So, so, so good!! Definitely a hidden gem in the heart of Newport News, VA. I'm vegan and they always have special fridges whipped up in the back for me when I eat there. The drinks are divine and the personable, attentive service is top notch. Just make sure you have a reservation and make it in advance if you want to dine here, you won't be disappointed!!
Esther S.
My wife's and I favorite place in Hampton. Everything on the menu is delicious. You cannot go wrong with any of the options. Recommend the octopus, salmon, NY steak and the scallops. Great intimate ambiance. As well as great service. Definitely recommend.
Stijn Cos
My wife and I have tried many places around the Hampton roads area and I think this place has just become our favorite. The food was fantastic, the menu fits on one page but everything they serve is thoughtfully prepared and tastes amazing. You can tell that the people that run this place care about putting out quality plates. The mixed drink options are also very good and we found it to be an all around fun date night. My only gripe/advice is if you get seated next to the door on a cold night it can get a bit drafty when the door is opened. Due to the size of this place it’s understandableParking: Street parking, on a busy night you may have to walk a bit but Hilton village is beautiful so it shouldn’t bother you to much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roast Pekin Duck Breast
Latonya Vessells
My experience here was amazing. This is a very cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Very good customer service. the food and drinks were delicious. I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Berzelius Paragot
Circa is a great up-scale fine dining gem here on the peninsula. You can expect to pay about 50-100 per person, and it is worth it for the food and experience. Expect to need reservations, and have all the trappings that come with fine dining, but without a Maitre D' getting angry if you don't have a tie on.The only down side is that it is crowded enough that there isn't a sense of intimate conversation. On the other hand, there is a sense of being in a room with a lot of people enjoying themselves together.We'll be back in the summer for sure for some outside dining.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solstice O.
I have no idea what witchcraft they use, but each bite is better than the bite before! It MUST be magic! My friend and I recently had dinner here before an event. We mentioned our plans to our server James, who made sure every timing detail was worked through for us. The first course was a sample of an appetizer from the chef. I immediately asked if the chef was married! Then we ordered a few appetizers so we could sample a good variety of options. The portions were generous, the presentation was flawless, and the layers of flavors were nearly orgasmic! We finished off with dessert. The cheesecake with bananas foster on top was unparalleled. It was the best cheesecake I have ever eaten, bar none. Both my friend and I got goosebumps, our eyes closed, and we couldn't speak because we were overcome by the incredible flavor sensations! The place is tiny - as in miniscule. I made reservations 4 days ahead and the only option was bar seating, so do yourself a favor and plan accordingly. Make your reservation well in advance. The food, service, and atmosphere, are perfect in this well-hidden jewel. I wish the restaurant was 4x larger than it is. They could fill it every night. The prices are a little high but you get what you pay for and I am more than willing to pay for this kind of gastric fantasy. Congratulations to Circa 1918! You've set the bar for fine dining in Newport News!
Angela Miller
Best time ever delicious food great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Favour EZEKIEL
My Fiance and I came here for a date night. We were trying to have a good time and enjoy our meal, although we were very disappointed with the disorganized system of the restaurant. We made a reservation two weeks ago, just for our seats to be changed multiple times with so much confusion in the air. How can you let one sit comfortably, and you come out of nowhere to change their seat? The server moved us close to the door, which was cold. It was the unapologetic attitude for me from the chef and the server. We are very disappointed, as we did not get the privacy we wanted. Also, the server was very rude. She came out of nowhere to invade our privacy, and it felt like we were being watched and they were trying to find something to pick on us for. How can you care if I took a sip of my Fiancé drink? That should be none of your business. You don't come in to interrupt people's conversation or try to put them down. It was a discriminatory environment, and the advertised romantic atmosphere is definitely not what they made it to be. It is a very small restaurant, very loud and there is nothing intimate or romantic about it. Customer service was definitely horrible, We are definitely not coming back and I will make sure not to recommend this place to anyone, not even tourists that come to town. There are definitely better restaurant in town like Schlesinger Steakhouse. Also, if y’all are looking for a romantic, quiet and intimate place to go this is definitely not the place to go, and food was not all that they made it to be. Also stop buying reviews and live up to genuine standards.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A Franklin
