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    Leo's Casa Calamari

    3.5 (229 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order Leo's Casa Calamari Takeout or Delivery

    Leo's Casa Calamari Photos

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    LEO'S CASA CALAMARI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos - Leo's Casa Calamari

    That fresh out the oven Eggplant Parm Roll complete with cheese pull
    J Sweenizzle 3.

    Let's get this out of the way: this place is a staple of the community. Local spot since late 90s. I believe they used to be on 86th over a decade ago but glad they are still around and dishing out that fried squid deliciousness. Truthfully, when several other solid calamari centric places closed over the years (RIP Rocco's), this small spot on the corner in Bay Ridge became my go to for proper Brooklyn-Italian crispy GahLaMahd (calamari). The Greek owner, whose name I never can remember, is always there with a proper New York smile, attitude and charm that makes everyone from NYC feel welcome and for those of you hating on this place, just note that I am a "sit down and enjoy the meal" kinda guy that would rather eat out by going out and eating on location. Perhaps the limited seating is a turn off (not for me), but to be served and welcomed by a conversational and hard working owner and staff truly makes Leo's a great community spot for some solid food, a glass of vino and some chit chat. I ended up down in Bay Ridge with the wifey from LA and brought her in for her first time. We ordered an eggplant roll and the calamari and not only did she love the fresh out the oven crisp of the eggplant roll, but even she said, "this eggplant in this roll is fresh and clean." She was in shock... I wasn't. And then the main course came, no, not the two root beers BUT the crispy calamari that Leo's is known for. Again, fresh out the fryer and onto a plate that's placed down on the table right in front of you. The calamari here, when eaten right out the fryer, is truly one of the best in the city. Listen, take out and delivery could obviously alter the calamari as it sits and cools, looses its crisp BUT when it's straight out the fryer and onto your plate, this is one of the best and only ways to enjoy a proper calamari dish. Theres a great ratio of legs to rings, the seasoning is delicious, the batter is crispy and light and even the wifey was shocked with how good it tastes. She was so surprised how something so heavy looking can be so light, delicious and addicting, especially with fresh lemon squeezed all over it. To the owner and staff, thank you for keeping it real and keeping the place as OG as possible. Also, seating may be tough but worth it for the best food experience. The place was busy when we walked in but we were made an open table in minutes as a large group of older Greeks celebrating a family dinner were more than open to sharing their end table with us. In summary, all I gotta say is this: if you love classic NYC fried calamari, if you are from south Brooklyn, and if you love old school NYC attitudes and vibes.... THIS is the place for you. Walk in, wait for a table while talking some friendly smack, laugh way too much, sit down and enjoy a classic and delicious meal... and then make plans to come back for more calamari deliciousness the next time you're back on the block. A great local spot and to the staff, keep on slinging that fried squid deliciousness boys!

    The cheese felt like cardboard. Second guy on phone said they didn't have normal cheese so they used fresh mozzarella.
    John G.

    Literally have ordered from Leo's Casa Calamari for over 10 years as a Bay Ridge Local. Have dealt with tasteless meals, and sometimes burnt pizza here and there occasionally as it happens. Today I opened my pizza after waiting an hour for delivery off of Seamless with all the extra fees to help the struggling restaurants right? The cheese is like cement, its weirdly spread over the dough. I tried to call and explain my situation and not be a dick. The guy who answers asks "what's the problem?" I say "cheese is hard" He goes "hmm, cheese is hard" Random hold for 6 minutes Get hung up on Number is blocked! Had to use a different cellphone to call again and curse out some poor counter guy who has to learn my situation because he botheres to give a shit and refund me cause he actually listened to me. Customer service? Have to try first before we can even discuss that category. Oh and by the way since you bothered to block my fiances number, guess we don't have to bother to call and order from you anymore do we?!!!!

    Samra M.

    Came in for some pizza Their regular slice - skip , nothing special and way better options in the neighborhood Their chicken Buffalo is AMAZING ! really good And of course the vodka square is bomb The crust on all was a bit too hard

    Leo's Calamari
    Devon O.

    What a Brooklyn day this was to go into a spot my wife went to when she was younger. We had icees just before, but that couldnt take away the taste of calamari we had been craving. We sat outside, 73 degrees, breeze, and a hot plate of calamari and spicy marinara. My wife actually said it was the chunkiest calamari she's had, and loves it. I found the sauce smooth, spicy, and there was a mountain of calamari to dip. I dont know if we take too much when we dip or what, but a tip for myself will be to ask for more sauce next time. We weren't going to get it at first, but we had to try the pasta too and I'm glad we did. We went with the rigatoni with chicken, wow. Its not everyday Im trying to pick up sauce alone with my fork and eat it. So much focus and flavor went into every part of this dish, I was glad to have experienced it. When were walking down 3rd ave, Leo's may be my general choice for pasta, and what are you doing if you dont get calamari too.

