The food was very tasty. Our tastebuds were highly satisfied with a plethora of distinct tastes
Linda
We had an outstanding charcuterie board with a variety of unique pickled vegetables; really enjoyed taking to the chef about how he paired the flavors. Friendly service, will definitely return.
Tracy
The she crab soup is the main reason I wanted to go to Circa and it did not disappoint! Our waitress was super helpful and just the right amount of attentiveness. I wanted to try so many things on the menu that we got full before everything came out! Everything was delicious!
EK
We had high hopes for this restaurant and booked dinner for Christmas Eve, which made the experience even more disappointing. We arrived about 20 minutes early and were seated right away since they said they were ready. Unfortunately, that was the last smooth part of the evening.
We sat with menus for about 20 minutes without any acknowledgment. Plenty of employees were nearby, walking past us and clearly seeing us, yet no one offered help or even checked in. It felt like we were invisible.
Eventually our server came over, took our drink order, and then disappeared again. After another long wait, she finally returned to take our food order. The restaurant is tapas-style, so we started with a cheese board. What arrived was laughable for the $17 price — basic grocery-store crackers (poppyseed, whole wheat, etc.) and very basic cheese. Absolutely not worth it.
My husband ordered the rosemary beef, which arrived looking like a frozen TV dinner. It wasn’t cooked to order and was drowned in sauce. Easily a 0/10. We also ordered the pork pot stickers, which were just as bad — clearly frozen, covered in an overly sweet sauce, and something you could buy yourself in the frozen aisle.
The service was just as bad as the food. Long waits, zero attention, and no professionalism. We ended up cutting the meal short and left with full plates on the table. Our server didn’t ask why we hadn’t eaten or if anything was wrong — not even a basic check-in.
To make matters worse, as we were leaving, we overheard another table being told about specials that were never mentioned to us.
If you’re looking for an expensive meal that tastes like it came straight from the freezer section, this is your place. If you want even basic service and food that justifies the price, look elsewhere. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for a Christmas Eve dinner. We will not be returning. Bonus though for the worker with an awesome British punk haircut.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The Black Mizukage
All of the food was delicious and Philippe was very accommodating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Clark Johnson
Great food, impeccable service and a great venue for our office Christmas luncheon! The team at Circa 81 never disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Shawver
Thank you for sponsoring sweep up the southeast 2025!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
dail
The two folks who were right at the front door to help my 93 year old Mom get in and seated went above and beyond- truly. I think their names were Peter and Chris? Or Jimmy and Chris? The food and whole experience was wonderful but their attention and kindness to my Mom sealed the deal - kudos and many, many thanks to those guys!!
Lynn
Our dinner last night was wonderful. Everything was so delicious. Our server Phillip was very good too. Always one of our favorite places in Morehead City. Circa 81 or Prime Bistro are always our top choices. Thank you for the great food, service, and drinks.
Cecilia
The tapas and the service were top notch. My only complaint is that the A/C was on and although I had a jacket the AC was set too low and it was uncomfortable to eat in the cold. If you don't mind a low temperature, this is the place to eat
Paul our server was knowledgeable, made suggestions and wasn't obtrusive. Tapas were great.
JC Davis
While our food and experience at Circa 81 was great, the thing that was most outstanding was the Chef’s charcuterie board that we had ordered to go for a boat tour we had scheduled for the next day for 6 people. It was AMAZING and only $39.99. So much variety of items to have. We would not have even been able to do the spread ourselves at that low of a price highly highly recommend it and I look forward to doing this again year after year.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laurie Flanagan
We went based on 5 star exceptional reviews we saw online. Although the servers were very friendly and attentive, the tapas didn’t live up to our expectations. We wouldn’t go back. The bread ordered was tasteless and the dipping oil flat. The special Mahi tapas was overbreaded and dry. Mussels were average. Crab cake fine but not outstanding. Brussels sprouts were nice but don’t get them if you don’t like with mustard sauce. Sorry to be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Sharon
A very nice evening with great food. I'm sorry but I can't remember our servers name. He was very attentive and personable. ( shorter dark hair)
Niki Cashwell
We are regulars and I can't say enough good things about this restaurant.
Want great drinks? The bar is on point, especially martini night. They make the best traditional sangria too.
What about food? The specials are unique and fabulous. The scallop special is a stand out favorite. The Ashe county cheese plate is delicious, especially the chutney! Thomas is a mastermind of flavor and texture.
Well what about good service? All of the staff are attentive and amazing. Chris, Pete, Jamie, Kira, Paul, and so many more beautiful humans beings work there! Tonight our server was Garrett, and he was wonderful too!
