Reserve now:
Circle BistroReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Washington, D.C. Area Restaurant Reviews >
District of Columbia Restaurant Reviews >
Foggy Bottom Restaurant Reviews >
Contemporary American Restaurant Reviews
Circle Bistro Reviews List
Circle Bistro
A staple of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, Circle Bistro offers classic bistro fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Savor the award-winning cuisine of this intimate neighborhood spot, creating dishes that are at once comfortingly familiar yet wonderfully new.
Discover why Circle Bistro is consistently ranked among the best downtown DC restaurants in The Washingtonian Magazine, and treat yourself to the welcoming warmth and exceptional taste of this renowned culinary address.
Our menus do change frequently to reflect the finest seasonal ingredients. The menus featured on our website are representative of what you should expect at Circle Bistro, but do keep in mind that items on our menu do change from time to time.
See more Circle Bistro details
Discover why Circle Bistro is consistently ranked among the best downtown DC restaurants in The Washingtonian Magazine, and treat yourself to the welcoming warmth and exceptional taste of this renowned culinary address.
Our menus do change frequently to reflect the finest seasonal ingredients. The menus featured on our website are representative of what you should expect at Circle Bistro, but do keep in mind that items on our menu do change from time to time.
87 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 87 reviews
5 stars
(27)
4 stars
(40)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(40)
- fit for foodies(30)
- special occasion(17)
- romantic(13)
- great for lunch(12)
- good for groups(11)
Circle Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really enjoyed excellent food and great service. The only issue we had was that the tables were so close together that we had a hard time hearing each other over the chatter of our neighbors. Otherwise, a fantastic place that we definitely plan to visit again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"While our food was generally good the service was middling, at best, in that the staff were seemingly undertrained. Seriously, how can one not know the difference between herbal and traditional tea. We also ordered dessert but the ice cream flavor that is paired with it was substituted for another that clearly did not mesh and our waitress made no mention of it when she brought it to our table. We pointed this out to her and she appeared annoyed that we would question her. We thought she might have a stroke when we requested she take it back but she eventually relented. One of the few disappointments we've had during our 3 visits a year in DC."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Circle Bistro was up to its usual standard. Excellent. The Asparagus soup with mussels and andouille was "out of this world". The miso salmon was excellent, too. The food didn't miss a beat, and the service was friendly, attentive, and competent."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently terrific food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Circle Bistro is a neighborhood gem that serves consistently terrific food with a modern, creative twist. It also happens to have the best French fries and burgers in town. The fries have exactly the crispness and flavor they should have, and the brioche bun adds a special note to the dish. So give this restaurant a try if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful Mother's Day dinner at Circle Bistro. Food was outstanding. Mushroom Spring Rolls, Garden Salad, Salmon, Pecan Tart. I didn't want to leave. My mom said it was the best Mother's Day meal she's ever had, and she's 93! Can't wait to go back!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Despite being Mother's Day the restaurant was almost empty. The food was delicious, the service excellent and the ambience perfect for an intimate dinner the dinner menu was limited but our selections were done to a turn. I would definitely return"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Oustanding evening - great food, great service, could've have been a better experience."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Definitely coming back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had one of the best service I have ever had in a restuarant. The staff were great and friendly especially Bryan. He was very jovial and knowledgeable. He made feel comfortable and was very entertaining, and respectful the whole time I was there. Ask for Bryan whenever you visit Circle Bistro, he's awesome! The food was delicious-- I had a rib eye steak with baked potatoes and spinach. You should check them out. Overall, I had a great experience."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining experience was excellent,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dining experience was excellent, as has always been the case at Circle Bistro."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice caesar salad. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice caesar salad. Good ravioli. attentive waiter. Very fine poached pear with ginger ice cream."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was forgettable and overpriced
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overpriced for the area, and the food was barely edible. The onlu bright spot was the waiter ( Zach ) who provided fabulous service and even gave us a map showing some noteable places in the area."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The spring pea and ricotta
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The spring pea and ricotta ravioli in mushroom sauce was amazing. The arancini was sub-par. The service was the right level of attentive."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Meh. Nothing special about
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Meh. Nothing special about this restaurant."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food and service. Minimal noise."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my second dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my second dinner at Circle Bistro and I was again very pleased. My reservation was honored at the selected time and me and my party wre seated promptly. Our waiter and other servers were friendly, with no hitches to the service. All of the dishes were enjoyed by everyone in my party of four."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lunch was ok, my guest said
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lunch was ok, my guest said her beet salad was delicious. My salmon cake was very salty, it has capers in it - which I like - but they probably need to use less salt since there are capers in it. The butter nut squash soup was very thin, and too sweet. The service was good."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service was unbearably slow
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was unbearably slow and most of our interactions were not with our waiter but with another."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The squash soup is marvelous. Our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The squash soup is marvelous.