4.6⭐️We decided on this place for our anniversary dinner and man were we pleased with our choice! We were given some champagne for our anniversary. We each got a glass of wine, I got moscato, my husband got Riesling, and we both got sparkling water. We got the octopus to share and that was so tender, and the hummus they lay it on makes it that much better! Highly recommend that! I got the Bison meatloaf and that was the best meatloaf I’ve ever had! I’m not a meatloaf person normally, I’m not sure why it sounded so good that night, but it was an awesome choice. My husband got the special for the night. They said seared shrimp and he was sold. It was pretty much shrimp and grits. He said it was amazing though. We left no room for dessert, so we’ll have to try that next time. The staff is really good about making sure no empty plates are left at your table. Our waitress was very nice, explained the menu really well and gave recommendations. The only downfall is the restaurant is really small inside. Not a lot of seating at all, and the tables are a little close together because of that. I didn’t feel comfortable enough sitting and staying for a while. And my husband is over 6 and a half feet tall, so I know he felt uncomfortable also. But we both loved the food, and definitely want to go back, just when it’s not crowded. But I do highly recommend to everyone!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rockfish in the Back Bison Meatloaf Up Front
Nina Johnson
This place was superb! Will definitely go again. Top rate! Highly
Recommended dishes: Rockfish in the Back Bison Meatloaf Up Front, Roast Pekin Duck Breast
David Abeyounis
Kip and the food are great. Eating at circa is always a fun experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Ribeye Steak
Julia Lyell
Great food and great service! The drinks were also excellent. We had Kip as our server and he was attentive and fun. Awesome experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roast Pekin Duck Breast
Chelsea D.
Incredible food and d service. Great place for a date. Love to come and sit at the bar.
Robert B.
I went to Circa 1918 for a special occasion. The food was delicious-- many items on the menu sounded equally exciting. Service was as good as I've had anywhere--friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient without seeming hurried. We were allowed the time to enjoy our starters and then main course without rush. The food was as beautifully presented as it was delicious. Only downside was that it was very noisy. A large group were having a great time together, and though they weren't rude or foul-mouthed, they were loud. Because the dining room is very narrow, we were too close to the loud group to enjoy a quiet conversation.
So, so, so good!! Definitely a hidden gem in the heart of Newport News, VA. I'm vegan and they always have special fridges whipped up in the back for me when I eat there. The drinks are divine and the personable, attentive service is top notch. Just make sure you have a reservation and make it in advance if you want to dine here, you won't be disappointed!!
My wife's and I favorite place in Hampton. Everything on the menu is delicious. You cannot go wrong with any of the options. Recommend the octopus, salmon, NY steak and the scallops. Great intimate ambiance. As well as great service. Definitely recommend.
My wife and I have tried many places around the Hampton roads area and I think this place has just become our favorite. The food was fantastic, the menu fits on one page but everything they serve is thoughtfully prepared and tastes amazing. You can tell that the people that run this place care about putting out quality plates. The mixed drink options are also very good and we found it to be an all around fun date night. My only gripe/advice is if you get seated next to the door on a cold night it can get a bit drafty when the door is opened. Due to the size of this place it’s understandableParking: Street parking, on a busy night you may have to walk a bit but Hilton village is beautiful so it shouldn’t bother you to much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roast Pekin Duck Breast
My experience here was amazing. This is a very cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Very good customer service. the food and drinks were delicious. I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Circa is a great up-scale fine dining gem here on the peninsula. You can expect to pay about 50-100 per person, and it is worth it for the food and experience. Expect to need reservations, and have all the trappings that come with fine dining, but without a Maitre D' getting angry if you don't have a tie on.The only down side is that it is crowded enough that there isn't a sense of intimate conversation. On the other hand, there is a sense of being in a room with a lot of people enjoying themselves together.We'll be back in the summer for sure for some outside dining.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have no idea what witchcraft they use, but each bite is better than the bite before! It MUST be magic! My friend and I recently had dinner here before an event. We mentioned our plans to our server James, who made sure every timing detail was worked through for us. The first course was a sample of an appetizer from the chef. I immediately asked if the chef was married! Then we ordered a few appetizers so we could sample a good variety of options. The portions were generous, the presentation was flawless, and the layers of flavors were nearly orgasmic! We finished off with dessert. The cheesecake with bananas foster on top was unparalleled. It was the best cheesecake I have ever eaten, bar none. Both my friend and I got goosebumps, our eyes closed, and we couldn't speak because we were overcome by the incredible flavor sensations! The place is tiny - as in miniscule. I made reservations 4 days ahead and the only option was bar seating, so do yourself a favor and plan accordingly. Make your reservation well in advance. The food, service, and atmosphere, are perfect in this well-hidden jewel. I wish the restaurant was 4x larger than it is. They could fill it every night. The prices are a little high but you get what you pay for and I am more than willing to pay for this kind of gastric fantasy. Congratulations to Circa 1918! You've set the bar for fine dining in Newport News!
