Because I am such a nice daughter, I pick up my mom from work on nights that I can and we always find a new place to grab a bite. Of course we are always looking for a nice place that has a great deal. This isn't easy and it reminds me of apartment hunting, almost everything you want but you always have to sacrifice something. Circe was different which was refreshing...We walked in and it wasn't too crowded, just a few after work regulars it looked like. There was samba music and everything in there was white. The white marble bar, white leather bar chairs, a white staircase that lead to more white tables. It was so clean and bright looking. We tried a few apps like the duck confit pizza with goat cheese and fig jam, and angus beef sliders. Both were half price because we caught the happy hour special. They had loads of other options that were awesome also, that's how they get you to come back! The bartender was really friendly and made good suggestions for the apps, it was really hard to choose. I will definitely be going back to Circe to try more food and soak in that bright white, high ceiling atmosphere.
(4)
Rob S.
Another unbelievable great restaurant in downtown Providence. Food, atmosphere, staff and wine selection!!!!!, all truly outstanding. Carlo opened a great place, and I highly recommend to everyone to at try this place. I know Providence has multiple great restaurants; Prime 10, XO, Local 121, Gracie's to name a few, but this place is equal to all of them. I travel for my job, Washington, NYC, Boston, LA and for a city the size of Providence, I do not think you can find a better selections of great locally owned restaurants anywhere else.
(5)
Alexander V.
Came here for brunch around 10AM. Ordered the chicken waffle meal but was told they don't make waffles until another hour later and that they can make pancakes instead. Ordered an orange juice and was surprisingly displeased to find out it was just tropicana or some store bought juice. When I got my food I was more surprisingly displeased to find out that the fried chicken was just fried chicken tenders that were dry and tasteless. Good thing the waitress offered ketchup and now I know why. Other than that the service was smooth but there weren't much people in. Definitely not the place to come for chicken and waffles.
(2)
Joe H.
Just wanted to say that I left my jacket here on a weekend night that had my wallet and everything there. The employees held onto it for 3 days and returned it with all of my belongings (including the cash in my wallet) Shows an honest place!
(5)
Jessica S.
I was here with a group of 8 a couple weeks ago. I tried the Carlos Way with a side of sausage. The sausage is really good and enough to share with someone. I also got the yoghurt with fruit and granola. The presentation is nice, in a martini glass. It was good but needed a bit more yoghurt. These creations can be a bit dry without enough of it. My friends also all liked their food and especially love the bottomless champagne. The manager came over to chat with us and was very nice. This a good place for a group. The only negative was the coffee was not very good, weak. meh.
(4)
Ian G.
This is a long-awaited review! Was here for Valentine's Day dinner 2015. I called a couple days prior to Valentines Day and spoke with the owner who was incredibly kind! I immediately felt welcomed before I stepped into the door! The complimentary valet parking was much appreciated, since there was a snow storm ALL DAY on Valentine's Day, and my car does not handle well in the snow. The terrifying journey to Circe was worth it! The interior is modern and gorgeous and features an open kitchen, which I was lucky enough to be seated next to. The music was contemporary and created a chill and upscale vibe. The calamari was awesome! Definitely a favorite! I will absolutely be revisiting Circe Restaurant & Bar once I come back to Providence!
(5)
Caitlin B.
Went for lunch and the food was pretty good -- though my fries were a little cold (& too hard/ crunchy for my likes) Honestly wish there was a small parking lot because there is limited street parking. would recommended this place! I am deff coming back for dinner next time!
(4)
Tania M.
Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious but the set up and service left a lot to be desired. The space is really great looking. Lots of white, marble and fun little touches. The upstairs dining area feels crowded and has a few tables up on a step above overlooking the bar and street. Came here as a party of two and we were seated a great-looking little table on the second floor overlooking the bar and the large outside window. Seemed awesome but once the restaurant got busy every time the door opened we got hit with a blast of freezing cold air. 20 minutes into our "meal" (I use air quotes because we still hadn't even gotten our drinks yet) we were both back into our winter coats. After another 20 min we finally ask to move. Our waiter had noticed the coats and pointed out how cold it was but chose not to offer us a different table 10 minutes beforehand which irked me to no end. The service and kitchen were insanely slow. When all was said and done it took my husband and I two hours for our 3 course meal. It was over 45 minutes between finishing dinner and being served dessert. Yikes. I have to say, the food was delicious. My husbands lobster bisque was delicious and the desserts were to die for. Management was understanding regarding our complaints about time and did take 25% off the bill in response. Overall- I don't think the wait was worth it or the space was well used. We won't be going back.
(3)
Max F.
Food was OK. There are way better places to dine in Providence. Trust me. The owner was rude as soon as we walked in. Didn't bother making eye contact or acknowledged half of the dinner party. And when a small criticism was made to the owner, he responded with awkward, uncomfortable and (and not humorous) sexist remarks to my girlfriend. Needless to say, we will not be returning to this restaurant or recommending to friends and family.
(2)
Holly K.
Like many others here, this review is only for the bar! The drinks are really just too good. Like I haven't been that sick the next day since my 21st birthday good. The bartender was so nice and attentive. The bar was jam packed but he was right there when you needed a drink (or some water). The hibiscus martini was amazing. I basically go for anything with Elderflower (because well its the most delicious thing ever) and this drink did not disappoint! I also had the Shiso martini and that was a delicious cucumber minty delight. As Saturday night wore on it got pretty stuffy in there, if you can score at least one or two seats at the bar though you will be fine to just crowd around those seats.
(4)
Holly S.
Please note that this is a review for desserts and ambiance only as my husband and I stopped in here Saturday night for a nightcap and dessert. The place was hopping and we were lucky to get two seats at the bar (people were politely waiting for us to leave to take our seats by the time we were done). I saw a young woman drinking a Busted Nut which is a "young Dominican coconut" filled with several types of run, coconut water, pineapple juice and coconut and mango puree. I want to go back and have that simply because it looked so good. We were pleasantly surprised when we entered because it is so much bigger than we had expected. It is long and narrow and has a second floor that is stunning. The decor is beautiful and the crowd is young and smart-looking (I can't say the same for us but they treated us nicely despite that). Since I refuse to ever share a dessert, we each ordered our own. My husband had a smores dessert: a small molten chocolate lava type cake with a side of melted marshmallow that sat atop a graham cracker crust. I know it was heavenly because I tried it (yes, while I don't share, he has to, the poor guy). I had the bread pudding which is served with a generous serving of frozen pumpkin mousse. The pumpkin flavor was there but was not overpowering. I drenched it all in the maple creme anglais that came along with the dessert. Great atmosphere, beautiful space, delicious desserts. I'm intrigued and we'll be back the next time we need a special night out sort of dinner.
(4)
Diya S.
Do not come here for brunch!!! This place serves better as a nighttime spot only. My eggs Benedict tomato florentine were almost inedible, with a strange grill / gas flavor to them. Portions were tiny and waitress was inattentive. It was a terrible experience and totally empty, so no ambiance either. Overpriced!!
(1)
Tip F.
Great spot. Nice bar to have a drink 3/3 on excellent service. The sliders are excellent. Have had a nice 2 person dinner as well as a dinner with 10 people. Bartender puts together a nice Old Fashioned. 5 star soon!
(4)
Catie M.
There were two bugs in my martini and the ahi tuna sandwich was over cooked. The waiter was very nice on the other hand.
This was our first time here and I promised the manager I would be fair and honest... First impression, we loved the decor! We were there for dinner and did not stay for the club atmosphere. It was dimly lit with white woodwork and blue accents- very nice. We were initially bummed about being in the back where there was only one other couple but, it ended up being perfect- away from the larger groups and noise. We got a few little things rather than 2 big meals. The Angus sliders were tasty but maybe sightly lacking in blue cheese. But, I like ALOT of sauces/toppings so, maybe that's just me. The lobster risotto with avocado ice cream is ridiculous! I was nervous about the ice cream but the cold, sweetness it provided combined quite well with the dish and the lobster was cooked perfectly. We also got the chacutterie which had all high end meats and cheeses but not enough cheese compared to meats. They have these tiny pickles that I wanted to take home and chicken liver pate that surprises the taste buds. Good wine, whiskey and after dinner coffees. The staff was courteous and all smiles. The valet is helpful in this area too. We look forward to returning!
(4)
Jacob B.
My wife and I wanted to try a new place and we found some great review about Circe... which caused some shock when we arrived, because it was relatively empty. The bar was almost full with seemingly a post-work (Thursday) cocktail crowd, but only one or two other tables with guests dining. The service was fantastic, the food was delicious. We had the grilled pizza and beef tartar, which were both phenomenal; and a meatball appetizer that I wasn't a fan of because of the spices, but my wife was the one who ordered it, and she loved them. The owner even stopped by to check on us and showed a clear passion for his restaurant, which is always refreshing. I hope more people start going!
(5)
Jim L.
Another great meal at Circe from appetizers through dessert. The pasta was exceptional. The service is timely, friendly and helpful as evidenced by some very astute picks on the wine list. The owner is very present and making sure everything is just right. I am a bit taken back by the comments about the owner. In my half dozen visits he has always been attentive, helpful and very friendly. The restaurant is very convenient to highway and the rest of Providence even though the streets are a bit in-obvious. A special shout out to Kathyrn who made us feel like family.
Love Circe !! One of the very few places that make a great dirty martini. The bartenders are friendly and personable which makes a great outting experience along with the upscale environment. It does get crowded for the night life especially Fridays and Saturdays but it's fun to hang out with friends, drinks and music. There has always been a DJ when I've gone and it's usually top 40 mixed with electropop.
(5)
Julie Y.
I came here for a Sunday morning birthday brunch. Although I really don't have many complaints, I don't know that I ever want to come back here. This place felt a bit to uppity for no reason. The food was good, but it was smaller in portion size. They offered mimosas by the glass for $8 (lets face it, I could buy some champagne and OJ for that same price) or unlimited for $18. To top it all off, I used the restroom and as I was turning the knob to leave it fell into my hand and I got locked in the bathroom... until someone waiting outside opened the door for me! 2 full minutes of anxiety and panic!
(3)
Steven N.
A group of friends and I came across this restaurant online and decided to try it out. No one greeted us as we entered but a bartender noticed us right away and came over to assists us. The bartender had a positive attitude and kindly asked if we wanted to be seated anywhere specific. There were stairs that led up to a second floor where guest were able to dine but instead we choose to sit in the back across from the open kitchen. As we walked by the kitchen, we saw that it was clean and organized. Our waitress, Amy, came over to greet us as we sat down. She was really friendly, funny, and attentive. We asked her about the menu and she knew it very well. For appetizers we ordered: Deviled Eggs, calamari, lobster risotto, and lamb meatballs. The deviled eggs came with 3 eggs over a tasty beet slaw and bacon on top of the filling. They tasted pretty good. The calamari came with cherry peppers and a lemon-chili aioli. The aioli with the calamari were good together. We just wish that there were a few tentacle pieces in there. The lamb meatballs with their yogurt sauce was good. At first we thought the lobster risotto was a little weird because it came with avocado ice cream. But the ice cream went well with it and it was delicious. Out of all four appetizers the risotto was the best. For entrees we ordered: Duo of duck, bombster scallops, and grilled salmon. Two of us ordered the duck medium rare but one was more medium. It wasn't a big deal to us because it was still delicious. The only thing that was disappointing about this was the confit leg ravioli that came with it. We were expecting at least 3 pieces of ravioli but instead it came with only one measly piece. Also, for one of the plates the duck and kale were over a pool of the juice that made the plate look unappetizing. The salmon was cooked perfectly and went well with the salsa and basil pesto. The scallops were amazing. They were all cooked perfectly. They came with pork belly, red cabbage slaw, and a spiced apple chutney. They were all good however the menu said that it came with "crispy" pork belly. The pork wasn't crispy at all but was delicious and tender. For dessert we just had the bread pudding, maple creme anglaise, and pumpkin mousse. We didn't even ask for four spoons but Amy kindly brought us four because she knew we were going to split it. This dessert was one of the best desserts that we've ever had. the bread pudding, creme anglaise, and mousse all went so well together and was delicious. Overall, we had a great experience. They had a wonderful and friendly staff. The food was great. There was also a nice atmosphere to the restaurant.
(4)
Jamie B.
I had trouble deciding whether or not to leave 3 stars or 4 but had to go with a 3. We went for Easter brunch at 10:30. We were the first people in the restaurant yet were asked upon entering if we had a reservation (which we did). We were sat in the way back even though they were much nicer tables available (maybe we weren't dressed well enough?). My boyfriend had the pork belly hash with poached eggs. The hash was horrible- under seasoned and mushy. You couldn't tell the difference between the pork and the potatoes. The grilled bread and eggs were good but again under seasoned. I had the chicken and waffles which was fantastic- the chicken was crispy and well seasoned. The waffle was delicious and hardy enough to stand up to the chicken and real maple syrup. This dish was by far the highlight of the meal. The bloody marys were tasteless- barely any vodka and zero flavor- they almost tasted watered down. One of the waitresses was wearing leggings that were quite see through, a little shocking for such a classy looking restaurant. None the less, I would probably go back for more chicken and waffles.
(3)
Sarah V. M.
Brunch was sooooo disappointing! Here's what you can expect: *enforced portion control - I ordered the fried chicken and waffles. It came with half of a Belgian waffle and two pieces of chicken. I typically like to eat half of my meal and take home the rest. I don't like to pay for a full meal and receive a half portion. *blahh tasting food - I hate it when I can make a way better meal at home and this was one of those times...the waffle was as if it didn't exist. The chicken was moist inside of a crispy shell which is great but it was totally bland, unsalted, un-herbed nothingness. *cheaping out on ingredients - breakfast was served with fak-o "maple" syrup, the coffee was an off brand of ground something. *rotting fruit adorning your drink - I pulled that sucker right off of my "topless" champagne. I'm not sure what is meant by topless champagne? I saw other tables with carafes of juice, I was not offered such, but I will say my glass was never empty thanks to my sweet waitress. *dated (and bad) loud music - a la 80s, but not the good stuff *to be one of two tables in here The service was great, the decor modern, but if this is all you got Circe, you might find yourself in the hands of the previous fate of all the others that have gone before you at 50 Weybosset St.
(2)
Lizz W.
My roommate and I headed here for our weekly "try new place" venture. I got the special, it was really good surf and turf. The lobster risotto was awesome and had big pieces of real lobster. The steak was cooked perfectly. The beef entree on the menu that my roommate got showed up my special (to my surprise) it was huge and the truffle mashed potatoes were to die for. I wasnt really into their cocktail list and overall its a bit pricey. But the decor and vibe are really nice and chic. I will be back
(4)
Peter G.
The best meal we had during our recent trip! This is a great little restaurant. We walked in and were seated immediately, which surprised me considering how busy they seemed and the fact that we didn't have a reservation. We ordered our drinks and looking over the menu, when the owner walked over and introduced himself and struck up a conversation. He told us a little about Circe, asked us about ourselves and made a few recommendations. We ordered the New England Artisan Cheese Plate as an appetizer, my wife ordered the Roasted Local Beets small plate and I had the Seared Bomster Scallops. The cheese plate was the perfect choice for a shared appetizer, my wife really enjoyed her salad and my entree, well these were the best scallops I've had in years! If you are looking a great little restaurant while in Providence, you should give Circe a try!
(5)
Aaron R.
This restaurant has a great environment and location. It's right in the heart of downtown Providence in an area that hosts some of the newest hot spots. The food was excellent. Visited during Restaurant Week and the Pri Fixe Menu was delicious. Highly Recommend the Grilled Oysters Appetizer. All the Pasta is made in house and the service is friendly which can always make or break a good rating. Try to sit on the balcony floor for a great view of the restaurant while you dine. Make reservations to ensure no wait. Complementary valet is always a plus. Overall a gem of a place with an exclusive feel to it.
(5)
Sopheary H.
Oysters were fablous.. hibiscus martini was amazing.. decor has a miami beach vibe...
(5)
R. R.
I had been wanting to go to Circe for about a year. We finally made it here one night because I was hungry and their kitchen closes pretty late. The place is beautiful and I was very happy to have finally gone. I ordered the burger sliders and fries. The fries were thinly sliced which is also a good thing. The burgers were very good, but.... I found a hair on the plate. I was very hungry and I really wanted to like this place, so I kindly told the waitress that there was a hair in my food. She seemed shocked and took the plate away. A few feet away, she stopped and was examining the plate. She then comes back to me and says she does not see it. I point it out to her and at this point became annoyed. I was starving and I was definitely not trying to get a free meal. I had taken one bite of the first burger. She then comes back with the manager and he says "I'm so sorry, we will take this off your bill" and simply walks away. What got me upset was that it seemed the waitress seemed entitled and seemed to feel as though she was doing me a favor by serving me. I do not feel that we got the customer service we deserved. Everyone else I was with had ordered drinks and would have continued to do so if we had been treated in a friendlier manner. I will not be going back to Circe due to my experience with this waitress.
(2)
Amanda S.
My husband and I went back to Circe last month for a weekend getaway in Providence. Our good experience last time prompted us to return, so we braved the impending blizzard (Valentine's Day weekend) to have a nice dinner that Friday night. The place was extremely busy, the bar area was packed, but we were promptly seated and our waitress was amazing-- casual, conversational, and knew the cocktail and food menus inside and out. I had a black fig Manhattan that I pretty much wanted to crawl into. I wish I'd written the review sooner so I could fully remember everything that we ordered, but we had no complaints about anything. Good food, good drinks, good service, good atmosphere. Huge props to our waitress who used her own phone and account to order us an Uber-- could've been a risk, if we were bad riders! We'll be back to Circe next time we're in Providence. Thanks for another great night out with you!
(5)
Sarah S.
I came to Circe with my girlfriends for restaurant week. I had the burrata, the bacon-wrapped tenderlion, and the white chocolate pumpkin creme brulee. I thought the tenderloin was a bit overcooked, but I still enjoyed every course. My one regret is that I didn't get a drink! This was our first time here, but we're definitely planning on coming back and trying all their cocktails. Also loved the cool vibe and chic interior.
(4)
Brian O.
Great place to grab a few drinks. Has a good upbeat atmosphere with good music and energy.
(5)
Sue D.
I have to say that this restaurant is awesome! The owners, chef, and the wait staff are also Awesome! The food is great and my friend and I meet there every Friday and have our favorite lunch, which the chef cooks very well! We LOVE CIRCE!!! One thing I don't understand is how anyone can't help but love this place and put untrue statements in yelp about Circe. I guess people like this aren't happy with anything. Can't wait until next Friday!
(5)
Kevin M.
I gotta say i was a little weary after watching the episode of kitchen nightmares when it was called Downcity. Since then they have made some drastic changes. There's an open kitchen, so you know theres no funny business going on in the back. The decor is perfect and the space is nice. We had brunch and the food was near perfect. Everything down to the coffee was delicious. I recommend the chicken and waffles. The waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. The prices and potions are good. I cant really say anything bad about the place. Everything was great.
(5)
Alishia J.
Circe is a beautiful restaurant and has a great environment. However, the food and drinks made the lasting impression. We visited for a friend's birthday brunch. I had the chicken and waffles; my partner ordered an omelette. I also wanted to try their Jonah crab cake, so I ordered two cakes. The omelette was enjoyed. The chicken and waffles were eventually Eggos and chicken strips. The maple syrup was delicious, though. My crab cakes, while featuring real crab, were limp and somewhat bland. Now, on to the drinks. Our classic mojitos were just okay. Seemingly flavored with Sprite, they were generous with the rum. As the ice melted, they became undrinkable. In sum, it is a beautiful place with a great ambiance. The food was a disappointment, but after a couple of drinks, you may not care about that!
(3)
Don J.
On a quiet Sunday night, the Scottish salmon was perfect. Service was mostly efficient, although the bartender was a bit drawn to her drunk, loud friends also at the bar. No harm; delays were minimal at worst and there were no other patrons to be annoyed by loudmouth. Decor implies a quieter mood and upscale menu; the menu delivered for sure. Also a competent wine list and interesting cocktail menu.
(4)
Jane H.
A mixed bag. The positives: The decor & vibe - pretty in a minimalist sort of way. Charcuterie & cheese boards - very nice. Service - Kate was fabulous! She was a solid 5 stars. The not-so-good: Our entrees. Ranged from quite good (pork belly) to not bad (my duck breast) to meh (some fish dish). This might be nitpicky but the menu said the duck came with couscous ....what it came with was Israeli couscous, a very different texture. Especially odd since it was Moroccan spiced....why wouldn't it be Moroccan couscous? I'll come back and sit at the bar w/a drink and a cheese board.
(3)
Cristina P.
A really great night at Circe. We started with the butternut squash soup which I thought was only ok. But the tenderloin, parsnip chips, Brussels sprouts, truffle mashed potatoes, were just amazing! We had a great waiter, friendly, helpful and personable. Delicious dessert: smores!
(4)
Ash C.
Something has changed in this place since I visited last time... Maybe a new manager and a new chef? The whole experience was amazing including the taste of the food and the service. I will keep on coming back to see how it would change as time passes by
(5)
Dante B.
This was my second time at Circe, but my first dinner experience. The ambience was noticeably perfect for dinner and drinks on a Saturday night. We started with a round of cocktails that were simple but all done exactly as ordered, timely, and well-sized. The appetizers were simply amazing. Wild mushroom bolognese with house-made pasta that had a texture I hadn't experienced since my Nonna made pasta for us as kids. Fresh mussels in red sauce with toast points that were buttery and crisp. The grand daddy, however, was the scallops cevice. The scallops were so light and fresh tasting, without a hint of fishiness. The citrus glaze complimented the fish to perfection. Every bite was heavenly. I could go on as long about the entrees, as they were equally spectacular, but I'll keep this review as short as possible. Everything was perfect, the staff was attentive, and I'll be coming back again and again.
(5)
Dan K.
