Circolo Popolare is a lively Italian trattoria on Rathbone Place in the heart of Fitzrovia. Created around the warmth and generosity of Southern Italian dining, it combines theatrical surroundings with food intended to bring people together. Long tables, glowing lights and walls lined with thousands of bottles establish an energetic mood from the moment guests enter.

The menu begins naturally with antipasti made for sharing, including creamy burrata, cured meats and other ingredients sourced from Italian producers. Neapolitan pizza arrives with a crisp, light base and generous toppings, balancing familiar combinations with playful seasonal ideas. Fresh ingredients and careful preparation keep the food grounded in the traditions of Italian trattorias even when the presentation is exuberant.

Handmade pasta is another major attraction, with rich sauces and regional recipes designed for comfort and indulgence. The celebrated carbonara served from a Pecorino wheel captures the restaurant’s mix of flavour and spectacle, while changing pasta dishes offer further reasons to return. Desserts continue the generous approach, turning classic Italian sweets into memorable finishes suited to sharing or enjoying alone.

Circolo Popolare works especially well for animated meals with friends, family or a larger group. Prosecco, Italian wine and creative cocktails complement the food and add to the festive character of the room. Despite its dramatic design, the restaurant’s lasting appeal comes from the simple pleasures of abundant plates, sociable service and the welcoming spirit associated with a busy Southern Italian table.

Address: 40–41 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1HX, United Kingdom

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Circolo Popolare Menu Menu updated on 3 Jun 2026

Primi piatti

Pasta al pesto

£15

Freshly made pasta tossed in a vibrant basil pesto, finished with a generous shower of parmigiano reggiano

Spaghetti all’arrabbiata

£15

Home-made spaghetti with a slow-cooked spicy san marzano tomato sauce, smoky heart of the burrata and fresh chilli

Pappardelle al ragù

£17.50

Home-made pappardelle with slow-cooked beef and pork ragù and pecorino romano

La gran carbonara per 2 ( per person)

£19

Home-made spaghetti alla chitarra served in the whole round of pecorino, crispy guanciale, egg yolk, a lot of pepper

Spaghetti con langoustine

£27

Home-made spaghetti with datterino tomato sauce and langoustine bisque, topped with marinated langoustine and lemon zest

Cappellacci ricotta e spinaci

£17.50

Home-made cappellacci filled with ricotta, spinach and parmigiano, served in a butter and sage sauce

Tagliarini granchio e limone

£21

Home-made tagliarini with fresh local hand-picked crab, thyme, chilli in a langoustine bisque and lemony butter sauce

Mafaldine al tartufo

£20.50

Home-made mafaldine with indulgent truffle and mascarpone cream, fresh black truffle from italy

Pizza napoletana

Mammargherita di bufala

£13.50

San marzano DOP tomato sauce, mozzarella fior di latte, mozzarella di bufala, parmigiano and fresh basil.

Some like it hot

£17

Ricotta and ‘nduja cream, mozzarella fior di latte, salsiccia piccante, tarragon and chilli pepper

Dancing queen

£18.50

San marzano DOP tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto crudo, pecorino, fresh rocket.

Emrata burrata

£16

San marzano DOP tomato sauce, stracciatella, taggiasche olives, capers

Double truffle per felix

£21

Truffle cream, mozzarella fior di latte, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh black truffle.

Mortadella with benefits

£21

Mozzarella fior di latte base, mortadella, smoky stracciatella, parmigiano, fresh black truffle

Secondi piatti

Angelo’s big balls

£19

Pork and beef polpette cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served on a bed of spinach, topped with grated parmigiano

Carpaccio di manzo

£19

Beef carpaccio with rocket, balsamic and 22-month parmigiano reggiano

Spiedino di pollo al limone

£24

Skewered and chargrilled high-welfare chicken, served with spicy spinach, crispy smashed potatoes, and a garlicky yoghurt dip

Tagliata di manzo

£24

Grilled onglet steak served with tangy salsa verde

Sirloin steak

£36

Grilled 35-day aged beef sirloin served with tangy salsa verde.

Spiedino di branzino

£24

Skewer of marinated and grilled seabass, spinach with peperoncino, crispy smashed potatoes and herb aioli

Insalata di donatella

£16

Baby gem, spinach and sundried tomato on a bed of fresh goat cheese, topped with hazelnut & parmigiano reggiano crumble

Sides

Crispy potatoes

£5

Insalata verde

£5.50

Garlicky spinach

£6

Truffle crispy potatoes

£9

Dolci

Il tigramisù

£8

The unbeatable classic, not so classic, with a touch of marsala.

The incomparable lemon pie

£8

Zingy tart and humongous 5’9-inch meringue layer, the must

The big pineapple

£9

Thinly sliced pineapple and crispy coconut crumble, served with passionfruit coulis, coconut chantilly, fresh lime

Matilda’s torta

£14

A monument to chocolate – six layers of chocolate cake, covered in a molten chocolate glaze.

Baby profiterole napoletana

£10

Trio of mini choux, each filled with a different gelato flavour: pistachio, hazelnut, and fior di latte. Topped with warm valrhona chocolate sauce

Gelati artigianali

Gelato al pistacchio

£7

Pistacchio gelato topped with cremino di pistacchio

Gelato fior di latte

£7

Gelato fior di latte with caramel sauce

Sorbetto del giorno

£7

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Read the full guide (10 restaurants)

Circolo Popolare Menu

Circolo Popolare Menu Menu updated on 3 Jun 2026

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Primi piatti

Pizza napoletana

Secondi piatti

Sides

Dolci

Gelati artigianali

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