Best time ever delicious food great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My Fiance and I came here for a date night. We were trying to have a good time and enjoy our meal, although we were very disappointed with the disorganized system of the restaurant. We made a reservation two weeks ago, just for our seats to be changed multiple times with so much confusion in the air. How can you let one sit comfortably, and you come out of nowhere to change their seat? The server moved us close to the door, which was cold. It was the unapologetic attitude for me from the chef and the server. We are very disappointed, as we did not get the privacy we wanted. Also, the server was very rude. She came out of nowhere to invade our privacy, and it felt like we were being watched and they were trying to find something to pick on us for. How can you care if I took a sip of my Fiancé drink? That should be none of your business. You don't come in to interrupt people's conversation or try to put them down. It was a discriminatory environment, and the advertised romantic atmosphere is definitely not what they made it to be. It is a very small restaurant, very loud and there is nothing intimate or romantic about it. Customer service was definitely horrible, We are definitely not coming back and I will make sure not to recommend this place to anyone, not even tourists that come to town. There are definitely better restaurant in town like Schlesinger Steakhouse. Also, if y’all are looking for a romantic, quiet and intimate place to go this is definitely not the place to go, and food was not all that they made it to be. Also stop buying reviews and live up to genuine standards.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
4.6⭐️We decided on this place for our anniversary dinner and man were we pleased with our choice! We were given some champagne for our anniversary. We each got a glass of wine, I got moscato, my husband got Riesling, and we both got sparkling water. We got the octopus to share and that was so tender, and the hummus they lay it on makes it that much better! Highly recommend that! I got the Bison meatloaf and that was the best meatloaf I’ve ever had! I’m not a meatloaf person normally, I’m not sure why it sounded so good that night, but it was an awesome choice. My husband got the special for the night. They said seared shrimp and he was sold. It was pretty much shrimp and grits. He said it was amazing though. We left no room for dessert, so we’ll have to try that next time. The staff is really good about making sure no empty plates are left at your table. Our waitress was very nice, explained the menu really well and gave recommendations. The only downfall is the restaurant is really small inside. Not a lot of seating at all, and the tables are a little close together because of that. I didn’t feel comfortable enough sitting and staying for a while. And my husband is over 6 and a half feet tall, so I know he felt uncomfortable also. But we both loved the food, and definitely want to go back, just when it’s not crowded. But I do highly recommend to everyone!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rockfish in the Back Bison Meatloaf Up Front
This place was superb! Will definitely go again. Top rate! Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great little place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rockfish in the Back Bison Meatloaf Up Front, Roast Pekin Duck Breast
Kip and the food are great. Eating at circa is always a fun experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Ribeye Steak
Great food and great service! The drinks were also excellent. We had Kip as our server and he was attentive and fun. Awesome experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roast Pekin Duck Breast
Incredible food and d service. Great place for a date. Love to come and sit at the bar.
I went to Circa 1918 for a special occasion. The food was delicious-- many items on the menu sounded equally exciting. Service was as good as I've had anywhere--friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient without seeming hurried. We were allowed the time to enjoy our starters and then main course without rush. The food was as beautifully presented as it was delicious. Only downside was that it was very noisy. A large group were having a great time together, and though they weren't rude or foul-mouthed, they were loud. Because the dining room is very narrow, we were too close to the loud group to enjoy a quiet conversation.