all but my friend didn't mind it. The duck rolls didn't bring much to the table and my pasta was decent. Service was friendly and attentive. I'd encourage you to form your own opinion and dine in. read more

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First time here and it was a great surprise. The food was amazing as well as the service. Best fresh baked bread, delicious Sangria. The entrees were freshly made: chicken kabob with pilaf rice and seasoned veggies. The shrimp and scallop fettuccine with sun dried tomatoes was amazing. read more

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We ordered Chicken Lemon Soap, Fried Calamari and char-Grilled Branzino. Foods were delicious and amazing, especially the way they prepared the sea bass top of the line. No bones （If you love seafood.） Definitely, we love to go back there. read more

After my bad experience, I read the other low rating reviews and im glad to see that I'm not the only one. First, I 100% agree that this place is overpriced. High price, small portion, and ok flavor. Elia in Pleasanton is much better (quality, flavor, price point, ambiance, and service, trust me). Second, they send me a $25 gift certificate for my bday so I ordered food for pick up because I was sick and feeling terrible. When I arrived, the person said the cert was for dine-in only. Nowhere on the certificate did it say that it was for dine-in only. I explained that I was sick and asked if I could just take it home. He refused to honor the certificate and insisted that it was for dine in only. He told me to come back anytime. I already ordered the food. I had already brought myself to the restaurant. I told him that I am sick. He insisted on a policy that was not even written on the certificate. Apparently customer service is not a top priority. So I sat miserably outside in the cold to eat the meal, feeling terrible. That absolutely ruined any enjoyment I could have possibly had from the food. It was my first impression and my last. I will not be returning, nor would I recommend this place to anyone. There are too many other better choices. Update - they texted this message to me. Sharing my honest experience is not right? I'm sorry, my experience was my experience. It is valid so I will not erase my account of what happened. No apology, no addressing what happened. Just a statement that what I am doing is not right. People can decide for themselves. read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Their text to me - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

Amazing little place! Cute inside and very attentive service. Beer and wine only. The complimentary bread that comes out of addictive with a balsamic dipping sauce. The octopus was perfectly tender and served with a lemon dill sauce you wanted to soak up. The chicken kebabs are big chunks of chicken served with veggies rice and a great dipping sauce. The star was the pepper fettuccine pasta. Sever with tons of tender bay shrimp and scallops in a creamy pepper sauce. I will Come back just for that pasta! read more

Amazing staff, food and service! Make sure to try their awesome wine selection! Would recommend it to everyone! read more

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I visited Cafe Calamari for a weeknight dinner and had a lovely time! The ambience is cozy and relaxing - it's the perfect place to enjoy an intimate meal. I like having the option to dine either inside their lovely dining room or outside on their patio. The service was attentive and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed the chicken, which was served with veggies and rice pilaf. Normally, veggies at restaurants are flavorless and dull. Not these! The carrots and broccoli were delicious and full of garlic flavor. The standout for me was the pistachio baklava. It was outstanding! Glad to see a great restaurant has taken over the previous Roya space! Cafe Calamari is a nice addition to downtown Livermore. read more

Came here with my mother in law and husband to celebrate his birthday. We had been wanting to try it a while, and we were pretty pleased with the experience although there was room for some wow. For an appetizer, we shared the calamari and it was really good. Good batter and perfectly crispy. I ordered the beef manti which I did feel like was lacking a little bit of flavor, but it was decent. My husband ordered the black pepper fettuccini and that was really enjoyable. My mother in law got the mushroom ravioli which was also really tasty. The server was very nice. He was helpful with answering questions about the menu. We sat outside, and there weren't many people there so we would like to revisit another time when it's a little more upbeat and try some different options. It is a little pricey for being so new, but we'd be willing to give it a second try. read more

Hummmm.... ambiance-plain place, but the entrees are exceptional. Ordered calamari, Ceasar Salad, black pepper fettuccine, wild mushroom ravioli.... Service was ok, but could have used better coordination with the kitchen. We waited a long time for our food. Later tables were served, while we still waited. Calamari - fresh fish perfectly fried Mushroom ravioli- very good Black pepper fettuccine could carry the whole restaurant. Exceptional food! Worthy of 5 star. Ceasar... not noteworthy, but the entrees are so good... moved a 3 rating to 5. Thank you for a wonderful dinner. read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Mushroom ravioli- B++ very good (lots of truffle oil in dish) - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

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The cafe seats 38 inside and 12 outside and a bar at the end of the cafe. Service was fast and the food was delicious! We order the duck spring roll, crab cakes, calamari and spanakopita. Even the bread roll was baked fresh! Amazing quality! Highly recommend read more

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Came and dined on a prefect day. Was lucky enough to have a table outdoors. Our server Leo was very nice and pleasant. Food was fantastic! We got the fried calamari, saganaki, beef moussaka, branzino, combo grill. Would definitely come back to try more of the dishes in their menu. read more

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This restaurant is such a gem! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with a very friendly and welcoming staff. The food is fresh and flavorful. Generous portions as well. I highly recommend the branzino if you enjoy a good fish. read more

My husband and I decided to try this place after walking by a few times. I love Mediterranean food and was excited to try it out. We came for lunch on a random Wednesday that we both happened to have off. It was completely empty and remained so for our entire meal. In fact, it's usually pretty empty when we've walked by. There was only one staff member who took our order and, I would assume, also made the food. I assume this because I did have to use the restroom at one point... which you have to walk through the kitchen to do and it was completely empty. We ordered the calamari to start. It was very flavorless, rubbery, and greasy. It was not at all crispy. For my entree, I got the moussaka (which is one of my favorites - I cook it myself from a family recipe). It absolutely tasted like it was simply heated up from frozen. The middle was lukewarm but the outer edges were hot. My husband got the lamb burger, which he said was okay. I had high hopes since we don't have great Mediterranean food out here but it was a huge let down. Maybe it was just bad timing and all the food was just heated up due to being understaffed (but also, we were the only ones there for ~an hour) but we won't be back. read more

Honestly surprised this place isn't packed all the time! Food and drinks are so good! The black pepper fettuccine was amazing with scallops and shrimp! Both the lemon drop and melon martini were very refreshing on a hot day! Atmosphere is very welcoming and the place is so beautiful! Service was awesome too! Very polite and attentive! Definitely coming back! read more

Service was amazing! Greeted as soon as we walked in. Our bread and appetizer (calamari) came out right away. The calamari was so fresh !! The food was AMAZING! Can't wait to come back and try more. Super friendly staff and very clean. read more

This place is highly underrated at the moment but I have all the confidence that people will soon discover this 10 month old gem. Cafe Calamari features Mediterranean food that is super tasty, ingredients are fresh and there's really good vegetarian and non vegetarian variety. Everything we had for our friends birthday celebration from the calamari to the kunafeh, were just top!!! It's family owned I believe and we were taken really good care of. They were attentive without being too interfering. Loved it!! read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Chicken Shish Kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

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Came to this place coming back from Brentwood. The area is a cute downtown district and it seemed like there was not a huge line for the wait. The shop has a quaint feel and not too much seating. The server was very nice and took away all utensils promptly. The first thing we got was their bread which was warm and very good. The calamari was the best calamari I've had. Their pasta... was a bit small portion for what we paid for. The combo grill was $37 yet it didn't quite make us full. The portions for all dishes were quite small. I have had better meat elsewhere- it was juicy but not as tender. Because of the price and small portion, 3.5*. But their service was good, so I'd round it up to a 4. Worthy of trying but pricey. read more

One the most underrated places in Livermore. Amazing calamari, crab cakes and grilled octopus

Had a wonderful first time experience dinning here. We arrived early for our reservations and were greeted by the staff. The ambiance reminded me of going to a cafe in Europe. The delicious food experience was enhanced by our gracious host and owner, Leo. He took the time to check in on us and truly made us feel welcome. Definitely coming back! Thank you, Leo! read more

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This was our first visit to Café Calamari and Leo, the owner, was our host. We started with some appetizers... stuffed artichoke hearts, fried calamari, and the crab cakes. Each item was tasty, fresh and beautifully presented. For dinner we ordered the grilled Atlantic salmon, the kofta burger and the black pepper fettuccine. Each entrée was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. Chefs kiss! For dessert, we shared knafeh, oven-baked rice pudding and chocolate gelato. We loved them all. It was our first time trying knafeh and it was a standout! Crispy, gooey, sweet deliciousness! Everything, including the service was outstanding! My family and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every bite. Thank you, Leo! We'll be back. read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

