Here at IDEAL we’re suckers for seafood, especially fried squid. Give us a crisp cluster of calamari on a plate and we’re happy chappies. That said, there’s little more disappointing than a batch of tough, soggy calamari, but sadly, it’s the latter that seems to end up on the plate more than the former.
Yep, cooking calamari to perfection is surprisingly hard work. Luckily, we’ve done our research so you will never have to experience chewy, overcooked calamari again. From tiny squidlets fried whole (tentacles and all) to glorious golden rings of perfection, we’ve handpicked our favourite places to enjoy fried calamari in London.
BARRAFINA
Ideal for a true taste of Spanish chipirones
No list of the best calamari in London would be complete without mentioning the chipirones at Barrafina. Encased in a batter that gives a wonderfully pleasing crunch, the squeakingly fresh baby squid is tender and expertly cooked. You won’t find anywhere in London that cooks this Spanish speciality better.
DISHOOM
Ideal for calamari that sings with flavour
It’s no secret that the squid at Dishoom is good. We can’t get enough of it. The calamari is perfectly fried to a light, golden crunch and hums with a drizzle of sweet housemade sauce which is perfectly offset with a spritz of lime. If you come here in a large group, order two portions – it goes fast.
BUSABA EATTHAI
Ideal for calamari with a Thai touch
There’s a lot of love out there for Busaba’s signature wok tossed calamari in ginger and green peppercorn sauce. Fans are so enamoured with it that there are countless attempts to recreate the recipe online. It’s one of the restaurants proudest dishes and they sell it by the truckload. We can see why. This sweetly spiced squid is addictive. There’s also a vegan men serving up ‘soymari’ which is prepared in the same way as the restaurants famous calamari.
HOPPERS
Ideal for devilled chipirones
With the second Hoppers outpost at St. Christopher’s Place came many good things. For one, you could make a reservation. Secondly, a little more elbow room. But most importantly, the menu had a new addition; hot, buttered, devilled chipirones. Woah there, you say, too many adjectives. But they are hot. Buttery. And devilishly spicy and delicious. So why not be verbose about it? We certainly are. Just delicious.
ROKA, CANARY WHARF
Ideal for dressed up squid
The fried squid at Roka is something else. Tiny and tender deep fried squid is seasoned to perfection with
togarashi and just a squeeze of lime. They come with a dark chili and shiso sauce sauce for dipping which adds an sweetness and another layer of flavour to the dish. T
HAKKASAN
Ideal for Michelin starred salt and pepper squid
Salt and pepper squid is a staple favourite at most Chinese restaurants. Not all salt and pepper squid dish was created equal, however, and Hakkasan’s is up there with the best we’ve ever had. Full of bold flavour, the quality of their salt and pepper squid is hard to fault. The price is, though; yours for £19.
DUMPLINGS & BAO
Ideal for salt and pepper squid with fire and flare
Less pricey than Hakkasan, the salt and pepper squid at Dumplings and Bao (formerly On Cafe) is just as good. The chef brings extra flare to the dish with an array of flavour bombs; think Shaoxing wine, Szechuan pepper, sesame oil, curry leaves, lemongrass, red and green fresh chilli, and smoked sea salt. The end result – a depth of flavour that’s phenomenal.
MISS TAPAS
Ideal for golden rings of perfection in Peckham
The Calamari Fritti is not always on the menu at Miss Tapas, but when it is, we’re there. Their crispy calamari with homemade aioli is the stuff of dreams – as is the price of these suckers.
