Went here with my boyfriend on the 13th(day before Valentine’s Day). It was packed but we were able to sit at the bar. I actually enjoyed eating dinner at the bar. The bartenders were awesome and we got great service. They had a special menu for Valentine’s Day so I ordered off of that. They had a heartini drink(Champagne and Chambord) which was phenomenal. We ordered their calamari which was amazing. I got this seafood dish which included lobster tail, shrimp, scallop. It was very well cooked. It was pricey but worth it. When you come here 1) get reservations. 2) expect to pay a decent amount. Again, this is such a great date night place or a place to go and celebrate a birthday or anniversary. It’s romantic and all the food is phenomenal.
Deb L.
Classificação do local: 4 Lake Geneva, WI
Came here on a cold January Monday night with 5 friends and had a delightful evening. The place was actually quite busy, given it’s off-season in this tourist-driven area. Our server Wes was informed and attentive, aided by bus staff and the evening’s host, the legendary Charlie Obligato. The regular chef had the night off, but Chef Jeff, who served as the original chef when the café opened, was at the stove. The food was awesome! Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly — calamari, oysters, steaks, chops, pasta. The salad is now a café tradition, and it’s tasty. The two weak links were gooey bread(hot from the oven, and my compadres devoured it, but I am the ultimate bread snob) and mashed potatoes– again, I’m just not a fan. That being said, my medium-rare pork chops were perfect. And that almost never happens. Beyond that, the wine selections were very nice, the cocktails tasty and the dessert offerings varied and high quality. We felt welcomed, unrushed and well-served. I look forward to coming back again and again.
Brian S.
Classificação do local: 5 Chicago, IL
Awesome italian food on the shores of Williams Bay. We live in LG on weekends and this is one of our only good restaurants. Excellent service, delicious calamari, and a lively atmosphere. Local ownership is rock solid. It’s not going to reach the heights of big city italian delight, but for LG it’s a 5-star winner and family friendly too.
Rob M.
Classificação do local: 5 Chicago, IL
Our group of 8 was welcomed like family, and things got better from there. The terrific service from Billie, the wonderful calamari and salads, and the terrific entrees and drinks made for a great evening. We finished with a selection of deserts, and everyone raved about everything! This is our new«go to» spot on our visits to Lake Geneva. In fact, it may a reason unto itself to make the trip!
Matthew K.
Classificação do local: 2 Chicago, IL
We came on a Saturday evening and Café Calamari was quite busy. First impression was that it was upscale Italian atmosphere with nice presentation. The food quality and service however did not match the nice atmosphere or the price $$$. Service was slow, we had to ask to refill water and drinks multiple times and they charged for soda refills. We ordered the Calamari and Bruschetta appetizers and they left something to be desired. For Entrée we went with Penne Chicken Carbonara. The Alfredo sauce was for lack of better term watery and the chicken was very charred and tough. I would not recommend this restaurant to friends and will not be a returning customer.
Chris H.
Classificação do local: 5 Chicago, IL
We came for our anniversary and everything was fantastic. The hostess that sat us asked if we were celebrating anything I told her yes. Our waitress Tanya was very attentive and looked after us through the entire meal, answering questions as they arose. She brought us a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. The food started off great and just kept getting better. The lighting is dim making it easy to stay to yourself.
Mike K.
Classificação do local: 4 Hickory Withe, TN
Our server, John, was excellent. Two in our party learned that an 18 ounce prime rib is a lot to eat for one person(John clearly stated the weight). Both persons enjoyed their dinner. We took pleasure in the grilled salmon, served with green beans almandine(perfectly cooked) and pasta. Others enjoyed the shrimp pasta. Desert included cappuccino gelato(heavenly) and turtle cheesecake(highly enjoyable). The restaurant has a pleasant ambience and is very popular. One interesting feature: the screened porch with fire pits is not part of Café Calamari; it belongs to Harpoon Wiliies. We had a delightful evening at Café Calamari and look forward to our return.
Pamela S.
Classificação do local: 4 Lakemoor, IL
Great food and service! Really enjoyed the ambiance. Beautiful view of the bay. Would definitely come back!
J B.
Classificação do local: 5 Milwaukee, WI
Awesome bread and olive oil, salad is always fresh and delicious recipe, and the pasta is consistently good. Service is sometimes slow but overall one of my favorite restaurants in the mke area! The food makes up for the service.
Jodi B.
Classificação do local: 3 Madison, WI
Overall, this place was a tasty experience. The waitstaff was busy, but could have been a bit more attentive between tables(a «how is everyone» before serving the table next to us would be nice). The food was delicious, though the portions were small for the price. I enjoyed the Seafood Fra Diavlo a lot, and the calamari app was excellent.
Layla J.
Classificação do local: 4 Chicago, IL
The food is great! We went for my brother’s b day and tried the place out based on my uncle Dag’s recommendation. We ordered the raw oysters(blue point from maine(excellent) and brushetta(the house bread is better with olive oil). I ordered the seafood devollo and my brother and SIL ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and the chicken and shrimp order. We all loved our pasta orders. The only downside is I called ahead and notified them of my brother’s 25th b day and the waiter knew and they didn’t even bring out a cake or ice cream for his bday. I would have given them 5 stars if they completed the whole package bc they seem to get sup par reviews. The waiter was very polite, the seating outside was nice. It’s pricey but food is filling, and c’mon you get a beautiful view.