I never write any review for any restaurant but i feel like this one is too underrated. I went with my sister at about 3 pm on a sunday. The food was exceptional! The food is all halal. I never had duck before and it was soo good. Not a single bad dish! Everything was hot and flavorful. The owner was kind enough to check on us constantly. Definitely will be coming back. read more

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Seafood pasta's amazing and freshly made. I would come again and service's fantastic along with the food and ambience/decor. 10/10 recommend the pasta! Rice pudding was good also. read more

Calamari Bistro & Bar - Seafood pasta - Mediterranean Near Me - Livermore, California

Yum! So many new dishes to try and expand my palate. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and a few entrees. I was wary of the octopus and it wasn't for me, but I enjoyed everything else. Service was very kind and prompt. The interior was well done. For dessert, definitely get the kunefe! read more

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Great service and very good food. Smelled the most wonderful smells coming from the restaurant and decided to try it on a whim. So glad we did! Can't wait to return! read more

Service great friendly personally invited us in Food fabulous! Don't be afraid is a great mix of flavors Serving size great for lunch! read more

This is a rare gem! Great menu! Handmade pasta, excellent meat and the bread was perfect. Waiter was attentive. Well priced for the quality of food. We will be back. Thank you read more

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We stopped in for an appetizer and glass of wine. Ordered the calamari (figuring namesake would be good) and it was the BEST calamari I've ever had! Super tender with amazing sauce. Will be back for dinner soon to explore their entrees. read more

Stoped in for a late lunch based one favorable Yelp reviews. This is a small cozy cafe with pleasant decor. There were only two other groups dining at the same time and the owner/ chef/ waiter was doing triple duty. Had the wild mushroom ravioli which was so good that it inspired me to just go out buy some wild mushrooms. The decor is pleasant but the ceiling is quite special- hand plastered by the owner and it's a work of art. read more

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We ate here for the first time tonight and it was amazing....everything was so good, service was great, atmosphere lovely. I love Calamari so seemed like I ought to give this place a try, ...and WOW....I have had calamari all over the world and this will be on the top of the list for best. But everything was great....Squid was yummy, lamb & chicken kebobs both a hit...everyone at the table was beyond happy with what they ordered. They even brought me a birthday desert - which was also soooo good. Anyway, they are one of my new favorite places in town - if you like good, authentic Mediterranean food ( oh and good wine too!). then this is the place - thanks for a great dinner out! read more

First time here and the service was great we were greeted as soon as we enter the door. The food was really tasty the calamari was perfectly cooked. The pasta was creamy delicious. The portions were just right WaitThe chicken kebabs with the rice peel off was delicious. The only thing missing was a spicy sauce. My daughter had put the garlic fries with fresh chopped garlic. That was amazing. read more

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Finally tried this place on a Friday evening and was very impressed, though I still miss Roya Afghan greatly. Something about the layout of the front makes it easy to walk past, I got that vibe when Roya was there too. I got the mushroom ravioli after the waiters recommendation and the Turkish wine and my partner got the beef manti which was like little beef tortellini. Tried a bit of the beef in the tomatoey-yogurt sauce which I was a bit skeptical of a first but it was delicious. But I loved my ravioli way more, 6 medium sized ravioli were very earthy flavored and mushroomy in a creamy sauce and went very well with the fruity Turkish wine. It's a bit on the pricier side but I'm going to definitely have to return for more mushroom ravioli. read more

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Great service! Leo gave us a rundown of the menu . We went with the Chicken Shish Kabob, pilaf, and vegetables with homemade bread. So fresh and delicious!! Served on a beautiful plate!! We highly recommend this little gem! read more

This is the best place for pasta in Livermore and one of our favorite spots to celebrate. Light, crispy calamari is a must. Great friendly service. read more

Homemade food and very kind waiter/owner. A great experience! Highly recommend it for lunch and with kids !