CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

4.6

3067 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 45 times today

Good for special occasions
Lively
Neighbourhood gem

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.

Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!

Our patios accommodate service animals only.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Phone number
(202) 506-5589
Website
http://www.circabistros.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Ruben Rodriguez
Private party facilities
We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.

Location
2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Area
Foggy Bottom
Cross Street
I Street NW
Parking details
Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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Popular dishes

Soup of the DayUS$8.00
chef's daily selection
Pretzel LoafUS$8.00
warm pretzel loaf with whole grain mustard butter
Fried CalamariUS$17.00
cherry peppers, artichokes, olives, marinara, grilled lemon
Shotgun ShrimpUS$15.00
flash fried, sweet chili sauce, red bell pepper, broccolini, jicama slaw, pickled jalapeños, micro cilantro
Tuna Poke Nachos*US$18.50
sesame ginger marinade, wasabi avocado cream, tobiko, pickled ginger aioli, wonton chips, roasted nori + sesame seeds
Chicken WingsUS$18.00
spicy apricot chili glaze, carrots, celery, blue cheese dressing
HummusUS$15.00
choice of spiced Wagyu beef with pickled chilies and pine nuts OR za'atar spiced cauliflower with garlic toum and pine nuts served with housemade garlic naan
Wagyu Meatball SlidersUS$18.00
Garlic brioche, basil aioli, marinara, mozzarella. Contains pork
Brussels + BlueUS$13.50
flash fried, applewood smoked bacon, balsamic, blue cheese
Four Cheese MacaroniUS$13.00
cavatappi pasta, crispy prosciutto, herbed bread crumbs

Salads

Caesar*US$12.00
chopped romaine, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, brioche crumble, caesar dressing
Parmesan KaleUS$12.00
baby kale, arugula. toasted sunflower seeds, carrots, marinated tomatoes, crushed crostini, parmesan vinaigrette
Veg + Quinoa BowlUS$17.00
baby kale, house pickled beets, avocado, marinated tomatoes, hummus, balsamic onions, sunflower seeds, fried goat cheese, grilled lemon, champagne vinaigrette
Blackened Chicken MangoUS$20.00
mixed greens, red grapes, mangoes, marinated tomatoes, cashews, dried cranberries, pickled ginger vinaigrette
Thai ShrimpUS$19.00
shotgun shrimp, mixed greens, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red onion, marinated tomatoes, crispy wontons, micro cilantro, peanuts, Thai peanut vinaigrette
Salmon Salad*US$28.00
mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, pee wee potatoes, balsamic onions, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette
Steak Salad*US$29.00
7oz grilled sirloin, mixed greens, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, grilled corn, balsamic grilled onions, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
Sesame Crusted Tuna*US$29.00
mixed greens, romaine, edamame, red onion, shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado, marinated tomatoes, jicama, herbs, crispy wontons, creamy ginger dressing

Entrées

Sesame Seared Tuna*US$34.00
nori aioli, pickled ginger salsa, charred Japanese noodles, vegetable stir fry
Blackened Atlantic Salmon*US$29.00
wilted baby kale, mashed cauliflower, whole grain mustard sauce
JambalayaUS$26.00
penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, scallions, diced tomatoes, chipotle cream sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano
ScallopsUS$36.00
garlic + herb vegetable risotto, pickled onions, charred lemon emulsion
Chicken PaillardUS$25.00
angel hair pasta, roasted mushrooms, baby arugula, roasted red peppers, brown butter
Braised Short RibUS$38.00
roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach, red wine jus, crispy onions
Steak Frites*US$35.00
7oz grilled sirloin, chimichurri, blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano + fresh herb french fries

Sandwiches

CIRCA Burger*US$18.00
Creekstone Farms beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, scallion aioli, brioche bun, fries
Turkey BurgerUS$17.00
provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, habanero aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries
Grilled Chicken SandwichUS$19.00
provolone, arugula, roasted peppers, basil aioli, ciabatta, fries
Fried Chicken SandwichUS$18.00
lettuce, dill pickles, dill pickle aioli, brioche bun, sweet potato fries
Eggplant ParmesanUS$17.00
breaded eggplant, mozzarella, parsley, pesto, ciabatta bun

Flatbreads

Crushed Tomato MargheritaUS$15.00
hand crushed tomato sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella
Rustic ItalianUS$18.00
sopressata, local Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella
Barbecue ChickenUS$18.00
barbecue sauce, slow roasted chicken, red onion, bacon, mozzarella
Wild MushroomUS$18.50
cremini, shiitake, portobello, + oyster mushrooms, arugula, pesto, truffle oil, mozzarella
Four Cheese SpinachUS$16.00
mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, goat cheese, garlic spinach

Sides

FriesUS$6.00
Sweet Potato FriesUS$7.00
Garlic Mashed PotatoesUS$5.00
Seasonal VegUS$7.00

What 3,067 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers "reliably excellent" food and service, perfect for pre-Kennedy Center dining. Guests praise the "fantastic" sesame crusted tuna, meatball sliders, and "fabulous" bread pudding. The restaurant features a varied menu with "excellent tastes and flavors," a "great happy hour," and a heated patio. Ideal location and friendly staff enhance the experience.