Short version of the story: Eat at Circa! Best restaurant experience I have ever had, consistently better every time.
The food was very tasty. Our tastebuds were highly satisfied with a plethora of distinct tastes
We had an outstanding charcuterie board with a variety of unique pickled vegetables; really enjoyed taking to the chef about how he paired the flavors. Friendly service, will definitely return.
The she crab soup is the main reason I wanted to go to Circa and it did not disappoint! Our waitress was super helpful and just the right amount of attentiveness. I wanted to try so many things on the menu that we got full before everything came out! Everything was delicious!
We had high hopes for this restaurant and booked dinner for Christmas Eve, which made the experience even more disappointing. We arrived about 20 minutes early and were seated right away since they said they were ready. Unfortunately, that was the last smooth part of the evening.
We sat with menus for about 20 minutes without any acknowledgment. Plenty of employees were nearby, walking past us and clearly seeing us, yet no one offered help or even checked in. It felt like we were invisible.
Eventually our server came over, took our drink order, and then disappeared again. After another long wait, she finally returned to take our food order. The restaurant is tapas-style, so we started with a cheese board. What arrived was laughable for the $17 price — basic grocery-store crackers (poppyseed, whole wheat, etc.) and very basic cheese. Absolutely not worth it.
My husband ordered the rosemary beef, which arrived looking like a frozen TV dinner. It wasn’t cooked to order and was drowned in sauce. Easily a 0/10. We also ordered the pork pot stickers, which were just as bad — clearly frozen, covered in an overly sweet sauce, and something you could buy yourself in the frozen aisle.
The service was just as bad as the food. Long waits, zero attention, and no professionalism. We ended up cutting the meal short and left with full plates on the table. Our server didn’t ask why we hadn’t eaten or if anything was wrong — not even a basic check-in.
To make matters worse, as we were leaving, we overheard another table being told about specials that were never mentioned to us.
If you’re looking for an expensive meal that tastes like it came straight from the freezer section, this is your place. If you want even basic service and food that justifies the price, look elsewhere. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for a Christmas Eve dinner. We will not be returning. Bonus though for the worker with an awesome British punk haircut.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
All of the food was delicious and Philippe was very accommodating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great food, impeccable service and a great venue for our office Christmas luncheon! The team at Circa 81 never disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thank you for sponsoring sweep up the southeast 2025!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The two folks who were right at the front door to help my 93 year old Mom get in and seated went above and beyond- truly. I think their names were Peter and Chris? Or Jimmy and Chris? The food and whole experience was wonderful but their attention and kindness to my Mom sealed the deal - kudos and many, many thanks to those guys!!
Our dinner last night was wonderful. Everything was so delicious. Our server Phillip was very good too. Always one of our favorite places in Morehead City. Circa 81 or Prime Bistro are always our top choices. Thank you for the great food, service, and drinks.
The tapas and the service were top notch. My only complaint is that the A/C was on and although I had a jacket the AC was set too low and it was uncomfortable to eat in the cold. If you don't mind a low temperature, this is the place to eat
Restaurantji Recommends
Paul our server was knowledgeable, made suggestions and wasn't obtrusive. Tapas were great.
While our food and experience at Circa 81 was great, the thing that was most outstanding was the Chef’s charcuterie board that we had ordered to go for a boat tour we had scheduled for the next day for 6 people.
It was AMAZING and only $39.99. So much variety of items to have. We would not have even been able to do the spread ourselves at that low of a price highly highly recommend it and I look forward to doing this again year after year.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went based on 5 star exceptional reviews we saw online. Although the servers were very friendly and attentive, the tapas didn’t live up to our expectations. We wouldn’t go back. The bread ordered was tasteless and the dipping oil flat. The special Mahi tapas was overbreaded and dry. Mussels were average. Crab cake fine but not outstanding. Brussels sprouts were nice but don’t get them if you don’t like with mustard sauce. Sorry to be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
A very nice evening with great food. I'm sorry but I can't remember our servers name. He was very attentive and personable. ( shorter dark hair)
We are regulars and I can't say enough good things about this restaurant.
Want great drinks? The bar is on point, especially martini night. They make the best traditional sangria too.
What about food? The specials are unique and fabulous. The scallop special is a stand out favorite. The Ashe county cheese plate is delicious, especially the chutney! Thomas is a mastermind of flavor and texture.
Well what about good service? All of the staff are attentive and amazing. Chris, Pete, Jamie, Kira, Paul, and so many more beautiful humans beings work there! Tonight our server was Garrett, and he was wonderful too!
Short version of the story:
Eat at Circa! Best restaurant experience I have ever had, consistently better every time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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