Why Circo Italian is worth the hype: traditional Italian cuisine reimagined

By Ania Askwith

• Instagram

---

Your friends might love this too – share it!

• Facebook
• X
• Threads

Circo, Quorum Business Park, Benton Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 8BU

---

Circo Italian has been on my radar for a while, pretty much since they first opened in 2023; I think their (by now iconic pizza swirl) is sooo satisfying to look at, their Insta content is super aesthetic, and the reviews I have seen have been pretty amazing. So last week we finally decided to check them out, and let me tell you—the hype is worth it! The warm welcome by the staff, the comforting aroma of the fire pizza oven – this spot scores 10/10 on charm and good vibes.

The starters & mains

But let’s talk food first. We decided to go all out and try their mains, sides, and desserts. First up was the Fungi Truffle Pasta—and wow, this one was indulgence on a plate, and I don’t use this word that often. The spaghetti came coated in a creamy, umami truffle oil sauce (my absolute favourite flavour), with tender slices of portobello mushroom, crispy pancetta, garlic, and black pepper. They topped it off with pan-fried mushrooms and basil, which gave it that perfect earthy finish. Simply stunning.

Then there was the Pezzorella Pizza. I am not going to lie – I ordered it because it’s one of the pizzas that come presented with their iconic swirl, which I just had to try. But the aesthetics weren’t the only thing that was beautiful about this pizza. The San Marzano tomato base and fior di latte mozzarella complemented the chargrilled broccolini sooo well. Broccolini is one of my favourite vegetables, and this one was super soft so that it was easy to eat on a pizza while still having a little bit of a bite, which I love. Watching it come out of the fire oven made it taste even better—my mouth was watering before it even arrived at our table!

For sides, we went with their Mac & Cheese bombs (seen them on their Insta and knew it’s something I HAVE to try), and Truffle Fries—because no other fries compare. Let’s just say they didn’t last long. Any other truffle fans over here??

I have to confess, the dessert menu was not something I looked at before our visit, and they were the biggest surprise of the night for me. Just next-level—and let me tell you why. Tiramisu is my go-to dessert, and if I see it on the menu, I don’t even read any further, so it was a no-brainer. They have two options, but I went for their classic We Love Tiramisu one. While it is a classic, it does come with a twist! They actually add a secret ingredient, which makes it so much better than what we’re used to. I’m planning to use it in my own tiramisu at home next time (ask the staff—they will tell you what it is!).

The desserts

And if you’re a cheesecake fan, the Magnum Pistachio Cheesecake is a must-try. While I am not usually a big cheesecake fan, their creamy vanilla cheesecake dipped in pistachio and white chocolate, with a crunchy shell and extra pistachio topping, was delicious. Super decadent, and the crunchy shell really elevated it into something a little more special than your usual cheesecake.

So whether you are a cheesecake fan or not so much—this is a gorgeous dessert. I think if I dined here often enough, I could be getting converted into a dessert kind of person!!

This place isn’t just about the food—we loved the vibe

Circo Italian feels special without being pretentious. It’s got that mix of being the perfect spot for a casual dinner but also somewhere you’d happily bring friends or family to impress them. I am thinking it would be perfect for a relaxed celebration like a baby shower. Watching the pizzas being made in the fire oven adds that extra bit of theatre to your meal.

If you haven’t been yet, go. Whether it’s for the creamy truffle pasta, iconic swirl pizza, epic desserts, or just to find out what’s in that tiramisu, it’s definitely worth the visit!

Why we love this place

So this was our first visit, but I am not hesitant in saying we loved the place, it really impressed us. The vibe was warm and inviting, and the staff made everything feel super relaxed and welcoming. The menu is full of exciting twists on Italian classics, and we couldn’t help but enjoy every bite. The fire pizza oven is a fun touch that makes the whole experience feel a bit special. Absolutely my kind of theatre!

They call themselves the ultimate ‘cheat day’ destination, and caution thatdiets will be broken… and, well, I wholeheartedly agree. STUNNING food.

Location

Circo Italian Kitchen is located at Quorum Business Park, Benton Ln, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 8BU, with easy access to the nearest Four Lane Ends Metro station and plenty of parking available on-site, which is free after 5 pm.

Links

To check out their menu, any special deals and offers, visit Circo’s website here, or follow them on their socials here.

Tips for visiting

• Start your day right: Don’t miss out on their breakfast menu, served daily from 9am to 11:45am—perfect if you’re an early bird looking for a great start.
• Lunch or dinner? The main menu is available from 12pm to 10pm daily, offering plenty of choices—both light bites and hearty meals.
• Watch the magic happen: wherever you sit, you have a good vie of the fire pizza oven—it’s a fun touch that adds to the whole experience while your pizza is made right in front of you.
• Arrive hungry: With a menu full of indulgent dishes, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly hungry when you arrive. Even though I am not a dessert person, I’d not skip a dessert here. They’re gooooooood.
• The place is super spacious—ideal for groups, with great access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Grab a booth. They’re nice and big, and really comfortable.
• And my main bit of advice, Get a pizza with the iconic swirl design. It is not just an aesthetic gimmick. It tastes insane (and photographs beautifully, haha)

Reviews

Circo Italian Kitchen holds a great rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on both Google and Tripadvisor, with guests praising delicious food, friendly service, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The pesto dough balls and fried mozzarella are particularly popular starters. Families appreciate the generous child portions, and the restaurant’s cleanliness, presentation, and the friendliness of the staff are also highlighted (I have to second this too!)

Best for: modern Italian cuisine, Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, decadent desserts, traditional pasta dishes reimagined, pizza in Newcastle

Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram@ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

---

Sign up for free and get the latest news from Magpie and Mash sent direct to you

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ania | NEWCASTLE blogger and content creator (@ania.askwith)