In Honor of the Seattle Kraken, Here’s Where to Get Great Squid and Octopus for Takeout

As announced Thursday morning, the NHL Seattle team finally has an official name: the Kraken. No matter how you feel about the mythological moniker, it certainly aligns with the city’s sea faring roots. The legend of the kraken itself goes back centuries, and includes characteristics of giant cephalopods. Since Eater Seattle has a one-track mind when it comes to food and the team’s association with squid and octopus, here are some takeout dishes in honor of the new name release. And here’s a quick primer on the differences between the two types of seafood. If you have any suggestions, send us a tip. (It’s a shame Kraken Congee is no longer around, although there is still the U District’s Kraken Lounge.)

Seattle Fish Guys: This hybrid market and restaurant in Central District is probably best known for its excellent poke, but it also offers plenty of seasonal seafood options for retail. Currently, there’s sashimi grade tako leg available for $26.99 per pound.

Tarsan i Jane: The critically-acclaimed Frelard restaurant is selling take-home paella kits, with cooking instructions available online. One option includes an already pre-seasoned and cooked calamari encebollada, with spring garlic, and maitake mushrooms.

Paju: This modern Korean restaurant in Lower Queen Anne has earned raves for its twists on classics like yukhoe (beef tartare) and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake). But the smoky Paju fried rice is the real showstopper with squid ink, kimchi, bacon, and topped with a quail egg.

Omega Ouzeri: Capitol Hill’s Greek food destination has long been known as a great place to get tender grilled octopus, grilled to a nice char and served with a potato caper salad. Best washed down with a stiff shot of ouzo.

RockCreek Seafood: Open for takeout Tuesday through Sunday (and limited dine-in), Fremont’s fish specialist usually has a variety of delightful rotating dishes with an international pedigree. Currently, there’s a barbecued Spanish octopus on offer, with fingerling potatoes, olives, roasted tomato, cannellini beans, and olive aioli.

Hai-Nam Kalbi and Calamari: Despite the name, this well-loved Korean restaurant in Shoreline doesn’t just focus on two dishes, but has a rather wide variety of hot pot, bibimbap, and seafood. Still, it’s hard to go wrong with the o-bool-sah (calamari and beef bulgogi with vermicelli), available for takeout or delivery via Grubhub.

Seattle Fish Company: West Seattle’s neighborhood fishmonger doubles as a low-key grill, with prepared dishes for takeout and local delivery. It also has some squid tubes and tentacles for retail, which can be hard to get at the usual chain grocers around the city, along with a couple of suggested recipes.

Hue Ky Mi Gia: Many have flocked to this International District favorite for its popular fried butter chicken wings, but it would be a shame to sleep on some of the other menu items. That includes the squid rice noodle, available for takeout or delivery via UberEats.

Mamma Melina: This longtime U District Italian restaurant hasn’t changed all that much over the decades, but has adjusted to takeout service (and limited dine-in). Among the well-crafted small plates is a grilled Monterey calamari dish, with roasted plum tomatoes and house-made chili oil.

Regent Bakery and Cafe: This unassuming shop in Redmond (with another location on Capitol Hill) has steadily grown a following over 20 years as a strong dim sum place. Though there are many dishes to choose from, the fried salt and pepper calamari may be among the best in the city.

• Seattle Kraken [Official]
• The Newly-Named Climate Pledge Arena Intends to Source 75 Percent of Its Food Locally [ESEA]
• NHL Seattle Wants Food Suggestions for the New Arena: Here Are 5 [ESEA]