William S.
Classificação do local: 5 Wheaton, IL
Heard the steak here was really good so we tried for ourselves WOW steaks are great! Service atmosphere and overall dining experience was delightful we recommend Café Calamari who has the best steak and fine wine on Lake Geneva!
John h.
Classificação do local: 3 Arlington Heights, IL
The calamari appetizer, lake view and service were great, but our pasta with Alfredo sauce was very average. The salad that came with our entrée was bland. The price for the pasta entrees were high for what you get. I would go back to sit on the outdoor patio and drinks, but not for dinner.
Debra N.
Classificação do local: 5 Winfield, IL
We came for a weekend getaway in Williams Bay, and a couple locals recommended Café Calamari. We sat on the patio and enjoyed a lovely meal. Great food! Great service!
Jen R.
Classificação do local: 4 Ridgefield, CT
First off we happened upon this restaurant after a night stay at the Abby resort. We are Italian so we’re open to what they could offer. Our server Corey was so delightful, informed and helpful. We were sat immediately on a Thursday evening at 730. Their seemed to be a good buzz of people, so we knew it was popular Husband had the chicken and shrimp farfelle pasta, just the right amount for the serving, had a little kick which was perfect. He continued to bring plenty of bread oil and balsamic, without hesitation I had the linguine bolognese which was super even though I was going to have the seafood Diablo; although we had the mussles already for our app, so wanted to switch it up Our bill matched the night before where we had sushi and were very underwhelmed and left the sushi restaurant angry. We would gladly give calamari our business every year we come here
Greg R.
Classificação do local: 5 Glenview, IL
I see some of the reviews here, and I’m really surprised! I loved this restaurant. Is it pricey? Yes, but you get what you pay for. It’s very well done high end Italian cuisine. The ambiance was perfect for our mini honeymoon get away. I had the chicken and shrimp pasta and my wife had the scallops. Mine was perfect, but when she mentioned that her scallops could have been washed a little better, they offered to remake them. We declined, but then they brought us a desert, no charge! Staff was amazing! Highly recommended it if you have a few bucks and want the best of Italian!
Local P.
Classificação do local: 2 Milwaukee, WI
I sat on the patio, which was nice. But I have to agree, this place is overpriced and kind of slow on service. I was disappointed when my meal was not very good. I sent it back and they offered a remake. I declined because my group was halfway through their meals. I would give it another chance if the prices were more reasonable.
David K.
Classificação do local: 4 Elk Grove Village, IL
Had the scallops lemon blanc over pasta. The scallops were very tasty, very well cooked and had great flavor with the sauce. The pasta tasted very corn-tasting and overpowered the light flavor of the sauce.
William S.
Classificação do local: 5 Lee's Summit, MO
A wonderful dining experience. We had a group of six and enjoyed raw oysters and calamari for appetizers. I’m typically reluctant to get calamari due to so many bad and poorly cooked preparations at other places. This was literally one of the best calamari experiences. The oysters were fantastic. Tuesday night special was ribs, which we had 2 orders. We had 2 orders of scallops which were also a pleasant surprise, PERFECTLY prepared, not overlooked as happens many times. One order was sea bass, I heard no complaints, but can’t say on their rating. We enjoyed a couple of bottles of Decoy Cabernet. I’m not sure where the negative reviews experience originated. The tables were white cloth and atmospheres.
Nicole H.
Classificação do local: 4 South Elgin, IL
After Checking in to the Abby Resort in Fontana, my fiancé and I explored our options for a good seafood dinner. The concierge with out hesitation, recommended The Calamari Café in Willliams Bay. He called and made us 5 clock reservations. With 45 minutes to spear we had ample time to stop in at its conjoining Harpoon Willies Bar. While in Wisconsin, never pass up the opportunity to throw back some New Glarus. My favorites are Spotted Cow and Totally naked. They go down smooth and easy. Once inside, I suggested the best table in the house. The friendly host put us in an amazingly intimate area.. sorta of the nook of the restaurant. We had our own privet spot, not surrounded by anyone on either side of us. After browsing the menu, we both were set on the Seafood Diavolo. A dish of Prince Edward Island Mussels, shrimp, calamari, and King crab simmered in a fennel infused pomodoro sauce over linguine. I asked to substitute the shrimp for more calamari and it was not a problem. When our meals arrived I was amazed to find a lavish amount of seafood. I have in the past experienced the 80% pasta 20% seafood dish rip off. Well, this was 90% seafood over a layer of amazing sugo and tender linguine. My Fiancé and I both finished it down to the bare bones of the plate. I seriously could have had seconds. Desert was Tirumisu. It was not traditional by any means and I am now disappointed that I can not find it anywhere but at this restaurant. I posted a picture in my album. It came is a glass and all I can say is, delizioso!!! I am already making future dinner plans to go back.