Philadelphia, PA - Octopus has been a staple of Greek cuisine since ancient times and can still be found on the menu in the country's numerous fish taverns (psarotavernes) and bistro's.
Grilled Octopus is often served as an appetizer lightly charred over charcoal,seasoned with fresh lemon and paired with Ouzo. Tender lightly seasoned and charred octopus tastes amazing and if you're a fan of calamari Octopus is a must try. Recently grilled octopus has become a favorite at many of Philadelphia's top restaurants. Many of the city's top chefs have added this delicacy to their appetizer menu, often served over a bed of beans or with a light salad.
Top 5 Locations for Grilled Octopus in the Philly Area
Fresco's Restaurante (Cape May) - Char-grilled Octopus, Toursi, lemon oregano xxoo. Located at 412 Bank Street Cape May New Jersey 08204. Fresco's was established in 1986 however this season the owners of Cape May’s Pier House have taken over the lease. The Pier House is closed for the season due to renovations, but will reopen next season.
Savona (Gulph Mills) - Grilled octopus over a bed of Beans - Savona opened its doors in Gulph Mills, PA in 1997, offering diners a rich menu of seafood, shellfish towers and fresh fish in an ultra formal, fine dining atmosphere. To provide Savona a competitive edge and combat the recessive economy in 2008, Savona created a second, casual fare menu where diners could experience the same high-quality food and service but at a lower price point.
Red Owl Tavern (Philadelphia) - Grilled octopus over beans. Red Owl features two exceptionally attractive private dining rooms below the main restaurant, taking advantage of the building’s original bank vault and arched brick ceilings to create unique spaces for groups of 10 to 30 guests. An expansive and attractive outdoor patio flanks Independence Mall where diners can indulge in modern American fare directly across from where the Declaration of Independence was signed when weather permits. 422 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA; www.RedOwlTavern.com, 215- 923-2267.
Aqimero (Philadelphia) - Grilled octopus over a light refreshing salad. offers one of the largest mezcal bars in Philadelphia and houses an impressive firewood grill that restaurant guests can view through an enormous window separating the kitchen from the dining area. Cocktails are made with the finest quality of liquor and the house margarita is made with 100% agave nectar. The restaurant features unique breakfast, lunch, and dinner options along with a sustainably-caught raw bar. For an Elegant and enchanting evening there is no place more dazzling than the Ritz-Carlton and no finer restaurant then Aqimero.
Bistecca by Il Mulino (Mount Airy) - Grilled octopus served with white beans and tomato to their Flatbreads and Organic Salads. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of Crudos and fresh seafood from their Raw Bar, which includes offerings such as Littleneck Clams and Oysters, Maine Lobster or Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktails.
