Circolo

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500 Florida St. (at at Mariposa)
San Francisco, CA 94106

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(415) 553-8521
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Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
Circolo - San Francisco, CA
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Reviews
( 48 )
( 17 )
( 9 )
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( 13 )

Best

I have had Tatar at almost every restaurant I go to. I have had some good ones and well some blah. But the tartar here rocks! I never had white tuna. It is really really good...

Worst

I have been to this restaurant once and will not go back. Besides the fact that it was FREEZING COLD in the restaurant, and they have cheap bar stools and shoddy decor, this place...

Amazing Sea Bass!!!! 4/7/2007

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and we were pleasantly surprised. The drinks were great and the service was excellent. Our server was really friendly and helped us navigate our way through what the best items on the menu were. We both orderd the sea bass for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! It was a miso glazed sea bass and it was the best one I have ever tried. \r \r They were very accomodating with my food allergies and were happy to replace certain items with those that I could eat. The surroundings were comfy and romantic and all in all, it was a fantastic place to spend an evening. I highly recommend you try Circolo. more
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Avoid the risotto.... 3/24/2007

In terms of food, it shocks me there are any good reviews for this restaurant. Simply said, the food is off. Each entree at our table missed its mark. I see one review, and would like to expand. Learn how to cook risotto!!!! Or simply, don't serve it, it is difficult to get this right outside your own home kitchen, but it must be done correctly if and when attempted. more
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It's a nice place and plan to return 2/22/2007

My date and I went to Circolo, after a horrible dinner. Of course, thats at another location on Folsom St. & 14th. Circolo has a nice ambiance and heard the food is very tasty. I haven't exper;ienced any dishes, but I will return. The cocktails are tasty and the prices are reasonable. The crowd is acceptable with no kids running around. We stopped in for a couple of drinks and moved onto the next lounge. I live in the area and there are some nice lounges in the area. This area isn't over saturated with tunnel and bridge people coming in. Though, I heard Circolo's dance nights, can be quite different from our own experiences. Eitherway, I haven't experienced anything negative and will continue my patronage. Pros: nice ambiance, tasty cocktails and prices are reasonable Cons: nothing at this moment more
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Good desserts 2/4/2007

Circolo is located at the former site of Gordon's House of Fine Eats. The decor is very hip for the younger set with black and dark red walls. It doesn't get busy on a Saturday evening until 8pm. For appetitzers, the tuna tartare is scrumptious with sm. bits of mango, served over chips. 3 large duck raviolis are savory and the lobster bisque portion can easily be shared by 2. The fried calamari dipped in a lime sauce was delicious. The tasty rib-eye steaks were covered in a brown sauce, with mashed potatoes that had a kick of heat to it. The grilled Chilean Sea Bass tasted bland. The whole Dungeness crab had a savory brown sauce which was drenched over the garlic noodles served with it which made the noodles too salty. Desserts were the highlight of our meal. The chocolate decadence cake was cooked slightly too long because the ""molten"" chocolate didn't ooze out like it should, served w/a scoop of ice cream. The green tea mousse phyllo was the best, with two-3 inch long bars and a scoop of choc ice cream in between. The mousse texture was like ice cream, firm and cold and a delicious complement to the crispy phyllo. The fruit crepe was a healthy alternative. Our server was friendly and attentive and the wait staff kept our water glasses full and had our napkins refolded on the table when you returned from the restroom. Large portions and good food overall. Definitely plan to be back. Pros: Good desserts, green tea mousse, tuna tartare and fried calamari shouldn't be missed. Cons: Entrees variable, dark interiors make it difficult to see your food. more
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Inexperienced Bartender, Under staffed and lack of customer service 1/29/2007

