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Circa Reviews List
Circa
Circa, a 130-seat restaurant in Manhattan Beach, is a collaboration between owner Michael Zislis, Consulting Chef Octavio Becerra, Executive Beverage Directors Julian Cox and Josh Goldman, with Executive Chef Bryon Freeze and operating partner Luis Villaneda. The menu is designed for sharing and focuses focus on bold international flavors that are inspired by the global flavors that make Los Angeles a vibrant culinary epicenter. The space, designed by Larry Drasin is steampunk vintage industrial with warm, casual interiors offering a number of vintage accents, and features a prominent lounge area with Chesterfield leather sofas, exposed brick walls and moveable doors that, when opened, fill the space with breezy ocean air. For the late-night crowd, the space transforms into a cozy lounge with music open until 2am on the weekends.
See more Circa details
75 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 75 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(5)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- vibrant bar scene(48)
- fit for foodies(46)
- hot spot(43)
- good for groups(29)
- neighborhood gem(25)
- romantic(12)
Circa Reviews List
Review 1 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't go!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place may just be getting it's feet wet but it was a disappointing experience. The staff was nice but the food was awful - we ordered the squash blossoms which were very bland, the shrimp skewers (pretty decent), and the chicken wraps. When my friend peeled back the skin on the chicken it was grey - completely unacceptable. I was offered to taste two different white wines, both of which I declined because they were so acidic (this I rarely do), and asked for a cocktail instead, which was the only redeeming part of the meal because the bartender made us some kind of whiskey sour concoction. I wouldn't reccommend this place to anyone unfortunately."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 2 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great atmosphere
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very fun place to go. The service was absolutely outstanding. The restaurant has a great vibe and a great atmosphere. Really good choice to bring a date. All small plates and everything was good, but very little was outstanding. The pork belly steamed buns were outstanding but the salmon, the duck tacos and the salad were all good, but nothing amazing. The lemon gnocchi was not good. On a recommendation we tried a scotch drink called penicillin which was really good."
Dined on 5/07/2013
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Review 3 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous and Eclectic!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, and such variety, something for any taste preference. Loved the calamari steak, so tender with flavorful marinade tempting the tastebuds. Halibut so mouthwatering! Enjoyed the Hotel Nacional cocktail, just enough for me! The churros for dessert to die for ! Will definitely come again and have already recommended to friends."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server Rochelle was wonderful and the food and cocktails were exceptional! Highly recommend!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Circa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Great location & Owner, but...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The family owned restaurants in Manhattan Beach are great and this location has had great restaurants with fantastic service and food. This one, Circa, does not meet the standards of Manhattan Beach and the Owners yet. Open a few months, it should be ready for higher standard of food experience in the area. Went first time for a business dinner this week and took 2 1/2 hours to have dinner. Vegetables served within 30 minutes after drinks then another 1 1/4 hours till the main course which would have been great to have with the vegetables. No time for dessert. Hope they get better or it will not be CIrca for long."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 6 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So-so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It felt like Circa was trying overly too hard to make their food and drinks original and funky. They had lots of interesting selections of tapas styled foods. Most did not look like anything interesting to me, however the Crispy Duck Tacos were fantastic! The service was good and our waitress awesome. The restaurant was cool and funky looking with an interestingly diverse crowd of hotties. Cougars for sure... For the two of us the night cost $155. Not too pricey but not sure I would go back."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food but it was VERY
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food but it was VERY LOUD. The waitress was very nice but insisted on reading the entire menu to us."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 8 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Once again, Circa was awesome!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Once again, Circa was awesome! Amazing food, great atmosphere and the drinks.... out of this world! My wife and I are huge fans. Only complaint I have is that they don't serve the sardines anymore. Keep up the good work circa!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 9 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The server was a great source
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The server was a great source of information, particularly about the cocktails. Unfortunately we thought the prices for the cocktails and wine by the glass were really quite expensive. Our appetizer took a long time to get to us, and then the main courses followed too quickly after. This is a new place so I imagine those problems will get solved."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Expensive drinks, but very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Expensive drinks, but very tasty. Ask about their secret drink menu."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list
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Review 11 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
service was a step above.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"service was a step above. food was unique and on point."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 12 for Circa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Just not the right fit. The
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just not the right fit. The food is trying too hard to "fit in"
Southbay enjoys higher end without so much unnecessary effort."
Southbay enjoys higher end without so much unnecessary effort."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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Review 13 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were looking forward to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were looking forward to dining at Cira as we love the food at the Strand House, and we weren't disappointed. The food was excellent. The small plates (Morsels) are definitely 'small', especially for sharing, but the flavors are amazing. We absolutely loved the Crostini, Steamed Buns and Duck Breast. The Salmon morsel was delicious, but needed more sashimi slices. Overall, the food was very good, as was the service. The by-glass wine selection was lacking though. The steampunk theme was cool, but the seating was almost unbearably uncomfortable. Metal chairs with no cushions looked cool but were almost painful after an hour. We expected the volume but not the temperature. It was freezing. Fortunately the food saved the experience."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 14 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
If you like really small portions
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you like really small portions that are way overpriced, this is the perfect spot for you. In fact, after the appetizers we left...just 2 glasses of wine and 3 appetizers (which were miniscule) and it cost us $60! Very disappointing, not to mention the hostesses and servers are really rude.
