Circolo Popolare

A Little Piece of Italy in the Heart of London

Tucked away on Rathbone Place in Fitzrovia, Circolo Popolare feels like a summer escape to Sicily. Walking there through central London's lively streets — past Georgian buildings, boutique shops, and busy cafés — you already sense you're heading somewhere special. The weather was warm and bright, and as we turned the corner, the restaurant appeared like a scene from a film — its front draped in green vines and twinkling lights, laughter spilling onto the pavement.

Inside, the place is pure theatre. Walls packed from floor to ceiling with bottles, hanging plants cascading from above, and every corner filled with glowing lights and little pieces of Italy. It's bold, warm, and charming all at once — over-the-top in the best possible way. You walk in and can't help but smile.

The atmosphere buzzes with life. Music hums, people talk loudly over plates of pasta, and the staff joke and laugh with guests. It feels like one big Italian family gathering — busy but never stressful, joyful but not chaotic.

We sat down and ordered a Strawberry Kiss Virgin Cocktail, made with fresh strawberry purée, chamomile, lemon, and soda — light, fragrant, and just the right start before the food.

We began with Circolo's Vitello, thin slices of tender rose veal topped with a smooth salsa tonnata, olive tapenade, and fresh parsley. Elegant and full of flavour, it set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Then came the dish we'd been waiting for — the Spaghetti alla Chitarra, served right inside a whole round of pecorino cheese. The server twirled it through the cheese at the table, coating every strand in a rich, velvety sauce. With crispy guanciale, egg yolk, and plenty of pepper, it was indulgent, creamy, and pure comfort.

We couldn't leave without dessert, and the Pizza alla Nocciolata was impossible to resist — a soft, warm pizza filled with Circolo's own chocolatey hazelnut spread. Sticky, sweet, and deeply satisfying. It's the kind of dessert that makes everyone go quiet for a few seconds before smiling.

The presentation at Circolo Popolare matches its personality — fun, generous, and made to impress. Plates arrive brimming with food, not arranged for show, but full of colour and life. Everything tastes fresh and authentic, thanks to ingredients sourced straight from Italy. The restaurant's part of the Big Mamma Group, the Paris-born team known for their wild Italian trattorias and passion for doing things right — not just good food, but good values too.

Service is just as lively as the space. The staff are friendly, fast, and full of energy — a little theatrical but always genuine. Even though it's one of London’s busiest restaurants, they manage to make you feel looked after.

If there's one small downside, it's how hard it is to get a quiet corner. The buzz is part of the charm, but if you're after calm conversation, this probably isn't the place. Still, that's a small trade-off for an atmosphere this joyful.

Circolo Popolare isn't just about eating — it's about the whole experience. From the music to the laughter, the stunning décor to the food that tastes like sunshine, it's pure happiness in restaurant form.

It's one of those spots that reminds you how fun dining out can be. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, and nights when you just want to feel alive.

circolopopolare.com