Same review as always ... best tapas on the Crystal Coast. Just won the award for "Best Bite" at Morehead City's annual "Blues & Bites" event. Wait staff is always friendly and efficient.

The tables are so close together it’s difficult for the wait staff to place food without leaning on other tables.

Restaurant was very quiet and not crowded at all. Quickly seated and server appeared. Started with small plate of NC cheeses and one of NC ham. Both dishes were very tasty. Second dish arrived too quickly. Should have waited for us to finish the first small plates. I had tuna special and my wife had the pork belly and grits. Both dishes were delicious but plated poorly. My dish, which had to be cut, was served in a very small high sided dish. Difficult to cut food and impossible to get our peas without holding bowl on the side. Hot crab dip was also very good. Finished off with creme brûlée and coffee. A very pleasant dining experience.

Wonderful food and service!!!

Circa is always great. We eat there often. Only complaint is that the wait staff needs to bone up on their knowledge of their wine offerings. It’s purely hit and miss when asking for recommendation.

Good food, small tables, small portions, big prices, $8.99 child meals that aren't even big enough to feed a kid, and prepare to know everyone's business because they practically seat you on top of your neighbors.

Food is always great. I just wish the wait staff was more knowledgeable about the wine selection. Been there the past two Friday nights in a row, had different servers, and neither knew anything about the specifics of any of the selections. They know the menu, just don’t know the wines. Otherwise great.

Just your normal every day five star experience.

Birthday everyone enjoyed everything.

Order a bunch and the staff did a good job of the order they came out and the timing

Everything was the usual 5 star experience in all categories except service. Pretty sure that server will receive further training very soon.

Circa 81 is by far the nest restaurant in the Crystal Coast area. Thoughtful, local, creative food and outstanding cocktails. Try the ginger mojito or any of the freshly made sangria!

Excellent brunch and mimosa! Server, I believe his name was Kelly was outstanding. Shawn also came by the table to check on us - another great server!

We celebrated my birthday at Circa on Friday; had a wonderful and diverse selection of tapas and a great Cabernet. Our waitperson was Jaimie and she timed all of our various tapas dishes perfectly and was attentive without being in the way. We always go to Circa for important celebrations because we know the food and service will create an occasion to remember.

lea

We love this restaurant. Our service experience on our most recent visit was not up to par with our normal experiences. We think they were short handed and so the bartender was waiting tables in addition to bar tending. But the food and atmosphere are wonderful! We will continue going back for great food, cocktails, and wine!

We had an amazing dinner as always!

It’s been a few months since I’ve eaten there because I live in Raleigh and have a place in Emerald Isle. Always amazed at how they keep the all around five star experience fresh. The Server was very attentive and personable with a great sense of humor. Hostess also continued to check on us throughout the meal. Usually a Hostess greets, seats, and says goodbye when you leave. On several occasions a Chef delivered our Tapas. Beautiful teamwork concept, no doubt instilled by Chef Merrell, Owner and Operator. Oh by the way, I should pay homage to the Bartender, as the drink are always inventive and awesome. Can’t leave without saying there must be new talent in the kitchen. The menu is become better and more varied. Hard to reinvent perfection.

I have never been disappointed at this restaurant. They are fantastic and remain my favorite restaurant in all of Carteret County!

We went for our anniversary and felt special from the moment we walked in. Alex Ortiz, the bartender made the best martini I have ever had and Jonathan Meadows made sure we felt cared for and appreciated. Kudos to such a fine staff, excellent food and a perfect evening!

I love this restaurant it never disappoints!
The food and drinks are great.

Everything was great. Service, cocktails and service were outstanding.

Our new favorite local place. Great food, selection and good value.

We love to share small plates and have lots of variety. Sean was our server again and he was again a great server. Dessert is a winner also. Beer was colder this visit, so I was a totally happy dinner guest.

Great place with good food. They are happy to make changes to the menu items to suit you. Nice place for a quiet meal if you want to talk.

We enjoy every meal we have here. The food is always excellent and all prepared. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

We have been to this restaurant several times and have taken family and friends there too. The food is very creative and delicious. The staff provides excellent service.

Great food. The only issue was the beer which could have been colder. We loved the small plates and shared several of them.

Great place. Wonderful for Sunday brunch or mid-week lunch. The only opportunity I experience is the inconsistency of the Bloody Mary’s. It’s hit or miss. However, if it is a miss, they are very eager to make it right!

Great servers!

This is our go-to place. We always have a great meal. This time we had the evening's special tapas. One was better than the other. If you haven't been here, you really should try it.

What a little gem! The four of us ordered 3 items each from the small plates menu. Each was so good that even though we practically ordered the whole small plates menu, there were still items left of the menu that also sounded delicious! Service was excellent, responsive but not intrusive. Don't know about the main entrees but the small plates were over the top good. Delish! Go here now.

Food and service were both impeccable. Will definitely be going back. Hands down one of the best restaurants in the area.
Highly recommended!

Great experience. Great food!

We received a gift certificate, and happily enjoyed a wonderful "late lunch/early dinner" on our 23rd wedding anniversary! The selection of tapas was delightful, and varied for the season. We definitely recommend Circa 81 to those traveling, or living in coastal NC.

My wife and I eat here about once or twice a week. The Su day Brunch is our favorite stop after church. The menus are varied. It I enjoy the specials which change regularly. The wait staff are particularly attentive.

Excellent food and perfect service. Certainly a top 3 restaurant in the area!

Being a frequent diner at the restaurant, we chose to dine from the specials. We had the omelette special and it was great! A perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked , blackened salmon omelette , with just the right amount of fresh spinach and tomatoes. A great dish, with outstanding service(thanks Jamie) made for a very nice birthday brunch!

Great experience

Food is always good here. Great wine list. Service is always very good!

Such a wonderful place! The service was amazing, the food delicious!!! We went there for my husband's birthday, and our waitress made sure to make it a special occasion! Loved it!!!!

Enjoyed a delicious Sunday brunch with a friend. Our server Joe was exceptional and very attentive to our dining requests and made brunch very relaxing. We enjoyed our food selections and definitely recommende Circa 81...especially for Sunday Brunch.