Our server was outstanding and gave wonderful advice."
Our server was outstanding and gave wonderful advice."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was delicious, attractivel
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was delicious, attractively served, and reasonably priced."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great "early-morning" (9 AM)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great "early-morning" (9 AM) brunch with family from out of town. Food was tasty, with a lot of variety. Portions were hearty but not enormous, and we left very satisfied. Service was very good. Surprised the place was nearly empty, but maybe it was early. We really enjoyed it and will go back if we're in that part of town and need some breakfast."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WOW!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and presentation. I had the spicy seafood and it had just the right amount of bite. One in my party had the salmon and it was juicy and grilled to perfection. Another had the vegetarian dish and it was so delicious I made a note that if I had an opportunity to return to Circle Bistro, I would order that dish. The appetizers were awesome. We shared the mushroom spring rolls which were light and fluffy. The sauce that came with it was wonderful! The shrimp appetizer was also marvelous. Just enough! I can't forget the desserts either. I had the poached pear with ginger ice cream and caramel sauce. It was the best dessert I'd ever tasted. I left feeling satisfied but not bloated."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service and wonderful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great service and wonderful atmosphere for conversation"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent meal, great service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent meal, great service, nice atmosphere. I would definitely dine at Circle Bistro again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It seems that we went in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It seems that we went in the wrong day as we were the only ones there...but the place is very very good, and I recommend it. The food and the service ara excellent."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everyone in our party enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone in our party enjoyed the food and being able to carry on dinner conversation in a normal speaking voice. I had requested a quiet section of the dining room and that's what we got. The staff were most accommodating and pleasant. We'll definitely return."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very, very good. Each course was prepared well, presented well, and brought to our table at a good time.
The climate control is good, too. I was seated with my back to a window on a cold day, but I'm glad to say I didn't get a stream of cold air down my back. I stayed warm."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Creative and delicious food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Still going strong after all these years. Creative and delicious food!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good location before Kennedy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good location before Kennedy Center events. Separate bar was busy but no noise filtered into the dining area."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I made reservations for four
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I made reservations for four as a birthday dinner for my mom - the service was fantastic and the ambiance was warm, elegant and accomodating. I appreciated that the space was quiet, since we had reserved a spot for an early dinner, which was great for having a natural, unstrained conversation with my family. The complimentary valet parking was a nice touch and the pre-theatre menu was FANTASTIC. Each dish was artfully presented and our waiter was great. I plan on dining here again. WONDERFUL!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fine dining near GWUH
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"nice to find some fine dining close to GWUH, just a block from and off the circle from GWUH. Food and service were above average. We know Chef Ethan from his time at Equinox with Chef Gray. The saffron fritters were crisp and tasty. Our server, Zach, was quite informative and personalable. We'll be back."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went to this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to this restaurant prior to going to The Kennedy Center. It was a really nice treat. Our server Frannie was excellent, very personable and very pleasant. The chef made a special meal that wasn't on the menu due to special dietary needs which was excellent. They went above and beyond, even calling a taxi for us that was waiting when we needed to leave. I would strongly recommend this restaurant. The menu is small, but great."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious food and great service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious food and great service!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2001
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for Circle Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great choice if you're going
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great choice if you're going to the Kennedy Center."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Circle Bistro
Based on the average of (54) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
8 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate