Circa 1918 Kitchen and Bar

This is my second time here, this time I was able to bring my husband. We went to celebrate my 60th birthday for an early dinner. To our pleasant surprise, the special was a short rib dish which we both ordered and loved. As always, the sample brought out from the chef was mouth-watering and got our taste buds tingling. We also had the lobster bisque soup, the depth of flavor was incredible. In between we got the ahi tacos which were so flavorful, fresh and delicious. Just a delicious meal from start to finish.

We don't get out much at night but with my husband in the hospital I decided to come here after having lunch next door in between hospital visits. Boy oh boy was I happy that I did. I can't say much about the atmosphere because I didn't go past the front door and decided to sit outside. It was a good choice since it was a beautiful night. I had a few choices from the menu in mind but when Kip the general manager started telling me the specials. As soon as he mentioned the word short rib I told him to go no further. I didn't care how it was prepared or what it accompanied, decision made. It was definitely the right one. While waiting for my meal I was brought out treat from the chef. It was something in a puff pastry. I didn't really care what it was. It was delicious. It only made me more eager for my entree to come. I can't wait to return with my husband.

This was my first time there. My friend found it on a whim. We didn’t have any reservations but they were happy to accommodate us! (Recommend reservations) All of the staff was great! Kip was our main server and he was amazing!! Provided great recommendations and conversation! We had the bread app, crab hush puppies, tuna wonton tacos, shrimp risotto and duck confit. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. Plates were clean!!!

Ok my wife and I, who have somehow become a little bit of a foodie couple, have agreed that c.1918 is now officially our favorite restaurant in the area. Amazing vibe, superb service, incredible wine options and pairings, and delectable food. I got the classic bison meatloaf; she got the special New-Zealand-sourced lamb-stuffed handmade pasta shells special. Kip (the proprietor himself) was our waiter (!). So genuine and knowledgeable. Just get your reservation early! You won’t regret it.

Excellent experience at Circa 1918! My wife and I went for the first time and we were impressed. Chef Troy and his team knocked it out of the park. Everything was delicious! Great atmosphere. Our server, and GM, Kip, was super personable and made us feel very welcome. Highly recommend Circa 1918.

This cozy restaurant is just perfect for us: such a nice atmosphere, wonderful service, excellent food full of flavor and drinks close to perfection. We have been here 3 times now, each visit was amazing.

First time dining at Circa! It was so intimate and quaint! The staff were all amazing and professional. The food was phenomenal. It was a great date night experience!

Circa is perfect for a nice dinner or date night. The menu offers a clever selection of classics with ingenious twists. Every dish was full of incredible flavor combinations that had us tantalized with each bite! Their extensive wine menu and creative cocktail list provide plenty of options for diners. Reservations are recommended, due to the size of the venue and justifiable demand for each seat.

Circa 1918 is pure perfection and I can't believe I was honored enough to get a reservation there on a Saturday night! This restaurant is located on a little cute strip, filled with vintage looking shops. It's cozy on the outside and in the inside. The ambiance at night is giving romantic date night. It's a pretty tight space but it gives an intimate feel. I personally love that. I went here because one of my friends said that it is his favorite restaurant. He explained how their menu frequently changes and is chef-curated. He really hyped it up. And the experience I had here with friends really lived up to the hype!! Immediately waking up, the hostess greeted us with upbeat and high energy and she quickly seated us as well. The hostess also ended up being our waitress. She was very well-informed and knew the food and drinks like the back of her hand. I'm always impressed when waitstaff know what they're talking about because I've been in their shoes before. So I know the work it takes to get like that. We started with a house appetizer. I don't remember what it was exactly but it was all beautifully topped on a slice of naan. It really started off the night on a great note. Our appetizers were the charred octopus, beef gyoza, and the fried oysters. Our drinks were excellent craft cocktails that I don't remember the names of. But each one was gorgeous and delicious! Next up, we had the grilled asiago bread, bison meatloaf, pan seared duck breast, and the seared jumbo sea scallops. Goodness. Not a single disappointment in any of these dishes that I listed. Maybe one disappointment is that I couldn't have unlimited charred octopus and duck breast... LOL. I often get lost in thinking about the charred octopus here. It was crispy on the outside with the perfect amount of char, but yet it was soft and tender in the inside. I got my duck cooked at medium rare. The duck breast melted in my mouth. I didn't want the experience to end. Overall, this place is absolutely worth the hype and is all the rage. I'm 1000000% coming back here when I'm back in town again.

First is that you have to make reservations, as there is limited seating. The outside of the restaurant is so enviting and when you go in its very narrow, but the ambiance takes you bwck to "France" . Very romantic and intimate. It's definitely a local favorite. With that being said I couldn't wait to try the dishes. For starters I had "Pan seared Foie Gras" OOH My! It's tender and juicy it jist melts in your mouth. I could eat like 3 more of those! Lol All the flavors went perfectly! I couldn't wait to try my main dish. The main course I ordered was the "Pan Seared Duck Breast" Yes, no complaints! Nice light crisp on the outside and tender juicy on the inside. The black garlic butter poached cauliflower and mixed spices was excellent! I was savoring every bite... And the wine I ordered went perfect with my meal! What do they say the night and experience was "Cest Magnifique" Definitely a place to take someone on special occasions! Will be back for sure!

This place is a gem. It has never disappointed in all the times we've been here. They are passionate about the experience of their guests - from being greeted with a warm smile to the prompt and friendly service, to the amazing bites of food. Ambiance (5/5): this restaurant is on the smaller side, so reservations are highly encouraged (2 couples who tried to walk in tonight were turned away due to no availability). The decor is perfectly classic yet modern. They have tables that seat 2-4, and also seating st the bar. There is street parking right in front, but also a little parking lot down the road that you have to enter into from the back road. Service (5/5): Regina was bubbly and attentive - it felt like we were being taken care of by a friend. Kip was moving between guests and taking care of everyone, especially the regulars. We love that the entire team seems genuinely eager to connect with patrons, new or regulars! Food (5/5): hands down an amazing experience every time. The amuse bouche they surprise us with is always something creative we would never try on our own, which starts the dining experience off with interest and delight. We had their pork belly bao buns tonight and it was my favorite bite of the night - perfectly balanced and deliciously savory. Their asiago bread with garlic honey whipped butter is *chef's kiss*. Their bison meatloaf is a classic staple that never disappoints - elevated and with a little spice. As always, it was an absolute delight. We hope to be back sooner than later!

The food and the service were excellent! We went for restaurant week and had a great experience. This intimate restaurant is located in the quaint Hilton area and has a great ambience. We were a party of 4 girlfriends and had such a wonderful time. I had the meatloaf and chocolate moose cake . Loved them both . We shall Definitely return!

I can only say great things about Circa 1918! Had a wonderful experience for dinner on a Wednesday evening. I made a reservation in advance for four of us at 6:30pm. We arrived a couple minutes past and I was seated right away despite the rest of my party not being present as they were parking the cars. Pro tip: arrive a bit early so that you have plenty of time to park as street parking can be a bit limited. I was surprised that the restaurant was a little bigger than I thought it would be, but still small, and it was completely packed - I think we were sat at the last open table. I am confident that had we not had a reservation, we likely would have either had to find a seat at the bar or go elsewhere. I am glad that was not the case. Kip, our server, greeted me promptly although very up close and personal (the restaurant is a bit narrow and on the smaller side). I was immediately offered still or sparkling water while I waited for the rest of my guests to arrive. Upon the arrival of the rest of my party, Kip asked us if we would like anything else to drink besides water. I ordered the Pinkkaso. I have to say, I love Campari, Aperol, unsweet tea, all things bitter - but this drink was not my cup of tea. It quite honestly just wasn't well balanced. The ingredients didn't really feel congealed like they should have been, it was too much going on in the wrong way. The rest of my party ordered wine and they seemed to enjoy it. Kip informed us of the specials for the evening, a soup, starter, and an entree that I recall. We opted for a few starters while foregoing the one on special. We enjoyed the Bao Buns, Octopus, Grilled Asiago Bread, and Fried Oysters. Although my favorite was the Bao Buns and the Octopus was a close second. The Fried Oysters had an interesting, slightly overpowering tartness and the Grilled Asiago Bread was just okay - nothing special in my opinion. Our main course was the best part of the meal. My husband and I opted to share the entree special, which was a delicious Pork Tenderloin cooked medium (chef's recommendation) over a bed of polenta puree with veggies including cauliflower and some others. It was delicious and they even took the liberty of splitting the dish for us on two separate plates! My brother had the Baked Halibut from the menu and my sister in law had the steak. I tried both and they were also so delicious! Overall we had a great experience and I am glad I was able to try so many of their different offerings. I look forward to returning to enjoy my favorites and try other options that I have not yet. Cheers to Circa 1918! Highly recommend.

My family and I have been coming here for years. The restaurant itself is small which makes it homey and intimate. The staff is friendly and in a way, treat you like family. I like that the menu selection changes periodically which gives you the opportunity to try new things. Overall, the food is delicious and well presented. Portions are just right and there is a good selection of wine to pair with your food.

What a find! We went based on Yelp ratings and it completely justified the scores. Well crafted cocktails, amazing appetizer of duck tacos, equally amazing entrees: one of perfectly cooked lamb and the other of scallops sautéed just right; solid wine list. We'll be back.

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!

I would come back again! Every dish my sister and I had here was extremely delicious! I normally take photos of all meals but this time I didn't - maybe I was starving, maybe my sister and I were having a fun time, but one thing's for sure - there were no crumbs left! We licked those plates clean! Service was pleasant and staff was always attentive.

Circa 1918 is one of my favorite upscale restaurants in the area. The staff are consistently friendly and provide prompt service. The interior is cozy (albeit a bit loud during wine dinners!), so reservations are highly recommended. The menu is always being updated, but the quality of food is consistently delicious and creative. Cocktails are also consistently unique and well-made. On a recent visit, I enjoyed the Domo Orgeato cocktail which was lightly sweet between the orgeat and hibiscus, topped with a jewel-like candied hibiscus flower. The tuna tartare taco special appetizer was light and fresh with a good mix of flavors and textures from the crisp taco shell, to the lightly seasoned tuna topped with pickled vegetables. The seared duck breast was perfectly cooked with swirls of different sauces to accent the flavors, and the baked halibut was light and moist served with a delicious curried rice. The chocolate bombe dessert featured a dark chocolate ganache covered with a chocolate shell served in a crème anglaise sprinkled with pistachios. The whole meal was spectacular, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

This is a lovely hole-in-the-wall restaurant with food that will knock your socks off. The cozy ambiance and food make this probably the most coveted "date night" restaurant in the area. It's small, so reservations are a must unless you are prepared to wait for hours for a possible opening.

This is a late review but much needed. I visited with my wife a year ago. I was craving this place again and realized I never posted my first dining experience. The old fashioned made me never want it any other way, and it literally became the standard of what I expect any other old fashioned to taste like. The pork belly appetizer was so good. I barely wanted to share. The toasted bread and butter basket was ok. Wouldn't get it again, maybe there was too much of a char on the bread which made it taste bitter. The brown butter New York Strip entree was perfection. There's nothing bad to say about this restaurant. It's small, artsy, packed with so much flavor and character. Must check it out!

Everything about this place is a yes! You definitely want to make reservations because it's a popular but tiny establishment in Hilton Village of Newport News. Parking on the Main Street can be tough but I was lucky to find a spot. It's small, warm, and inviting. The staff is personable and excellent. They have a variety of specials and the menu is small but everything that comes out of the kitchen looks amazing. They have a nice wine list and cocktail menu. We shared a delicious charcuterie board... ask for extra little biscuits and they'd be happy to give them to you. We also had the lobster dumplings. For dinner I had the salmon - probably the best prepared salmon I ever had. We also finished with an 2 amazing desserts to share. James was our server and he was fantastic. We had a wonderful ladies dinner out and will be back again!

My favorite restaurant. Always an exceptional meal and impeccable service. I've been dining here for years and have never left disappointed. Great food and wine!

Great Setting Great Food and Froendly Staff... We had our family Thanksgiving Catered there and I've always wanted to see the beautiful house and it did not disappoint!!! The food was amazing the turkey was juicy, dressing amazing, Mac and cheese was perfect and the best red velvet cake I've ever ate!!!

A long time favorite of my wife and I's, excellent food and good service (at least in the past). Afraid that pricing has been getting out of hand however, seems like every time we come costs 5 dollars more for everything, most menu items 40-50 dollars now! I am not sure this is justified. Major fly problem outdoors, ruined our recent visit. I was pushed to book outdoors because I had a baby in my party and there was no attempt to warn me about the problem ahead of time. Don't book outside! It will ruin your nice dinner! **There was no attempt to rectify the fly problem either, no offer to discount or bring us inside, I would qualify this as bad service. This wasn't just a few flies... Between the price problems and flies , I don't think we will be coming back, which saddens me.

Best restaurant in the area. I've been here 8 times and they do not disappoint. The food is exquisite and expertly prepared, the wine list is well curated and reasonably priced, the service is top notch. The place is both small and intimate - great for dinner, and definitely make a reservation in advance. It is usually busy, deservedly so.

My husband and I went last night for our 25th Anniversary. It's a small space, but still gives you a sense of intimacy. The service was top notch and extremely accommodating. They have a large wine and cocktail list, but were able to make delicious mock tails for us two non drinkers. The food was a celebration in itself, inventing, inspiring and made our occasion memorable. Thank you for making our evening perfect.

My husband and I visited for our anniversary dinner. I can say with confidence that this is the best food I've ever had. It comes with a hefty price tag, If you're a foodie like us and want to try everything . But it's so worth it! It's a nice, small place. We didn't have reservations, but there was room at the bar for us. But I would recommend doing reservations because that was on a Wednesday! I can imagine how busy they are during the weekends. The service was immaculate and everyone was so friendly. It seems their menu changes because I was looking for pictures of food and didn't see it on yelp, so that's pretty cool. Def go visit!!

I've been coming here for years... some things never change. Delicious meal, nice ambiance, great customer service. I always wind up here for flavorful food.

Hands down the best restaurant in Newport News, or the peninsula for that matter. Our go to spot for any kind of celebration or special date night. Food is more expensive than other places, but the quality far surpasses any restaurant I've been to here. It reminds me of places back in California. And service is top notch, we always feel welcomed and taken care of. I hope this place never closes.

Kip, who may be the manager was AAAAHHHMAZING! He also was our server. You can tell he loves what he does, knowledgeable and let him just feed you. If he suggests it, just do it. You won't be sorry. Make a reservation, it's a small intimate place. The bar is super cool. All the drinks we ordered were perfect parings. So the meatloaf. Almost killed me! It was incredible and I could of eaten the whole loaf, drank the glaze and bathed it. Don't be crazy and not order this. It was perfect. I hate meatloaf, Kip ordered it for me. So yeah, it almost killed me and it will blow you away! Go here! Enjoy an intimate dinner or a double date. Not sure what took us so long!

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.

Absolutely wonderful dinner at Circa 1918. Kip was helpful and warm throughout our experience. I booked a reservation a week or so ahead and I would strongly recommend it! The place is small, upscale but still cozy. Everything from the decor to the plating is ornate and adds to the experience. Not a rushed service but also felt the staff was attentive. Kip was great with helping us identify a wine. My mom had the watermelon sugar cocktail which was refreshing and not overly sweet. For our meal, we ordered the wage croquette specials (they offered to give us four so we all could have our own), the artisan cheese bread, the grouper, the scallops, the beef tenderloin and the tuna special. Not a single thing would we not recommend. For dessert, we had the dark chocolate truffles and the Lemon berry galette. Their ice creams are incredible... in my opinion they made both dishes, This is a must try in the area for a nice night out. Thanks to the staff and chefs! Sent from my iPad

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.

My favorite restaurant on the peninsula. Food, drinks and service is top notch. It is our go-to for special occasions. The specials are always delicious but it's hard to venture off the staples from the menu such as the Bison Meatloaf or Beef tenderloin. And ALWAYS get a dessert.

