Circus restaurant combines high class food with high flying entertainment. Situated in London’s buzzing Covent Garden, Circus is a beautiful collision between cabaret restaurant and cocktail bar; a place where you can dine on exquisite Asian cuisine, whilst being entertained from above.
LOCATION AND DECOR
The restaurant was a little difficult to find at first, as there is no obvious sign outside, and is almost hidden amongst the bustling bars of Endell Street. Once we entered the venue however, we were immediately transported into a decadent world of glitz and glamour. The interior décor is stunning. A striking quartz stage lies bathed in spotlights at the front of the restaurant, whilst candlelit tables are spaced equally around – all with a great view.
THE SERVICE
We were shown to our seats by our hostess, greeted by our waitress Patricia and were provided with an Al Carte menu. I have to point out that the staff at Circus on the evening we attended were incredible. This is one of; if not the best restaurant I have dined in for customer service so far. The menu was clearly explained to us and all our questions regarding the dishes and ingredients were answered – the staff here are very knowledgeable. Additionally, throughout our meal, they made sure our drinks were always topped up, any crumbs were removed from our table, and the time between ordering and receiving our dishes was very short. I think having this type of customer service really makes a difference when dining out and definitely sets Circus apart from other restaurants I have visited.
THE FOOD
I am not actually a huge lover of Pan Asian food so was a little worried I wouldn’t enjoy much of the menu. I found a few dishes that I thought I would be okay with and settled on the ‘Tuna Sashimi’ to start which included Kizami wasabi (I forgot how hot that is!), truffle, shallots, and garlic & tomato salsa. For my main, I opted for ‘Chicken and Butternut Red Curry’ with aubergine, baby corn, asparagus, cherry tomato and jasmine rice, and for dessert we decided to share the Ice Cream Cone Mess; a huge ice cream cone filled with honeycomb, brownies, vanilla & ginger ice cream and raspberry marshmallows.
My guest Rich is a lot more familiar with Asian cuisine and opted for something a little more daring. He decided on ‘Aromatic Crispy Duck Wonton Dumplings’ with Yuzu plum sauce to start and the ‘Teriyaki Duck Breast’ for his main, accompanied by wasabi mash, sweet baby carrots, tempura chive, and a side order of roasted aubergine.
To put it bluntly, the food was insanely good. The presentation was stunning in all courses and luckily, it tasted as good as it looked! Being a complete novice to Asian cuisine, the only time I have ever seen tuna is in a tin, so when it came out raw I was really concerned. It was however, the best sushi I have ever had!
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment was impressive, fun, and weirdly addictive to watch. From contortionists, to hula hoopers, fire breathers, to dancers, Circus has it all. I wouldn’t describe the entertainment as a show, but rather bursts of 5 minute performances every half an hour or so, with each segment having its own unique theme. Before each performance, the lights would dim, strobes lit up the stage, and metal shutters covered the kitchen windows blocking off all other lights and distractions so your eyes were completely focused on the performers. Acts would then appear in impressive costumes, some dancing, some breathing fire, and some twirling in suspended hoops.
I liked this “short burst” approach as it meant you could focus on your meal and conversation, and then be transported to the ‘circus’ for a few minutes, before returning back to reality. It is entertainment that doesn’t take away from the night, but adds to it, making it a quirky spin on dining.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant to all those who love Pan Asian cuisine and enjoy some cabaret style entertainment. Circus is open Tuesday to Saturday and includes entertainment on all evenings.
For more info on how to book, please see their website: Circus Restaurant
Disclaimer
* I received complimentary dinner tickets to review this experience
what an awesome idea for a restaurant! thanks for sharing.
Joy at The Joyous Living
This looks like such a fun place to enjoy a meal, plus the food looks amazing! It looks like you had a great time.
Wow! Amazing.
Oh my goodness, the pictures are divine, makes you want to hop on a plane and go there. I love the vibe combined with the cabaret vibe. Food looks delicious too.
Circus restaurant seems like an interesting place especially having that name. With the availability of Pan Asian food, I will surely love going there!
That looks like a very cool place, i wouldn’t mind trying it out.
Looks yummy and so nice on the inside! Too bad I’m far away :/
I’ve heard of a place like this! This looks amazing!! What a cool concept!
That seems like a more entertaining place to eat out better than sitting at home, eating dinner and watching tv haha!
Love the photos! This looks like a pretty nice place, too!
wow….it’s great they come up with this concept……spectacular dining experience…..
That’s is quite an amazing theme – live circus acts coupled with good food and great service .Definitely a place to check out for a good time .
Their reputation obviously speaks for itself, especially since they didn’t even require a sign outdoors to be found. What an ambiance and the food, well the food is picture perfect. What a great concept .
I’m not a fan of circus but I really the food it makes me feel hungry! HAHAHAHA
There is always a thrill to finding new places of entertainment especially when you’re with your significant other. I love finding new restaurants and clubs!
Wish I was in the area – looks like fun!
WOW looks like an amazing experience! Dinner and a show is perfect for a date night.
Very nice discovery Ashley. Thank you. Will go definitely have a diner there, next time I go to london.
Wow! Great review I think I would love this place because I am a fan of Pan Asian food. I also love to watch hula hoopers and fire breathers.
With this kind of entertaining and dining, I might spend more than two hours just for my food, lol.
This is fabulous!
I remember visiting the circus when I was small. What a fantastic experience this must have been to see that while fine dining.
Definitely a cool and happening place to check out. I won’t mind giving it a try.