First off, we arrived with another couple. They only had one bartender and the bar was maybe half full. It took us at least 10 minutes to get our drinks. She had the personality of a tree stump. No smile, nothing. The drinks were not poured right. A redbull and vodka should taste like redbull and vodka. Not straight red ull. She didn't know what a vodka press was.. That is a basic drink. I was not impressed at all.\r \r If you are in hurry don't eat here. They had only one waiter for the back room for Saturday night. Terrible. They over 45 minutes to bring out the appetizers and it was probably a good hour in when I had to flag down our waiter to let him know that we have been ready to order our entree, which took a good 45 minutes to arrive. \r \r The food is good ,but definitely not worth the wait. They need to hire a new bartender with a personality and experience and they need to hire more waiters. Pros: They have an a wonderful wine list. Cons: Lacked customer service more
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creative, tasty food 1/28/2007

We went for the Dine About Town prix-fixe 3-course special and it was great. Did a wine pairing with it which was a good deal, about $15 for 3 glasses of wine. Appetizer was a mixed green salad w/ a round of goat cheese that was crispy on the outside and creamy inside. My entree was presented very nicely, like something you'd see on Iron Chef. A flat plate w/ 3 smaller dishes, sweet potato souffle, risotto, and asparagus in pastry. Everything was flavorful and not too heavy, though the souffle tasted so sweet that it was almost like dessert. The wines with each course were very good, though I don't remember what they were. The ambience was a little strange, like a night club, but it was fine. Overall, I had a good experience and would go again. Pros: food, parking Cons: service not very professional more
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Very attentive service, but nauseating food 1/7/2007

After sitting in the lounge and enjoying a couple delicious and creaditve drinks, we were seated. Once at the table, the servers immediately offered their help with any food/drink questions we had. The menu didn't seem to have any cohesion and once we received our food, at least 3 out of 12 plates weren't barely even touched. My seafood risotto had to be sent back twice due to temperature isues with the seafood and texture issues with the risotto. I would absolutely recommend that you do not eat here, until they have worked out their kinks, gotten a good flow for menu choices and learned how to cook a decent risotto. Pros: good service Cons: food quality, price more
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Love this Place 12/14/2006

I can certainly see why this place gets such high ratings. We finally got over there last weekend, and the food is nothing short of fabulous! I had the Miso Glazed Seabass, which was soooo delicious. There's also a nice selection of appetizers. The only down side to this restaurant is there are so many delicious things to choose from, you'll have a hard time ordering! Nice bar area too, with great drinks. Definitely on our ""favorites"" list. Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service more
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Sexsee, Chic and Fun 11/27/2006

This was one great night I had at Circolo. It started with light appetizers and cocktail concoctions of the tastiest magnitude. The Tuna Tartare and Ribs were perfectly seasoned with sweet and spiciness. The drinks were balanced in such a way as well, with a twist on the ordinary Mojito with the addition of Mango juice! Im going to steal this. Anyway, we have a lovely dinner and the service was very attentive yet unobtrusive. Thanks to the cute short haired blondie who had us entertained throughout. And what other way to finish the evening than with some booty shaking. The dj didnt have to save our night but it did help. Pros: Yes they are! Cons: Nowhere to be seen! more
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Terrible Service 11/18/2006

I have been to this restaurant once and will not go back. Besides the fact that it was FREEZING COLD in the restaurant, and they have cheap bar stools and shoddy decor, this place also has the worst customer service on the planet. Let?s start with the food: 1) the crab salad had about 2 shreds of crab and tasted like garnish, totally gross. 2) The sea bass, although it was delicious, came out freezing cold. When we asked to have the dishes warmed they came back almost the same temperature. 3) The desserts leave a lot to be desired and, 4) the wine list is terrible. Even worse than the mediocre food, was the service. Our waitress was rude and very snotty. She even asked one of my friends if she had ever worked as a waitress because she, my friend, had asked a question about the bill. She basically told us she wanted us to leave because we were the last table there. Then the most horrific part of all, the waitress added additional charges to the bills. We split the bills amongst different cards and it turns out that the waitress ran an additional transaction for 30 dollars on my card and added a 12 dollar increase to others bills. Horrible place, do not go to Circolo. Pros: Good mojito Cons: freezing cold, horrible service, mediocre food more
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Average food, awful service. 10/30/2006