Absolutely AMAZING !!! We're from out of town and the menu looked tasty. Tasty doesn't explain how good this place is. The food was out of this world perfect! Regina our waitress was so kind, so attentive, on point and fun. The hostess was so kind. We not only felt like family, but left completely happy with every part of our experience. Even the cooks said hello.

First off I'm big on first impressions, for the manager to take the time to return my call for a reservation was big! Now on to the gritty, we arrived a few minutes late and we were greeted and immediately seated we chose to sit outside it was nice evening so that was cool! Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu, he updated us on changes that were made and the specials. The General Manager Kip was outstanding as well, normally when you dine outside you have the tendency to feel left out but not here. James and Kip made us and the other outside diners feel welcomed and included. So let's get to the vittles, we started with the Wild Mushrooms on a Crostata which was delicious, then we moved on to a cheese tray( That Bacon jam was something special! There was a treat that was brought out, sorry I can't remember but it was on a cracker and had a Lima bean in it anyway it was delicious! Main course we both went for the Pork Chop which was perfectly cooked served with mashed potatoes and a apple/parsnip purée also combined with spaghetti squash! We devoured that, my wife had 2 "Hazy Sunrise or Sunset can't remember but she enjoyed it. I had a Pineapple Cider, so we finished up with desert she got the Pumpkin donuts and I got the German Chocolate cake....Bruh! Hell even the water was good lol! Also instead of just dumping the water out, they use it to water the plants, another check in my book! So please do yourself a favor and pay Circa 1918 a visit, but please call ahead for reservations. This is not a paid advertisement lol!!

First time dining here last night. The atmosphere is cozy. We were celebrating our anniversary and recommended by a friend. We had amazing service by James. He was attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. I told James what I was looking for in a red wine and his choice was perfectly matched to my request. I chose all of his suggestions- Lobster bisque, flavorful creamy and delicious! I had the duck leg and my husband the lamb leg. And for dessert we had lemon tart and the macadamia crust cheesecake. All of the food was prepared to perfection. Several other staff members came by to refill water, get a drink order if James was busy, or clear plates. The owner or manager? I'm not sure, Kip stopped by and thanked us for coming in. Everyone asked if we were satisfied. It was genuine and not overwhelming. We are adding Circa 1918 to our favorites for date night. Thank you for making our anniversary special. We cannot wait to return!

The food and service were outstanding. I will definitely go again. My only complaint would be how close the tables are together. The spacing issue can be a problem if trying to have an intimate date night. That's not happening here unless they are not crowded. It's definitely worth going though. Great service and great food.

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!!

I visited this place a couple of weeks ago and it was so good, I went right back a week later! Let me start with the service. Great customer service for sure!! I called ahead to see if I could make a reservation and since they were booked, they did offer us seating at the bar. It was great timing and I'm so glad it worked out. The staff had a warm welcome once we arrived. The space is very tight but it's still a nice ambience. From the outside street view it does not seem like such a special place would be found here. The parking wasn't bad as there were open spots along the street. Once seated, the bartender, James, was personable and ready to get us drinks. He knew the menu and the specials. That's always a big deal when the people working there actually know the food! It was great for us bc it was the first time visiting. We were served a complimentary tasting of some deliciousness that I can't even remember but it was something the Chef created. Those small bites were so good and wasted no time enjoying it- I didn't even get a pic! The salmon my daughter ordered was cooked perfectly. The cauliflower purée was smooth in texture and had delicious flavors. The steak was tender and juicy. Every thing served was full of flavor and was really balanced with textures. Let me talk about this smoked mozzarella caprese appetizer!! It was absolutely delicious. The basil that you would expect to be as a garnish is instead infused in the olive oil. The thick meaty tomato was seasoned just right and went with every bite of the mozzarella! The breading on the mozzarella wasn't overly done either- again, the textures here made my mouth want more. I tried the barramundi fish the next time I went back- (literally a week later) and it held the seasonings so well. This fish is similar to Mahi Mahi in texture but still such a delicious piece of fish that it truly stands on its own. The chef knows what she or he is doing here. The dish had Asian inspired flavors and even tho I was afraid the Kimchi would be too much- it absolutely was not. It was a perfect amount of spice. Every bite was truly amazing. I'm a fan of Sauvignon Blanc and ordering the bottle was a great choice to compliment my dish. The service was still spot on with the staff knowing the menu and just being very timely with their customer service. It wasn't where they hurry and rush you out but it also wasn't where they left and forgot about you. There aren't many places in Hampton I would go back to back but this is certainly one at the top of my list. It's great for a date night, girls night or coworkers catching up on a long week. The only thing I would change is the size of the place. The decor is very nice but the space can be uncomfortably tight for some people. Other than that, this place deserves every bit of 5 stars! Can't wait to go back again.

