Circolo is the effortlessly cool pizzeria that focuses on simple, Italian ingredients, executed well to bring traditional flavours to Portsmouth. The overall style of the restaurant is relaxed and minimalistic, letting the food do the talking with it’s bold flavours and comfort classics. Sat on prime foodie real estate along Osborne Road, it’s become a local favourite for pizza and Italian dishes, with the head chef and owner drawing on his heritage to bring authentic flavours to its guests. Circolo translates from Italian to mean ‘circle’, which comes as the first clue that this is a restaurant that takes its pizzas seriously. You can expect toppings like the Margherita, Americano with pepperoni, and Funghi with prosciutto, mushrooms and oregano. Or there are options for something a little different, like the Fiorentina with egg, garlic oil, Taleggio and spinach, and the signature ‘Circolo’ pizza with goats cheese, pancetta, spinach and caramelised onions.
Aside from pizza, there are plenty of other Italian delights on the menu, such as antipasti plates, including pesto arancini, calamari, and dough balls with garlic butter, as well as bruschetta with pancetta and Taleggio cheese. Otherwise choose from salads and pasta, such as a classic caesar salad, or spaghetti alla carbonara.
For drinks you can get Italian beers and wines, such as Peroni and Chianti, plus a small selection of cocktails. Choose between Italian classics Aperol Spritz or Negroni, or a Circolo gin fizz with gin, lemon, bitters and prosecco, for a refreshing pairing with the food. Whilst the dining space may be small, it still welcomes the whole family, with a children's menu available on request.
This makes for a great laid back dinner spot, whether you’re cosy indoors or spilling out onto the table at the front of the restaurant during a sunny evening (with plenty of aperol in hand).