Cirkulo in Makati: Serving Authentic Flavors of Spain Since 1995
When it comes to Spanish dishes, nothing comes close to what Cirkulo Restaurant by Chef J. Gamboa has to offer.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Longtime fans of Spanish cuisine will know that only a few restaurants in Manila offer the best flavors of Spain from the tasty appetizers of tapas and pintxos, up to the classic and crowd-favorite paella. Serving these popular Spanish dishes since 1995, you’d know that Cirkulo Restaurant is here to satisfy your cravings.
Upon entering its doors, guests will immediately feel its cosmopolitan vibe—with tones of red and black dominating the place. It’s elegant and classic, artful and cozy, just the way you’d want to spend dinner with over a plateful of Spanish goodness and a good glass of sangria or wine to cap off the night. They have a spacious dining area, and with Spanish music playing in the background, it’s as if you’re in Spain all along.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
What’s more, Cirkulo is an ideal venue for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, fully customized to make your events unforgettable while savoring fantastic Spanish fare. Their private room good for 10–14 guests, is available for Php 15,000 + 10% service charge, fully consumable on their exceptional menu.
For grander occasions, you can rent the entire restaurant for 80–100 guests at Php 150,000 + 10% service charge, also fully consumable.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Cirkulo’s Facebook page
Cirkulo’s dishes are mostly inspired by Chef Gamboa’s travels around the world, who has been in several countries abroad conducting food demonstrations and judging in cooking competitions. By constantly offering new items on their menu, you know you’re in for another treat every time you come back to Cirkulo.
For starters, it’s best to know what Cirkulo is known for. One of their signature dishes, Pan de Cristal, is the perfect starter to any meal, thanks to its its crisp crust and airy texture, made more exciting with a fresh and flavorful spread of tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic.
Pan de Cristal / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Angulas a la Vasca is also another exquisite appetizer that highlights angulas (baby eels), a prized delicacy in Spanish cuisine. Sauteed in olive oil with garlic and a hint of chili for a gentle heat, it’s a real treat that combines different textures with robust flavors that highlights the simplicity of Basque cooking.
Angulas a la Vasca / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Cirkulo’s Potato “Carbonara” Omelette is a twist on the classic Spanish omelette, this dish combines the earthy goodness of potatoes with the salty richness of pancetta. Bound together with creamy eggs and topped with Grana Padano cheese, it’s a comforting, hearty dish that combines Spanish and Italian cuisines.
Potato “Carbonara” Omelette / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Another dish worth mentioning is Cirkulo’s Cochinillo Asado. This dish is made with Spanish-style suckling pig that’s ideal for groups of 10 to 15 diners.
Cochinillo Asado / IMAGE from Cirkulo
This might be the ultimate bar chow! Cabeza de Cerdo takes on the Filipino classic sisig to the next, obvious level. Using the tender and flavorful meat of suckling pigs seasoned with chili and sweet onions, this is a spicy, savory, and slightly tangy dish or bar chow, obviously perfect with either rice or cold cerveza!
Cabeza de Cerdo / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Aside from Spanish favorites, Cirkulo also serve mouthwatering steaks! Its U.S. certified angus beef T-bone steak, for one, is a meat lover’s dream. Sprinkled with thyme salt for that subtle herby kick, this hefty slab of meat is tender, rich, and juicy, perfect for three to four (3-4) diners. The complimentary roasted vegetables on the side make this even more appetizing.
T-bone Steak / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Cirkulo’s Facebook page
Lastly, the Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake is a dessert made with a dark chocolate cake paired with raspberry coulis and orange supreme. Served with their homemade mantecado (Spanish Vanilla ice cream), this is a rich blend of rich chocolate and bright, zesty flavors that makes for a sweet ending to any meal.
Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Fine Wines for Your Fine Dining
For those who would like to wine and dine at the restaurant, Cirkulo offers a curated selection of fine wines from renowned regions worldwide. The wine list includes prestigious labels from Spain’s Rioja, California’s Napa Valley, France’s Champagne, and Australia’s Barossa Valley.
IMAGE from Cirkulo’s Facebook page
IMAGE from Cirkulo’s Facebook page
Guests can enjoy acclaimed wines such as Spain’s Vega Sicilia and Arzuaga, as well as California’s Beringer and Cakebread Cellars, with prices ranging from Php 1,975 to Php 12,900+.
The restaurant also offers three types of glass wines: Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Crianza, Flor de Vetus Verdejo (white wine), and Marques de la Concordia Cava Brut Nature (sparkling white wine) for Php 395+ each. With private rooms available, Cirkulo caters to a wide range of dining occasions, from casual meals to business meetings.
Experience authentic flavors of Spain only at Cirkulo!