    Half Buffalo/Half Cheese
    Tatiiana L.

    We were craving pizza, and chose Casa Calamari for a pie for dinner after work. We were seated in the middle of of the restaurant and the waiter came over to take our order in a timely manner. The "mood" of the restaurant was great, with dimmed lights. We ordered a pie - half buffalo chicken and half regular. The pie came within 15 minutes and was super fresh and hot. LOVE IT! I will be returning to try other Italian food options, since the reviews say good things about Casa Calamari.

    Bianca S.

    Leos does it REMARKABLY well no matter WHICH way you order... individually, you'd be hardpressed to find a single item not cooked to absolute PERFECTION but less known is his incredible FAMILY STYLE!!! mussels, shrimp, baby lobster tails, clams & calamari over linguini... The seafood sweetens that wonderful sauce. Leo is the best host & the food is always fresh & great... salads, pastas, rolls, calzones... from appetizers to entrees, it's home cooked comfort food. The atmosphere is also just so warm & inviting!!!!!!!! Do yourself & those you Love a great service & GET THERE or ORDER!!! YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!!!!!! EASY FIVE STARS... SIXTH STAR FOR INCREDIBLE PIZZA!!!

    Jackie L.

    Food is not bad, but service could be extremely slow. Table next to us sat down roughly the same time as us, ordered a minute before us but finished their dinner and got their check before we got our entrees (we did not order anything special, just pasta). Food is worth close to 4 stars, but service brought it down to 3. The reason why it's at 2 however is their concept of making you pay cash. When you're about to pay your bill, the side says there is a 3.99% discount if you pay cash. However, once we asked for that, the waitress just informed us that IF we were to pay credit card, we just get that 3.99% surcharge. So it's great to know that we don't have to pay extra just because we're paying you cash so you probably don't have to report it. With all the good restaurants around bay ridge, you definitely do not have to settle with scheming restaurants like this. Definitely would not recommend and will not be returning.

    Extra cheese pizza

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Delish! And always quick for deliveries. Always consistent and really great with accommodating special diets.

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I ordered linguine on white clam sauces and it had lots of sand, you guys need to wash better those Manila clams

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    5 years ago

    Pizza is ok very thick crust yet still a bit floppy. Caesar salad is just some iceberg with bottled dressing and packaged croutons.

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    4 years ago

    Dogshit food. No flavor, dry, stale, tastes as if it was sitting out for days prior. Don't waste your money or time here

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Leo's Casa Calamari

    Wow! Another Bay Ridge icon goes belly-up. That's a prime corner spot; what's taking over, yet another Turkish kebab joint?

    Leo's Casa Calamari moved one block over 🤗 New corner address: 8502- 3 Ave, Bklyn, NY 11209

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    L'industrie Pizzeria

    L'industrie Pizzeria

    4.6
    (1.8k reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$

    L'Industrie is easily one of the best pizzas I have ever had in the world--and trust me, I've eaten…read morepizza all over, including L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Napoli, Italy. It is definitely the best pizza in the US; I say this even after visiting Frank Pepe and Sally's in New Haven, and it's honestly not even close. On our last day before heading back to SF, we ordered a massive whole pie: half burrata, half pepperoni. It nailed the classic NYC slice with a thin, crisp crust and the perfect balance of cheese and sauce. It was so good that my daughter finished her burrata half over three separate sittings: at the shop, on the plane, and once she got home. The pie just kept calling to her! Be prepared for long lines, but it is worth it (and the Brooklyn location definitely has shorter lines than the Manhattan spots). It's not really a sit-down place, so you just have to grab a spot at the bar-top tables if you can find room. The service was good and fast. The cashier who took our order was amazing--absolutely love her--though she did forget to hand us our chocolate Bombolone. L'Industrie is a premier New York institution and busy for a reason: it is top-quality pizza!

    I've eaten this a few times over five years. I've been shocked at the hype! And the long lines. If…read moreyou are 20something GenZ, you are gonna LOVE it! You've already been trained by TikTok or other social media to Think Spectacular, ahead of time - and - you get to be part of very long lines! I was person three in queue recently and it still took 15 min for my plain slice. This is how it is today: lines for pizza, lines for bagels, lines for coffee. The New World for food. It's good pizza, so I'm not sneering on that. But... pizza... there are so so so so many pizza joints in NYC. And so varied. When people say a place is THE best in NYC? I cannot relate. It makes me think they have been nowhere and know very little. But that's ok! Be happy in yer bubble; your friends probably all agree with you, and it's fun.

    Photos
    Olive Oil Cake | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin
    Olive Oil Cake | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin
    Gelato al pistacchio
    Gelato al pistacchio
    Cantaloupe sorbet mixed with pistachio gelato and topped with olive oil drizzle

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    Cantaloupe sorbet mixed with pistachio gelato and topped with olive oil drizzle
    Di Fara Pizza

    Di Fara Pizza

    4.0
    (4.2k reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Di Fara Pizza is a renowned pizzeria located at 1424 Avenue J in the Midwood neighborhood of…read moreBrooklyn, New York City. Situated at the corner of East 15th Street and Avenue J, the establishment was owned and managed by Domenico DeMarco (1936-2022), but now his family continues that legacy. Food critics and bloggers frequently rank it among the top pizzerias in New York City. Di Fara has received numerous accolades, including being named the "Best pizza in New York" by publications such as New York and Serious Eats. The New York Times described the restaurant as "one of the most acclaimed and sought-after pizza shops in New York City." In 2011, Zagat ranked it as the top pizza restaurant in the city, and in 2013, Frommer's called its pizza "the Best Hand-Made Pizza in New York City." Chef Anthony Bourdain also expressed admiration for the restaurant's pizza. I had long hoped to visit Di Fara, so I decided to make a trip from Connecticut. Upon entering, my son and I observed that it was quite busy. There is also a window for ordering, but we chose to go inside to order our food to experience the atmosphere fully. We each ordered a freshly prepared Sicilian slice. Unlike some places, there was no pre-made pizza on display. Each slice is made to order, and it takes about twenty-five minutes to prepare. When we received our pizza, it was notably greasy. The Sicilian slices resembled a full meal, topped with garlic and pepperoni. The garlic was quite prominent and flavorful, adding a nice punch which I liked. The pepperoni was crispy, and the undercarriage had a nice crunch, though it was also quite oily. In my personal opinion, it wasn't the best slice I've ever tasted. However, I understand that when the owner, Dom, was alive, the pizza was considered exceptional by many. I would rate it around 3.5 stars, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience pizza from one of New York's most iconic establishments.

    Wow. This is a review of Di Fara frozen pizza from Target. More specifically, Di Fara frozen pizza…read morefrom the Target Store in Richfield, Minnesota location. I tried looking up this pizza from Target Richfield for a review, but it sent me to the NYC location, so forgive me if this review is in the wrong thread. Anyway, wow. I've been to New York City and ate at the original Joe's Pizza. What an epic slice of pizza. Now back home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the great white north of snow that never ends, I finally tried the frozen Di Fara pepperoni pizza from Target no less. Sorry Joe's, but this is on par with your pizza (if it was frozen). Dave Portnoy was right with his high review. This pizza is very good. The thick cut pepperoni, great basil, and the crisp chewy crust was excellent for a frozen pizza. Nice under carriage as well. I cooked the pizza at 480 degrees in an electric pizza oven for 10 minutes, and the result was very good. I added a drizzle of hot honey, and it was spectacular (okay, I also added some fresh picked jalapeños as well). The pizza was hot and melted in the center, and the crust was very crisp, but still had some chew. Wow. This was the best frozen pizza I have had. Bar none. New York, you spoiled me when it came to pizza. Now I can get a taste of New York at home. Great job! I may or may not eat the last 3 pieces currently sitting in the fridge before bed.

    Photos
    Super fun, if slightly tight dining room.
    Super fun, if slightly tight dining room.
    Crispy handles firm to soft edges
    Crispy handles firm to soft edges
    Di Fara Special Pie- 8 slices, sausage, peppers, mushrooms and onion. $35 or so. Tasty crust. A bit salty for toppings as expected

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    Di Fara Special Pie- 8 slices, sausage, peppers, mushrooms and onion. $35 or so. Tasty crust. A bit salty for toppings as expected
    Ace's Pizza

    Ace's Pizza

    4.7
    (276 reviews)
    7.3 mi
    $$

    I am a huge fan of Ace's Pizza. There aren't many Detroit style pizza shops in NYC but Ace's is one…read moreof my go-to's. I think this is what Detroit pizza should taste like (haven't been to MI) but it's one of my favorite types of pizza besides classic NY or Sicilian. They have a variety of flavors and various sizes including personal to large. The prices are reasonable and portions are filling. I went on a busy Friday night for take out and the host was great. She got me set up and ready within 10 minutes. The shop was busy at 11pm to closing and everyone looked like they were having a good time. It's a bar pizza shop in the heart of Williamsburg. Accepts cash, card and Applepay. Open late! Indoor seating and takeout available. I think outdoor seating is available as well.