The first time we went to Circolo, we had a great experience. It was on a weekday night and our group was impressed with the atmosphere (the design of the place is gorgeous), the service, and - most importantly - the food. Our second experience - a few weeks later - was beyond disappointing. From the moment we called in to make a reservation, the person who answered was surly and not at all helpful. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted with indifference. Heading over to the (mostly empty) bar, we had to wait 15 mins for a drink only to have our wine served in a glass that was still boiling hot and dripping with cleaning fluid. Not the best way to savor a wine. Once seated, things improved a little with our server. our dinner service was OK - not excellent but a vast improvement over the beginning of the night. The food itself lacked a bit of flavor, and the presentation was so so! We had the tuna tartare appetizer that we had enjoyed so much before but the fried yucca chips overpowered the taste of the fish. I was surprise to read all the positive reviews - with so many stellar choices in the city, this one did not whet my palate. Pros: The ambience Cons: Shoddy service. more
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San Francisco's Best Kept Secret 10/22/2006

I was looking for a dining experience like no other while on vacation this week. I ate at other restaurants before during my past visits, but nothing really capitivated me like by the essence and the Zen feeling from Circolo. From the moment I clicked it up online until I was sitted, I know I wanted to be there. Once I was sitted Sarah, the hostess and waitress for us that evening because they close the kitchen at 8:30 on Sundays. I had a reservation exactly at 8:30 and at no point did my dining companion & I feel rushed to dine quickly. \r \r The Food was phenomenial looking and tantalizing taste for your mouth. An understatement given by my companion and I jointly. I had the Empanadas con Carne and he the Cerviche. I would have been in heaven just on my appetizers but then our meals came. The Augus Ribeye and all its dressing and the Sea Bass. I am usually not into fish but my taste buds were awaken. The food was great, no more to be said about that.\r \r Lastly, Chef Patrick Kehler came to us with a treat. Two of the best desserts I have ever tasted and I have traveled the world as a dessert lover. A Pumpkin tart with ice cream and Dulce de Leche Empanadas with coconut gelato. He personal thanked us for choosing the restaurant and coming from so far across the country and dining at his restaurant. Hands down the honor of having him thank us, when we were praising his craft. \r \r In short, check it out and enjoy the ambience, the flair, the food and staff. San Francisco has a jem with this restaurant. Thanks to Chef Patrick Kehler and staff. Headed there tonight with reservations again...see you there!!!\r \r Fans for life...Jazz & Tom Pros: great food, ambience, sophisication Cons: none to be found more
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Great Experience! 10/9/2006

A group of 10 of us went to Circolo for a friend's birthday. We had a wonderful experience. The staff was helpful and attentive. The food and drinks were great. The bill was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Pros: Service, food, decor Cons: location more
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great experience 8/26/2006

looked like a hitt or miss spot, and I thought it was a great dining experience. i liked the tapas dishes with all different kinds of flavors. that is all we had but if the entrees are anything like the appetizers, it must be wonderful. i would recommend this spot to the 30 something crowd since it is chic but not out of this world. a bit loud with great music and some pretty good eye candy. great job to the chef and designer. more
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Below average food 8/24/2006

The restaurant decor was really good. I had a cocktail that was good. We ordered appetizers ( prawns chili rellenos, panko crusted chicken, empanadas) entrées (Miso glazed chilean sea bass and steamed ginger bass) and a dessert (peach tart). I think that's a decent variety to make an opinion about the food. All the food was BELOW average. It could be that I picked all the wrong dishes but I didn't enjoy the food at all except for the complimentary edemame table starter. Service was OK, neither good nor bad. Pros: Ambeince Cons: Bad food more
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Great big party 8/10/2006

We had a birthday party to celebrate and this place was perfect. We had a wonderful dinner with a set menu that we actually got to make. Great cocktails catering to the whole spectrum of drinkers. They had this orgazmic drink called the white chocolate martini which I had with my chocolate dessert. Ever see When Harry Met Sally? Well I still get whett (my palette, you sickos!) when I think about it. Regards to the chef for the tasty dinner. Regards to the waiter for tolerating us with a coy smile. Regards to the bartender for a great..drink. :) Pros: Food, service, drinks Cons: Didnt notice more
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great destination spot 8/10/2006