My fiancee and I went here for Valentine's Day, where mercifully they had Valentine's *specials* rather than a fixed Valentine menu (which caused us to rule out a few other restaurant options). We'd never been before, but we will definitely be back. Service started out positively, as we were seated next to two light fixtures, one of which was out, making my side of the table a bit dark; when I pointed this out to our waiter, Kevin, he tried to fix my light, and when that didn't work, he repositioned the other to light the entire table. Thanks, Kevin! We ordered a cheeseboard to start, which didn't have the most exciting cheese options (we went with cheddar, smoked gouda, and Brie, while the other two available were bleu and goat) but had very flavorful jams and a generous collection of crostini. Entree-wise, my fiancee got the flight of scallops (each with a different garnish; these were good but it would have been nice to be told what the garnishes were); and I had the duo of duck, which was a confit leg and sliced breast, both of which were cooked perfectly. My dish came with vanilla lime mashed potatoes, which I was skeptical about, since that didn't sound like an appealing combination; but it tasted like all three of those elements, and it was still very good. For dessert, we were planning to try the Valentine flight of creme brulees, but when we heard the flavors were chocolate, lemon, and blueberry, we decided to go with the espresso creme brulee with "munchkins" (warm donut holes). The creme brulee was good, and the munchkins were great. I wish there'd been more of them. The only reason I'm not giving a fifth star is that while the food was excellent, some of the prices were a little high. In particular, the scallops were on the small side and unlike some of the other entrees, they didn't come with sides (they were garnished, but the waiter suggested ordering a side with them) and yet they were among the more expensive entrees. Also, we tried a few different flavors of mojitos, and while the strawberry was excellent, the raspberry and pineapple were pretty disappointing. I've had strawberry mojitos before where the strawberry and mint really didn't cooperate, and here they worked together really well, which got me curious about the pineapple; well, that one did not work at all. But these are nitpicks. Overall, thumbs up.
(4)
Cristian T.
Miami beach style restaurant/bar. Great atmosphere & great drinks. Haven't tried the food yet but im sure a weekend night in Providence won't go wrong here.
(5)
Tammi M.
We decided to try Circe on a Waterfire night. We did make reservations, but it appeared that there would have been space anyway. We were shown a table by the open kitchen after a brief wait. The only small negative I have is that, even though it wasn't a warm night, it was rather warm in there. Everything else was a pleasant surrpise. We did not order cocktails, but our beer and wine were served quickly. The waiter was helpful and answered our questions about the menu, and checked in as needed. We decided to order several small plates, and we had MORE than enough! First - mussles with tomato and chorico - a HUGE bowl of mussels with chunks of tomato, smoky slightly spicy broth, pieces of chorico and pieces of crusty bread to sop up the juices. YUM!!! More than enough for the 2 of us to share. Second - lamb meatballs. Well-spiced meatballs served with a dipping sauce. They were good, but not the star. Last - charcuterie for 2. Wow. Little rounds of plain and olive baguette served with several types of meats, pickles, chutney, mustard, pate, terrine slices, cheese, egg, all served with attention to detail. We cold not eat much of it, and it was well-packed for us to enjoy for lunch the next day! The owner came by and chatted with us for a while also. He was friendly and hospitable. This place is a hidden gem, and I will certainly return. It's a beautiful, welcoming, DELICIOUS place to go, just own the road from the Arcade and plenty of parking. Go. Now!
(4)
Genny W.
This is for sure a five star, for several reasons. This spot was next to my hotel, so I looked it up on Trip Advisor, Yelp...all of it. After my not-so-good (at all) lunch based off Yelp reviews, I was feeling untrusting. However, Circe was really delicious. I have over 10 years of experience in fine dining serving/bartenting and I live on the Cali coast, where I think food is generally pretty fresh. I'm not an easy sell, nor am I usually reviewing on Yelp. My best compliment is to Tina, my bartender/server, who was PRIMO. I gave her some liberty to guide me a bit with my pairing and she knew her stuff. I look forward to eating here when I return for work in the future. Tina deserves a raise!
(5)
Chad M.
Proof that your food or product does not have to be stellar to pull crowds.. The ownership or bartenders must know a lot of people because the food is below average at best, decor is walls painted white and a tv.. Theres not a lot going on there... but man it fills in with gold digging cougars and white haired old guys in tweed suit jackets.. The few times I have been there out of 160 people there was only 1 african american.., The bouncer must be really strict because Providence is known as an ethnic melting pot. If you are looking for a rich dude by RI standards, honey this is your place! They have valet too. Thumbs up!
(3)
Amelia S.
I recently attended an event here- so I can't speak for the actual meals (hopefully I will be able to yelp about that at some point in the future). I DID like the ambiance (albeit a little dark) and the upstairs looked so pretty and elegant! I felt fancy...which is always a ton of fun! The wine I tried was delish and my hubby loved his drink. We tried a couple small appetizers and I wasn't that impressed. It could have just been what was pre-chosen but the flavors weren't amazing. Also, a friend we were with didn't have a ton of options for gluten intolerance. Will try again if the situation presents itself!
(3)
Kate W.
I came here for drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere was very fun and chic. The waitstaff were friendly and helpful. The crowd was energetic and fun. The word I would use to describe this establishment would be "refreshing." It was nice to go to a restaurant that felt new and lively. Perusing the menu, I noticed there weren't too many options for gluten and dairy intolerant folks, though. The open kitchen style was neat. I would definitely frequent Circe, and come back for a full dinner. A further Yelp review will be coming!
(4)
Mike In Providence R.
We find ourselves drawn to Circe. Not from some siren's song but rather from the welcoming embrace of owner, chef, bartenders, and staff. Of course having some of the best cuisine in the region doesn't hurt either. From the welcome of the free valet, to the entrance to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a long bar with multiple well trained bartenders happy to craft a special delight or a traditional cocktail, to an ever present owner fixated on giving you a great experience throughout, and a chef who thrives on innovation and perfection, finally through waitstaff who pride themselves on a warm and full service, this place has it all. From Carlo to Simon to Kevin to Keenan, we recently had the pleasure of yet another most excellent evening across the street from the Arcade, hard by the city's financial district and near RISD and Brown. Fine cuts of steak, and excellent selections of the sea await you. And all will be summoning you back to Circe.
(5)
Hungry G.
Great place for drinks. Great crowed. The valet/bar staff makes the place. The bar staff are pros. Billy was the Master Mixologist. He can remember all your drinks and have it ready when your up again against that thirsty crowd. Very cool spot but tight everywhere. A great place to see and be seen. A step above most. I recommend visiting for a drink and the crowed will make you want to stay for more...
(4)
Toni M.
Good happy hour spot & great burgers! I've been to Circe twice since it opened and can't wait to try more of their menu!
(5)
Mayer L.
This restaurant is in the same space as the old Downcity Diner. The owners have done a nice makeover and upgrade to the decor. This was the first time we have been to Circe - and the experience was truly excellent. The service was quick and professional - and we felt well taken care of. My wife and I were there with another couple and all four of us loved our food. The grilled salmon was a big hit. Didn't have time for dessert as we were rushing to get to theatre. Definitely will be back. Definitely would give this place a huge thumbs up.
(5)
Rebecca H.
In Greek mythology, Circe was a goddess with magical powers who turned men into swine in Homer's Odyssey. In downtown Providence, Circe takes on a different form, but their brunch is still pretty mythical, allowing local goddesses the chance to get together and, well, pig out. I've been to Circe for drinks as well as brunch, and I really enjoy the cozy, warm, welcoming and modern atmosphere. Brunch is a leisurely delight; don't arrive looking for the lively drag brunches of this venue's old Downcity Diner days. Circe's brunch is a decidedly more sedate affair. Over the past weekend, three of us tucked into the front corner table and whiled away nearly three very happy hours here. We all started with fresh coffee and unlimited champagne and mimosas garnished with strawberries. If, like me, your mornings usually consist of pious protein shakes or egg white scrambles, the Silver Star sweet bread pumpkin French toast is just the kind of sweet reward that you deserve every now and then. Served with maple brown sugar butter and drizzled with candied pecans and syrup, it is deliciously decadent. If your taste tends toward more savory selections, there are three different types of eggs Benedict on the menu, along with steak and eggs, and sweet potato hash. The drinks flow freely the entire time, and it's oh, so easy to lose yourself to a meal that stretches well into the afternoon. This is what Sundays are made for, and I've yet to find a place in Providence that puts on a more stylish brunch than Circe. The attentive table service is a testament to the fantastic hospitality that the Carlozzi brothers, Carlo and Dino, show their guests. Carlo's earned a reputation for slinging a mean drink, and the cocktail menu at Circe reflects his creativity and talent. These guys are hardworking and humble. The first time I met Carlo, he simply took my coat and offered to hang it during a cocktail party that had drawn a capacity crowd. He introduced himself by his first name, and it wasn't until later in the evening, when someone told me who he was. I was struck by his willingness to be involved at every level of the restaurant's operation to ensure that his customers are enjoying themselves. Our server, Kevin, embodied that same kind of care and consideration this weekend; he was always there to see that our experience was a good one (and our flutes filled). I'm looking forward to more Sunday mornings here, catching up with my ladies over a bubbly-filled brunch.
(5)
Harold O.
I have been to Circe about 12 times now and I keep forgetting to write this review. First of all the decor is cool, it's modern with some old world elements, it's like sneaky elegant without being pretentious. I have sat at both the bar and at a dining table. Kevin has waited on me multiple times and always is happy and helpful. Just so you don't think I am a circe suck up I will say that the fourth time I went there the chicken could have used a little more salt, so I added salt and it was awesome. The brunch is incomparable "chicken and waffles". I would be remiss and my girl would kill me if I didn't mention they changed the menu and took off the donuts. She is non to happy but we should cut down on dessert anyway. I think the new menu is better than the old one. Now if they only had high life.
(5)
Terry S.
Terrific charcuterie to start and each of our entrees were delicious. Great service with swank-o-fied ambience & decor.
(4)
Karen L.
Circe surprised me. Not sure what I was expecting but having been to Ten Prime I guess I had some preconceptions. Agree w others who describe decor as Downcity redone in B&B, but can't fault them for it, it's a good space as is. We came in without reservations on a Friday night for a party of 5. We must have looked a little worse for wear as we were seated all the way in the back with 2 mismatched tables adjacent to the kitchen. Yuck. The restaurant was empty when we arrived too since it was barely 6:30pm. We asked to be reseated and thankfully they were very accomodating and put us in a cushy booth right up front. Now that's more like it! Likes: - Lambrusco, gosh I love sparkling red wine and for some reason it's hard to find in Providence. They poor with a heavy hand and it's quite delish. - Death by Chocolate dessert. Now, I am not a fan of chocolate by any shot but this was a lovely little platter w perfectly proportioned morsels. Meh: - I wanted to enjoy the small plates, we need more small plates in this town. I didn't dislike them but they weren't memorable. Beef tartare was lacking in intensity and the color was dull. Truffled chicken drummies smelled lovely but failed to deliver on flavor. Argula salad plentiful but washed out... you see the trend? We didn't order any entrees as we all wanted to sample so my review is only partial. I would go again, with a large group or to have drinks at the bar. I think there's potential and lots of room for improvement.
(3)
Betsy R.
I came here for New Year's Eve with my boyfriend, and we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had made a reservation for 8pm a few days before, but when we showed up, they had no record of it. However, they were very nice, and showed us to a table right away. I had heard great things about Circe, and I was not disappointed. It's stunning inside--so much so, that I think it'll be the first stop for a bachelorette party I'm planning in the spring. Our waitress was very sweet, and she explained that it's quite the bar scene at night. I had the tuna and my boyfriend had the lamb, and we started with wine and nibbling on some olives. Everything was delicious. I look forward to checking out the nightlife scene.
(4)
Karie B.
In from out of town just for one day, we were directed to Circe by the hotel concierge. What a great recommendation! The chicken with pappardelle was delectable--the pasta made in-house--very moist chicken atop toothsome ribbons of pasta. The scallop 'middle' entree was fun and delicious too. Don't miss the Piña Colada dessert. Very refreshing! And the owner even came to our table to check on our meals. He is very friendly and charismatic.
(5)
Kevon T.
Outstanding from beginning to end! The waitress and host were nice and the restaurant was very chic and trendy. I had the roasted beet salad for an appetizer and the ahi tuna for my main course. Both were delicious! My husband and I split the assorted chocolate and caramel dessert plate and everything was excellent. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Dave K.
While driving up from downstate for a night at PPAC, partner and I decided to try "the new restaurant where Downcity used to be". Figured out the name and brought up the website. We were looking for a quick, informal meal and the bar menu at Circe seemed to fit. The dinner menu seemed a bit steep for our price range/mood at the moment, although it's not super expensive by any means. Free valet parking is a big plus, as they allowed us to keep the car there for the show, and pick it up later. This is a great idea. It's convenient for us, but it's also a win for the restaurant because when we find places that do this, we often stop back in for dessert and/or a cocktail after the show. So we walk in the door and the bar is packed. With a lot of real D-bags. You know the types - loud, pretentious show-offs you'd probably just as soon leave to themselves. Where do these people come from? And where do they get those suits? So the "let's eat at the bar" idea wan't going to work. But this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The hostess greeted us with a big smile, and we figured what the hell. She brought us upstairs to a nice quiet table, where we could watch all the action below but enjoy our conversation. Bottom line: Cocktails: Deeeelish. I consider myself to be an expert on Manhattans, and theirs was a slightly sweet variation. Nice for a change. Partner had a cucumber martini that he enjoyed but ordered a straight dry martini after. Appetizers: OMFG. Seldom has more delicious food passed my lips. I had the beets with smoked gouda and "balsamic pearls". Never had these before, but I'm a hick from the suburbs, so who am I to know. They were amazing. Partner had grilled oysters with parmesean cheese. They were gone in about 30 seconds. Main course: See above. I had the roasted free range chicken. Partner had pork belly with scallops. Both perfect. Staff: Friendly, professional, and attentive from the start. We let the server know we had to catch a show and she set a pace that was prompt, yet never once felt hurried. Very nice balance that you don't always find. Carlo, the manager stopped by to say hello, and it was nice to see that he is so engaged (and engaging). Impression: Sometimes I get the feeling that a chef feels obligated to embellish and "church up" a dish in order to validate their self-image, or because they feel people expect it. At Circe, each dish was beautifully presented, but I get the sense that the food was allowed to stand on its own, as well it should. The quality of the food is outstanding and it is cooked to perfection. There was just enough sauce/garnish to enhance the flavor but not so much as to overwhelm things. To me, this indicates a chef who is creative, but also has confidence, self discipline, and restraint. I'll definitely go back.
(5)
Rachael M.
After 2 trips here I have to give Circe a five star rating. The food is amazing and local! So well prepared with all quality ingredients. The atmosphere is very classy with dim lighting. The owner was pleasent and thanked us for visiting the restuarant. The desserts are to die for...though not as local as I like and a little too sweet for me. For dinner I had the most delicious duck dish and my partner had a steak with sliced scallops on top of it....melted in my mouth! The second trip was for breakfast. Again, local, well made. I had a bacon and egg biscuit with fruit. Very tasty and filling. I will definitely return to Circe for more meals.
(5)
Caitlin W.
I came here during restaurant week. 3 course lunch for 14.95 First course: I had the soup of the day with the grilled bread. It was a carrot coriander soup. They gave you a huge bowl of soup which was wonderful because it was frigged outside. It was flavorful and a nice smooth mouth feel. The grilled bread was a little burnt however it was still flavorful and was good for dipping into my soup. Second course: Roast beef sandwich with a horseradish cream with a side of fries. First bite..... Super dry and disappointing. I need a large gulp of water. It was just awkward. The bread was hot. The roast beef was luke warm and the lettuce/tomato ice cold. I didn't like all the different temperatures in my mouth at once. The roast beef slices were well done and dry which was sad. I like my meat bloody. The horseradish cream did not taste like horse radish at all. The fries were tasty but a little to over salted. Third course: hazelnut brownie with coconut sorbet The chocolate flavor was there but the brownie was really dry and almost hard as a rock. I was stabbing at it with my spoon. The coconut sorbet was refreshing and flavorful. The waiter was very friendly and kept up on things but it seemed like he was trying a little to hard. I love the atmosphere of this place. A chic bar when you walk in, nicely presented tables, and a staircase that leads to upstairs. The restaurant is huge. Depending on wear you sit , you can see into the kitchen. I will have to come back because I feel restaurant week is not a fair week to completely judge them. P.S. It is very hard to find parking in this area. It is all street parking with meters.
(3)
Cara L.
I have only been there a few times on a weekend night after 10 and I can only say it is nothing less than pathetic. Guidos, aging strippers, 40something year old men looking to pick up twentysomething drunk girls. It gets extremely loud as the night progresses. The louder it gets the more wanna be's and rif raf arrive. Not a cool place .
(1)
Ashley S.
The risotto app was to die for! Went here for my birthday and had a wonderful presentation of deserts. Great atmosphere too!
(5)
Winny L.
A very well deserved 5 stars for Circe Restaurant & Bar in Providence. Came here on a Saturday night with 4 other girls. We were an hour early for our reservations, but the host was kind enough to seat us anyway and even showed us our table to make sure it was alright with us. It was a table right next to the chefs working hard to produce the delicious food that the servers bring out. Being a fan of food network cooking shows, all of us were more than happy to be situated at that table. Ambiance: Loved the vibe. Very chic and trendy filled with young, beautiful people and good looking waiters and waitresses. Felt just like I was in a NYC hotspot. Service: Very attentive staff. Our waiter, Kevin was good-looking, polite, professional and made sure we were satisfied at the end of our meal. Drinks: Didn't order any cocktails, but we popped a bottle of Moscato. I think I tried about half a dozen varieties of Moscato during my entire trip and this was one of my favorite ones. Food: Here comes the fun part. Coming from New York City, we had entered the restaurant with very high expectations. 1. Maine lobster risotto w/ avocado ice cream (appetizer) - I am usually not a fan of lobster or avocados, but I devoured the plate along with the rest of the girls. We voted this item to be the best on the menu. Avocado ice cream was so delicious and smooth. It deserves a spot on the dessert menu. 2. Handcut fettuccine (appetizer) - No complaints here. I love pasta. Tasted authentic and homemade. 3. Block island sea bass with squid ink fettuccine and pancetta (entree) - Loved this one as well. Fish was perfectly prepared. Best part of the dish was the fettuccine. My friend loved the pancetta that came with it. No complaints here as well. Just order it. 4. Grilled pork tenderloin (entree) - Also prepared very well. 5. Open lasagna (entree) - We ordered this in place of the duck duo because they ran out of duck. No restaurant is perfect and I would have to say that this was my disappointment of the night. It was a simple dish prepared with a variety of veggies chopped up and mixed with tomato sauce and three slices of pasta slabbed in between the layers served in a bowl. Not sure of the direction that the creator of this dish was trying to go, but it didn't fit into the menu at all. 6. Iced lemon souffle (dessert) - Very light, refreshing and perfect for those who do not like overly heavy or sweet desserts. Really enjoyed sinking my spoon into this delightful little dessert. 7. Chocolate menage a trois (dessert) - Came with white chocolate creme brulee, chocolate fondant and chocolate ice cream. The whole dessert was AMAZING, but the white chocolate creme brulee was AMAZING times 10 to the 50th power. If you are a chocolate fan, please do order this dessert, but my only warning is that this is NOT a sharable dessert for more than 2 people. The creme brulee was so good that we asked if we can get a bigger version of it. The world came crashing down on the 5 of us when the owner regretfully informed us that they do not serve it in a larger portion. However, he was kind enough to bring us another menage a trois free of charge and we were happy again. Speaking of the owner, this brings me to the highlight of our evening. Humble restaurant owners with a sense of humility are a dying breed. Carlo is one of them. We did not know he was the owner until dessert time, but I did recall that he was walking around and attending to his guests the entire night, making sure all the food came out on time and that the bathrooms were clean. lol. You don't see much of this in New York. To be honest, I don't believe I ever had a visit to my table from a restaurant owner throughout the past 7 years since I started exploring different restaurants. Therefore, it was a surprise to see Carlo hanging around in the heat of a busy night at Circe. So if you are reading this, kudos to you! While there were a few setbacks mostly pertaining to the open lasagna, this is still a worthwhile place to visit if you are looking for a fun and classy place to hang out on a weekend night. If I ever visit Providence again, I would love to go back and try the duck. Our night was wonderful.
(5)
Rebecca R.
Stellar, absolutely stellar. Circe deserves every bit of the 5 stars I gave them. From the restaurant itself, to the food, to our waitress - everything was top notch. We dined at Circe prior to a concert and I am so very glad that we did. The inside is warm, inviting and romantic - clean and beautiful. The menu looked absolutely amazing; however, when our waitress noted the specials of the night I was sold immediately. My meal was a bottom layer of creamy lobster risotto topped with 3 steak medallions which were so tender you could cut them with your fork - cooked to perfection. Atop the steak medallions were scallop bombers and finished off with a buttery garlic shrimp. I ate almost every last bite of this meal and was in the happiest food coma I have ever been in. The flavors, textures - everything about this meal was 5 stars. I would not hesitate to order this again - the portion was perfect! My husband ordered the duck duo, he enjoyed every bite and left happy and satisfied. I do not love duck; however, his plate was very pleasing to the eye and did look pretty good. I look forward to our next meeting Circe as if your other meals are just as good as my special was; i will never leave unhappy!
(5)
Irina G.
This Providence restaurant perfectly strikes that rare, perfect balance of ambience, food, drinks and service. The restaurant is hip and relaxed at the same time (both romantic and also great for dinner with friends, not to mention drinks at the beautiful bar). The menu is incredible with lots of eye-grabbing small plates and entrees. The steak tartare was some of the best I have had, as were the mussels in white wine sauce and the wonderful charcuterie boards with Italian meats, pate, cheeses and crostinis. Our group of six all loved their main courses, as well. The drink menu is fabulous in and of itself with a great mix of creative cocktails and old standards. Service was fantastic and friendly from the gentleman who took our reservation via phone, to the hostess who greeted us and our wonderful and very helpful waiter. The restaurant was not crowded at all for a Saturday night and I honestly don't understand why. Perhaps it was because Waterfires was happening that evening, but I get the feeling that many still don't know about this great find. We were with a couple of seasoned Providence diners who had never been to Circe but said it was their new favorite place. Here's hoping that sentiment spreads because we would love to see this new favorite spot stick around for a long, long time!
(5)
Janet S.
Went to this amazing restaurant last night and everything was delicious. The ambience is beautiful and the staff knowledgeable and served us with excellent customer service. The owner spoke to us at our table and made me a new special mojito with basil infused vodka. 5 stars for Circe and will definitely go back - although, yes, a bit pricey, its worth it.
(5)
Dennis C.
We just went here on a Friday night for an escape from Boston and what an incredible surprise. The menu is simple but complex; duck heart bruschetta, lamb meatballs, angus tartare to start. We're picky eaters, especially with tartare and duck - these two blew us away. The dirty tinis were perfectly cold, perfectly blended. For mains, she went with lobster risotto with avocado ice cream center - boom. I went for the guns with duck two ways. Sick! The saucing, balances of flavors, presentation and price point were right on the money. It also helps as the evening wears on the mini-club scene at the bar starts to pick up but not in your face - sounds were balanced to let us converse and enjoy the meal. thanks - def coming back for more.
(5)
Matt M.
Stopped in for a quick dinner with my wife last night as we were headed to the Trinity Theater for a play. No reservations which seemed fine with them (as opposed to some of the NY wannabes in this town who treat you like "less than" if you don't have a reservation while empty tables abound). Wine was delicious, salad was not overdressed, main course was perfect. Skipped dessert. The music wasn't too loud and the service was excellent. My only complaint is they ask too many times if everything is fine but that happens at every American restaurant.
(4)
Alex H.
Came with a party of 5. Great food. Great drinks.Great service. Or server, Ahmed, was fabulous. Would recommend fo' sho' .
(4)
Marc G.
Based on reviews I had good expectations for a memorable meal here. It was our 28th Anniversary and I wanted to celebrate the occasion with something new. Reservations were made for 7:30 on a Sat night. We arrived in the city to discover that a full Water Fire was going on. Oddly we cruised into the city with hardly any traffic to speak of. In fact we arrived at the Circe @ 7:00 sharp. Valet service was prompt and courteous. We entered the restaurant and explained to the lovely hostess that we were a 1/2 hour early. She asked if we wanted to sit at the bar or we could be seated right away. We chose to be seated. The hostess wished us a Happy Anniversary and seated us upstairs at a cozy table overlooking the bar, nice! Then it went down hill from there...... We sat for a full 20 minutes with no water, waitress, nothing! Meanwhile there was a couple at a table sitting next to us along with another few people at a larger table that were being attended to by 1 waitress. The large table filled up with about 8 couples who were attended to right away. We sat.....I contemplated going down to the bar to fetch some refreshments for my bride and I, but she said no...Finally after 24 minutes another hostess comes up to apologize that there was confusion amongst the staff over who was serving our table. Oookay. She took our drink orders and left. Meanwhile the big table has received bottles of wine, water, etc... Then a waitress came up to serve us water, apologize and retake our drink order saying the hostess had barked out our order to her and she wasn't certain what we ordered. 5 minutes go by and drinks arrive, they were ok. She took our appetizer order of Butternut Squash soup w/roasted pumpkin seeds and the Deviled eggs over a beet slaw topped with crispy bacon. Both promptly arrived. Wife's soup was lukewarm/cold and she wasn't sure if that was the intention but commented that it would have tasted better if heated. My Deviled eggs were 3 smallish eggs over dollops of tasty beet slaw with the worlds smallest piece of bacon on each one; these were pretty good. Order entrees; Wife goes with the Veal Bolognaise, I with the "Special' Surf and Turf. I realize after the waitress left that she never asked how I wanted the fillet cooked. Food arrives and this Veal Bolognaise is served in a Lg soup bowl and is very, very unattractive, grayish in color with nothing to dress up the dish at all- no presentation; Hamburger Helper was all I could think of... My Surf and Turf consisted of a 5oz "fillet", 1/2 a chicken lobster, 1 lg shrimp and 2 med seared scallops sitting on a lg spoonful of sauteed spinach. The "fillet" reminded me of either a tender sirloin cut or a tough fillet cut...I'm leaning towards sirloin both in taste and appearance. The shrimp and spinach were b-l-a-n-d! The scallops were ok but were overcooked probably due to their size. The lobster was cooked to perfection but the chef opted to drizzle butter over the whole thing and again no spices at all. The option on this dish was for a 5 or 10 oz fillet...5 oz? Why not call it a Quarter Pounder and be done with it? All in all a meh meal... Then the bill.....$50 for this mediocre, miniscule portion of Surf and Turf!?! Come on! Not at all acceptable. Had it been seasoned properly and served with some sauce ( oh wait, they do offer this, at an additional charge) then just maybe I could justify the cost....NO! I can't! The wife was not at all thrilled with the Bolagnaise and had mild indigestion shortly afterwards...great. Wouldn't bother to return. To bad... it could a been a contender...
(2)
Scottie M.
Attended Sunday brunch here with two friends, not knowing what to expect - as the restaurant it used to be didn't get much of my favor. The decor was nicely redone, making the narrow establishment seem larger than it is with light colors. There was a decent crowd inside, but not overly crowded and had the perfect ambiance for a brunch gathering. The menu was a little disappointing, not having much to offer. Some of the options were "Cheese Plate" and "Sweet Bread" and the only options that I could see being a "full meal" were the "Steak and Eggs" and the "Fried Chicken and Waffles". I ordered the steak and eggs, which scored a 3 out of 5 for me. The eggs were delicious, picking up the flavor of the nicely seasoned steak. My only complaint about it was that I ordered my steak "Medium-Rare" and it was clearly given to me "Well-Done". The home-fries were a bit on the bland side, seemed to be only seasoned with a small amount of rosemary. The service was impeccable. Our server, Matt, was very attentive and explained the options on the menu very well. 2 out of the 3 of us ordered the unlimited champagne for $18 each and our glasses were never empty. Overall I enjoyed this venue for Sunday brunch. It is very modern and has a good price range. In the future, I would hope to see them increase the options on their brunch menu.
(3)
D B.
Nice atmosphere, great food and the mixed drinks were some of the best the group of us have ever had. The service was slow and even though we weren't in a hurry it was little annoying. Would certainly go back for the food or to just hang out at the bar for those amazing drinks.
(4)
Scott K.
Circe is more of a 3.5, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. I grabbed a pre-show dinner here prior to walking over to PPAC. They offer free valet parking and let me keep my car there during the show. It's a pretty short walk to & from the theater, and I'd recommend it over paying for parking. The bar was crowded with the after work crowd, i.e. a bunch of douchey looking yuppies trying to seem impressive and get into each others' pants. The restaurant wasn't crowded at all. Our server was pleasant, but certainly not top notch. The drink menu was fairly interesting, but doesn't hold a candle to the types of cocktails you can get at The Dorrance. We enjoyed a cheese board, and the entrees were good. The monkfish dish was actually exceptional; I'd highly recommend it if you're craving a rich, pasta-based meal. The owner spoke with us for a few minutes after we'd finished. It was nice to see him taking an interest in feedback from his patrons. He mentioned that the restaurant was going to be making some changes/improvements soon. Circe didn't blow me away, but I'd definitely go back and suggest you give it a shot.
(4)
Catherine K.
Circe is a beautiful restaurant. My boyfriend and I came here on a recent trip to Providence and were very happy we did! We tried the duck heart bruchetta, which was fantastic (and not as scary as it sounds). It was a little pricey, but the service was great. The fish I had was served whole, (which I wasn't aware of, and that freaked me out a little bit). It was cooked well, but I found a few small bones here and there. Not a huge deal, but it was a little off-putting, hence the not 5 stars. Definitely worth the trip for a unique experience!
(4)
Wendi L.
The first time I went to Circe, was on a cold and rainy February date night with my husband. We were on our way back to our car and happened by this place. It was lit up and looked fun inside, so we decided to check it out and stop in for a drink. My hubs, having short thinning hair as a lot of men do, was wearing a winter skull cap to keep warm and dry. Without as much as a "hello" or "good evening, sir" the bouncer approached him and said flatly, "Take off your hat." It came across very rude, so we left. Maybe some would oblige, but if they want male customers to dress like gentlemen in their establishment perhaps they should treat them as gentlemen. The second time I went was last weekend after attending PPS Winter Bash (wicked fun, btw). The place was jammed full of people and generally folks seemed to be having a good time. I had an espresso martini, which was tasty. And having a better chance to take in the decor this time, I can say it's a nicely appointed place. However, another male guest, whom I shall not refer to as a gentlemen, was very rude to a female companion of mine. I pointed this out to a bouncer who explained the guy was good friends with the owner and there was nothing he could do about it. I really don't have any patience for rude staff (see visit one) or a place that allows customers to be rude to other customers, especially women. There are a lot of cool places in Providence that are friendlier than this place. I'm done with Circe.
(1)
A C.
This was a surprise for us since it was just next to our hotel. The menu was more interesting than most. We had roasted beets with gouda and balsamic pearls, a great opener. I had wild mushroom bolognaise over home made al dente fettucini, a rich and intensely flavorful dish. My wife had an excellent grilled Norwegian salmon. It was so good we went back 2 nights later and split a starter charcutierie board for one enough for two, the pate was smooth and flavorful, and orangini drinks. We also split a main course lobster ravioli. Normally 5 large ravioli, since they knew we were splitting, they put 6 ravioli in the serving. Little things count a lot with us. Extra kudos for our knowledgeable and very personable server, Amy. Oh yes, both nights the manager on duty came by and each time spent time with us discussing the meal making sure everything was just right.
(5)
Robert D.
Fantastic !! this place was hands down the best meal I've eaten in awhile. Service was spot on, his name was Kevin, great attitude and very attentive. Made some real good suggestions with the menu and made out evening actually better. The food from steak tartar ( we had 2, that's how good it was ) shrimp and fettuccine , the burger on potato bread, lobster risotto with avocado ice cream ( Sounds different and it is but its also the bee's knee's & a must have ) also had the charcuterie board , roasted tomato florentine with a chipotle hollandaise sauce, and the pancakes 3 ways ( which was also absolutely brilliant ) I've eaten and made plenty of risotto's in my day and that was so unique and perfectly textured , hats off to the Chef. Also I've had the pleasure of meeting the owner Carlo who was so hospitable and such a pleasure to talk too, lots of passion and dedication makes me enjoy our experience more then I possibly could. This was Definitly a great experience and a must go to if you haven't been already . I live in Boston and will travel any day of the week to go back. Thank you very much for such a wonderful time with my family will recommend to all. And extra thank you for getting the umbrellas for my daughter. Cheers !!
(5)
Alma C.
Ok, I normally wait to review a new place after a 3+ visits, but Circe deserves kudos for being the first restaurant that serves entrees in the $20-$30 range in 4+ years where my regular restaurant buddy did not have some snarky comment about foo foo tiny portion sizes (restaurant owners, you know who you are! Feed the hungry!). Circe preserves the layout of the prior inhabitant Downcity Diner, and I for one feel like this place is an upgrade. Everything we ordered tasted good and was amply portioned. The mussel appetizer came out twice the size of virtually every other restaurant around town. The frites were crispy and delicious. My lamb shank was fall off the bone tender, I couldn't even eat 1/2 of it, it was so large. My other dinner mates felt the same about their dishes (salad, ahi tuna, scottish salmon). Our table's server was very professional, I can't say the same about another server who was a straight up klutz. We unfortunately were seated by a server station where the dude kept on reaching for water and kind of flinging the condensation around without thinking and splattering on one of my dinner mates (Seriously dude, were you trying to centrifuge the water for your guests, take it easy!). Overall, I would give this first experience @ Circe a 3.5, but taking into account the generous portion sizes and especially for keeping my crabby eating buddy content, Circe rounds up to a 4. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Carly W.
First of all... the staff was as sweet as can be and the general atmosphere was pleasant. The food was fresh and satisfying with everything tasting as good as you would hope it would be. The portions were generous making it easy to split items and feel full but not overly stuffed by the end of the night. We split the spinach caesar salad, the appetizer board with meats and cheeses, and split the lobster entree... the risotto was buttery and melted in your mouth, the lobster was perfect and the oysters had an incredible safron sauce that I wish we had had a pitcher of... the board had interesting, delicious choices that I don't think I would have picked myself, but really enjoyed. The drinks were creative and delicious... and balanced out the menu perfectly. We split a busted nut which arrived to the table in a young coconut with 2 straws, it was very refreshing with a kick to it, but didn't hit you over the head. We also enjoyed some other drinks off the menu and they were equally refreshing without being too overpowering. We had the chocolate sampler for desert and it was very good... we topped it off with an espresso and felt totally full and satisfied, but not overly stuffed. I look forward to going back and trying the items that we had to choose from!
(5)
Martha C.
This place has beautiful decor and an awesome atmosphere however the food is just a-ok considering the prices. I would recommend it for drinks and catching up with friends but there are many better options around town for dinner. Maybe in time the food will get better.
(3)
Karen M.
Recently relocated to Providence RI from the West Coast and Circe is our "go to" place! My husband has lunch here with biz associates several times a week. We go for dinner, just the two of us, or with friends...and the Sunday Brunch rocks! Great spot...cool decor...and just all around "great"...Carlo and his staff are wonderful. They're closed for summer vaca for 2 weeks...I think I will be having "withdrawals"...
(5)
Jessica M.
So, I had been to Circe for a cocktail months ago, but this review is based solely on my dinner experience last night. And let me just say, Circe is lovely in many ways - decor, food, drinks...it is the total package, folks. My friend and I had a reservation, and we were shown to our table promptly when we walked in. My only complaint would be that our table was super close to the front door, and since Mother Nature doesn't seem to have gotten the memo that it is spring yet, it was a tad chilly. But as we could tell it was a busy night, we decided that it would be worth a few shivers to stay at our spot. And we were right. We both had a glass of wine - I had a red, and my friend a white. We started with the crispy pork belly appetizer with a shoulder beignet. It was small but a lovely little nibble to start the night. The pork belly was perfectly cooked and the beignet was light and not greasy or oily at all. My friend ordered the 14 oz. pork chop, which came with a potato puree and savoy cabbage, while I ordered the duck, which came with a duck confit ravioli and braised red cabbage. The duck, like the pork belly, was perfectly cooked, and tender. The richness of the duck was expertly counterbalanced by the acidity of the braised cabbage and cherry sauce. My friend, who never had had duck before, also approved. I tried his pork chop, which was bone-in (something I think definitely adds to the flavor). It was tender and the apples on top were again a perfect complement to the pork. Our waitress was lovely. Very friendly, sweet, helpful, but not overbearing. In fact, everyone - the hosts/hostesses, bartenders, bus boys, were all very friendly. Circe has this nice, clean, modern and sophisticated look inside, but is not stuff or pretentious at all. These words could also be used to describe its staff. Dinner IS a little pricey...not necessarily a splurge, but definitely more expensive than its predecessor in the same space, Downcity Diner. It is, however, worth every penny. They also serve brunch on Sundays, and have a bar menu, and both are more reasonably priced...and I plan on trying both! So, if you want to impress your date or have a night out with the girls, Circe is a great place to mix it up!
(4)
bradford w.
Now that's how it's done. The baked oysters were unbelievable, cooked perfectly, just the right amount of butter and herbs. I had the flight of scallops as an entree and will certainly come back to have it again. My wife had the salmon which was also excellent. Quality ingredients, executed perfectly. You can't go wrong. Do yourself a favor and go as soon as you can.
Ate here for the third time a little over a week ago and this is going to remain one of my fav restaurants here so far. The only problem is gluten free wise it is limited but the food tastes amazing. Staff is always attentive and friendly. Food comes out quickly and with great presentation. A while back I had late night take out here and they ended up not having something that I ordered but substituted it with like three other things, it was great! They were super apologetic as they tried to call but I didn't answer as I had already left to go and get it. It is so easy to spend a ton of money here as everything sounds good and you definitely can get carried away wanted to try everything.
Stopped in for brunch....the food was great and I loved the bottomless mimosas!!! I especially liked the decor...cant wait to go back for dinner.
(4)
Topher D.
Cool vibe, trendy scene, prompt service and a great food and drinks menu. Stripe sea bass over squid ink linguini was delicious. Hereford meat selections separate this menu from other local eateries. Try the Dels! Mmmmm
Wow. Honestly, just wow. I work around the corner for Circe and have been waiting patiently (ok, maybe impatiently) for them to open. While there are some really great restaurants in the downtown area, none of them are as close as Circe and let's be honest - sometimes you just want a good place to eat that is close. Call it lazy, but I call it convenient. I enjoyed my first meal there enough that I would drive to the City on a day off to enjoy the food. It's worth seeking out. The restaurant just opened yesterday (during Sandy!) and while they are definitely going through a bit of growing pains, I am already impressed. VERY impressed. Today I had what was hands down the best risotto I've ever had. And I love risotto. Like, really love it. It was incredible and far better than any other I've had in all of Providence. Other guests in my party had the BLT (bacon, LOBSTER, and truffle) pasta and the rice paper salad rolls. I had a taste of each and they all tasted just as good as the risotto. We took a look at the dinner menu as well and it looked great. Small plates, raw bar items that are not-so traditional, and really well balanced, delicious sounding entrees. They have a farm-to-table focus which I personally love and I cannot wait to try the dinner menu. Oh, and we had a look at the dessert menu too. Looked amazing! I also heard a rumor that the chef is known for his amazing Brunches, and that Circe will be serving brunch on Sundays (with $18 bottom-less champagne? Yes, please!). I look forward to trying this as well. I will update my review as I give more items a shot but honestly, what we had today was really amazing. If they can be this good on day two, then I think we have a lot to look forward to.
(5)
Caitlin R.
A very sleek, modern space with fun cocktails (my fave's the Hibiscus Martini) and an attentive waitstaff. While Circe's by no means unpopular, I typically find it to be on the quieter side most nights - much appreciated when you're enjoying conversation with friends.
(4)
Christina E.
Went on a Saturday night and had no trouble getting a table. Had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and cider cream sauce - guessing this is a seasonal offering - and wow, it was delectable. My husband's sirloin with truffle mash was just as delicious. Great cocktails too. Have loved the location since its DownCity days. A great Providence spot.
(5)
R K.
Came here on a Friday night after hours to grab some cocktails. Decor seemed to be updated from the former restaurant, which was a plus. We immediately walked in and was surprised at how many people were crowding the front door, it took a minute to get around this group of people and head to the bar. For us we were not in a rush that night and we were greeted by a pleasant young lady later about 10 minutes later. Cocktails came out good but on the heavy side of booze. We kinda regret not getting there earlier cause we thought it would have been a better decision to get food instead of drinks. Bar was overly crowded and atmosphere turned into a lot of 40 year old plus men hitting on younger college girls. Reminded me of how Ten Steak & Sushi gets on the weekends. We walked away with getting two drinks costing about 33$ YIKES!!! That was the kicker for the night!! I dont remember the last time I honestly paid for two drinks costing that price, unless I was in a bigger city.
(3)
Denise H.
I found Circe googling restaurants to celebrate my daughter'd graduation. It was one of the only restaurants with availability. I was a bit nervous about that but had no choice. I feel very lucky to have found it. The ambiance is amazing; Stylish, crisp, clean. The staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating. The food was amazing. The lobster risotto appetizer was so great that I almost ordered it again as my entree. My husband and sons loved the oysters so much they order more. My daughter's steak was slightly cooked more then she likes so next time we would be more specific. Mine and my husband's steaks were perfect and tasty. When we told them we wanted to take our time through dinner, they never pushed to get us out. We could not have been any happier with this restaurant. I highly recommend.
(5)
Christina B.
This restaurant has outstanding food and an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The wild mushroom bolognese was amazing and the salmon with corn salsa was delicious and cooked to perfection. The staff at Circe is friendly and the service was excellent. Overall this was a superior dining experience and I will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Brian R.
Just ok, went there for the first time. Food was good, not great, service was good. I think for what you spend the food is much better at other places. Might try it again but won't run back
(3)
Jo P.
Considering the hype and the price tag, I had high hopes. But alas, no luck - Circe failed to impress. Our group of 3 had a Thursday night reservation for 8pm. When we arrived, our table was not ready (although there seemed to be many vacant seats) and the bar area was packed with a migration of Atwell's Ave gents with big attitudes, rowdy demeanors and ill fitting suits. But ok, I kept my instincts at bay, and we fought our way to the bar for some dry martinis - and they were decent. We were finally seated, and surprise our table is right next the kitchen door. Not cool when there are many empty tables around. One of the nice things was the menu, with an attempt to serve tapas style appetizers that you can order a few of in place of a main dish. The food was pretty good, but not astounding. We tried the Champlain triple Brie, Pumpkin Fettuccini, Beef tartare, the Blue Cheese Stuffed Figs, and a few other things. It was great to see Beef Tartare on a menu, and it was quite good. I did enjoy the Pumpkin Fettucinni, but all else was lackluster. With the wealth of truly excellent restaurants in Providence with great atmosphere's to boot, I wouldn't suggest Circe to a friend. And as a side note, out of curiosity I checked to see what they were trying to convey with the name, and ironically this is what came up: (Classical Myth & Legend) Circe: An enchantress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine.
(2)
Al G.
Yelp is a home-run! Muted grey-black-white colors, for a restful experience. Generous drinks, excellent presentation and mix of cuisine, and unusual selections and parings of accompanying dishes. Wasn't aware of the free valet parking, as we were headed for PPAC. Was given a choice of seating when we returned for desert and drinks. Wonderful staff, and bar folks, but the "after work" crowd was a bit pretentious. We'll be back for sure! Al G.
(3)
Lyd M.
So, the 2 stars aren't because this was a bad experience, but more because it could/should have been so much better! When you read the menus, it seems like, "ok, this could be a really good thing." The cocktail list is interesting and unique, but then the wines by the glass are lame (7 Deadly Zins?!? Come on...). The food looked like it could be really tasty, but then it all fell flat. The prices were too expensive for nothing to stand out. Mussel app was tasty but EVERYONE has mussels and they were nothing I couldn't get elsewhere. My duck entree was weird...described as breast with confit leg ravioli, red cabbage, and cherry sauce, the ravioli was really terrible (I don't think it was confit at all...I do a lot of charcuterie at home and it seemed like cured meat on which they used too much pink salt stuffed into too-thick pasta dough and undercooked), and I didn't taste cherry because the sauce had an overwhelming flavor of molasses. So in general the flavor of this dish had no finesse and there was no contrast of texture (all mushy except for the undercooked rav) or color (all dark purple...). And the texture of my creme brulee was off ::sigh::. Service was good. Drinks (I had a few different cocktails) were good. Decor was beautiful and the owner stopped by our table and seemed very involved in how the evening was running. Love open kitchens, so that was nice. So AGAIN, not like this was bad, but at $150 for 2 people it should have made a bit more of an impression. I'm not about to head back anytime soon except maybe for a drink. It's like another reviewer said: anyone who knows better won't be fooled. Maybe after they are open for a little longer they will step it up and I wish them the best!
(2)
Bear M.
Good atmosphere & a cool space. Food was very good & I really liked the menu. Lots of great variety on the menu & difficult to choose ... Waitress was solid as well
(4)
Mark H.
Decor was nice.... Too dark to read menu.... Restaurant was freezing.....it was really cold out...and they only have a single front door. Every time that door opens...the freezing cold air rips through the restaurant. Staff was nice......owner is a condescending know it all. Food was very average....over priced. True foodies won't be fooled....but the rest of you who don't know any better will be happy to hand them your money. They are pretenders who tried to write a menu that would impress the average person. Those of us with a culinary education are not impressed. 5 of our 7 plates were cold.......sliced sirloin over mashed is very hard to execute....but for $38 a plate, ya better execute. Ravioli was chewy and tough. There are too many other great places to eat in the prov area. Do yourselves a favor....and spend your money elsewhere. On a side note.....I NEVER write these things.....but the owner gave me such a bad feeling that I feel I owe it to you guys.
(1)
Beverly S.
Had the most amazing mussels (in a yummy cream sauce), along with delicious sea salt french fries (served in a tiny "fry basket") -- Moules et Frites - ta da - at Circe yesterday, in the wonderful company of one of my dearest friends. The ever-vigilant waiter, Jason, doting upon us "just enough" and filled with interesting factoids about food, wine and song (Three Dog Night) it was a really special afternoon and I will be back!! My friend had a plain old burger and fries and she said it was one of the best burgers she's ever had. She had what she said was a magnificent martini and I had a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio. I can't emphasize enough how wonderful our waiter was -- we actually invited him to sit with us and have coffee - he was a veritable font/fount (!) of information about his restaurant, the food served there, wines, martinis and old music! And he was a young fellow!!! We were totally impressed that Jason brought the owner over to our table and he stayed and chatted for a while - a really nice guy who was, in a former life, a head bartender at another Providence restaurant (maybe Gracie's?) and he also works the bar at Circe sometimes. He was extremely hospitable to us. I am simply dying to go back to Circe and see what else they can do. This was simply a quick (well not that quick) lunch and I will try them again soon for dinner and Yelp again. Meanwhile I have nothing else but great things to say and think about Circe. Good job, well done!!!
(5)
Edward B.
Circe is a great addition to the Providence restaurant and lounge scene. The decor is beautiful. The bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and approachable and the tapas style menu is delicious. I love the open kitchen. I believe this trendy new establishment will last and hopefully become a staple in the city. Cheers
(4)
Chris W.
Great food!!!! Outstanding service and a great bar crowd.. This place certainly hits its intended mark of excellence. Highly recommended!!
(5)
K S.
So, I finally went back to Circe for lunch, and I was pleasantly surprised. The service was good, not too cool for school hostesses to be found. Our waiter was pleasant, humorous and attentive. I'd heard complaints from co-workers that when Circe first opened, fries had to be purchased separately from sandwiches at lunch, with the fries being absurdly overpriced. They seemed to have remedied this by now having fries come with sandwiches/burgers, which makes sense! I had the apple wood smoked ham sandwich with Narragansett mozzarella. It was really good, and the bread was stunningly delicious and I am not a big bread person. For $10, it was a great lunch entree, and a substantial portion. I think the tweaks have been working. I will check them out again for lunch for sure, but the true test will be drinks and dinner!
(4)
Cat B.
I came to Circe with 3 others to enjoy the food of Restaurant week. We were seated right away and introduced to our server, Kevin. However the prompt service vanished as soon as it was apparent that we weren't ordering any alcohol and were ordering from the restaurant week menu. From then on Kevin barely came to our table. It took 40 minutes for BREAD to be served after having to ask again for it. It took one hour to get our appetizers and the restaurant wasn't even crowded! As for the food, the pasta dish was inedible with the hand-cut pasta too doughy and a disconcertingly oily sauce. It was the first time ever having to send a dish back. The English Summer pudding was fairly bad - the fruit tasted like what you would find at the bottom of a sangria and the bread was tasteless and had the texture of Wonder bread. Overall, the service and wait times were inexcusable and accompanied by equally bad dishes.
(2)
Lynn K.
great sunday brunch awesome unlimited champagne and wonderful service from Matt!!
(5)
Bill K.
Came here last Friday night and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Upscale and trendy, but classy as well. Bartenders were doing a good job even though it was pretty packed. Only complaint I have is the flow pattern at night (night life layout) is a little awkward due to the staircase being right in the middle of the action. Aside from the layout, it's a great spot to come have a drink and mingle.
I don't know who is writing the bad reviews here. We just had one of the best meals ever at Circe. I had the seared halloumi cheese on channa masala. I was impressed by the nicely done fusion and even my Indian husband thought the channa was amazing. My husband got the sirloin and scallops combo and it was tasty! Perhaps this restaurant has improved since they first opened. We also had some delicious small plates. The only thing we regretted is that we were too full for dessert!
(5)
Sarah N.
What a wonderful surprise finding this place by accident. Our waiter Roma was very attentive and very knowledgeable about wines and the entrees. My wild mushroom pasta dish was outstanding and everyone else enjoyed theirs too. I was very impressed on how clean the kitchen and dining rooms were. Will be back soon!!!
(5)
Mark C.
Circe has been opened for about a month in the former location of the glad-it-died Downcity Food + Cocktails. First off, the interior. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about the layout, which was originally a stationary store. It is far too narrow and cramped for patrons to eat comfortably (except in the back). I mention the interior because when I was there with friends on a recent Friday evening for dinner, it was so packed that you had to be a roller derby pro to get through the crowd. I don't know how the wait staff does it. It was so loud with club mixes blaring, that it was difficult to communicate with our very nice waitress. However from the time we were seated, It took 1.25 hours to get our meals. They should NOT follow in the steps of the former establishment. Is it a restaurant or a nightclub? On the bright side, the food is really good, with some touches of Eastern Mediterranean and South Asian cuisine. Especially good was their spinach caesar salad, which was light and flavorful and the totally vegan carrot soup. It is much more enjoyable on a week night, and lunch on Saturday. I'm sure that some kinks will be worked out. Finally, THANK you for covering every bit orange paint!
(3)
Holly S.
Visited last night and had a great experience. The service could have been a little better but the manager paid close attention to our party and visited the table for each course. The menu was great and had lots to choose from, although we took advantage of the prix fixe restaurant week menu, the regular restaurant menu was excellent and can't wait to visit again to try more. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone looking for a nice restaurant that utilizes farm fresh ingredients.
(4)
Robert R.
Stopped in for brunch with a couple friends. The restaurant wasn't busy, the decor is beautifully done and the waitstaff friendly and accommodating. The food, however, was just horrible. My fellow diner sent his raw french toast back to the kitchen - it was literally dripping with raw egg batter. The chef sent it back to the table saying that was how he makes french toast and he's famous for it. Really. Good luck with being famous buddy. I thought, hey this is just brunch, i should give dinner a try before assessing this place....But, honestly, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Providence. Why would I even waste my time on a second visit here?
(2)
Jacquelyn C.
While entertaining out-of-state guests, I chose Circe for a pre-Waterfire dinner. (I had not been there as yet, but friends who had said it was great.) From the moment we walked into this lovely restaurant until we left, the experience was delightful. Our server, Ahmed, was amazing! Knowledgeable, pleasant and attentive - I would definitely request to be seated in his area on my next visit! (And there WILL be a next visit!) The food was delicious...generous portions - expertly prepared and presented. Two of us had salmon - the other two had roast chicken and meatloaf. Everyone raved about their choices. I might try brunch next time but I've decided this is my go-to place in Providence for dinner. Try it...you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mike S.
We came here late on a Sunday night. We sat at the bar and asked for menus only to be told the kitchen was closed. We walked out and asked the host if he could recommend a nearby restaurant whose kitchen was open. Visibly upset with his bartender he told us that the bar menu is still available, so we went inside and sat back down at the bar while he chastised her a bit. The drinks were good but their crushed ice machine was broken so we passed on the mint juleps that we wanted. Even though we ended up ordering from the bar menu the food was still pretty good. After the initial friction with the bartender she warmed up a bit and was pleasant. The sauce they served with the calamari was really good.
(4)
Mike S.
Love this place for brunch. Haven't had a chance to try their other menus. Great decor, friendly knowledgeable staff, great food, and locally sourced ingredients. We would definitely come back next time we're in Providence.
(4)
Jessie M.
I visited Circe for Providence restaurant week. Both their lunch and dinner menus looked amazing so I had to check it out. The vibe of Circe reminder me of Miami Beach. White shutters and woodwork throughout the place with various neon lights and upbeat music. Great service, with thorough and friendly waitstaff, they were able to give recommendations and answer questions efficiently. I got the watermelon gazpacho with a seared scallop and feta, gnudi with lobster which was garnished with flowers and chocolate fondant with coconut sorbet. All of the dishes were great! Seems like a cool spot to get a drink too.
(4)
Hamov Lady G.
Everything about our experience was wonderful! Food, service, atmosphere. Whole family enjoyed it!
(5)
Iris R.
Circe is one of my favorite places to go in Downtown. You will find me there every Sunday sharing the best Honey drizzled french toast and banana pancakes with my twin daughters. We love the privacy of the location and the ambience of the restaurant. The staff is always a pleasure and the owner, Carlo, is beyond fantastic. He makes sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Go for brunch, lunch, or dinner..you'll be happy you did!
(5)
Gary M.
Food, decent but not extraordinary. Facility, attractive but upstairs too tight with service providers running everywhere. Most importantly, extremely POOR service. So poor, I shall NOT return. With this price point, a simple glass of water should be attended to regularly. It was not. Sorry Circe..
(2)
Frank T.
I finally went to that zoo city Prov. We have many interns working at Circe so after hearing nice things we went. The service was very nice and I had a nice table facing the front line in the kitchen. The place runs smooth from what I saw, the attention to detail, everyone was on the same page and it looked like they were having a blast back there. The food was excellent each item was flavored gently as not to over through the main item. Nice valet gentleman as he asked us how the dinner was. Nice operation. Wish them well
(5)
Shari W.
In the short time we have lived in Providence, this space has been 3 different restaurants. We'd been to the first 2 but not the third. Then we met Carlo at a local event. We really liked him and made the decision to give this 3rd restaurant a try. That was back in the end of Feb. Well last night we finally made it there, poked along by a Living Social deal which gave us $50 to spend for a $25 charge. Our meal, one appetizer to share, two mains, one glass of wine and 1 dessert cost an additional $45. So for Providence, it is definitely on the pricier side, but the food was divine and the experience worth it. It would be possible to order less expensive menu items, but there was no way I wasn't going to try the seared tune special. My husband had the duck 2 ways. He loves duck. He grew up in the finest French restaurant in Chicago. Nobody makes the duck of his youth. He adored this duck and that is saying a lot. It was cooked perfectly. Carlo came over and sat with us for a few minutes. He remembered us which made us feel good. We asked him why the calamari didn't have any tentacles, our favorite part! (The rings we nice and meaty and juicy.) Apparently, Carlo said we are the odd ones, as most people don't like the tentacles, so they don't serve them. Carlo took our email and said he would email us when the chef makes a special dish with the tentacles, so we will definitely be back! Oh, and don't skip dessert. Try the strawberry rhubarb polenta crumble. I only wish there had been more ice cream.
(5)
Samantha V.
Awesomeee mixologists. Try the Hibiscus Martini and the Mango Sno-Hitos (made up name I made for a mojito with a snow cap top) all very reasonable and made special with love! I also had the Chicken, which was soooo tasty, flavorful and served with mashed potatoes and string beans. I was very impressed at the stein taste of such a simple dish bit very happy, will definitely be back!
(5)
Nic Y.
Great lunch option. Very good for a business or friendly lunch. The steak open face sandwich was awesome. The mayonnaise side with fries was fantastic.
(5)
Linda F.
The owner is s super nice guy. The wine list is just ok. By the glass it's catch as catch can. Not impressive or appealing if you're going for a white. I had the honey carrot salad which was a little bland so I didn't finish that. Followed up with a slightly boring charcuterie. Prosciutto. Really≠I've been spoiled by Local 121and that's all too it. Good music and good service. Next time I'll try regular entrees. That may be the way to go. I will definitely give them a 2nd try. The martinis were really good according to my dinner partner.
(3)
Kel S.
Can we talk calamari on salad for a second? How about the raw scallop appetize? Or pizza, heavenly pizza. Or ravioli, perhaps? Shall we talk cocktails? I haven't had something I did not like. The food and drinks are always well-made and inventive. The service is pretty darn good, too. The crowd can be interesting. Very RI/Jersey Shore at times. I've been at happy hour, for dinner, for a party. It has always been an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Hilary H.
Of all the dining establishments in downtown Providence, Circe is really something special -- the ambience, the location, the service... It's a place just about everyone will love. I've been to CIrce many times and have always enjoyed the great wine list, the friendly and attentive staff and, most recently, one of the most delicious meals I've had in a long time. What blew me away about this meal wasn't just the exquisitely prepared duck confit ravioli in a velvety yet light sauce. It wasn't just the brilliant, fresh and bright local oysters topped with a pleasingly acidic minionette. I absolutely loved every morsel of the pan-seared ahi tuna atop the unusual and bold beet risotto that pared perfectly with the recommended Pinot Noir, but it wasn't that, either. It was the fact that this meal took place on Valentine's Day, and nothing -- not one single element of the event -- was the least bit out of place. There was no rushing, no scrambling, no beat missed. I haven't seen that anywhere else ever on Valentine's Day. Have you? What makes Circe so special -- aside from the delicious food, gorgeous ambience and expert staff -- is that all together, everything creates a magical element I've not seen elsewhere in this city. Every piece and detail of Circe is executed perfectly yet warmly and without a hint of pretension. It's graceful and lovely and comforting all at once. Whether it's for drinks at the bar, a lingering brunch with bottomless mimosas or a romantic dinner for two, Circe doesn't miss a beat. Go for a meal, but just know that the space turns a bit clubby after hours. And if you can, snag a table upstairs -- it's quite lovely!
(5)
Queenie L.
I've been to Circe for couple times and they are just getting better and better. Our last visit was Yelp Elite Event hosted there and we had a blast! The service was top notch!! All the servers there were extremely helpful, friendly and yet sincere!! I like their vibe!! We stayed a little longer after the event was over, we wanna order food at the bar however it was packed and we were debating what to do, the manager was very helpful, he recommended a great dish for us and managed to find us seats when the food arrived! How awesome it is! We ordered the 16oz hereford sirloin with seared bomster scallops on top of the truffle mashed potato. A good dish to share by 2. The steak is very lean but the truffle oil gave it a kick, brought the favor to a different level. Plus they are thoughtful enough to preslice the steak for us, no messy at all! Love the bar service!! We asked them for recommendation for wine, they poured us couple samples to try. They provided excellent service even thou it was a busy night!
(5)
Mari K.
This was my first time here, and it was on Easter Sunday to celebrate my sister's birthday. I was impressed right away by the decor and ambience. The hostess and all servers were very friendly. The bacon is especially good here. Kevin was our waiter and was fantastic. Friendly, funny and attentive. The food was great, the mimosas were good, and Kevin brought over a birthday desert -- an amazing chocolate lava cake with a scoop of ice cream -- for my sister. The wine list was good, and we were enjoying the place so much we decided to get a bottle after the mimosas. I'm always looking for brunch spots, and I'll definitely return here. Especially since I hear they have bottomless mimosas on regular (non-holiday) Sundays!
(4)
Jillian Q.
Circe is an excellent pre-theater dinner choice. We wanted to go to a nicer restaurant and I really wanted some charcuterie and based our restaurant choice on who looked to offer a good selection. Boy did we choose correctly! Our server was very helpful and informed us that the board for 1 was plenty for us to share, especially if we were having entrees also. So thankful we took her advice, the board was beautiful, plentiful, and a crazy deal at $12! So many tasty tidbits that we couldn't even finish all of it! I went with the spring vegetable carbonara, as a meat lover I usually won't go for the vegetarian options but the pasta just sounded delightful. The thick fettuccine had such a great texture and the vegetables were delicious. The husband opted for the duo of duck and loved both ways his duck was prepared. Service was fantastic and I loved that you were not rushed. We were able to take our time with our charcuterie board, I hate it when you are halfway into your appetizer and your meal arrives. It was wonderful to leisurely enjoy our meal but our server was also very conscious of our show time and made sure our bill was taken care of promptly. Bonus was that we got a discount because we were going to PPAC afterwards, that was an awesome surprise! Also overheard another table being told that they were welcome to leave their car with the valet at Circe and pick it up after the show, good to know for the future!
(4)
Sara M.
Went here for our anniversary and it did not disappoint. Had a drink at the bar first. Excellent wine and cocktail list. Our server was very attentive. I had the deviled egg app and the burger and my husband had the charcuterie and a bacon wrapped steak. Everything was cooked to perfection. The owner made sure to stop by our table to see how everything was. This is a new favorite place.
(5)
Jamey B.
After attending the Yelp event I had to come back here for a full dinner. The food and service were truly outstanding. We went for a birthday celebration for a party of six. I had made reservations for 8pm, we were on time and promptly seated. Around the table we had oysters, beef tartare with a quail egg, truffle fettuccine, lamb meatballs, and ceviche for appetizers. A few of us did family style and shared. I tasted the fettuccine and meatballs, which were both rich and well seasoned. Next time I go I am NOT sharing the fettuccine. For mains we were meat heavy. My husband's surf and turf (lobster and steak) looked awesome. My bacon wrapped tenderloin (medium rare) on polenta was perfectly cooked and delicious. Pork three ways was really neatly presented though I didn't get to taste it. The server was good with recommendations when we requested them but didn't push anything. There are enough amazing flavors on the menu to keep tempting me to come back. Delicious!
(5)
Francesca J.
I was impressed with Circe. It is in a great location with outdoor seating, long bar, active downstairs and quiet upstairs. Very chic ambiance. Great cocktail list and variety on the dinner menu. I tried the duck duo, it was AMAZING! My friend had a pork special which was also delicious. I would highly recommend and return. Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was because service/food were a little slow, even for a not-so-busy Saturday, and the air conditioning wasn't working.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Garage, Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kay P.
Because I am such a nice daughter, I pick up my mom from work on nights that I can and we always find a new place to grab a bite. Of course we are always looking for a nice place that has a great deal. This isn't easy and it reminds me of apartment hunting, almost everything you want but you always have to sacrifice something. Circe was different which was refreshing...We walked in and it wasn't too crowded, just a few after work regulars it looked like. There was samba music and everything in there was white. The white marble bar, white leather bar chairs, a white staircase that lead to more white tables. It was so clean and bright looking. We tried a few apps like the duck confit pizza with goat cheese and fig jam, and angus beef sliders. Both were half price because we caught the happy hour special. They had loads of other options that were awesome also, that's how they get you to come back! The bartender was really friendly and made good suggestions for the apps, it was really hard to choose. I will definitely be going back to Circe to try more food and soak in that bright white, high ceiling atmosphere.
(4)Rob S.
Another unbelievable great restaurant in downtown Providence. Food, atmosphere, staff and wine selection!!!!!, all truly outstanding. Carlo opened a great place, and I highly recommend to everyone to at try this place. I know Providence has multiple great restaurants; Prime 10, XO, Local 121, Gracie's to name a few, but this place is equal to all of them. I travel for my job, Washington, NYC, Boston, LA and for a city the size of Providence, I do not think you can find a better selections of great locally owned restaurants anywhere else.
(5)Alexander V.
Came here for brunch around 10AM. Ordered the chicken waffle meal but was told they don't make waffles until another hour later and that they can make pancakes instead. Ordered an orange juice and was surprisingly displeased to find out it was just tropicana or some store bought juice. When I got my food I was more surprisingly displeased to find out that the fried chicken was just fried chicken tenders that were dry and tasteless. Good thing the waitress offered ketchup and now I know why. Other than that the service was smooth but there weren't much people in. Definitely not the place to come for chicken and waffles.
(2)Joe H.
Just wanted to say that I left my jacket here on a weekend night that had my wallet and everything there. The employees held onto it for 3 days and returned it with all of my belongings (including the cash in my wallet) Shows an honest place!
(5)Jessica S.
I was here with a group of 8 a couple weeks ago. I tried the Carlos Way with a side of sausage. The sausage is really good and enough to share with someone. I also got the yoghurt with fruit and granola. The presentation is nice, in a martini glass. It was good but needed a bit more yoghurt. These creations can be a bit dry without enough of it. My friends also all liked their food and especially love the bottomless champagne. The manager came over to chat with us and was very nice. This a good place for a group. The only negative was the coffee was not very good, weak. meh.
(4)Ian G.
