Restaurant Week: Circo

We went to Osteria del Circo for our fifth meal during Restaurant Week. We had reservations at 7:15; we were seated a few minutes after we arrived. Our table overlooked Lake Bellagio, with a view of Flamingo, Bally’s and Paris. We were able to watch the fountains dance every fifteen minutes.

Olive bread, Crusty Italian and Rosemary Foccacia made up the bread basket that got us started. Our server also poured us a small bowl of the clearest olive oil I’ve seen and wonderfully bitter-sweet balsamic vinegar. I could’ve made a meal out of this alone. As you probably guessed, we did ask for seconds.

Frank and I both had salad for the first course. His was romaine with Bagna Cauda Dressing, which is essentially a Caesar Salad. It was delightful, the romaine was crisp and it wasn’t overly dressed. I had field greens with shallot vinaigrette; it was topped with the most wonderful Parmigiano Reggiano that’s ever passed my lips. The flavor was bold and the texture was a bit gritty. I savored every last shaving.


For the main course Frank had ravioli stuffed with ricotta, spinach and Swiss chard in a sage butter sauce. Pure bliss. I have no other words. The raviolis were perfectly cooked pillows filled with the most luscious creamy mixture, the sauce added to the richness of the dish. Surprisingly, as decadent as it was it wasn’t excessively rich. My entrée was grilled sea bass with fennel and zucchini. The fennel was braised it what I believe was vinegar, since it had a pickled taste. The fish was incredibly fresh and tender. It was quite good, but it was outshined by Frank’s ravioli.



We each ordered tiramisu for dessert. It was served with coffee gelato. We were also given biscotti compliments of the chef. We sampled tiramisu at dozens of restaurants but none measure up. Circo’s tiramisu must be made by angels. It was light, silky and brilliantly creamy. We were relieved we ordered two and there was no need to share. Bite after bite, I wished it didn’t have to end, but like all good things it did.

The ambiance was lovely, the food was superb and the service was attentive; Circo exceeded our expectations.