    Aces Pizza hits that rare sweet spot,great vibes, banger food, and genuinely attentive staff. Big…read moreshout out to Gilian for getting my party sat quickly despite how busy it was. It has become my go-to whether I'm fueling up before a night out or attempting to resurrect myself the day after. The food comes out quick and consistently punches above its weight,easily some of the best in its class. The staff are super friendly and nail that perfect balance between attentive and laid-back, which fits right in with the spot's chill 90s vibe. And do yourself a favor, order the root beer. It comes in a frozen mug and is probably the most uplifting thing you'll ever put in your mouth. Fair warning:,the place gets packed, If you can make a reservation.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Cheese (Medium)
    Cheese (Medium)
    Pepperoni / Hot Burrata

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    Pepperoni / Hot Burrata
    Brooklyn DOP

    Brooklyn DOP

    4.3
    (111 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    Got a TGTG order here. 11/10 I'd do it again…read more Brooklyn DOP actually originated as a pandemic business where my friend's personal trainer started baking pizzas outside of his Greenwood Heights apartment. When the hype got large enough, the owner decided to start a pizzeria and the rest is not history. This is one of the more worthwhile TGTG orders to me. Their pizza is SOOO perfectly crisp and charred, and actually is one of the closest pizzas that reminds me of the famous originals in Napoli.

    Overall 5/5: I am not a pizza person and don't eat dairy but wanted a nostalgic New York slice…read more This place definitely hit the spot. Expensive though, about $55 dollars for a vegan 18-inch Margherita pie with 3 toppings. Was it worth it for the experience? Yes. Would I recommend to someone who wanted to try it at least once for a good dairy-free pizza? Absolutely, I couldn't even tell this was vegan cheese. Would I get it again? Maybe (?) once in a while as a treat with price being the only barrier. Service 5/5: This was great. I came here the other day to inquire about their vegan pizza and just wanted to try a slice. The person found his manager to talk to me about this. They were super friendly and explained to me the situation. This location only sold vegan options in full pies and their other DOP Fast Life location does sell vegan slices, but they didn't try to push me to buy. I came back today and the staff today were also very welcoming. Ambiance 5/5: Rustic red brick interior with warm lighting. It was definitely bustling on a Friday night. Food 5/5: Delicious pizza. I do regret that I ate it cold after driving 30 minutes to pick it up so I did not get the full experience. But the crust was still crunchy. I do wish the toppings were a little heavier but the tomato chunks in the sauce tasted very fresh. A very classic New York style pizza and I couldn't even tell it wasn't real cheese. Vegan garlic knots were great too.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Nona Mena (grandma) and DOP Sicicilian
    Nona Mena (grandma) and DOP Sicicilian
    "Giusepp" (NY Style) pizza. $3.75 + tax + tip

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    "Giusepp" (NY Style) pizza. $3.75 + tax + tip
    Patsy's Pizzeria

    Patsy's Pizzeria

    4.3
    (700 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    Grew up in New York, but have been in Texas for 50 years. With very few exceptions, Italian food in…read moreTexas is not particularly /ut B/ /hen I/ /tic I/, is overpriced, and fails miserably when compared to Northeast Italian food. So, eating at this restaurant before the Bruce Springsteen concert, the other night was a thrill. Ate with lifelong friends. We shared several appetizers, including meatballs, a margarita, pizza, bake clams, and spicy shrimp. All were delicious. I had a seafood pasta with squid ink that was memorable. Lots of seafood and the pasta was fantastic! Nice bottle of wine at a reasonable price. Good service. Frankly, I think the prices were cheaper than what I pay in Austin area, and the food and venue were authentic and much better than in Texas!

    Patsy's Pizzeria delivers where it matters most: the food. I stopped in with a party of three…read morearound 430pm. The Margherita pizza was perfect. Fresh mozzarella, a nicely thin crisped crust, sweet tomato sauce, and fresh basil makes this simple pizza taste great. The fried calamari also impressed. It tasted notably fresh--light, clean, and not overly chewy like pre-frozen versions can sometimes be. While I can't say for certain, it had that just-prepared quality that makes a difference. The Caprese salad was a great way to start the meal, with fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a balsamic drizzle was a nice light start. The atmosphere leans old-school Italian, which adds to the charm and character. Service was fine--nothing remarkable, but no major issues either. That said, my overall rating takes a big hit solely for the restaurants ridiculous tipping policy choices rather than the food itself. The automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill was frustrating. The menu does indicate that 18%, will automatically apply, or will be 20% for parties of six or more. We were only three people, so it felt inconsistent and unnecessary. On top of that, the added cost for credit card usage didn't help. I don't mind tipping for good service! In fact, I tip well--but I prefer having the choice and I'm old school so it's the principle of the matter. Being forced into it, takes away from an otherwise enjoyable meal. Bottom line: the food is strong and worth trying, but the billing practices leave a bad taste. If those were adjusted, this could easily be a higher-rated experience.

    Photos
    Patsy's Pizzeria
    Original Pizza
    Original Pizza
    Patsy's Pizzeria

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    Leo's Casa Calamari - italian - Updated July 2026

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