This is a long-awaited review! Was here for Valentine's Day dinner 2015. I called a couple days prior to Valentines Day and spoke with the owner who was incredibly kind! I immediately felt welcomed before I stepped into the door! The complimentary valet parking was much appreciated, since there was a snow storm ALL DAY on Valentine's Day, and my car does not handle well in the snow. The terrifying journey to Circe was worth it! The interior is modern and gorgeous and features an open kitchen, which I was lucky enough to be seated next to. The music was contemporary and created a chill and upscale vibe. The calamari was awesome! Definitely a favorite! I will absolutely be revisiting Circe Restaurant & Bar once I come back to Providence!
(5)Caitlin B.
Went for lunch and the food was pretty good -- though my fries were a little cold (& too hard/ crunchy for my likes) Honestly wish there was a small parking lot because there is limited street parking. would recommended this place! I am deff coming back for dinner next time!
(4)Tania M.
Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious but the set up and service left a lot to be desired. The space is really great looking. Lots of white, marble and fun little touches. The upstairs dining area feels crowded and has a few tables up on a step above overlooking the bar and street. Came here as a party of two and we were seated a great-looking little table on the second floor overlooking the bar and the large outside window. Seemed awesome but once the restaurant got busy every time the door opened we got hit with a blast of freezing cold air. 20 minutes into our "meal" (I use air quotes because we still hadn't even gotten our drinks yet) we were both back into our winter coats. After another 20 min we finally ask to move. Our waiter had noticed the coats and pointed out how cold it was but chose not to offer us a different table 10 minutes beforehand which irked me to no end. The service and kitchen were insanely slow. When all was said and done it took my husband and I two hours for our 3 course meal. It was over 45 minutes between finishing dinner and being served dessert. Yikes. I have to say, the food was delicious. My husbands lobster bisque was delicious and the desserts were to die for. Management was understanding regarding our complaints about time and did take 25% off the bill in response. Overall- I don't think the wait was worth it or the space was well used. We won't be going back.
(3)Max F.
Food was OK. There are way better places to dine in Providence. Trust me. The owner was rude as soon as we walked in. Didn't bother making eye contact or acknowledged half of the dinner party. And when a small criticism was made to the owner, he responded with awkward, uncomfortable and (and not humorous) sexist remarks to my girlfriend. Needless to say, we will not be returning to this restaurant or recommending to friends and family.
(2)Holly K.
Like many others here, this review is only for the bar! The drinks are really just too good. Like I haven't been that sick the next day since my 21st birthday good. The bartender was so nice and attentive. The bar was jam packed but he was right there when you needed a drink (or some water). The hibiscus martini was amazing. I basically go for anything with Elderflower (because well its the most delicious thing ever) and this drink did not disappoint! I also had the Shiso martini and that was a delicious cucumber minty delight. As Saturday night wore on it got pretty stuffy in there, if you can score at least one or two seats at the bar though you will be fine to just crowd around those seats.
(4)Holly S.
Please note that this is a review for desserts and ambiance only as my husband and I stopped in here Saturday night for a nightcap and dessert. The place was hopping and we were lucky to get two seats at the bar (people were politely waiting for us to leave to take our seats by the time we were done). I saw a young woman drinking a Busted Nut which is a "young Dominican coconut" filled with several types of run, coconut water, pineapple juice and coconut and mango puree. I want to go back and have that simply because it looked so good. We were pleasantly surprised when we entered because it is so much bigger than we had expected. It is long and narrow and has a second floor that is stunning. The decor is beautiful and the crowd is young and smart-looking (I can't say the same for us but they treated us nicely despite that). Since I refuse to ever share a dessert, we each ordered our own. My husband had a smores dessert: a small molten chocolate lava type cake with a side of melted marshmallow that sat atop a graham cracker crust. I know it was heavenly because I tried it (yes, while I don't share, he has to, the poor guy). I had the bread pudding which is served with a generous serving of frozen pumpkin mousse. The pumpkin flavor was there but was not overpowering. I drenched it all in the maple creme anglais that came along with the dessert. Great atmosphere, beautiful space, delicious desserts. I'm intrigued and we'll be back the next time we need a special night out sort of dinner.
(4)Diya S.
Do not come here for brunch!!! This place serves better as a nighttime spot only. My eggs Benedict tomato florentine were almost inedible, with a strange grill / gas flavor to them. Portions were tiny and waitress was inattentive. It was a terrible experience and totally empty, so no ambiance either. Overpriced!!
(1)Tip F.
Great spot. Nice bar to have a drink 3/3 on excellent service. The sliders are excellent. Have had a nice 2 person dinner as well as a dinner with 10 people. Bartender puts together a nice Old Fashioned. 5 star soon!
(4)Catie M.
There were two bugs in my martini and the ahi tuna sandwich was over cooked. The waiter was very nice on the other hand.
(2)Piper P.
We drove down from Boston for my birthday dinner on MLK day; it was a very quiet night at the restaurant. We started with martinis (Hibiscus Martini and Shiso Martini - their signatures) and crab cakes at the bar and worked our way to our table. Our server was wonderful, as was the second server who was on for the night, Kevin. A recent graduate of Johnson and Wales, we absolutely loved him! We ordered Mussels and corn on the cob as appetizers. My girlfriend ordered the bacon wrapped hereford tenderloin (w/crispy polenta, portobello mushroom, red onion marmalade, parsnip chips, and horseradish cream. I ordered the 16oz hereford sirloin (rare) with seared bombaster scallops (truffle mashed potato, sautéed local spinach). We would only hint that perhaps listing vintages on the wine menu would enhance the customer experience (and keep the waitstaff from having to search for vintages). We had a pleasant Rioja, but they certainly could do so much more with the extensive wine selection they offer; it was "safe" but not outstanding. The food: honestly, I can't remember the last time I've had a sirloin that perfect. The bombaster scalloped were grilled to perfection, and the sirloin was sliced and resting over a subtle bed of simply incredible truffled mashed potatoes with spinach. I can't believe I ate as much as I actually did (we did take a good portion home; I can't imagine being able to eat that much sirloin). We ordered cappuccino and espresso with house made donuts for dessert, but the kitchen actually put together a plate of three desserts for my birthday with "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate. The presentation was beautiful and thoughtful. I eat out regularly, and this was, without a doubt, the best dining experience I've had in every regard in a very long time. Aside from being with the perfect dining partner on a special day, the atmosphere at Circe is warm (for a very modern space), the waitstaff attentive and friendly, the food top-notch, mixed drinks outstanding. We were never rushed at all; in fact, we were encourage to relax and enjoy every aspect of our meal. We did.
(5)Elizabeth W.
This was our first time here and I promised the manager I would be fair and honest... First impression, we loved the decor! We were there for dinner and did not stay for the club atmosphere. It was dimly lit with white woodwork and blue accents- very nice. We were initially bummed about being in the back where there was only one other couple but, it ended up being perfect- away from the larger groups and noise. We got a few little things rather than 2 big meals. The Angus sliders were tasty but maybe sightly lacking in blue cheese. But, I like ALOT of sauces/toppings so, maybe that's just me. The lobster risotto with avocado ice cream is ridiculous! I was nervous about the ice cream but the cold, sweetness it provided combined quite well with the dish and the lobster was cooked perfectly. We also got the chacutterie which had all high end meats and cheeses but not enough cheese compared to meats. They have these tiny pickles that I wanted to take home and chicken liver pate that surprises the taste buds. Good wine, whiskey and after dinner coffees. The staff was courteous and all smiles. The valet is helpful in this area too. We look forward to returning!
(4)Jacob B.
My wife and I wanted to try a new place and we found some great review about Circe... which caused some shock when we arrived, because it was relatively empty. The bar was almost full with seemingly a post-work (Thursday) cocktail crowd, but only one or two other tables with guests dining. The service was fantastic, the food was delicious. We had the grilled pizza and beef tartar, which were both phenomenal; and a meatball appetizer that I wasn't a fan of because of the spices, but my wife was the one who ordered it, and she loved them. The owner even stopped by to check on us and showed a clear passion for his restaurant, which is always refreshing. I hope more people start going!
(5)Jim L.
Another great meal at Circe from appetizers through dessert. The pasta was exceptional. The service is timely, friendly and helpful as evidenced by some very astute picks on the wine list. The owner is very present and making sure everything is just right. I am a bit taken back by the comments about the owner. In my half dozen visits he has always been attentive, helpful and very friendly. The restaurant is very convenient to highway and the rest of Providence even though the streets are a bit in-obvious. A special shout out to Kathyrn who made us feel like family.
(5)Matt M.
In short.....our experience here was simply outstanding. We took a friend, who was visiting from LA, out to brunch on what looked to be a very, very slow morning at Circe. The staff was wonderful; welcoming and friendly. The food was wonderful, too; well thought out and well-prepared...and huge portions! The drinks were probably the stiffest I've had anywhere in Providence and they were far from stingy on the sparkling wine! We split a charcuterie plate (for three) that probably could have sufficed as the entrée for all of us, but, as we're especially adept at ordering way, way, too much, we also got some entrees, including a fabulous chicken and waffles dish that we're still talking about a week later. You'll do yourself a favor to try this place out...if you haven't already!!!
(4)Patrice M.
Love Circe !! One of the very few places that make a great dirty martini. The bartenders are friendly and personable which makes a great outting experience along with the upscale environment. It does get crowded for the night life especially Fridays and Saturdays but it's fun to hang out with friends, drinks and music. There has always been a DJ when I've gone and it's usually top 40 mixed with electropop.
(5)Julie Y.
I came here for a Sunday morning birthday brunch. Although I really don't have many complaints, I don't know that I ever want to come back here. This place felt a bit to uppity for no reason. The food was good, but it was smaller in portion size. They offered mimosas by the glass for $8 (lets face it, I could buy some champagne and OJ for that same price) or unlimited for $18. To top it all off, I used the restroom and as I was turning the knob to leave it fell into my hand and I got locked in the bathroom... until someone waiting outside opened the door for me! 2 full minutes of anxiety and panic!
(3)Steven N.
A group of friends and I came across this restaurant online and decided to try it out. No one greeted us as we entered but a bartender noticed us right away and came over to assists us. The bartender had a positive attitude and kindly asked if we wanted to be seated anywhere specific. There were stairs that led up to a second floor where guest were able to dine but instead we choose to sit in the back across from the open kitchen. As we walked by the kitchen, we saw that it was clean and organized. Our waitress, Amy, came over to greet us as we sat down. She was really friendly, funny, and attentive. We asked her about the menu and she knew it very well. For appetizers we ordered: Deviled Eggs, calamari, lobster risotto, and lamb meatballs. The deviled eggs came with 3 eggs over a tasty beet slaw and bacon on top of the filling. They tasted pretty good. The calamari came with cherry peppers and a lemon-chili aioli. The aioli with the calamari were good together. We just wish that there were a few tentacle pieces in there. The lamb meatballs with their yogurt sauce was good. At first we thought the lobster risotto was a little weird because it came with avocado ice cream. But the ice cream went well with it and it was delicious. Out of all four appetizers the risotto was the best. For entrees we ordered: Duo of duck, bombster scallops, and grilled salmon. Two of us ordered the duck medium rare but one was more medium. It wasn't a big deal to us because it was still delicious. The only thing that was disappointing about this was the confit leg ravioli that came with it. We were expecting at least 3 pieces of ravioli but instead it came with only one measly piece. Also, for one of the plates the duck and kale were over a pool of the juice that made the plate look unappetizing. The salmon was cooked perfectly and went well with the salsa and basil pesto. The scallops were amazing. They were all cooked perfectly. They came with pork belly, red cabbage slaw, and a spiced apple chutney. They were all good however the menu said that it came with "crispy" pork belly. The pork wasn't crispy at all but was delicious and tender. For dessert we just had the bread pudding, maple creme anglaise, and pumpkin mousse. We didn't even ask for four spoons but Amy kindly brought us four because she knew we were going to split it. This dessert was one of the best desserts that we've ever had. the bread pudding, creme anglaise, and mousse all went so well together and was delicious. Overall, we had a great experience. They had a wonderful and friendly staff. The food was great. There was also a nice atmosphere to the restaurant.
(4)Jamie B.
I had trouble deciding whether or not to leave 3 stars or 4 but had to go with a 3. We went for Easter brunch at 10:30. We were the first people in the restaurant yet were asked upon entering if we had a reservation (which we did). We were sat in the way back even though they were much nicer tables available (maybe we weren't dressed well enough?). My boyfriend had the pork belly hash with poached eggs. The hash was horrible- under seasoned and mushy. You couldn't tell the difference between the pork and the potatoes. The grilled bread and eggs were good but again under seasoned. I had the chicken and waffles which was fantastic- the chicken was crispy and well seasoned. The waffle was delicious and hardy enough to stand up to the chicken and real maple syrup. This dish was by far the highlight of the meal. The bloody marys were tasteless- barely any vodka and zero flavor- they almost tasted watered down. One of the waitresses was wearing leggings that were quite see through, a little shocking for such a classy looking restaurant. None the less, I would probably go back for more chicken and waffles.
(3)Sarah V. M.
Brunch was sooooo disappointing! Here's what you can expect: *enforced portion control - I ordered the fried chicken and waffles. It came with half of a Belgian waffle and two pieces of chicken. I typically like to eat half of my meal and take home the rest. I don't like to pay for a full meal and receive a half portion. *blahh tasting food - I hate it when I can make a way better meal at home and this was one of those times...the waffle was as if it didn't exist. The chicken was moist inside of a crispy shell which is great but it was totally bland, unsalted, un-herbed nothingness. *cheaping out on ingredients - breakfast was served with fak-o "maple" syrup, the coffee was an off brand of ground something. *rotting fruit adorning your drink - I pulled that sucker right off of my "topless" champagne. I'm not sure what is meant by topless champagne? I saw other tables with carafes of juice, I was not offered such, but I will say my glass was never empty thanks to my sweet waitress. *dated (and bad) loud music - a la 80s, but not the good stuff *to be one of two tables in here The service was great, the decor modern, but if this is all you got Circe, you might find yourself in the hands of the previous fate of all the others that have gone before you at 50 Weybosset St.
(2)Lizz W.
My roommate and I headed here for our weekly "try new place" venture. I got the special, it was really good surf and turf. The lobster risotto was awesome and had big pieces of real lobster. The steak was cooked perfectly. The beef entree on the menu that my roommate got showed up my special (to my surprise) it was huge and the truffle mashed potatoes were to die for. I wasnt really into their cocktail list and overall its a bit pricey. But the decor and vibe are really nice and chic. I will be back
(4)Peter G.
The best meal we had during our recent trip! This is a great little restaurant. We walked in and were seated immediately, which surprised me considering how busy they seemed and the fact that we didn't have a reservation. We ordered our drinks and looking over the menu, when the owner walked over and introduced himself and struck up a conversation. He told us a little about Circe, asked us about ourselves and made a few recommendations. We ordered the New England Artisan Cheese Plate as an appetizer, my wife ordered the Roasted Local Beets small plate and I had the Seared Bomster Scallops. The cheese plate was the perfect choice for a shared appetizer, my wife really enjoyed her salad and my entree, well these were the best scallops I've had in years! If you are looking a great little restaurant while in Providence, you should give Circe a try!
(5)Aaron R.
This restaurant has a great environment and location. It's right in the heart of downtown Providence in an area that hosts some of the newest hot spots. The food was excellent. Visited during Restaurant Week and the Pri Fixe Menu was delicious. Highly Recommend the Grilled Oysters Appetizer. All the Pasta is made in house and the service is friendly which can always make or break a good rating. Try to sit on the balcony floor for a great view of the restaurant while you dine. Make reservations to ensure no wait. Complementary valet is always a plus. Overall a gem of a place with an exclusive feel to it.
(5)Sopheary H.
Oysters were fablous.. hibiscus martini was amazing.. decor has a miami beach vibe...
(5)R. R.
I had been wanting to go to Circe for about a year. We finally made it here one night because I was hungry and their kitchen closes pretty late. The place is beautiful and I was very happy to have finally gone. I ordered the burger sliders and fries. The fries were thinly sliced which is also a good thing. The burgers were very good, but.... I found a hair on the plate. I was very hungry and I really wanted to like this place, so I kindly told the waitress that there was a hair in my food. She seemed shocked and took the plate away. A few feet away, she stopped and was examining the plate. She then comes back to me and says she does not see it. I point it out to her and at this point became annoyed. I was starving and I was definitely not trying to get a free meal. I had taken one bite of the first burger. She then comes back with the manager and he says "I'm so sorry, we will take this off your bill" and simply walks away. What got me upset was that it seemed the waitress seemed entitled and seemed to feel as though she was doing me a favor by serving me. I do not feel that we got the customer service we deserved. Everyone else I was with had ordered drinks and would have continued to do so if we had been treated in a friendlier manner. I will not be going back to Circe due to my experience with this waitress.
(2)Amanda S.
My husband and I went back to Circe last month for a weekend getaway in Providence. Our good experience last time prompted us to return, so we braved the impending blizzard (Valentine's Day weekend) to have a nice dinner that Friday night. The place was extremely busy, the bar area was packed, but we were promptly seated and our waitress was amazing-- casual, conversational, and knew the cocktail and food menus inside and out. I had a black fig Manhattan that I pretty much wanted to crawl into. I wish I'd written the review sooner so I could fully remember everything that we ordered, but we had no complaints about anything. Good food, good drinks, good service, good atmosphere. Huge props to our waitress who used her own phone and account to order us an Uber-- could've been a risk, if we were bad riders! We'll be back to Circe next time we're in Providence. Thanks for another great night out with you!
(5)Sarah S.
I came to Circe with my girlfriends for restaurant week. I had the burrata, the bacon-wrapped tenderlion, and the white chocolate pumpkin creme brulee. I thought the tenderloin was a bit overcooked, but I still enjoyed every course. My one regret is that I didn't get a drink! This was our first time here, but we're definitely planning on coming back and trying all their cocktails. Also loved the cool vibe and chic interior.
(4)Brian O.
Great place to grab a few drinks. Has a good upbeat atmosphere with good music and energy.
(5)Sue D.
I have to say that this restaurant is awesome! The owners, chef, and the wait staff are also Awesome! The food is great and my friend and I meet there every Friday and have our favorite lunch, which the chef cooks very well! We LOVE CIRCE!!! One thing I don't understand is how anyone can't help but love this place and put untrue statements in yelp about Circe. I guess people like this aren't happy with anything. Can't wait until next Friday!
(5)Kevin M.
I gotta say i was a little weary after watching the episode of kitchen nightmares when it was called Downcity. Since then they have made some drastic changes. There's an open kitchen, so you know theres no funny business going on in the back. The decor is perfect and the space is nice. We had brunch and the food was near perfect. Everything down to the coffee was delicious. I recommend the chicken and waffles. The waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. The prices and potions are good. I cant really say anything bad about the place. Everything was great.
(5)Alishia J.
Circe is a beautiful restaurant and has a great environment. However, the food and drinks made the lasting impression. We visited for a friend's birthday brunch. I had the chicken and waffles; my partner ordered an omelette. I also wanted to try their Jonah crab cake, so I ordered two cakes. The omelette was enjoyed. The chicken and waffles were eventually Eggos and chicken strips. The maple syrup was delicious, though. My crab cakes, while featuring real crab, were limp and somewhat bland. Now, on to the drinks. Our classic mojitos were just okay. Seemingly flavored with Sprite, they were generous with the rum. As the ice melted, they became undrinkable. In sum, it is a beautiful place with a great ambiance. The food was a disappointment, but after a couple of drinks, you may not care about that!
(3)Don J.
On a quiet Sunday night, the Scottish salmon was perfect. Service was mostly efficient, although the bartender was a bit drawn to her drunk, loud friends also at the bar. No harm; delays were minimal at worst and there were no other patrons to be annoyed by loudmouth. Decor implies a quieter mood and upscale menu; the menu delivered for sure. Also a competent wine list and interesting cocktail menu.
(4)Jane H.
A mixed bag. The positives: The decor & vibe - pretty in a minimalist sort of way. Charcuterie & cheese boards - very nice. Service - Kate was fabulous! She was a solid 5 stars. The not-so-good: Our entrees. Ranged from quite good (pork belly) to not bad (my duck breast) to meh (some fish dish). This might be nitpicky but the menu said the duck came with couscous ....what it came with was Israeli couscous, a very different texture. Especially odd since it was Moroccan spiced....why wouldn't it be Moroccan couscous? I'll come back and sit at the bar w/a drink and a cheese board.
(3)Cristina P.
A really great night at Circe. We started with the butternut squash soup which I thought was only ok. But the tenderloin, parsnip chips, Brussels sprouts, truffle mashed potatoes, were just amazing! We had a great waiter, friendly, helpful and personable. Delicious dessert: smores!
(4)Ash C.
Something has changed in this place since I visited last time... Maybe a new manager and a new chef? The whole experience was amazing including the taste of the food and the service. I will keep on coming back to see how it would change as time passes by
(5)Dante B.
This was my second time at Circe, but my first dinner experience. The ambience was noticeably perfect for dinner and drinks on a Saturday night. We started with a round of cocktails that were simple but all done exactly as ordered, timely, and well-sized. The appetizers were simply amazing. Wild mushroom bolognese with house-made pasta that had a texture I hadn't experienced since my Nonna made pasta for us as kids. Fresh mussels in red sauce with toast points that were buttery and crisp. The grand daddy, however, was the scallops cevice. The scallops were so light and fresh tasting, without a hint of fishiness. The citrus glaze complimented the fish to perfection. Every bite was heavenly. I could go on as long about the entrees, as they were equally spectacular, but I'll keep this review as short as possible. Everything was perfect, the staff was attentive, and I'll be coming back again and again.
(5)Dan K.
