Welcome to Cafe Calamari
At Cafe Calamari, located in the charming downtown district of Livermore, we celebrate the rich flavors of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Modern European cuisine. Our story is woven from a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences through every dish and warm hospitality. From homemade delights like our Duck Spring Rolls to the perfectly fried Calamari, each plate is a testament to our commitment to freshness and quality. The cozy ambiance invites diners into a Mediterranean escape, making it perfect for both romantic date nights and lively gatherings. Join us at 2020 First St, and savor the culinary journey we've crafted for you.
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2020 First St, Livermore, CA 94550 Hotline: (925) 447-0576
Welcome to Cafe Calamari, a delightful eatery that wonderfully merges the flavors of Turkish, Modern European, and Mediterranean cuisines. Located at 2020 First St, Livermore, CA, this charming café promises a unique culinary experience that transports diners to the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance that's perfect for a romantic date night or a casual gathering with friends. The décor reflects a Mediterranean flair, with hand-crafted touches that make for an inviting setting. Though the café has a quaint feel and limited seating, it adds to the cozy charm that many diners appreciate.
The menu at Cafe Calamari is a true reflection of culinary artistry. Highlights include:
- Appetizers: Don’t miss the Char Grilled Octopus—a standout dish that has garnered rave reviews for its tender texture and bold flavors. The Homemade Duck Spring Roll and Salmon Gravlax offer a delightful start to your meal.
- Entrees: The Kofte Burger, seasoned to perfection, and the creamy Wild Mushroom Ravioli consistently make our list of recommendations. Carnivores will revel in the Combo Grill—a feast that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Soups & Salads: For a lighter option, try the Arugula Salad or the Soup of the Day, both perfect companions to any main course.
Customer experiences at Cafe Calamari frequently reflect satisfaction with the food quality. One diner, Jimmy B., expressed, “Love love love the food! Properly seasoned. Very flavorful!!” It's clear that the care taken in the kitchen resonates with guests. However, some patrons note that the portion sizes, while flavorful, might leave diners wanting more.
Despite the pricing and size concerns mentioned by some guests, the consensus is that the exceptional quality of the dishes makes Cafe Calamari a worthy stop. The calamari and mushroom ravioli receive glowing praise, and the service is known to be both friendly and attentive.
In essence, Cafe Calamari stands out not just for its innovative menu but also for the inviting atmosphere that feels like a piece of the Mediterranean in Livermore. Whether you’re savoring a dish of Grilled Atlantic Salmon or indulging in their famous Kunefe for dessert, you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and a desire to return.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at (925) 447-0576. Don't miss out on a culinary adventure that promises to delight your senses!
Love love love the food! Properly seasoned. Very flavorful!! I had the meat patties with seasoned veggies and rice pilaf. So delicious! Would definitely come back!
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.
The food was so amazing. Everything was fresh and delicious. It was beautiful inside and was like stepping into the Mediterranean. Perfect for a romantic date night.
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.
We came here for lunch and had a great experience! Everything we ordered was delicious, and even my almost 2-year-old couldn't stop saying "yummy!" The outdoor seating area was charming. Service was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely be back. *Not pictured lentil soup.
Loved the vibes when first entering greeted with water bread and was exquisite. Ordered salmon with delicious onions and potatoes one of my favorite dishes perfectly Mets in your mouth and all the flavors together create a wonderful and enjoyable meal. Service was beautiful always being assisted and helped. One of my personal favorite restaurants here in Livermore
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.
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.
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!