Read the reviews, but had to formulate an opinion of my own. I think that the interior is beautiful. Accentuated with soft colors and water all over the place. Reminds me a bit of something Ive never seen before. I heard that it turns into a dance area as well, lucky for those without children to put to bed! \r \r The food was great. They conglomerate ingredients borrowed from both latin and asian flavors. I had a miso seabass dish which still lingers at the back of my tongue, awaiting another fix. Ive never seen Kabocha used in such a unique way. With each piece articulately placed in a sweet glaze. The Mango Mojito is a perfect example of this fusion with an asian twist on an old latin favorite. \r \r The service was splendid as well, reading our tastes by what dishes we were deciding between. Not to mention being extremely attentive but not obtrusive. Far out there, but I would suggest this to someone who wants to try something different than the occasional stomping grounds of adventurous foodies. Pros: design, entrees Cons: parking more
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Don't waste your dinning experience 8/2/2006

I recently gathered a group of friends at CircoloSF for a friends bday. It is one of those restaurants that tried to be somebody but in the end it doesnt do any of it well. Decor was modern, hip and swanky but the place lacks energy. Food was below average Kobe beef is no Kobe beef if you ever tasted real Kobe beef, soggy Cesar salad and garlic noodle, and sea bass was so blacken on one side that it was not edible and such tiny portion that should be appetizer instead of main-course. Service was mediocre we were practically the only few tables present and we keep having to walk up to look for our waiter for water or more drinks. I am actually surprised to see the good reviews from others as none of us were impressed. Take your money else where to find your culinary satisfaction. Its surely not worth the drive out and most importantly not worth your dinning experience as there are many other good places in SF. Pros: Good cocktails Cons: Food, service, value more
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Great spot 7/23/2006

Saturday night was a great night at Circolo overall. We were ushered to a great table upstairs in a sleek booth earlier in the evening. We noticed that once we were up there, there was a dj playing some good tunes to the beat of the crowd. The food was wonderful from start to finish, accentuating the flavors of asia and south-america a lot like Nobu's. The service was non-intrusive yet very friendly as well. Later on, as dinner was wrapping up, we moved downstairs to find a seat in the lounge for some great after-dinner drinks. Get the white chocolate martini for dessert. Yum. Thanks for a great night Circolo. Pros: drink then dine then dance more
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Suprisingly Delightful ;) 7/21/2006

I came here on friday night to meet some friends from out of town, I had never heard about this place and as I walked through the door I wondered why, a full bar some cool tunes and a New Yorkesque decor were what awaited me, my friends were seated at the bar, enjoying a few cocktails, I joined them and was pleasantly suprised by the Honey do cocktail(it actually tastes like a melon not like candy) after having a few drinks the hostess showed us to our table, after having two appatizer trios with Duck confit ravioli, red curry cod, tuna tar tar, I was ready for my entree, I have eaten all over the city but I have yet to try a fish better than at circolo, the miso glazed seabass, a tender cut of fish atop a bed of coconut rice with sweet kabocha rolls,AMAZING! This fish was so tender and flavorfull it seemed to melt in my mouth, paired with a bottle of tesstarossa chardonnay I couldnt have been happier, by the time we were ready to leave I was absolutly content, I couldnt wait to come back so before I left I booked reservations for my birthday in august, Spread the word the bay areas dining scene just got a little tastier. Pros: Cool lounge Great food more
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Menu for Circolo


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    A cascading water wall at the entrance, bamboo walls, sexy lighting and earth tones throughout set the stylish tone at this loft-like locale. A chic lounge offers cushy cube...

  • 11/21/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. lunch; Tue.-Sat. 5-10 p.m. dinner; Closed Sun.-Mon.
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Mission, Central East
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