Circolo Popolare Madrid — Restaurant in Madrid

I’m going to give an honest review of both the good and the bad of this very interesting restaurant. You’ll need to read this entire review.

We visited on a Monday evening on June 9th. Since we were unable to find a reservation online, we decided to try our luck and drop in since the reviews were so good.

We were refused a table even though there were many empty tables both upstairs abs downstairs. So instead of a table we dined at the bar which faces directly into the kitchen- this is why the night became so interesting.

In spite of the fact that we had a clear view into the cooking area, the kitchen workers carried on their unsanitary behavior as if it was completely acceptable. As an American, I realize things may be different in Spain In terms of acceptable kitchen etiquette In public restaurants.

Most of the staff was wearing gloves, but the gentleman Closest to us only wore one glove, and he used the unloved hand to handle the large balls of cheese that are obviously very popular Since we watched him, prepare them back to back full of his own DNA.

We watched as two cooks were eating with one hand and changing out frying baskets with the other hand, while simultaneously dropping crumbs from the pastries they were eating into the frying oil. We even saw them eating off Customer plates. They seemed oblivious to the fact that we were highly interested in their dealings.

Now for the food: We ordered the chicken skewers- they were excellent. We also ordered shrimp skewers which were AWFUL. They tasted unclean; as if they were full of feces. I tried to eat it but since the restaurant is so dark and you cannot see your food I decided to be safe and did not eat them.

Both plates were served with fried potatoes and spinach that were DELICIOUS.

Additionally we ordered a pasta dish that was pretty good as well - just wasn’t served warm enough.

Now as for the atmosphere, this is a gorgeous restaurant. All the hype is for the ambience. Not for the service. And definitely not for the shrimp.

You will definitely want to dress up here or else you’ll feel out of place. See the picture of the receipt for a gauge of the pricing.

I personally will not return since the kitchen etiquette is a bit unsanitary...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Circolo Popolare in Madrid, an Italian restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu. The restaurant’s decor is captivating, featuring walls lined with illuminated bottles that create a warm and inviting ambiance. The lively setting, combined with attentive service, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.

The menu offers a wide array of Italian dishes, from classic pastas to wood-fired pizzas. Portions are notably generous, catering well to those with hearty appetites. During my visit, I sampled the Margherita pizza and the truffle pasta. The pizza had a thin crust with a flavorful tomato sauce and a satisfying amount of cheese. The truffle pasta was rich and aromatic, though slightly heavy.

For dessert, the tiramisu stood out with its creamy layers and balanced coffee flavor, providing a delightful end to the meal.

While the overall experience was positive, it’s worth noting that the restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. Making a reservation is advisable to ensure a timely seating. Additionally, some dishes arrived at the table less warm than expected, possibly due to the high volume of patrons.

In summary, Circolo Popolare offers a lively Italian dining experience in Madrid with generous portions and an engaging atmosphere. It’s a solid choice for those seeking hearty Italian fare in a...

I was really looking forward to dining here during my trip to Madrid, but unfortunately, it ended up being the most disappointing meal of the trip. To start, the restaurant was quite difficult to find, and once I was seated, it took over 15 minutes before anyone came to take my order. I was dining alone and ordered a glass of wine and a plate of spaghetti. The waiter asked if I wanted water, and I said yes—only to be brought an extra-large bottle, which felt wasteful as I had no idea it would be that size. My food arrived before my wine, which was frustrating because I had hoped to enjoy the wine first and then have another glass with my meal. After struggling to flag someone down again, I ordered a second glass, which never arrived. Eventually, I reminded another waiter, who brought a bottle over—only to serve the table next to me. I had to point out that it was actually for me. By the time I finally got my second glass, my meal was long finished. The final disappointment came with the check, which was oddly printed and difficult to read. I later realized I had been charged for three glasses of wine, despite only receiving two. Overall, the restaurant is far from the city center, the food was mediocre, and the service was disorganized and inattentive. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this place—which is a real letdown, as it was the spot I had been most...