3,067 Reviews

S
Shannon
VIP
Washington DC
49 reviews
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The free range brick chicken with a slightly tart but sweet lemon sauce was a great choice for a cold rainy day. Served with a side of mashed potatos and steamed brocoli, it definitely met the need for a comforting meal. My server, Olive, was very attentive, ensuring that I capped my experience with a hot tea.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeffrey
Baltimore
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The service was good….they accommodated us even being late for our reservation…..vibe was dope…..server was really good….now the food….poke nachos was ok….the the fried calamari was meh…..the steak from the steak and fries was juicy and tender and that garlic butter was delicious….my wife had the jambalaya….the sausages in it were like super hot….the drinks were ok….i had the old fashioned….it was meh…and my wife had the blackberry margarita….the margarita had so much ice in it she had to take some out to finish it….overall not bad but I would have wanted more portions less ice and maybe tone down the spicy sausage in the jambalaya
Is this helpful?
ND
NeilD
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food came out quickly and was delicious, service was great as well. 10/10 recommend.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexis
VIP
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal with excellent menu options. Server was extremely attentive!!
Is this helpful?
K
Kate
Baltimore
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Classic new American menu prepared solidly well; excellent service
Is this helpful?
V
Veronica
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience all around! Drinks, food, and service were all excellent!
Is this helpful?
L
Lawrence
Washington DC
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on 31 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We dine at Circa every time we are going to a Kennedy Center performance. It is so reliably excellent for its food and service. The service was attentive and respectful. The sesame crusted tuna and tuna poke nachos are fantastic. We'll definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
L
Louise
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great service when we come here. Food is great, drinks are great. Whole team works together seamlessly.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephany
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 27 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We chose to dine at Circa really for its close proximity to the GWHospital, where we had been all day.The food was excellent! We started with hummus topped with za'tar cauliflower, served with nan. Delicious! My daughter had the sesame seared tuna as her entree, and I had the salad with sesame crusted tuna. Both were outstanding! Topped it off with the bread pudding. Perfect!
Is this helpful?
W
William
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and very good service. Four of us had a wide assortment of main courses, an appetizer and desert; all were very good. We were eating at 3:30 so the crowd and noise were not a problem. It’s a great location, right across the street from the Foggy Bottom metro station. Typical high prices for DC, but inline for the location.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 506-5589.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom is rated 4.6 stars by 3067 OpenTable diners.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 45 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Additional information

Cross Street
I Street NW
Area
Foggy Bottom
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public garage is located around the corner on 22nd Street between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. Metered street parking is available in the neighborhood.
Public transit
Foggy Bottom Metro stop is located directly across the street, off the Orange and Blue lines.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ruben Rodriguez
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.circabistros.com/
Phone number
(202) 506-5589
Private party facilities
We have the ability to adapt our heated patio to meet your special event's needs. Our patio is the perfect space for hosting company happy hours, reunions, or just a great time with friends.Due to the set up of our dining room, it is difficult for us to create an entirely-private dining space. However, we have the ability to use our bar high-tops larger party needs indoors. Please reach out regarding your special event.

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Tuna Poke Nachos

Thai Shrimp

Sesame Crusted Tuna

Small Plates

Soup of the DayUS$8.00

Pretzel LoafUS$8.00

Fried CalamariUS$17.00

Shotgun ShrimpUS$15.00

Tuna Poke Nachos*US$18.50

Chicken WingsUS$18.00

HummusUS$15.00

Wagyu Meatball SlidersUS$18.00

Brussels + BlueUS$13.50

Four Cheese MacaroniUS$13.00

Salads

Caesar*US$12.00

Parmesan KaleUS$12.00

Veg + Quinoa BowlUS$17.00

Blackened Chicken MangoUS$20.00

Thai ShrimpUS$19.00

Salmon Salad*US$28.00

Steak Salad*US$29.00

Sesame Crusted Tuna*US$29.00

Entrées

Sesame Seared Tuna*US$34.00

Blackened Atlantic Salmon*US$29.00

JambalayaUS$26.00

ScallopsUS$36.00

Chicken PaillardUS$25.00

Braised Short RibUS$38.00

Steak Frites*US$35.00

Sandwiches

CIRCA Burger*US$18.00

Turkey BurgerUS$17.00

Grilled Chicken SandwichUS$19.00

Fried Chicken SandwichUS$18.00

Eggplant ParmesanUS$17.00

Flatbreads

Crushed Tomato MargheritaUS$15.00

Rustic ItalianUS$18.00

Barbecue ChickenUS$18.00

Wild MushroomUS$18.50

Four Cheese SpinachUS$16.00

Sides

FriesUS$6.00

Sweet Potato FriesUS$7.00

Garlic Mashed PotatoesUS$5.00

Seasonal VegUS$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is CIRCA at Foggy Bottom restaurant rated?

Does CIRCA at Foggy Bottom offer gift cards?

Is CIRCA at Foggy Bottom currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card