So many other great places in the South Bay, MB Post, Tin Roof, Strandhouse, Rock n Fish, Mangiamo.
You would have a much more satisfying meal and enjoyable experience dining at one of those places. Pass on Circa...I doubt it will be around for much longer."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
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Review 15 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Average food at not an average
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Average food at not an average price.
The food takes spices from different world cuisines and considers that special. Items were over seasoned."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
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Review 16 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Circa Review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Circa is a great addition to the Southbay...Amazing food (especially the grilled octopus, prawns, and the gnocchi with crab), great service (from the minute you walk-in), and an incredible layout so that you can really have a great time socializing while enjoying your stellar meal and uniquely made, one of a kind cocktails (my favorite is the bottled Carrie Bradshaw). The best part about it is that you get all the coolness, food options, drinks of the notable restaurants/clubs/lounges in Hollywood, SF, and NY...with the laid back beachy friendliness."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a wonderful evening at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a wonderful evening at Circa on March 12th. Great ambiance and great food. Will go back for sure."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for Circa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible Dining Experience
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is not primarily a dining restaurant but more of a bar atmosphere. Although we made dinner reservations, we were sat at a bar table and then the manager wanted to move us to accommoate another reservation. We refused to move and the manager mishandled the situation. This was the start of a bad evening and only got worse. Food was poor, tasteless, and unappealing. A commedy of mistakes with the bill including doubling up the prices on the food item. When the bill was adjusted, again the bill was wrong. The computer charged more than the menue price on a food item. After the third bill, we paid and said we would never go back. Two thumbs way down."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 19 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food.... What did you say?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loud. Great food! Wonderful ambience. Loud. Reasonably priced. Loud. Fantastic drinks. Did I mention that it was loud? We'd go back... maybe not on a Saturday night. What did you say?"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not a fan of the strange menu
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant was cool except its not our style of food. There was not one thing on the menu I wanted to eat or for that matter liked. We did try many things off the menu and were not impressed and we are BIG foodie people. Just to get an idea we typically like to spend our date night at MB Post or Strand House. Not a fan of the food at Circa at all also cocktails were so so."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 21 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
As a vegetarian, my selections
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As a vegetarian, my selections were limited so I felt i didn't have dinner at all. And, it was too dark - many people struggled to see the menu which didn't help (we just relied on the waiter to tell us what we were looking at - and I'm 40, not 80 - my eyes are fine).
The service was great however. The food, when we ate was fine - not great. Too much going on for my taste (spices and presentation).
Since we are MB residents, I know some more veggie options would go a LONG way...."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 22 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun environment with attentive
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fun environment with attentive service. Food was good not great. Willing to try it again."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
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Review 23 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best dinner I've had in a while
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was outrageously delicious, the service was excellent, the ambiance was outstanding. A must have is the whole fish, the babaganoush, the charred octopus, and prawns, it's finger licking GOOD."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot
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Review 24 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good but, hmmm...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"all went well but we were asked to give up our table after 2.5 hours.
great atmosphere, good food, good cocktails."
great atmosphere, good food, good cocktails."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 25 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Seating on leather couches,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Seating on leather couches, tasty shared bites, creative drinks with different shaped molded ice but a bit hard to hear your party over the ambient noise."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 26 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Cheers to the cocktails -
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Cheers to the cocktails - tasty and delicious. The food...not memorable. The whole fish was dry and the meats over-cooked. Romaine salad was nice. VERY loud atmosphere; we laughed trying to talk loud enough to hear each other across the table."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 27 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Try again later
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Circa has only been open for a couple weeks now and the food was hit or miss. Had two out of six dishes that were great, one that was OK and the rest had serious issues. Maybe they'll get the kinks worked out in the next couple months, but I'd wait till then to try them again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 28 for Circa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love Circa!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Circa is such a fun spot. We were greated with a great smile, and sat right away when we checked in. You can tell they are still working out the kinks but we had an amazing experience. Pork buns are to die for! Drinks were amazing, I've never seen such a great cocktail list in the Southbay. As the evening progressed, you could tell that the bar was getting busier and busier. We'll have to come back soon and enjoy some of the lounge atmosphere. I've told all my local friends to come here, can't wait to come back and taste the rest of the menu."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This new place in MB is already
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This new place in MB is already finding its footing. The food is adventurous and tasty, and the manhattan I had there was one of the best I've had at a bar anywhere. Nice locale, nice atmosphere, i hope its here to stay. And seeing as its new, I'm sure it will only get better. Pretty strong offering considering they have only been open officially for about 2 weeks.
I will be going back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Circa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not a star
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food okay. Service was good. Nearby competition with better food and better price point will close this place down. Better off at Zinc or Rock 'N Fish (same owner) or MB Post. Also, beware of the tow away zones around this restaurant after 6 pm. You will be towed - a disturbing and expensive discovery."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2004
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Review 31 for Circa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It is still early and there
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It is still early and there drinks aren't as special as they are made out to be, however, Circa's food was much better than I expected. Since it is new there are still a few kinks that they need to work through but they are off to a great start."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 32 for Circa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The restaurant had a fun theme.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"The restaurant had a fun theme. The food and drinks were all good, but for the price, both the drinks and morsels portions should be larger."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Circa
Based on the average of (43) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
5 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic