Circo - Permanently Closed

4.1

1886 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Circo offers upscale Italian fare built upon a foundation of signature Tuscan recipes from the kitchen of Maccioni matriarch Egidiana and prepared by Executive Chef Alfio Longo. The menu is served in a lively, sophisticated setting reminiscent of the old-style European circus tents which inspired the restaurant's name.

"When we opened Circo in 1996, our business plan was simple, Dad's Hospitality, Mom's Food, run by the sons."

Bright blue circus rings suspended with gold stars, sculptures of monkeys swinging near overhead, playful clowns dancing above the open kitchen and a ceiling hung with tapestries & trapezes all reinforce the vibrant circus theme.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday -Friday 11:30am - 5:00pm Dinner: Monday 5:30pm - 10:30pm Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm -10:30pm Sunday 5:00pm - 10:30pm
Phone number
(212) 265-3636
Website
http://www.circonyc.com/index.html
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Alfio Longo
Catering
Off site catering available for smaller events.
Private party facilities
With a beautiful Bar area and outdoor Terrazza, we can help create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Our Chef is also on hand to create a personalized menu for any off premise event you would like to have catered.
Private party contact
Marta Shul: (888) 641-4852

Location
120 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood
Midtown West
Cross street
6th and 7th Avenue
Parking details
A parking garage is located next door on 55th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues, same side of the street. http://nyc.centralparking.com/opentable/6623/Osteria-Del-Circo-Parking.html
Public transit
Subway: E M @ 5 Avenue / 53 Street B Q N R @ 57th Street / 7th Avenue F @57th Street / 6th Avenue
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,886 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4.1Food
4.1Service
4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,734 Reviews

RH
RitaH
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
We discovered when we sat down that we were there on the penultimate night of service in this restaurant, which has been open for at least 20 years. They lost their lease that very week, and the staff had just been told a few days before. We were very sad, because Circo had been one of our regular venues for pre-theatre dinner, particularly for City Center. I had celebrated several birthdays there as well. Our dinner was delicious but sad. We will miss Circo.
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RD
RegisteredDietitian
New York Area
188 reviews
vip
5.0
188 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are so sorry Circo is closing on Sunday. It has been our go to restaurant for over 20years. Good bye to a dear friend
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R
Robert
New York Area
24 reviews
3.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience4
Having had dinner at Circo several times in the past, most recently it was somewhat disappointing, hopefully an off evening and poor selections from the menu. The staff, though friendly, was overworked and harried, but they did get us out on time for the theater, an easy target as we only had main course and dessert. The veal was tough and grissly so that the scallopini dish chosen by three at our table, though flavorful, was a poor choice. A restaurant like Circo should be more careful in purchasing its meat. Hoping to return for a better meal.
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RD
RegisteredDietitian
New York Area
188 reviews
vip
5.0
188 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
How sad, our go to restaurant with great service and food and ambiance is closing on sunday
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t
tpsx36a
New York Area
43 reviews
vip
2.0
43 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2017
overall2food3service1ambience5
Would not recommend. Owner only interested in his "friends." No waiter! We ordered thru a busman who told the wine guy what we wanted. Food came on time and was good but wine was actually BAD, so he opened another one that was awful tasting, finally a Shiraz that was drinkable. He was nice. Tried to be helpful. Very disorganized. The people next to us were equally horrified. Beautiful place though.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it. So sad they close send!
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P
Pacer
New York Area
66 reviews
vip
4.0
66 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience4
Pre-theater from 5:30-6:30 great deal. Choices great and portions a good size. Yummy pumpkin tart. Wine list has changed and we found it difficult to find a moderately priced wine. However maitre d’ was able to find a suitable and fine tasting wine that was not on the list. Enjoyable evening.
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S
Speats
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been to Circo many times over the last few years and it has never been a disappointment. Just days after we were last there, I heard they were about to close. That is a huge disappointment. Bruno and friends, we miss you.
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A
Average
Phoenix
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bruno is the greatest as always he and his Circo Troop are the Best of the Best! AAA+ If you want a great dinning experience and finest quality, this is the place. Enjoy! Thank you again!!
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B
Brownfoodgroupie
Baltimore
26 reviews
vip
3.0
26 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2017
overall3food4service3ambience3
Restaurant was veeery busy pre theater but quieted down after 7:45pm. Staff didn’t pay attention to Open Table notes about our special anniversary, although Maitre D spoke to us after dinner & decorated dessert plate. Friends called restaurant to send us drinks & they couldn’t find a reservation for us - Hello Open Table! Large portion of veal parmesan & very delicious creme brûlée!
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E
Ellen
San Francisco
55 reviews
vip
3.0
55 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience4
Everything was way too salty!! I could barely eat my dinner.
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JA
JAGJR
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
I enjoyed their chicken specialty and my wife also enjoyed her salmon. The venue is much better than Aquagrill where we went last week. I’m not sure about comparing the venue with Le Bernardin or Nobu but the staff Bruno, Elmo and Julio made us feel special. We will come back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2017
overall1food1service1ambience2
Very bad service, not enough waiters. Food was very average
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TB
TurtleBayResident
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circo is elegant and classy. The pasta is homemade, subtle, tasty, and presented well. I loved the Papardelle with wild mushrooms and duck ragu. I would go back for that.
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MM
MsMM
New York Area
44 reviews
vip
3.0
44 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience4
Have come to this restaurant pre theater for many years. It seems to have lost it's food quality at the same time that it has gotten very pricey. Decor is lovely, but food Is skimpy and lacking good flavors.
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j
jayworth
New York Area
52 reviews
vip
2.0
52 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2017
overall2food2service2ambience1
What a disappointment..tired almost shabby decor & a menu that hasnt been updated in 15 years. As to our dinner, their gas service for the kitchen had been interrupted hours before, which resulted in more than half the menu items to be unavailable, such as all pastas, etc. Rather than notify us via open table (where we had made the ressie) or via my email address or cellphone, they chose to say nothing in advance. We werent even notified when we checked in at the door; we werent told until after we sat down & had ordered a cocktail. too late to change our plans. A terrible way to treat us. Will NEVER return !!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2017
overall3food2service3ambience3
There was no gas at that day, so they don’t serve pastas and many other dishes. I chose the chicken and it’s so plain. Bad experience
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l
lefiz
London
19 reviews
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2017
overall3food5service2ambience4
I've been dining at Circo for years, and have generally been very happy. Hopefully this was just an off night, but the service was slow and inattentive, and numerous beverage choices on the menu were unavailable.
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L
Lovinit
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience5
Close by Times Square. Whimsical, modern decor. Generous Martini followed by a great meal . We both had Sea Bass but prepared in different ways (salt crust & grilled with lemon and capers) Suggested wine to accompany was excellent. Would recommend to friends. Outstanding service
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CJ
CJohn
Phoenix
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the efficient good humor of Maurer d' to the knowledgeable and patient waiters it was a terrific time. Italian wine and salt-encrusted Bronzino, the meal was wonderful. A "circus" of delight.
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ME
MEME
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great service. Very ood foode. Bargain menu available
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RC
RobertaC
New York Area
20 reviews
1.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2017
overall1food1service1ambience4
I have eaten at this restaurant several times and it was always fabulous. The food has been fantastic, the place was always packed, the ambience fun and exciting. Our recent dinner was a major disappointment. There was one waitress, the white wine was warm and we were told it would have to be put on ice for 15 minutes, or pasta dish came out cold and had to be sent back to be warmed up and our entrée - Dover sole was too rich and the veal Milanese was tough. Needless to say we left as soon as we could and will never go back there. What a total disappointment. This place had been fantastic. It certainly isn't now.
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G
Gary
Miami
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was great - salad portion was too small - wine prices on the high end - overall it was a delicious lively meal - would come back the next time we visit NYC
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M
Mike
San Francisco
50 reviews
vip
2.0
50 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2017
overall2food2service2ambience3
This is the second time we have tried Circo for dinner with the same friends. The two orders of salmon were good, as were the salads, the service was very slow during both visits. The two orders of veal Parmesan were a disaster, dry tough veal with a burnt cheese on top, no visable sauce. The veal portions were round in shape and looked like pizza's being served. Neither of us finished the veal as it was hard to chew and not tasty. The side of broccoli rabe was about 1/2 a cup in size for $11.00...no value. There are too many better places in that area of mid town to dine at with good food and good service.
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J
Jimmyb
Dallas
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience5
Just reopend and they were out of several items. No mozzarella, only 2 choices for red wine. Ambience was nice and servers friendly but food was just average.
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RC
RachelleC
San Francisco
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
Have not been to Circo for some time but when colleagues and I were in NYC and wanted a nice meal near our hotel, I recommended Circo. The maitre d was suave and lovely as usual, the food and service were great, just as I remembered. We ate outdoors and had a lovely time.
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d
dineout
New York Area
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2017
overall2food3service1ambience3
The service was basically nonexistent. The waitress was not attentive. It was pretty obvious that our entrees were delivered to another table as the wait after our salads was insanely long. I was last here two weeks ago and the air conditioning wasn't working.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2017
overall5food3service5ambience5
Birthday - greT room
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OD
OrrinD
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service nice staff. We ate 3 nights in a row!!
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l
linnie
New York Area
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Circo is always great and this time it was no exception. Dinner was great and the ambience is always terrific.
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O
Orbit
West Palm Beach
38 reviews
4.0
38 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience5
Nice dinner. Fly flew into one glass of wine and when the waiter was told, he said I will filter the wine. That was a surprise. Did not drink the rest or complain.
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o
olga
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience4
Very pleasant place, especially during summer time with their outdoor area... Good quality food, good wine list, of course expensive due to area...
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d
dehillerin
New York Area
213 reviews
vip
4.0
213 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience3
Two friends took me to lunch for an early birthday celebration. The service was prompt, pleasant and attentive, in no way intrusive, It was Restaurant Week, and we indulged in a three-course lunch. Excellent trofie al pesto, pollo al mattone, and a darling fresh blueberry tartlette. Everyone was pleased as can be. Will happily go back another time. I prefer it at lunch, when the restaurant is relatively quiet...but then, it's my generation's preference.
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S
Susan
St. Louis
72 reviews
vip
4.0
72 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2017
overall4food5service5ambience4
We love it here. Too close to other people. Food fantastic. Service fantastic. Great place
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2017
overall1food3service1ambience3
The restaurant was empty. I had to wait 45 minutes to get my first course which was a "salad". Second course took another 30 minutes. The waitress didn't come to check on the table or to advise what the wait was until I asked. Overall, lunch took two hours of my 60 minutes window and I told the waitress I was on a schedule. The son of the owner seated us and was nowhere to be found when my colleague and I wanted to complain. Food and portions were mediocre at best. I don't recommend this restaurant.
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SO
SpecialOccasionMontreal
Pittsburgh
40 reviews
vip
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2017
overall4food4service2ambience4
We enjoyed very good food but the service was agonizingly slow. We can recommend the salt encrusted branzino and the rack of lamb. On a night when only a dozen tables were occupied, it was surprising and inexcusable that the service was so slow. It would be risky to come here pre-theater.
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JM
JMAD
New York Area
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week lunch was fabulous: good selection, generous portions, wonderful food. Every detail, from the delicious bread basket to the "Happy Anniversary" written on our dessert plate, to the attentive service, was outstanding. The maitre d has to be one of the most charming old-world gentlemen in New York. I couldn't recommend it more highly!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2017
overall3food3service2ambience4
Waitress was over whelmed, which made the service very slow. But the food was interesting enough to try again.
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B
notjust4Bme
New York Area
48 reviews
4.0
48 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
This was my first visit to Circo, prompted by Restaurant Week. However, for those of us who do not eat desert, ordering one appetizer or salad plus an entree amounts to pretty much the same price as ordering from the Restaurant Week menu. The food was very good and the convenience to Carnegie Hall make Circo another good choice.
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O
Orchid
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2017
overall3food4service3ambience4
The service is very slow. Possibly understaffed. However the food was very nice and the ambience also nice.
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FAQs

Circo - Permanently Closed offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 265-3636.

Circo - Permanently Closed is rated 4.1 stars by 1886 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Circo - Permanently Closed

120 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019

Additional information

Cross street
6th and 7th Avenue
Neighborhood
Midtown West
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday -Friday 11:30am - 5:00pm Dinner: Monday 5:30pm - 10:30pm Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm -10:30pm Sunday 5:00pm - 10:30pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
A parking garage is located next door on 55th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues, same side of the street. http://nyc.centralparking.com/opentable/6623/Osteria-Del-Circo-Parking.html
Public transit
Subway:E M @ 5 Avenue / 53 StreetB Q N R @ 57th Street / 7th AvenueF @57th Street / 6th Avenue
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alfio Longo
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.circonyc.com/index.html
Phone number
(212) 265-3636
Catering
Off site catering available for smaller events.
Private party facilities
With a beautiful Bar area and outdoor Terrazza, we can help create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Our Chef is also on hand to create a personalized menu for any off premise event you would like to have catered.
Private party contact
Marta Shul: (888) 641-4852

Circo - Permanently Closed

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Antipasti

Zuppa Fredda Di Pomodori$12.00

Mista Di Campo$12.00

Pasta

Ravioli Di Mamma Egi$23.00

Trofie Al Pesto$27.00

Pizza

Margherita Pizza$18.00

Piccante Pizza$19.00

Bocconcini - Small Bites

Prosciutto Di Parma$12.00

Parmigiano Reggiano$8.00

Seafood and Meat

Branzino in Corsta Di Sale$35.00

Branzino Alla Griglia$35.00

What 1,886 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Circo - Permanently Closed offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Circo - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information