Circolo Popolare, photo 1 of 1

Circolo Popolare

Rating

4.8(36,473)

Family of 4

USD 89, 127 (approx GBP 70, 100) for a family meal with drinks

Duration

1.5, 2 hours

Best Ages

6, 17

About

Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia is part of the Big Mamma group of Italian restaurants and is famous above all for its extraordinary interior: walls and ceilings completely covered in wine bottles, vegetables, pasta shapes, and an explosion of Italian decorative excess that creates one of the most photographed dining rooms in London. Beyond the spectacle, the food is genuinely excellent , fresh pasta, thin-crust pizza, antipasti, and Italian desserts made with real care and quality ingredients. For families with children old enough to appreciate a proper sit-down restaurant experience, it is a memorable meal in a setting that does a lot of the entertainment work on its own , children simply cannot stop staring at the decor.

The noise level is high, which works in families' favor: it is that kind of place where children's voices blend in rather than standing out. Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance, particularly for weekend lunches and all dinner sittings. The restaurant does not have a stroller-friendly layout due to the densely packed tables and decor, but children who can sit at table comfortably are absolutely welcome.

The menu offers enough familiar Italian options that even moderately picky children will find something they want to eat.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Early dinner (5, 6pm) or weekend lunch to beat the busiest sittings

Wait Times

Book well in advance , this restaurant fills up fast

Nearby Food

Fitzrovia has many alternative restaurants if you cannot get a booking; Oxford Street is nearby for post-meal shopping

Why Kids Love It

Circolo Popolare is one of the most visually spectacular restaurants in London, every surface is covered in floor-to-ceiling bottles, dried pasta, hanging produce, and Italian kitsch that creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city. Kids are immediately fascinated by the decor, and the food, proper Italian pasta and pizza, is the kind that children consistently love.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Book at least two weeks in advance for weekend slots , this restaurant is consistently fully booked.
  • Arrive with curiosity about the decor , asking kids to count wine bottles or find the strangest thing on the wall keeps them occupied while you wait for food.
  • The fresh pasta dishes are the standout , order those rather than defaulting to pizza.

What to Bring

  • A confirmed booking , walk-ins are rarely possible
  • Patience for the atmosphere, which is loud and lively
  • A phone with a good camera for the inevitable decor photos

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

USD 89, 127 (approx GBP 70, 100) for a family meal with drinks

Tips to Save

  • Lunch is generally less expensive than dinner.
  • Stick to pasta mains rather than the more premium items to keep costs down.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Monday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday
12:00 – 10:30 PM

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Frequently Asked Questions

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