Food was average overall but service was the deal breaker. Waited forever. The table next to us ordered about 15 minutes after us and they were done eating before we got our food. Not worth the money for bad service.

Starting to become one of my favorite places to go. You usually always see the same faces so it makes it a comfortable atmosphere. The drinks are always good and I love the different options they offer .

If you've never experienced fine dining, Circa is a must. Great wine selection, superb food, and the cocktails are amazing. Make a reservation - they are very limited on space. All of the staff is phenomenal!

Bottom Line Up Front: A MUST TRY! A great dining experience from beginning to end thanks to bold and delicious flavors Peaks: -Really friendly and quick service. Our food came out before we could finish our appetizers -The flavor combinations for each dish was divine. I can't recall the name of the entree I got but it was a pork chop special with a really great succotash blend they had on that particular evening. We started off with beef tartar, the herb bread (that herb butter was great) and a little something from the chef- a small spoonful of tuna with a spicy blend. -You will definitely have leftovers for the next day, and they'll taste just as great! Pits: -The restaurant itself is really small so this might be something to keep in mind for those that would prefer to dine at a distance. -The tables are tiny. Our table for two got really crowded at a particular point -Parking can be really tricky!

Every thing here is amazing. A quaint little venue with an incredible ambiance! I had a legit food-gasm here! The omg cheesecake will take you there

Listen! GO EAT HERE NOW. The staff is wonderful. Regina and Kip(I hope I spelled it right) made our visit simply amazing. The food was so original and delicious. I have never seen most of the menu items they offer. It seems like such an unassuming place from the outside, the inside is very cozy and it has a homey feel to it. My husband raved about the Old Fashion drink he had. The fried oysters were little bites of perfection, my rockfish melted in my mouth. The octopus and duck my hubby had was just as delicious. I will be back again and again for the menu changes. I am dying to try the crabcakes!!

Best in Newport News. Great food and great service. It costs a lot. Located in Hilton Village on main st.

WOW. This is my new favorite place in Hampton for dinner. Date night. Celebration. Whatever, it was phenomenal. Now, I've only been once - but what a first impression! I called at about 6:45 on a Friday night for a dinner reservation for two. They easily accommodated us for 7:15 and had our table ready. Plenty of street parking on the nearby streets (parallel) and we easily found a spot nearby and walked up. The entrance is nondescript and I honestly thought they were closed when we first walked up - but the inside is dim and small with probably only about 10-15 tables and a small bar. It's cozy and feels like a place in New York City. Our server was awesome - really knowledgable about the menu - was able to make great suggestions and explain the items I was between deciding on (bc everything sounded good) and he paid just enough attention that we never wanted for anything but were able to really enjoy our meal without interruption. For starters - we chose several things - there was a mushroom bruschetta-inspired app on large toast with a bacon marmalade that was really good. One large piece of toast generously topped with items made up this appetizer. The second was the shrimp and grits that had an amazing flavor. The last was a caprese stack with a large round fried piece of mozzarella topped with a large sliced tomato and a basil leaf. It was laying in separated puddles of balsamic and olive oil that mixed together when you sliced into the stack. Noms. All three were delicious. My personal favorite was the shrimp with caprese a close second. Entrees were the lamb burger with truffle fries and a candied bacon and house-made ketchup for the boyfriend while I had the tuna which was lightly fried - cooked medium - and served on a bed of quinoa with crunchy veggies. As our server said, it was the best tuna dish I'd ever had. Excellent excellent excellent. I loved it. I could eat it every day for dinner for a year and never tire of it. It was that good. I was full after dinner but everything was so delicious that I just had to try dessert. There were about three things of the selections I wanted to try - including their special of the night which was a butterscotch pot de creme - but I went with the cheesecake - lemon cheesecake, caramelized bananas, and macadamia crust. Very good. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time - and I eat out a lot... a new personal favorite in Hampton Roads. Special nights, dates, and just any time I want a good meal. This is gonna be the place.

Best restaurant in Newport News!!! Excellent food and atmosphere with a NYC feel. Hard to get a seat without reservations and even the bar gets packed. Highly recommend!! It's pricey but worth it!!

One of the best dining experiences I've had in Hampton Roads. The Mixologist/bartender takes his craft serious and it's evident by the cocktails he prepares. The Kitchen staff was equally incredible the Rockfish and Halibut are highly recommended. Definitely an enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommended. Shout out to Hosts as well. Felt welcomed from the time we set foot in the establishment

It's been five years since my original review, and Circa still brings it EVERY time. If you are looking for a special occasion dinner spot, or an impressive set of cocktails to wow your date, this place has it. The menu rotates seasonally and is incredibly creative - plus, they have special events frequently (wine dinners, restaurant week, specials, etc.). The two things I constantly come back for are Tuesday night wine night - $5 wines on their by-the-glass list, plus specials on appetizers - and the lamb burger. If you want an earth-shattering food experience, get yourself the lamb burger. It's phenomenal and you'll be dreaming about it far after it's in your belly. Another favorite I crave all year that they offer generally in the fall are the pumpkin donuts made with a Bailey's reduction sauce. I am constantly impressed by their alcohol lists - fantastic wines at all price points, incredibly creative and tasty cocktails, lots of local beer rotations. It's a small spot located in the cute downtown Hilton Village area, and the secret is out about how fantastic they are - so it's generally good to have a reservation. Most of the time if I'm just walking in, they've been able to accommodate me at the bar, but if you are planning something special, call ahead and get a seat reserved - especially if you have a party of more than four.

This place never ceases to amaze! It's tucked away in the historic section of Newport News in what's called the Hilton Village! Kip is always quite the host. The ambiance is very cozy with nice music in the background, however, the noise level of conversation gets quite loud. Their appetizers are great and leave you wanting more, but it's a nice lead into the subsequent courses! We are here during restaurant week, which is the best time to go as the prices are $40 for a 3 course meal. Well worth the price! Try the pickled prawn. It's exquisite!!! Looking forward to the following courses!!!

Good service....check. Great food....omg....check check check! Great menu....seriously check....unique and a good variety Ambiance....check though a little dark Drinks....oh yes! Check!! Overall - you have to go! Comfort food done upscale and extremely well! Make reservations though.....otherwise you may not get in so easily!! But it's worth the weight!

Great ambiance and food was amazing. The menu was small but mighty and the drinks were perfect

The best restaurant in Newport News. Make reservations well in advance. You will not be disappointed.

I had made reservations for a date nite for my hubs birthday. The restaurant itself was cute and quaint. Once we arrived our table was ready and got seated Immediately. It was a week nite and I was surprised at how busy they were that night. We ordered a bottle of wine and to start the cheeseboard and fried oysters. Both was very good. The cheeseboard came with 4 types of cheeses with bacon jam, appleS, mini tomatoes and grilled toast. We devoured it and went really well with the bottle of wine we ordered. The fried oysters was fried to perfect - light and not over done. It was delicious. For our entree we ordered the famous meatloaf and the rockfish. Again both selections were sooo good!! For dessert we ordered the cheesecake and I wish they had put a candle on it to celebrate the birthday since I wrote it down our our reservation, but no worries. Dessert was really good as well and went perfectly with a cup of coffee to get us goIng for the drive home. I would definitely like to go here again the food was excellent and the service was excellent. Although it was a busy night. Servers checked up on uss frequently to see how we were doing. Thanks for a great evening!!