Calamari

Tender, Crispy, and Full of Flavor
Carrabba’s Calamari is lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful inside. Served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh wedge of lemon, this appetizer is a timeless favorite for seafood enthusiasts. Its balanced combination of crispiness, tender seafood, and zesty garnish makes it a perfect start to any meal.

Ingredients

Crafted with fresh, quality ingredients:

• Calamari rings
• Seasoned flour breading
• Frying oil
• Marinara sauce and lemon wedges

Allergen Information

Contains:

• Wheat (breading)
• Eggs (batter)
• Shellfish (calamari)
• Possible soy (oil or sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Single Order)

• Calories: 1220
• Protein: ~50g
• Fat: ~80g
• Carbs: ~85g
• Sodium: High

Recommended Pairings

• Classic Red Sangria:  Fruity wine balances the rich, fried flavors.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast.
• Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy pasta pairs nicely with crispy.

How to Order

• Available dine-in, curbside, or online
• Listed under Appetizers
• Perfect for starting your meal or sharing with friends

Final Bite: Crispy, Tender, and Irresistible

The Calamari offers golden, crunchy perfection with tender, flavorful seafood inside. A classic appetizer that’s both shareable and satisfying. Explore more by visiting the official Carrabba’s Italian Grill Menu.

Why the Calamari Stands Out

The Calamari is the quintessential Italian fried appetizer — tender squid rings, lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection. The key is the “lightly” — a thin, seasoned flour coating that turns crisp without overwhelming the delicate seafood inside.

Good calamari is all about timing. Overcook it by a minute and the squid turns rubbery; get it right and it’s tender with a satisfying crunch. The marinara sauce and lemon wedges provide acid to cut through the fry.

Fried calamari (calamari fritti) is served all along Italy’s coasts, where ultra-fresh squid makes it a bar snack as much as an appetizer.

Nutrition Context

At 1220 calories with roughly 50g of protein, 80g of fat, and 85g of carbs, this is a rich appetizer — the highest-calorie fried starter on the list. The fat comes from the frying oil and breading; the protein from the generous squid portion.

As a shared starter for three or four, the per-person impact is moderate. The sodium is listed as high.

Ordering Tips

Listed under Appetizers, the Calamari is available for dine-in, curbside pickup, or online ordering. Note the wheat, egg, shellfish, and possible soy allergens. Prices may vary by location.

Fried seafood is best eaten immediately — the coating loses crispness as it steams in a takeout container. If you’re ordering to go, plan to eat it right away. The Classic Red Sangria pairing above is ideal; a fruity wine balances the rich, fried flavors.

Calamari FAQs

What is calamari? Squid — typically the rings and tentacles — lightly breaded and fried until golden and crisp.

How many calories are in it? The post lists approximately 1220 calories per order, with roughly 50g of protein, 80g of fat, and 85g of carbs.

Does it contain shellfish or gluten? Yes — shellfish (squid is a mollusk), wheat (breading), eggs (batter), and possible soy.

Can I order it to go? Yes — it’s available for dine-in, curbside pickup, or online ordering. Eat immediately for the best crispness.

Is it spicy? The post doesn’t list heat as a feature — the flavors are crispy, savory, and fresh with marinara and lemon.

Why is some calamari rubbery? Overcooking. Squid needs either very quick high-heat cooking (like frying) or long slow braising — anything in between turns tough.

What does it pair well with? The post recommends Classic Red Sangria, Caesar Salad, and Fettuccine Alfredo.