My fiancee and I went here for Valentine's Day, where mercifully they had Valentine's *specials* rather than a fixed Valentine menu (which caused us to rule out a few other restaurant options). We'd never been before, but we will definitely be back. Service started out positively, as we were seated next to two light fixtures, one of which was out, making my side of the table a bit dark; when I pointed this out to our waiter, Kevin, he tried to fix my light, and when that didn't work, he repositioned the other to light the entire table. Thanks, Kevin! We ordered a cheeseboard to start, which didn't have the most exciting cheese options (we went with cheddar, smoked gouda, and Brie, while the other two available were bleu and goat) but had very flavorful jams and a generous collection of crostini. Entree-wise, my fiancee got the flight of scallops (each with a different garnish; these were good but it would have been nice to be told what the garnishes were); and I had the duo of duck, which was a confit leg and sliced breast, both of which were cooked perfectly. My dish came with vanilla lime mashed potatoes, which I was skeptical about, since that didn't sound like an appealing combination; but it tasted like all three of those elements, and it was still very good. For dessert, we were planning to try the Valentine flight of creme brulees, but when we heard the flavors were chocolate, lemon, and blueberry, we decided to go with the espresso creme brulee with "munchkins" (warm donut holes). The creme brulee was good, and the munchkins were great. I wish there'd been more of them. The only reason I'm not giving a fifth star is that while the food was excellent, some of the prices were a little high. In particular, the scallops were on the small side and unlike some of the other entrees, they didn't come with sides (they were garnished, but the waiter suggested ordering a side with them) and yet they were among the more expensive entrees. Also, we tried a few different flavors of mojitos, and while the strawberry was excellent, the raspberry and pineapple were pretty disappointing. I've had strawberry mojitos before where the strawberry and mint really didn't cooperate, and here they worked together really well, which got me curious about the pineapple; well, that one did not work at all. But these are nitpicks. Overall, thumbs up.
(4)Cristian T.
Miami beach style restaurant/bar. Great atmosphere & great drinks. Haven't tried the food yet but im sure a weekend night in Providence won't go wrong here.
(5)Tammi M.
We decided to try Circe on a Waterfire night. We did make reservations, but it appeared that there would have been space anyway. We were shown a table by the open kitchen after a brief wait. The only small negative I have is that, even though it wasn't a warm night, it was rather warm in there. Everything else was a pleasant surrpise. We did not order cocktails, but our beer and wine were served quickly. The waiter was helpful and answered our questions about the menu, and checked in as needed. We decided to order several small plates, and we had MORE than enough! First - mussles with tomato and chorico - a HUGE bowl of mussels with chunks of tomato, smoky slightly spicy broth, pieces of chorico and pieces of crusty bread to sop up the juices. YUM!!! More than enough for the 2 of us to share. Second - lamb meatballs. Well-spiced meatballs served with a dipping sauce. They were good, but not the star. Last - charcuterie for 2. Wow. Little rounds of plain and olive baguette served with several types of meats, pickles, chutney, mustard, pate, terrine slices, cheese, egg, all served with attention to detail. We cold not eat much of it, and it was well-packed for us to enjoy for lunch the next day! The owner came by and chatted with us for a while also. He was friendly and hospitable. This place is a hidden gem, and I will certainly return. It's a beautiful, welcoming, DELICIOUS place to go, just own the road from the Arcade and plenty of parking. Go. Now!
(4)Genny W.
This is for sure a five star, for several reasons. This spot was next to my hotel, so I looked it up on Trip Advisor, Yelp...all of it. After my not-so-good (at all) lunch based off Yelp reviews, I was feeling untrusting. However, Circe was really delicious. I have over 10 years of experience in fine dining serving/bartenting and I live on the Cali coast, where I think food is generally pretty fresh. I'm not an easy sell, nor am I usually reviewing on Yelp. My best compliment is to Tina, my bartender/server, who was PRIMO. I gave her some liberty to guide me a bit with my pairing and she knew her stuff. I look forward to eating here when I return for work in the future. Tina deserves a raise!
(5)Chad M.
Proof that your food or product does not have to be stellar to pull crowds.. The ownership or bartenders must know a lot of people because the food is below average at best, decor is walls painted white and a tv.. Theres not a lot going on there... but man it fills in with gold digging cougars and white haired old guys in tweed suit jackets.. The few times I have been there out of 160 people there was only 1 african american.., The bouncer must be really strict because Providence is known as an ethnic melting pot. If you are looking for a rich dude by RI standards, honey this is your place! They have valet too. Thumbs up!
(3)Amelia S.
I recently attended an event here- so I can't speak for the actual meals (hopefully I will be able to yelp about that at some point in the future). I DID like the ambiance (albeit a little dark) and the upstairs looked so pretty and elegant! I felt fancy...which is always a ton of fun! The wine I tried was delish and my hubby loved his drink. We tried a couple small appetizers and I wasn't that impressed. It could have just been what was pre-chosen but the flavors weren't amazing. Also, a friend we were with didn't have a ton of options for gluten intolerance. Will try again if the situation presents itself!
(3)Kate W.
I came here for drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere was very fun and chic. The waitstaff were friendly and helpful. The crowd was energetic and fun. The word I would use to describe this establishment would be "refreshing." It was nice to go to a restaurant that felt new and lively. Perusing the menu, I noticed there weren't too many options for gluten and dairy intolerant folks, though. The open kitchen style was neat. I would definitely frequent Circe, and come back for a full dinner. A further Yelp review will be coming!
(4)Mike In Providence R.
We find ourselves drawn to Circe. Not from some siren's song but rather from the welcoming embrace of owner, chef, bartenders, and staff. Of course having some of the best cuisine in the region doesn't hurt either. From the welcome of the free valet, to the entrance to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a long bar with multiple well trained bartenders happy to craft a special delight or a traditional cocktail, to an ever present owner fixated on giving you a great experience throughout, and a chef who thrives on innovation and perfection, finally through waitstaff who pride themselves on a warm and full service, this place has it all. From Carlo to Simon to Kevin to Keenan, we recently had the pleasure of yet another most excellent evening across the street from the Arcade, hard by the city's financial district and near RISD and Brown. Fine cuts of steak, and excellent selections of the sea await you. And all will be summoning you back to Circe.
(5)Hungry G.
Great place for drinks. Great crowed. The valet/bar staff makes the place. The bar staff are pros. Billy was the Master Mixologist. He can remember all your drinks and have it ready when your up again against that thirsty crowd. Very cool spot but tight everywhere. A great place to see and be seen. A step above most. I recommend visiting for a drink and the crowed will make you want to stay for more...
(4)Toni M.
Good happy hour spot & great burgers! I've been to Circe twice since it opened and can't wait to try more of their menu!
(5)Mayer L.
This restaurant is in the same space as the old Downcity Diner. The owners have done a nice makeover and upgrade to the decor. This was the first time we have been to Circe - and the experience was truly excellent. The service was quick and professional - and we felt well taken care of. My wife and I were there with another couple and all four of us loved our food. The grilled salmon was a big hit. Didn't have time for dessert as we were rushing to get to theatre. Definitely will be back. Definitely would give this place a huge thumbs up.
(5)Rebecca H.
In Greek mythology, Circe was a goddess with magical powers who turned men into swine in Homer's Odyssey. In downtown Providence, Circe takes on a different form, but their brunch is still pretty mythical, allowing local goddesses the chance to get together and, well, pig out. I've been to Circe for drinks as well as brunch, and I really enjoy the cozy, warm, welcoming and modern atmosphere. Brunch is a leisurely delight; don't arrive looking for the lively drag brunches of this venue's old Downcity Diner days. Circe's brunch is a decidedly more sedate affair. Over the past weekend, three of us tucked into the front corner table and whiled away nearly three very happy hours here. We all started with fresh coffee and unlimited champagne and mimosas garnished with strawberries. If, like me, your mornings usually consist of pious protein shakes or egg white scrambles, the Silver Star sweet bread pumpkin French toast is just the kind of sweet reward that you deserve every now and then. Served with maple brown sugar butter and drizzled with candied pecans and syrup, it is deliciously decadent. If your taste tends toward more savory selections, there are three different types of eggs Benedict on the menu, along with steak and eggs, and sweet potato hash. The drinks flow freely the entire time, and it's oh, so easy to lose yourself to a meal that stretches well into the afternoon. This is what Sundays are made for, and I've yet to find a place in Providence that puts on a more stylish brunch than Circe. The attentive table service is a testament to the fantastic hospitality that the Carlozzi brothers, Carlo and Dino, show their guests. Carlo's earned a reputation for slinging a mean drink, and the cocktail menu at Circe reflects his creativity and talent. These guys are hardworking and humble. The first time I met Carlo, he simply took my coat and offered to hang it during a cocktail party that had drawn a capacity crowd. He introduced himself by his first name, and it wasn't until later in the evening, when someone told me who he was. I was struck by his willingness to be involved at every level of the restaurant's operation to ensure that his customers are enjoying themselves. Our server, Kevin, embodied that same kind of care and consideration this weekend; he was always there to see that our experience was a good one (and our flutes filled). I'm looking forward to more Sunday mornings here, catching up with my ladies over a bubbly-filled brunch.
(5)Harold O.
I have been to Circe about 12 times now and I keep forgetting to write this review. First of all the decor is cool, it's modern with some old world elements, it's like sneaky elegant without being pretentious. I have sat at both the bar and at a dining table. Kevin has waited on me multiple times and always is happy and helpful. Just so you don't think I am a circe suck up I will say that the fourth time I went there the chicken could have used a little more salt, so I added salt and it was awesome. The brunch is incomparable "chicken and waffles". I would be remiss and my girl would kill me if I didn't mention they changed the menu and took off the donuts. She is non to happy but we should cut down on dessert anyway. I think the new menu is better than the old one. Now if they only had high life.
(5)Terry S.
Terrific charcuterie to start and each of our entrees were delicious. Great service with swank-o-fied ambience & decor.
(4)Karen L.
Circe surprised me. Not sure what I was expecting but having been to Ten Prime I guess I had some preconceptions. Agree w others who describe decor as Downcity redone in B&B, but can't fault them for it, it's a good space as is. We came in without reservations on a Friday night for a party of 5. We must have looked a little worse for wear as we were seated all the way in the back with 2 mismatched tables adjacent to the kitchen. Yuck. The restaurant was empty when we arrived too since it was barely 6:30pm. We asked to be reseated and thankfully they were very accomodating and put us in a cushy booth right up front. Now that's more like it! Likes: - Lambrusco, gosh I love sparkling red wine and for some reason it's hard to find in Providence. They poor with a heavy hand and it's quite delish. - Death by Chocolate dessert. Now, I am not a fan of chocolate by any shot but this was a lovely little platter w perfectly proportioned morsels. Meh: - I wanted to enjoy the small plates, we need more small plates in this town. I didn't dislike them but they weren't memorable. Beef tartare was lacking in intensity and the color was dull. Truffled chicken drummies smelled lovely but failed to deliver on flavor. Argula salad plentiful but washed out... you see the trend? We didn't order any entrees as we all wanted to sample so my review is only partial. I would go again, with a large group or to have drinks at the bar. I think there's potential and lots of room for improvement.
(3)Betsy R.
I came here for New Year's Eve with my boyfriend, and we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had made a reservation for 8pm a few days before, but when we showed up, they had no record of it. However, they were very nice, and showed us to a table right away. I had heard great things about Circe, and I was not disappointed. It's stunning inside--so much so, that I think it'll be the first stop for a bachelorette party I'm planning in the spring. Our waitress was very sweet, and she explained that it's quite the bar scene at night. I had the tuna and my boyfriend had the lamb, and we started with wine and nibbling on some olives. Everything was delicious. I look forward to checking out the nightlife scene.
(4)Karie B.
In from out of town just for one day, we were directed to Circe by the hotel concierge. What a great recommendation! The chicken with pappardelle was delectable--the pasta made in-house--very moist chicken atop toothsome ribbons of pasta. The scallop 'middle' entree was fun and delicious too. Don't miss the Piña Colada dessert. Very refreshing! And the owner even came to our table to check on our meals. He is very friendly and charismatic.
(5)Kevon T.
Outstanding from beginning to end! The waitress and host were nice and the restaurant was very chic and trendy. I had the roasted beet salad for an appetizer and the ahi tuna for my main course. Both were delicious! My husband and I split the assorted chocolate and caramel dessert plate and everything was excellent. We will definitely be back!
(5)Dave K.
While driving up from downstate for a night at PPAC, partner and I decided to try "the new restaurant where Downcity used to be". Figured out the name and brought up the website. We were looking for a quick, informal meal and the bar menu at Circe seemed to fit. The dinner menu seemed a bit steep for our price range/mood at the moment, although it's not super expensive by any means. Free valet parking is a big plus, as they allowed us to keep the car there for the show, and pick it up later. This is a great idea. It's convenient for us, but it's also a win for the restaurant because when we find places that do this, we often stop back in for dessert and/or a cocktail after the show. So we walk in the door and the bar is packed. With a lot of real D-bags. You know the types - loud, pretentious show-offs you'd probably just as soon leave to themselves. Where do these people come from? And where do they get those suits? So the "let's eat at the bar" idea wan't going to work. But this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The hostess greeted us with a big smile, and we figured what the hell. She brought us upstairs to a nice quiet table, where we could watch all the action below but enjoy our conversation. Bottom line: Cocktails: Deeeelish. I consider myself to be an expert on Manhattans, and theirs was a slightly sweet variation. Nice for a change. Partner had a cucumber martini that he enjoyed but ordered a straight dry martini after. Appetizers: OMFG. Seldom has more delicious food passed my lips. I had the beets with smoked gouda and "balsamic pearls". Never had these before, but I'm a hick from the suburbs, so who am I to know. They were amazing. Partner had grilled oysters with parmesean cheese. They were gone in about 30 seconds. Main course: See above. I had the roasted free range chicken. Partner had pork belly with scallops. Both perfect. Staff: Friendly, professional, and attentive from the start. We let the server know we had to catch a show and she set a pace that was prompt, yet never once felt hurried. Very nice balance that you don't always find. Carlo, the manager stopped by to say hello, and it was nice to see that he is so engaged (and engaging). Impression: Sometimes I get the feeling that a chef feels obligated to embellish and "church up" a dish in order to validate their self-image, or because they feel people expect it. At Circe, each dish was beautifully presented, but I get the sense that the food was allowed to stand on its own, as well it should. The quality of the food is outstanding and it is cooked to perfection. There was just enough sauce/garnish to enhance the flavor but not so much as to overwhelm things. To me, this indicates a chef who is creative, but also has confidence, self discipline, and restraint. I'll definitely go back.
(5)Rachael M.
After 2 trips here I have to give Circe a five star rating. The food is amazing and local! So well prepared with all quality ingredients. The atmosphere is very classy with dim lighting. The owner was pleasent and thanked us for visiting the restuarant. The desserts are to die for...though not as local as I like and a little too sweet for me. For dinner I had the most delicious duck dish and my partner had a steak with sliced scallops on top of it....melted in my mouth! The second trip was for breakfast. Again, local, well made. I had a bacon and egg biscuit with fruit. Very tasty and filling. I will definitely return to Circe for more meals.
(5)Caitlin W.
I came here during restaurant week. 3 course lunch for 14.95 First course: I had the soup of the day with the grilled bread. It was a carrot coriander soup. They gave you a huge bowl of soup which was wonderful because it was frigged outside. It was flavorful and a nice smooth mouth feel. The grilled bread was a little burnt however it was still flavorful and was good for dipping into my soup. Second course: Roast beef sandwich with a horseradish cream with a side of fries. First bite..... Super dry and disappointing. I need a large gulp of water. It was just awkward. The bread was hot. The roast beef was luke warm and the lettuce/tomato ice cold. I didn't like all the different temperatures in my mouth at once. The roast beef slices were well done and dry which was sad. I like my meat bloody. The horseradish cream did not taste like horse radish at all. The fries were tasty but a little to over salted. Third course: hazelnut brownie with coconut sorbet The chocolate flavor was there but the brownie was really dry and almost hard as a rock. I was stabbing at it with my spoon. The coconut sorbet was refreshing and flavorful. The waiter was very friendly and kept up on things but it seemed like he was trying a little to hard. I love the atmosphere of this place. A chic bar when you walk in, nicely presented tables, and a staircase that leads to upstairs. The restaurant is huge. Depending on wear you sit , you can see into the kitchen. I will have to come back because I feel restaurant week is not a fair week to completely judge them. P.S. It is very hard to find parking in this area. It is all street parking with meters.
(3)Cara L.
I have only been there a few times on a weekend night after 10 and I can only say it is nothing less than pathetic. Guidos, aging strippers, 40something year old men looking to pick up twentysomething drunk girls. It gets extremely loud as the night progresses. The louder it gets the more wanna be's and rif raf arrive. Not a cool place .
(1)Ashley S.
The risotto app was to die for! Went here for my birthday and had a wonderful presentation of deserts. Great atmosphere too!
(5)Winny L.
A very well deserved 5 stars for Circe Restaurant & Bar in Providence. Came here on a Saturday night with 4 other girls. We were an hour early for our reservations, but the host was kind enough to seat us anyway and even showed us our table to make sure it was alright with us. It was a table right next to the chefs working hard to produce the delicious food that the servers bring out. Being a fan of food network cooking shows, all of us were more than happy to be situated at that table. Ambiance: Loved the vibe. Very chic and trendy filled with young, beautiful people and good looking waiters and waitresses. Felt just like I was in a NYC hotspot. Service: Very attentive staff. Our waiter, Kevin was good-looking, polite, professional and made sure we were satisfied at the end of our meal. Drinks: Didn't order any cocktails, but we popped a bottle of Moscato. I think I tried about half a dozen varieties of Moscato during my entire trip and this was one of my favorite ones. Food: Here comes the fun part. Coming from New York City, we had entered the restaurant with very high expectations. 1. Maine lobster risotto w/ avocado ice cream (appetizer) - I am usually not a fan of lobster or avocados, but I devoured the plate along with the rest of the girls. We voted this item to be the best on the menu. Avocado ice cream was so delicious and smooth. It deserves a spot on the dessert menu. 2. Handcut fettuccine (appetizer) - No complaints here. I love pasta. Tasted authentic and homemade. 3. Block island sea bass with squid ink fettuccine and pancetta (entree) - Loved this one as well. Fish was perfectly prepared. Best part of the dish was the fettuccine. My friend loved the pancetta that came with it. No complaints here as well. Just order it. 4. Grilled pork tenderloin (entree) - Also prepared very well. 5. Open lasagna (entree) - We ordered this in place of the duck duo because they ran out of duck. No restaurant is perfect and I would have to say that this was my disappointment of the night. It was a simple dish prepared with a variety of veggies chopped up and mixed with tomato sauce and three slices of pasta slabbed in between the layers served in a bowl. Not sure of the direction that the creator of this dish was trying to go, but it didn't fit into the menu at all. 6. Iced lemon souffle (dessert) - Very light, refreshing and perfect for those who do not like overly heavy or sweet desserts. Really enjoyed sinking my spoon into this delightful little dessert. 7. Chocolate menage a trois (dessert) - Came with white chocolate creme brulee, chocolate fondant and chocolate ice cream. The whole dessert was AMAZING, but the white chocolate creme brulee was AMAZING times 10 to the 50th power. If you are a chocolate fan, please do order this dessert, but my only warning is that this is NOT a sharable dessert for more than 2 people. The creme brulee was so good that we asked if we can get a bigger version of it. The world came crashing down on the 5 of us when the owner regretfully informed us that they do not serve it in a larger portion. However, he was kind enough to bring us another menage a trois free of charge and we were happy again. Speaking of the owner, this brings me to the highlight of our evening. Humble restaurant owners with a sense of humility are a dying breed. Carlo is one of them. We did not know he was the owner until dessert time, but I did recall that he was walking around and attending to his guests the entire night, making sure all the food came out on time and that the bathrooms were clean. lol. You don't see much of this in New York. To be honest, I don't believe I ever had a visit to my table from a restaurant owner throughout the past 7 years since I started exploring different restaurants. Therefore, it was a surprise to see Carlo hanging around in the heat of a busy night at Circe. So if you are reading this, kudos to you! While there were a few setbacks mostly pertaining to the open lasagna, this is still a worthwhile place to visit if you are looking for a fun and classy place to hang out on a weekend night. If I ever visit Providence again, I would love to go back and try the duck. Our night was wonderful.
(5)Rebecca R.
Stellar, absolutely stellar. Circe deserves every bit of the 5 stars I gave them. From the restaurant itself, to the food, to our waitress - everything was top notch. We dined at Circe prior to a concert and I am so very glad that we did. The inside is warm, inviting and romantic - clean and beautiful. The menu looked absolutely amazing; however, when our waitress noted the specials of the night I was sold immediately. My meal was a bottom layer of creamy lobster risotto topped with 3 steak medallions which were so tender you could cut them with your fork - cooked to perfection. Atop the steak medallions were scallop bombers and finished off with a buttery garlic shrimp. I ate almost every last bite of this meal and was in the happiest food coma I have ever been in. The flavors, textures - everything about this meal was 5 stars. I would not hesitate to order this again - the portion was perfect! My husband ordered the duck duo, he enjoyed every bite and left happy and satisfied. I do not love duck; however, his plate was very pleasing to the eye and did look pretty good. I look forward to our next meeting Circe as if your other meals are just as good as my special was; i will never leave unhappy!
(5)Irina G.
This Providence restaurant perfectly strikes that rare, perfect balance of ambience, food, drinks and service. The restaurant is hip and relaxed at the same time (both romantic and also great for dinner with friends, not to mention drinks at the beautiful bar). The menu is incredible with lots of eye-grabbing small plates and entrees. The steak tartare was some of the best I have had, as were the mussels in white wine sauce and the wonderful charcuterie boards with Italian meats, pate, cheeses and crostinis. Our group of six all loved their main courses, as well. The drink menu is fabulous in and of itself with a great mix of creative cocktails and old standards. Service was fantastic and friendly from the gentleman who took our reservation via phone, to the hostess who greeted us and our wonderful and very helpful waiter. The restaurant was not crowded at all for a Saturday night and I honestly don't understand why. Perhaps it was because Waterfires was happening that evening, but I get the feeling that many still don't know about this great find. We were with a couple of seasoned Providence diners who had never been to Circe but said it was their new favorite place. Here's hoping that sentiment spreads because we would love to see this new favorite spot stick around for a long, long time!
(5)Janet S.
Went to this amazing restaurant last night and everything was delicious. The ambience is beautiful and the staff knowledgeable and served us with excellent customer service. The owner spoke to us at our table and made me a new special mojito with basil infused vodka. 5 stars for Circe and will definitely go back - although, yes, a bit pricey, its worth it.
(5)Dennis C.
We just went here on a Friday night for an escape from Boston and what an incredible surprise. The menu is simple but complex; duck heart bruschetta, lamb meatballs, angus tartare to start. We're picky eaters, especially with tartare and duck - these two blew us away. The dirty tinis were perfectly cold, perfectly blended. For mains, she went with lobster risotto with avocado ice cream center - boom. I went for the guns with duck two ways. Sick! The saucing, balances of flavors, presentation and price point were right on the money. It also helps as the evening wears on the mini-club scene at the bar starts to pick up but not in your face - sounds were balanced to let us converse and enjoy the meal. thanks - def coming back for more.
(5)Matt M.
Stopped in for a quick dinner with my wife last night as we were headed to the Trinity Theater for a play. No reservations which seemed fine with them (as opposed to some of the NY wannabes in this town who treat you like "less than" if you don't have a reservation while empty tables abound). Wine was delicious, salad was not overdressed, main course was perfect. Skipped dessert. The music wasn't too loud and the service was excellent. My only complaint is they ask too many times if everything is fine but that happens at every American restaurant.
(4)Alex H.
Came with a party of 5. Great food. Great drinks.Great service. Or server, Ahmed, was fabulous. Would recommend fo' sho' .
(4)Marc G.
Based on reviews I had good expectations for a memorable meal here. It was our 28th Anniversary and I wanted to celebrate the occasion with something new. Reservations were made for 7:30 on a Sat night. We arrived in the city to discover that a full Water Fire was going on. Oddly we cruised into the city with hardly any traffic to speak of. In fact we arrived at the Circe @ 7:00 sharp. Valet service was prompt and courteous. We entered the restaurant and explained to the lovely hostess that we were a 1/2 hour early. She asked if we wanted to sit at the bar or we could be seated right away. We chose to be seated. The hostess wished us a Happy Anniversary and seated us upstairs at a cozy table overlooking the bar, nice! Then it went down hill from there...... We sat for a full 20 minutes with no water, waitress, nothing! Meanwhile there was a couple at a table sitting next to us along with another few people at a larger table that were being attended to by 1 waitress. The large table filled up with about 8 couples who were attended to right away. We sat.....I contemplated going down to the bar to fetch some refreshments for my bride and I, but she said no...Finally after 24 minutes another hostess comes up to apologize that there was confusion amongst the staff over who was serving our table. Oookay. She took our drink orders and left. Meanwhile the big table has received bottles of wine, water, etc... Then a waitress came up to serve us water, apologize and retake our drink order saying the hostess had barked out our order to her and she wasn't certain what we ordered. 5 minutes go by and drinks arrive, they were ok. She took our appetizer order of Butternut Squash soup w/roasted pumpkin seeds and the Deviled eggs over a beet slaw topped with crispy bacon. Both promptly arrived. Wife's soup was lukewarm/cold and she wasn't sure if that was the intention but commented that it would have tasted better if heated. My Deviled eggs were 3 smallish eggs over dollops of tasty beet slaw with the worlds smallest piece of bacon on each one; these were pretty good. Order entrees; Wife goes with the Veal Bolognaise, I with the "Special' Surf and Turf. I realize after the waitress left that she never asked how I wanted the fillet cooked. Food arrives and this Veal Bolognaise is served in a Lg soup bowl and is very, very unattractive, grayish in color with nothing to dress up the dish at all- no presentation; Hamburger Helper was all I could think of... My Surf and Turf consisted of a 5oz "fillet", 1/2 a chicken lobster, 1 lg shrimp and 2 med seared scallops sitting on a lg spoonful of sauteed spinach. The "fillet" reminded me of either a tender sirloin cut or a tough fillet cut...I'm leaning towards sirloin both in taste and appearance. The shrimp and spinach were b-l-a-n-d! The scallops were ok but were overcooked probably due to their size. The lobster was cooked to perfection but the chef opted to drizzle butter over the whole thing and again no spices at all. The option on this dish was for a 5 or 10 oz fillet...5 oz? Why not call it a Quarter Pounder and be done with it? All in all a meh meal... Then the bill.....$50 for this mediocre, miniscule portion of Surf and Turf!?! Come on! Not at all acceptable. Had it been seasoned properly and served with some sauce ( oh wait, they do offer this, at an additional charge) then just maybe I could justify the cost....NO! I can't! The wife was not at all thrilled with the Bolagnaise and had mild indigestion shortly afterwards...great. Wouldn't bother to return. To bad... it could a been a contender...
(2)Scottie M.
Attended Sunday brunch here with two friends, not knowing what to expect - as the restaurant it used to be didn't get much of my favor. The decor was nicely redone, making the narrow establishment seem larger than it is with light colors. There was a decent crowd inside, but not overly crowded and had the perfect ambiance for a brunch gathering. The menu was a little disappointing, not having much to offer. Some of the options were "Cheese Plate" and "Sweet Bread" and the only options that I could see being a "full meal" were the "Steak and Eggs" and the "Fried Chicken and Waffles". I ordered the steak and eggs, which scored a 3 out of 5 for me. The eggs were delicious, picking up the flavor of the nicely seasoned steak. My only complaint about it was that I ordered my steak "Medium-Rare" and it was clearly given to me "Well-Done". The home-fries were a bit on the bland side, seemed to be only seasoned with a small amount of rosemary. The service was impeccable. Our server, Matt, was very attentive and explained the options on the menu very well. 2 out of the 3 of us ordered the unlimited champagne for $18 each and our glasses were never empty. Overall I enjoyed this venue for Sunday brunch. It is very modern and has a good price range. In the future, I would hope to see them increase the options on their brunch menu.
(3)D B.
Nice atmosphere, great food and the mixed drinks were some of the best the group of us have ever had. The service was slow and even though we weren't in a hurry it was little annoying. Would certainly go back for the food or to just hang out at the bar for those amazing drinks.
(4)Scott K.
Circe is more of a 3.5, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. I grabbed a pre-show dinner here prior to walking over to PPAC. They offer free valet parking and let me keep my car there during the show. It's a pretty short walk to & from the theater, and I'd recommend it over paying for parking. The bar was crowded with the after work crowd, i.e. a bunch of douchey looking yuppies trying to seem impressive and get into each others' pants. The restaurant wasn't crowded at all. Our server was pleasant, but certainly not top notch. The drink menu was fairly interesting, but doesn't hold a candle to the types of cocktails you can get at The Dorrance. We enjoyed a cheese board, and the entrees were good. The monkfish dish was actually exceptional; I'd highly recommend it if you're craving a rich, pasta-based meal. The owner spoke with us for a few minutes after we'd finished. It was nice to see him taking an interest in feedback from his patrons. He mentioned that the restaurant was going to be making some changes/improvements soon. Circe didn't blow me away, but I'd definitely go back and suggest you give it a shot.
(4)Catherine K.
Circe is a beautiful restaurant. My boyfriend and I came here on a recent trip to Providence and were very happy we did! We tried the duck heart bruchetta, which was fantastic (and not as scary as it sounds). It was a little pricey, but the service was great. The fish I had was served whole, (which I wasn't aware of, and that freaked me out a little bit). It was cooked well, but I found a few small bones here and there. Not a huge deal, but it was a little off-putting, hence the not 5 stars. Definitely worth the trip for a unique experience!
(4)Wendi L.
The first time I went to Circe, was on a cold and rainy February date night with my husband. We were on our way back to our car and happened by this place. It was lit up and looked fun inside, so we decided to check it out and stop in for a drink. My hubs, having short thinning hair as a lot of men do, was wearing a winter skull cap to keep warm and dry. Without as much as a "hello" or "good evening, sir" the bouncer approached him and said flatly, "Take off your hat." It came across very rude, so we left. Maybe some would oblige, but if they want male customers to dress like gentlemen in their establishment perhaps they should treat them as gentlemen. The second time I went was last weekend after attending PPS Winter Bash (wicked fun, btw). The place was jammed full of people and generally folks seemed to be having a good time. I had an espresso martini, which was tasty. And having a better chance to take in the decor this time, I can say it's a nicely appointed place. However, another male guest, whom I shall not refer to as a gentlemen, was very rude to a female companion of mine. I pointed this out to a bouncer who explained the guy was good friends with the owner and there was nothing he could do about it. I really don't have any patience for rude staff (see visit one) or a place that allows customers to be rude to other customers, especially women. There are a lot of cool places in Providence that are friendlier than this place. I'm done with Circe.
(1)A C.
This was a surprise for us since it was just next to our hotel. The menu was more interesting than most. We had roasted beets with gouda and balsamic pearls, a great opener. I had wild mushroom bolognaise over home made al dente fettucini, a rich and intensely flavorful dish. My wife had an excellent grilled Norwegian salmon. It was so good we went back 2 nights later and split a starter charcutierie board for one enough for two, the pate was smooth and flavorful, and orangini drinks. We also split a main course lobster ravioli. Normally 5 large ravioli, since they knew we were splitting, they put 6 ravioli in the serving. Little things count a lot with us. Extra kudos for our knowledgeable and very personable server, Amy. Oh yes, both nights the manager on duty came by and each time spent time with us discussing the meal making sure everything was just right.
(5)Robert D.
Fantastic !! this place was hands down the best meal I've eaten in awhile. Service was spot on, his name was Kevin, great attitude and very attentive. Made some real good suggestions with the menu and made out evening actually better. The food from steak tartar ( we had 2, that's how good it was ) shrimp and fettuccine , the burger on potato bread, lobster risotto with avocado ice cream ( Sounds different and it is but its also the bee's knee's & a must have ) also had the charcuterie board , roasted tomato florentine with a chipotle hollandaise sauce, and the pancakes 3 ways ( which was also absolutely brilliant ) I've eaten and made plenty of risotto's in my day and that was so unique and perfectly textured , hats off to the Chef. Also I've had the pleasure of meeting the owner Carlo who was so hospitable and such a pleasure to talk too, lots of passion and dedication makes me enjoy our experience more then I possibly could. This was Definitly a great experience and a must go to if you haven't been already . I live in Boston and will travel any day of the week to go back. Thank you very much for such a wonderful time with my family will recommend to all. And extra thank you for getting the umbrellas for my daughter. Cheers !!
(5)Alma C.
Ok, I normally wait to review a new place after a 3+ visits, but Circe deserves kudos for being the first restaurant that serves entrees in the $20-$30 range in 4+ years where my regular restaurant buddy did not have some snarky comment about foo foo tiny portion sizes (restaurant owners, you know who you are! Feed the hungry!). Circe preserves the layout of the prior inhabitant Downcity Diner, and I for one feel like this place is an upgrade. Everything we ordered tasted good and was amply portioned. The mussel appetizer came out twice the size of virtually every other restaurant around town. The frites were crispy and delicious. My lamb shank was fall off the bone tender, I couldn't even eat 1/2 of it, it was so large. My other dinner mates felt the same about their dishes (salad, ahi tuna, scottish salmon). Our table's server was very professional, I can't say the same about another server who was a straight up klutz. We unfortunately were seated by a server station where the dude kept on reaching for water and kind of flinging the condensation around without thinking and splattering on one of my dinner mates (Seriously dude, were you trying to centrifuge the water for your guests, take it easy!). Overall, I would give this first experience @ Circe a 3.5, but taking into account the generous portion sizes and especially for keeping my crabby eating buddy content, Circe rounds up to a 4. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Carly W.
First of all... the staff was as sweet as can be and the general atmosphere was pleasant. The food was fresh and satisfying with everything tasting as good as you would hope it would be. The portions were generous making it easy to split items and feel full but not overly stuffed by the end of the night. We split the spinach caesar salad, the appetizer board with meats and cheeses, and split the lobster entree... the risotto was buttery and melted in your mouth, the lobster was perfect and the oysters had an incredible safron sauce that I wish we had had a pitcher of... the board had interesting, delicious choices that I don't think I would have picked myself, but really enjoyed. The drinks were creative and delicious... and balanced out the menu perfectly. We split a busted nut which arrived to the table in a young coconut with 2 straws, it was very refreshing with a kick to it, but didn't hit you over the head. We also enjoyed some other drinks off the menu and they were equally refreshing without being too overpowering. We had the chocolate sampler for desert and it was very good... we topped it off with an espresso and felt totally full and satisfied, but not overly stuffed. I look forward to going back and trying the items that we had to choose from!
(5)Martha C.
This place has beautiful decor and an awesome atmosphere however the food is just a-ok considering the prices. I would recommend it for drinks and catching up with friends but there are many better options around town for dinner. Maybe in time the food will get better.
(3)Karen M.
Recently relocated to Providence RI from the West Coast and Circe is our "go to" place! My husband has lunch here with biz associates several times a week. We go for dinner, just the two of us, or with friends...and the Sunday Brunch rocks! Great spot...cool decor...and just all around "great"...Carlo and his staff are wonderful. They're closed for summer vaca for 2 weeks...I think I will be having "withdrawals"...
(5)Jessica M.
So, I had been to Circe for a cocktail months ago, but this review is based solely on my dinner experience last night. And let me just say, Circe is lovely in many ways - decor, food, drinks...it is the total package, folks. My friend and I had a reservation, and we were shown to our table promptly when we walked in. My only complaint would be that our table was super close to the front door, and since Mother Nature doesn't seem to have gotten the memo that it is spring yet, it was a tad chilly. But as we could tell it was a busy night, we decided that it would be worth a few shivers to stay at our spot. And we were right. We both had a glass of wine - I had a red, and my friend a white. We started with the crispy pork belly appetizer with a shoulder beignet. It was small but a lovely little nibble to start the night. The pork belly was perfectly cooked and the beignet was light and not greasy or oily at all. My friend ordered the 14 oz. pork chop, which came with a potato puree and savoy cabbage, while I ordered the duck, which came with a duck confit ravioli and braised red cabbage. The duck, like the pork belly, was perfectly cooked, and tender. The richness of the duck was expertly counterbalanced by the acidity of the braised cabbage and cherry sauce. My friend, who never had had duck before, also approved. I tried his pork chop, which was bone-in (something I think definitely adds to the flavor). It was tender and the apples on top were again a perfect complement to the pork. Our waitress was lovely. Very friendly, sweet, helpful, but not overbearing. In fact, everyone - the hosts/hostesses, bartenders, bus boys, were all very friendly. Circe has this nice, clean, modern and sophisticated look inside, but is not stuff or pretentious at all. These words could also be used to describe its staff. Dinner IS a little pricey...not necessarily a splurge, but definitely more expensive than its predecessor in the same space, Downcity Diner. It is, however, worth every penny. They also serve brunch on Sundays, and have a bar menu, and both are more reasonably priced...and I plan on trying both! So, if you want to impress your date or have a night out with the girls, Circe is a great place to mix it up!
(4)bradford w.
Now that's how it's done. The baked oysters were unbelievable, cooked perfectly, just the right amount of butter and herbs. I had the flight of scallops as an entree and will certainly come back to have it again. My wife had the salmon which was also excellent. Quality ingredients, executed perfectly. You can't go wrong. Do yourself a favor and go as soon as you can.
(5)Dara R.
Everything my friend and I had was delicious.. The best part was the white chocolate Creme brûlée. Amazing
(5)Jen W.
Ate here for the third time a little over a week ago and this is going to remain one of my fav restaurants here so far. The only problem is gluten free wise it is limited but the food tastes amazing. Staff is always attentive and friendly. Food comes out quickly and with great presentation. A while back I had late night take out here and they ended up not having something that I ordered but substituted it with like three other things, it was great! They were super apologetic as they tried to call but I didn't answer as I had already left to go and get it. It is so easy to spend a ton of money here as everything sounds good and you definitely can get carried away wanted to try everything.
(5)Alex T.
I've been here for both dinner and brunch and I've had wonderful experiences both times. First, I must mention that the décor is clean, New England-style with a chic twist. It is unique and perfectly suited for the space. The bar is wonderful for a before- or after-dinner drink (or more than one). The bar scene is classy, and diverse enough that you don't feel overwhelmed by yuppies. Dinner: as others have said, the drink menu is amazing. Loved the dinner menu as well; it has something for everyone and the dishes are well-executed, creative, and flavorful. Our server was incredibly nice, as was the hostess, and the bartenders are always friendly. The service all-around was on point. Carlo (the owner) is always there and making sure everything is running smoothly, which is not something a lot of owners do. It's clear his heart and soul is in this business. Brunch: one of few places in Providence where you can get an amazing bloody mary and delicious, not overly greasy food, all for a reasonable price. I had the crab cake with beet slaw, and a poached egg on the side. Absolutely delicious. Service was also wonderful. Our server was adorable and quite attentive. Also, their coffee is AMAZING. Which, as a coffee snob, is something you don't find often at brunch places. As a self-proclaimed, very picky foodie, I give this place five stars for its clean and trendy New England-style décor, amazing and attentive service, and delicious food.
(5)Eva R.
Stopped in for brunch....the food was great and I loved the bottomless mimosas!!! I especially liked the decor...cant wait to go back for dinner.
(4)Topher D.
Cool vibe, trendy scene, prompt service and a great food and drinks menu. Stripe sea bass over squid ink linguini was delicious. Hereford meat selections separate this menu from other local eateries. Try the Dels! Mmmmm
(4)Patrick B.
OK, so this is the NEW SPOT, and let me tell you for once people in this city were correct! I can not compliment on the décor, as it is the old "Downcity" and it looks like the same place with white and grey instead of ORANGE, so no bonus points on design work, though I have always loved this space. Went for an afterwork gathering and by 5pm they had a full BAR!! This tells me it's the place to be seen, especially downtown. The Bartenders are spot on, very observant and FAST! Dinner, could not say the same for the service, which is extremely disappointing, but lately servers are hard to come by so I will cut them some slack. The dinner was priced far, we all got something different and all cleaned are plates, though it did take a descent time to be served both our APPS and Dinners. I think it is a space that needs time to tighten some loose ends, as they are extremely busy for just opening and may have got caught off guard. I give 5 stars to the OWNER, he is always there, and talks to everyone very impressed by his demeanor. GOOD LUCK
(4)Christine P.
Wow. Honestly, just wow. I work around the corner for Circe and have been waiting patiently (ok, maybe impatiently) for them to open. While there are some really great restaurants in the downtown area, none of them are as close as Circe and let's be honest - sometimes you just want a good place to eat that is close. Call it lazy, but I call it convenient. I enjoyed my first meal there enough that I would drive to the City on a day off to enjoy the food. It's worth seeking out. The restaurant just opened yesterday (during Sandy!) and while they are definitely going through a bit of growing pains, I am already impressed. VERY impressed. Today I had what was hands down the best risotto I've ever had. And I love risotto. Like, really love it. It was incredible and far better than any other I've had in all of Providence. Other guests in my party had the BLT (bacon, LOBSTER, and truffle) pasta and the rice paper salad rolls. I had a taste of each and they all tasted just as good as the risotto. We took a look at the dinner menu as well and it looked great. Small plates, raw bar items that are not-so traditional, and really well balanced, delicious sounding entrees. They have a farm-to-table focus which I personally love and I cannot wait to try the dinner menu. Oh, and we had a look at the dessert menu too. Looked amazing! I also heard a rumor that the chef is known for his amazing Brunches, and that Circe will be serving brunch on Sundays (with $18 bottom-less champagne? Yes, please!). I look forward to trying this as well. I will update my review as I give more items a shot but honestly, what we had today was really amazing. If they can be this good on day two, then I think we have a lot to look forward to.
(5)Caitlin R.
A very sleek, modern space with fun cocktails (my fave's the Hibiscus Martini) and an attentive waitstaff. While Circe's by no means unpopular, I typically find it to be on the quieter side most nights - much appreciated when you're enjoying conversation with friends.
(4)Christina E.
Went on a Saturday night and had no trouble getting a table. Had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and cider cream sauce - guessing this is a seasonal offering - and wow, it was delectable. My husband's sirloin with truffle mash was just as delicious. Great cocktails too. Have loved the location since its DownCity days. A great Providence spot.
(5)R K.
Came here on a Friday night after hours to grab some cocktails. Decor seemed to be updated from the former restaurant, which was a plus. We immediately walked in and was surprised at how many people were crowding the front door, it took a minute to get around this group of people and head to the bar. For us we were not in a rush that night and we were greeted by a pleasant young lady later about 10 minutes later. Cocktails came out good but on the heavy side of booze. We kinda regret not getting there earlier cause we thought it would have been a better decision to get food instead of drinks. Bar was overly crowded and atmosphere turned into a lot of 40 year old plus men hitting on younger college girls. Reminded me of how Ten Steak & Sushi gets on the weekends. We walked away with getting two drinks costing about 33$ YIKES!!! That was the kicker for the night!! I dont remember the last time I honestly paid for two drinks costing that price, unless I was in a bigger city.
(3)Denise H.
I found Circe googling restaurants to celebrate my daughter'd graduation. It was one of the only restaurants with availability. I was a bit nervous about that but had no choice. I feel very lucky to have found it. The ambiance is amazing; Stylish, crisp, clean. The staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating. The food was amazing. The lobster risotto appetizer was so great that I almost ordered it again as my entree. My husband and sons loved the oysters so much they order more. My daughter's steak was slightly cooked more then she likes so next time we would be more specific. Mine and my husband's steaks were perfect and tasty. When we told them we wanted to take our time through dinner, they never pushed to get us out. We could not have been any happier with this restaurant. I highly recommend.
(5)Christina B.
This restaurant has outstanding food and an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The wild mushroom bolognese was amazing and the salmon with corn salsa was delicious and cooked to perfection. The staff at Circe is friendly and the service was excellent. Overall this was a superior dining experience and I will definitely be back soon.
(5)Brian R.
Just ok, went there for the first time. Food was good, not great, service was good. I think for what you spend the food is much better at other places. Might try it again but won't run back
(3)Jo P.
Considering the hype and the price tag, I had high hopes. But alas, no luck - Circe failed to impress. Our group of 3 had a Thursday night reservation for 8pm. When we arrived, our table was not ready (although there seemed to be many vacant seats) and the bar area was packed with a migration of Atwell's Ave gents with big attitudes, rowdy demeanors and ill fitting suits. But ok, I kept my instincts at bay, and we fought our way to the bar for some dry martinis - and they were decent. We were finally seated, and surprise our table is right next the kitchen door. Not cool when there are many empty tables around. One of the nice things was the menu, with an attempt to serve tapas style appetizers that you can order a few of in place of a main dish. The food was pretty good, but not astounding. We tried the Champlain triple Brie, Pumpkin Fettuccini, Beef tartare, the Blue Cheese Stuffed Figs, and a few other things. It was great to see Beef Tartare on a menu, and it was quite good. I did enjoy the Pumpkin Fettucinni, but all else was lackluster. With the wealth of truly excellent restaurants in Providence with great atmosphere's to boot, I wouldn't suggest Circe to a friend. And as a side note, out of curiosity I checked to see what they were trying to convey with the name, and ironically this is what came up: (Classical Myth & Legend) Circe: An enchantress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine.
(2)Al G.
Yelp is a home-run! Muted grey-black-white colors, for a restful experience. Generous drinks, excellent presentation and mix of cuisine, and unusual selections and parings of accompanying dishes. Wasn't aware of the free valet parking, as we were headed for PPAC. Was given a choice of seating when we returned for desert and drinks. Wonderful staff, and bar folks, but the "after work" crowd was a bit pretentious. We'll be back for sure! Al G.
(3)Lyd M.
So, the 2 stars aren't because this was a bad experience, but more because it could/should have been so much better! When you read the menus, it seems like, "ok, this could be a really good thing." The cocktail list is interesting and unique, but then the wines by the glass are lame (7 Deadly Zins?!? Come on...). The food looked like it could be really tasty, but then it all fell flat. The prices were too expensive for nothing to stand out. Mussel app was tasty but EVERYONE has mussels and they were nothing I couldn't get elsewhere. My duck entree was weird...described as breast with confit leg ravioli, red cabbage, and cherry sauce, the ravioli was really terrible (I don't think it was confit at all...I do a lot of charcuterie at home and it seemed like cured meat on which they used too much pink salt stuffed into too-thick pasta dough and undercooked), and I didn't taste cherry because the sauce had an overwhelming flavor of molasses. So in general the flavor of this dish had no finesse and there was no contrast of texture (all mushy except for the undercooked rav) or color (all dark purple...). And the texture of my creme brulee was off ::sigh::. Service was good. Drinks (I had a few different cocktails) were good. Decor was beautiful and the owner stopped by our table and seemed very involved in how the evening was running. Love open kitchens, so that was nice. So AGAIN, not like this was bad, but at $150 for 2 people it should have made a bit more of an impression. I'm not about to head back anytime soon except maybe for a drink. It's like another reviewer said: anyone who knows better won't be fooled. Maybe after they are open for a little longer they will step it up and I wish them the best!
(2)Bear M.
Good atmosphere & a cool space. Food was very good & I really liked the menu. Lots of great variety on the menu & difficult to choose ... Waitress was solid as well
(4)Mark H.
Decor was nice.... Too dark to read menu.... Restaurant was freezing.....it was really cold out...and they only have a single front door. Every time that door opens...the freezing cold air rips through the restaurant. Staff was nice......owner is a condescending know it all. Food was very average....over priced. True foodies won't be fooled....but the rest of you who don't know any better will be happy to hand them your money. They are pretenders who tried to write a menu that would impress the average person. Those of us with a culinary education are not impressed. 5 of our 7 plates were cold.......sliced sirloin over mashed is very hard to execute....but for $38 a plate, ya better execute. Ravioli was chewy and tough. There are too many other great places to eat in the prov area. Do yourselves a favor....and spend your money elsewhere. On a side note.....I NEVER write these things.....but the owner gave me such a bad feeling that I feel I owe it to you guys.
(1)Beverly S.
Had the most amazing mussels (in a yummy cream sauce), along with delicious sea salt french fries (served in a tiny "fry basket") -- Moules et Frites - ta da - at Circe yesterday, in the wonderful company of one of my dearest friends. The ever-vigilant waiter, Jason, doting upon us "just enough" and filled with interesting factoids about food, wine and song (Three Dog Night) it was a really special afternoon and I will be back!! My friend had a plain old burger and fries and she said it was one of the best burgers she's ever had. She had what she said was a magnificent martini and I had a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio. I can't emphasize enough how wonderful our waiter was -- we actually invited him to sit with us and have coffee - he was a veritable font/fount (!) of information about his restaurant, the food served there, wines, martinis and old music! And he was a young fellow!!! We were totally impressed that Jason brought the owner over to our table and he stayed and chatted for a while - a really nice guy who was, in a former life, a head bartender at another Providence restaurant (maybe Gracie's?) and he also works the bar at Circe sometimes. He was extremely hospitable to us. I am simply dying to go back to Circe and see what else they can do. This was simply a quick (well not that quick) lunch and I will try them again soon for dinner and Yelp again. Meanwhile I have nothing else but great things to say and think about Circe. Good job, well done!!!
(5)Edward B.
Circe is a great addition to the Providence restaurant and lounge scene. The decor is beautiful. The bartenders and servers are very knowledgeable and approachable and the tapas style menu is delicious. I love the open kitchen. I believe this trendy new establishment will last and hopefully become a staple in the city. Cheers
(4)Chris W.
Great food!!!! Outstanding service and a great bar crowd.. This place certainly hits its intended mark of excellence. Highly recommended!!
(5)K S.
So, I finally went back to Circe for lunch, and I was pleasantly surprised. The service was good, not too cool for school hostesses to be found. Our waiter was pleasant, humorous and attentive. I'd heard complaints from co-workers that when Circe first opened, fries had to be purchased separately from sandwiches at lunch, with the fries being absurdly overpriced. They seemed to have remedied this by now having fries come with sandwiches/burgers, which makes sense! I had the apple wood smoked ham sandwich with Narragansett mozzarella. It was really good, and the bread was stunningly delicious and I am not a big bread person. For $10, it was a great lunch entree, and a substantial portion. I think the tweaks have been working. I will check them out again for lunch for sure, but the true test will be drinks and dinner!
(4)Cat B.
I came to Circe with 3 others to enjoy the food of Restaurant week. We were seated right away and introduced to our server, Kevin. However the prompt service vanished as soon as it was apparent that we weren't ordering any alcohol and were ordering from the restaurant week menu. From then on Kevin barely came to our table. It took 40 minutes for BREAD to be served after having to ask again for it. It took one hour to get our appetizers and the restaurant wasn't even crowded! As for the food, the pasta dish was inedible with the hand-cut pasta too doughy and a disconcertingly oily sauce. It was the first time ever having to send a dish back. The English Summer pudding was fairly bad - the fruit tasted like what you would find at the bottom of a sangria and the bread was tasteless and had the texture of Wonder bread. Overall, the service and wait times were inexcusable and accompanied by equally bad dishes.
(2)Lynn K.
great sunday brunch awesome unlimited champagne and wonderful service from Matt!!
(5)Bill K.
Came here last Friday night and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Upscale and trendy, but classy as well. Bartenders were doing a good job even though it was pretty packed. Only complaint I have is the flow pattern at night (night life layout) is a little awkward due to the staircase being right in the middle of the action. Aside from the layout, it's a great spot to come have a drink and mingle.
(4)Katherine T.
So refreshing to go to a Providence restaurant that has great city feel design, ambiance, and a, creative menu with food that is scrumptious. We went on a Tuesday night. Tried four small plates: fettuccine with pumpkin in a cream sauce with chervil and toasted almonds, stuffed warm figs and two types of mussels. Every single dish was flavored and presentd beautifully. The fennel in the mussels with tomatoe base was a nice touch. The figs stuffed with blue cheese with honey dressing were divine. Ended with a pumpkin creme brûlée with amazing popcorn side. Wine lis good and reasonable priced. Actually, I thought whole menu was reasonably priced for what you were getting. Side plus...cool decor and great music. My other favorite restaurant: Julians. This is now my other...
(5)H. S.
I don't know who is writing the bad reviews here. We just had one of the best meals ever at Circe. I had the seared halloumi cheese on channa masala. I was impressed by the nicely done fusion and even my Indian husband thought the channa was amazing. My husband got the sirloin and scallops combo and it was tasty! Perhaps this restaurant has improved since they first opened. We also had some delicious small plates. The only thing we regretted is that we were too full for dessert!
(5)Sarah N.
What a wonderful surprise finding this place by accident. Our waiter Roma was very attentive and very knowledgeable about wines and the entrees. My wild mushroom pasta dish was outstanding and everyone else enjoyed theirs too. I was very impressed on how clean the kitchen and dining rooms were. Will be back soon!!!
(5)Mark C.
Circe has been opened for about a month in the former location of the glad-it-died Downcity Food + Cocktails. First off, the interior. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about the layout, which was originally a stationary store. It is far too narrow and cramped for patrons to eat comfortably (except in the back). I mention the interior because when I was there with friends on a recent Friday evening for dinner, it was so packed that you had to be a roller derby pro to get through the crowd. I don't know how the wait staff does it. It was so loud with club mixes blaring, that it was difficult to communicate with our very nice waitress. However from the time we were seated, It took 1.25 hours to get our meals. They should NOT follow in the steps of the former establishment. Is it a restaurant or a nightclub? On the bright side, the food is really good, with some touches of Eastern Mediterranean and South Asian cuisine. Especially good was their spinach caesar salad, which was light and flavorful and the totally vegan carrot soup. It is much more enjoyable on a week night, and lunch on Saturday. I'm sure that some kinks will be worked out. Finally, THANK you for covering every bit orange paint!
(3)Holly S.
Visited last night and had a great experience. The service could have been a little better but the manager paid close attention to our party and visited the table for each course. The menu was great and had lots to choose from, although we took advantage of the prix fixe restaurant week menu, the regular restaurant menu was excellent and can't wait to visit again to try more. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone looking for a nice restaurant that utilizes farm fresh ingredients.
(4)Robert R.
Stopped in for brunch with a couple friends. The restaurant wasn't busy, the decor is beautifully done and the waitstaff friendly and accommodating. The food, however, was just horrible. My fellow diner sent his raw french toast back to the kitchen - it was literally dripping with raw egg batter. The chef sent it back to the table saying that was how he makes french toast and he's famous for it. Really. Good luck with being famous buddy. I thought, hey this is just brunch, i should give dinner a try before assessing this place....But, honestly, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Providence. Why would I even waste my time on a second visit here?
(2)Jacquelyn C.
While entertaining out-of-state guests, I chose Circe for a pre-Waterfire dinner. (I had not been there as yet, but friends who had said it was great.) From the moment we walked into this lovely restaurant until we left, the experience was delightful. Our server, Ahmed, was amazing! Knowledgeable, pleasant and attentive - I would definitely request to be seated in his area on my next visit! (And there WILL be a next visit!) The food was delicious...generous portions - expertly prepared and presented. Two of us had salmon - the other two had roast chicken and meatloaf. Everyone raved about their choices. I might try brunch next time but I've decided this is my go-to place in Providence for dinner. Try it...you won't be disappointed.
(5)Mike S.
We came here late on a Sunday night. We sat at the bar and asked for menus only to be told the kitchen was closed. We walked out and asked the host if he could recommend a nearby restaurant whose kitchen was open. Visibly upset with his bartender he told us that the bar menu is still available, so we went inside and sat back down at the bar while he chastised her a bit. The drinks were good but their crushed ice machine was broken so we passed on the mint juleps that we wanted. Even though we ended up ordering from the bar menu the food was still pretty good. After the initial friction with the bartender she warmed up a bit and was pleasant. The sauce they served with the calamari was really good.
(4)Mike S.
Love this place for brunch. Haven't had a chance to try their other menus. Great decor, friendly knowledgeable staff, great food, and locally sourced ingredients. We would definitely come back next time we're in Providence.
(4)Jessie M.
I visited Circe for Providence restaurant week. Both their lunch and dinner menus looked amazing so I had to check it out. The vibe of Circe reminder me of Miami Beach. White shutters and woodwork throughout the place with various neon lights and upbeat music. Great service, with thorough and friendly waitstaff, they were able to give recommendations and answer questions efficiently. I got the watermelon gazpacho with a seared scallop and feta, gnudi with lobster which was garnished with flowers and chocolate fondant with coconut sorbet. All of the dishes were great! Seems like a cool spot to get a drink too.
(4)Hamov Lady G.
Everything about our experience was wonderful! Food, service, atmosphere. Whole family enjoyed it!
(5)Iris R.
Circe is one of my favorite places to go in Downtown. You will find me there every Sunday sharing the best Honey drizzled french toast and banana pancakes with my twin daughters. We love the privacy of the location and the ambience of the restaurant. The staff is always a pleasure and the owner, Carlo, is beyond fantastic. He makes sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Go for brunch, lunch, or dinner..you'll be happy you did!
(5)Gary M.
Food, decent but not extraordinary. Facility, attractive but upstairs too tight with service providers running everywhere. Most importantly, extremely POOR service. So poor, I shall NOT return. With this price point, a simple glass of water should be attended to regularly. It was not. Sorry Circe..
(2)Frank T.
I finally went to that zoo city Prov. We have many interns working at Circe so after hearing nice things we went. The service was very nice and I had a nice table facing the front line in the kitchen. The place runs smooth from what I saw, the attention to detail, everyone was on the same page and it looked like they were having a blast back there. The food was excellent each item was flavored gently as not to over through the main item. Nice valet gentleman as he asked us how the dinner was. Nice operation. Wish them well
(5)Shari W.
In the short time we have lived in Providence, this space has been 3 different restaurants. We'd been to the first 2 but not the third. Then we met Carlo at a local event. We really liked him and made the decision to give this 3rd restaurant a try. That was back in the end of Feb. Well last night we finally made it there, poked along by a Living Social deal which gave us $50 to spend for a $25 charge. Our meal, one appetizer to share, two mains, one glass of wine and 1 dessert cost an additional $45. So for Providence, it is definitely on the pricier side, but the food was divine and the experience worth it. It would be possible to order less expensive menu items, but there was no way I wasn't going to try the seared tune special. My husband had the duck 2 ways. He loves duck. He grew up in the finest French restaurant in Chicago. Nobody makes the duck of his youth. He adored this duck and that is saying a lot. It was cooked perfectly. Carlo came over and sat with us for a few minutes. He remembered us which made us feel good. We asked him why the calamari didn't have any tentacles, our favorite part! (The rings we nice and meaty and juicy.) Apparently, Carlo said we are the odd ones, as most people don't like the tentacles, so they don't serve them. Carlo took our email and said he would email us when the chef makes a special dish with the tentacles, so we will definitely be back! Oh, and don't skip dessert. Try the strawberry rhubarb polenta crumble. I only wish there had been more ice cream.
(5)Samantha V.
Awesomeee mixologists. Try the Hibiscus Martini and the Mango Sno-Hitos (made up name I made for a mojito with a snow cap top) all very reasonable and made special with love! I also had the Chicken, which was soooo tasty, flavorful and served with mashed potatoes and string beans. I was very impressed at the stein taste of such a simple dish bit very happy, will definitely be back!
(5)Nic Y.
Great lunch option. Very good for a business or friendly lunch. The steak open face sandwich was awesome. The mayonnaise side with fries was fantastic.
(5)Linda F.
The owner is s super nice guy. The wine list is just ok. By the glass it's catch as catch can. Not impressive or appealing if you're going for a white. I had the honey carrot salad which was a little bland so I didn't finish that. Followed up with a slightly boring charcuterie. Prosciutto. Really≠I've been spoiled by Local 121and that's all too it. Good music and good service. Next time I'll try regular entrees. That may be the way to go. I will definitely give them a 2nd try. The martinis were really good according to my dinner partner.
(3)Kel S.
Can we talk calamari on salad for a second? How about the raw scallop appetize? Or pizza, heavenly pizza. Or ravioli, perhaps? Shall we talk cocktails? I haven't had something I did not like. The food and drinks are always well-made and inventive. The service is pretty darn good, too. The crowd can be interesting. Very RI/Jersey Shore at times. I've been at happy hour, for dinner, for a party. It has always been an enjoyable experience.
(4)Hilary H.
Of all the dining establishments in downtown Providence, Circe is really something special -- the ambience, the location, the service... It's a place just about everyone will love. I've been to CIrce many times and have always enjoyed the great wine list, the friendly and attentive staff and, most recently, one of the most delicious meals I've had in a long time. What blew me away about this meal wasn't just the exquisitely prepared duck confit ravioli in a velvety yet light sauce. It wasn't just the brilliant, fresh and bright local oysters topped with a pleasingly acidic minionette. I absolutely loved every morsel of the pan-seared ahi tuna atop the unusual and bold beet risotto that pared perfectly with the recommended Pinot Noir, but it wasn't that, either. It was the fact that this meal took place on Valentine's Day, and nothing -- not one single element of the event -- was the least bit out of place. There was no rushing, no scrambling, no beat missed. I haven't seen that anywhere else ever on Valentine's Day. Have you? What makes Circe so special -- aside from the delicious food, gorgeous ambience and expert staff -- is that all together, everything creates a magical element I've not seen elsewhere in this city. Every piece and detail of Circe is executed perfectly yet warmly and without a hint of pretension. It's graceful and lovely and comforting all at once. Whether it's for drinks at the bar, a lingering brunch with bottomless mimosas or a romantic dinner for two, Circe doesn't miss a beat. Go for a meal, but just know that the space turns a bit clubby after hours. And if you can, snag a table upstairs -- it's quite lovely!
(5)Queenie L.
I've been to Circe for couple times and they are just getting better and better. Our last visit was Yelp Elite Event hosted there and we had a blast! The service was top notch!! All the servers there were extremely helpful, friendly and yet sincere!! I like their vibe!! We stayed a little longer after the event was over, we wanna order food at the bar however it was packed and we were debating what to do, the manager was very helpful, he recommended a great dish for us and managed to find us seats when the food arrived! How awesome it is! We ordered the 16oz hereford sirloin with seared bomster scallops on top of the truffle mashed potato. A good dish to share by 2. The steak is very lean but the truffle oil gave it a kick, brought the favor to a different level. Plus they are thoughtful enough to preslice the steak for us, no messy at all! Love the bar service!! We asked them for recommendation for wine, they poured us couple samples to try. They provided excellent service even thou it was a busy night!
(5)Mari K.
This was my first time here, and it was on Easter Sunday to celebrate my sister's birthday. I was impressed right away by the decor and ambience. The hostess and all servers were very friendly. The bacon is especially good here. Kevin was our waiter and was fantastic. Friendly, funny and attentive. The food was great, the mimosas were good, and Kevin brought over a birthday desert -- an amazing chocolate lava cake with a scoop of ice cream -- for my sister. The wine list was good, and we were enjoying the place so much we decided to get a bottle after the mimosas. I'm always looking for brunch spots, and I'll definitely return here. Especially since I hear they have bottomless mimosas on regular (non-holiday) Sundays!
(4)Jillian Q.
Circe is an excellent pre-theater dinner choice. We wanted to go to a nicer restaurant and I really wanted some charcuterie and based our restaurant choice on who looked to offer a good selection. Boy did we choose correctly! Our server was very helpful and informed us that the board for 1 was plenty for us to share, especially if we were having entrees also. So thankful we took her advice, the board was beautiful, plentiful, and a crazy deal at $12! So many tasty tidbits that we couldn't even finish all of it! I went with the spring vegetable carbonara, as a meat lover I usually won't go for the vegetarian options but the pasta just sounded delightful. The thick fettuccine had such a great texture and the vegetables were delicious. The husband opted for the duo of duck and loved both ways his duck was prepared. Service was fantastic and I loved that you were not rushed. We were able to take our time with our charcuterie board, I hate it when you are halfway into your appetizer and your meal arrives. It was wonderful to leisurely enjoy our meal but our server was also very conscious of our show time and made sure our bill was taken care of promptly. Bonus was that we got a discount because we were going to PPAC afterwards, that was an awesome surprise! Also overheard another table being told that they were welcome to leave their car with the valet at Circe and pick it up after the show, good to know for the future!
(4)Sara M.
Went here for our anniversary and it did not disappoint. Had a drink at the bar first. Excellent wine and cocktail list. Our server was very attentive. I had the deviled egg app and the burger and my husband had the charcuterie and a bacon wrapped steak. Everything was cooked to perfection. The owner made sure to stop by our table to see how everything was. This is a new favorite place.
(5)Jamey B.
After attending the Yelp event I had to come back here for a full dinner. The food and service were truly outstanding. We went for a birthday celebration for a party of six. I had made reservations for 8pm, we were on time and promptly seated. Around the table we had oysters, beef tartare with a quail egg, truffle fettuccine, lamb meatballs, and ceviche for appetizers. A few of us did family style and shared. I tasted the fettuccine and meatballs, which were both rich and well seasoned. Next time I go I am NOT sharing the fettuccine. For mains we were meat heavy. My husband's surf and turf (lobster and steak) looked awesome. My bacon wrapped tenderloin (medium rare) on polenta was perfectly cooked and delicious. Pork three ways was really neatly presented though I didn't get to taste it. The server was good with recommendations when we requested them but didn't push anything. There are enough amazing flavors on the menu to keep tempting me to come back. Delicious!
(5)Francesca J.
I was impressed with Circe. It is in a great location with outdoor seating, long bar, active downstairs and quiet upstairs. Very chic ambiance. Great cocktail list and variety on the dinner menu. I tried the duck duo, it was AMAZING! My friend had a pork special which was also delicious. I would highly recommend and return. Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was because service/food were a little slow, even for a not-so-busy Saturday, and the air conditioning wasn't working.
(4)