I don’t impress easily; especially when it comes to interiors. In fact, when a restaurant leans too hard into a “theme,” my default reaction is skepticism. Gimmicks? No, thank you. Unless you can do it with effortless taste? I’m alreeeeeeet.

But I walked into Circolo Popolare, the latest opening from the Big Mamma Group, and I was not prepared to gasp. Jaw to floor, mouth open, catchin flies.

It’s rare for a space to physically stop me in my tracks, but this one did. It wasn’t kitsch, it wasn’t forced…it was beautifully, and uniquely done. Think: warm lighting, theatrical but tasteful touches, completely over the top at every turn but in the best way!

Genuinely, I forgot where I was for a moment. It was more memories from Bologna than rainy Manchester.

Now, I’ve been to (and part of) enough soft launches to know what to expect: mild chaos, unpolished service, and dishes still working themselves out.

So I arrived understanding that things might be a bit shaky… and that’s okay.

Except… they weren’t. Not even close.

The service was warm and entirely unpretentious. We were asked for honest feedback multiple times, and I tried…genuinely tried to come up with something constructive. But they nailed it. Every single touchpoint.

Each plate was considered, confidently executed, and arrived at the table looking and tasting like it had nothing to do with a “practice run.”

It’s early days, but if this is the rehearsal, I can’t wait for when they’re fully open!

Huge thank you to GianMarco C. and the rest of the team for your above and beyond hospitality!