Circolo Popolare

Big Mamma’s most spectacular Italian in Fitzrovia

Circolo Popolare, part of the cult Big Mamma group, is one of London’s most photographed Italian restaurants — a riot of cascading ceiling flowers, white-washed stone and walls lined with some 20,000 bottles of vintage spirits and wines. Tucked away on Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia, it leans towards a Sicilian, Mediterranean spirit, with hanging greenery and romantic candlelight that somehow still feel rustic despite the blockbuster looks. The atmosphere is vibrant, the service is warm and the whole room feels like stepping into a joyful, oversized Italian trattoria.

What to order

The showstopper is the Gran Carbonara, mixed and served straight from a 4kg wheel of pecorino. Beyond it, expect soft Neapolitan pizzas made with San Marzano DOP tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, creamy burrata sourced directly from Puglia, and moreish fritters and garlic bread to share. Leave room for dessert: the chocolate-covered profiterole and the famous, zingy XXL lemon pie are the stuff of Instagram legend. Every ingredient is carefully selected, and the flavours back up the dramatic setting.

Who it’s for

This is a place for a fun night out with friends, a celebration or a date where the room is part of the show. With generous portions and fair prices for the spectacle, it suits anyone who wants great Italian food in one of the most striking dining rooms in central London. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Circolo Popolare serve? Generous Italian dishes with a Sicilian, Mediterranean accent — Neapolitan pizzas, pasta, burrata and big desserts.

What should I order first? The Gran Carbonara served from a 4kg pecorino wheel, plus a Neapolitan pizza and the XXL lemon pie.

What makes the interior special? Cascading ceiling flowers, white-washed stone and around 20,000 bottles lining the walls.

Is it part of Big Mamma? Yes — it’s one of the Big Mamma group’s most spectacular London restaurants.

Where is it located? On Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia, central London.

График работы