Circo Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Florida

4.7 out of 5 stars? Really? Google reviewers are far too generous. Ate at Circo tonight for the first time with a friend. A bit difficult to find the place but we did after not being able to get tables at Tony and Nellos down the road, which was fine dining. This restaurant is not in that league. Walking up, there were outdoor tables in front with a table of four and a heater on a chilly night. They had a bottle of wine on their table, a pizza, and entrees.Looked cozy. Inside had 12-15 tables, 4 and 2 tops. One waiter who was a bit too busy, but did his job. Ordered the white pizza with sausage, roasted garlic, broccoli rabe. When it arrived it had ground sausage. I was hoping it tasted better than it looked. No silverware on our table. Took a bite. It was chewy. The rabe underdone, crust underdone to my taste. Took another bite. The "roasted " garlic was definitely raw-ish. That raw garlic aftertaste filled my mouth and breath. It was my last bite. Couldn't eat it. My dinner companion when I asked said the pizza was "fine". Explained to the waiter. Asked him what was reliable on the menu. He brought out spaghetti and meatballs. To my palette, tasteless. Underseasoned. Couldn't eat it. Apologized to the server. He comped the pizza but couldn't comp the spaghetti and meatballs. Explained that the chef was from Italy and had 35 years experience. I wondered if it might be me. My companion said it was "fine". I asked if he meant good. He said "no, fine. I would eat it". I paid the bill still wondering if my taste buds were off. Went home and prepared some pasta and shrimp. It was delicious. Tasted fresh and alive, so I knew it wasn't my taste buds. I'll probably throw out the spaghetti and meatballs I brought home, thinking I might be able to add some seasoning, some flavor. I won't be going back to Circo. My friend said he wouldn't be either. It was a...

Circo's is the total package in Tierra Verde. I've thoroughly enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner -- as you'll see from the pics. The food is outstanding, especially considering this is such a friendly, casual yet elegant restaurant.

The breakfast sandwich is amazing and I recently had their French toast with cinnamon gelato and it was mind-blowing!

I often go there for lunch and enjoy their pasta fagioli. I had dinner tonight and enjoyed a beautifully prepared Pompano dish, prepared by the amazing Dulce in the kitchen and perfected by Adam's extremely attentive service. He recommended a wonderful bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (and bottles are 1/2 price on Tuesday nights!) which was perfectly paired with my entree. The crispness of the wine was an excellent counterpoint to the beautiful sauce prepared with the fish. All portions are very generous.

By the way, Molly is a superb barista and her cappuccino is my new favorite in St. Pete. The quality of the espresso was sublime.

Finally, the owners Dave and Susan are the perfect, gracious hosts and are highly skilled --- Susan in the front of the house and Dave in the back. They seem to be completely engaged in constant improvement of all areas of food, service and ambiance, including the addition of their new gelato bar. it is evident that this restaurant is their absolute passion.

The Circo experience reminds me of a quote that I believe was from the late, great Anthony Bourdain who, when asked about his favorite restaurant replied, "I like to go to restaurants where I am loved." That certainly applies to the vibe at Circo.

Highly, highly...

❤️This restaurant is absolutely positively without a doubt FANTASTIC! The Chef certainly knows how to create culinary masterpieces. We ordered for 6 and there were only two of us☺️. It was so difficult to choose. We started with the Focaccia bread with olive oil. It is the BEST Focaccia we’ve had and piping hot from the oven. Next was Calamari Fritti with shrimp zucchini and lemon, and the Creamy Zucchini soup special. Sooooooooo good! We picked two entrees, the Tripletail over Linguine with Creamy Paradiso Sauce AND Short Rib Stuffed Ravioli with Truffle Mushroom Sauce. If Heaven serves food this would have to be it. I don’t use those words lightly. It was just mouthwatering deliciousness that I had to let the world know about, one person at a time!!! If you are deciding on where to eat, this would be the greatest decision! You are welcome for providing the solution! 😉

The portions are so generous, we had enough for a second dinner. We ordered the Tiramisu and Cannoli for Dessert for later and they were both incredible! Being 100% Italian I can attest to this being real authentic food at its finest.

The restaurant is so warm inside and service by Adam was truly fantastic. He assisted in guiding us while ordering and was so attentive throughout the meal. We were also blessed to meet the Chef, and what a guy! This is such a warm place! Loved everything about it!

Thank you for such a wonderful experience! We will absolutely be back. Look forward to visiting the new location when...