Stepping into Circus Bistro, you are greeted by a mix of casual yet retro design with enough cozy elements to make it feel hip. Ajay Mallareddy, already a well-known name in Visakhapatnam’s dining scene thanks to his popular Italian venture, Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM), has now come up with a new offering, Circus Bistro, specializing in American and continental cuisine.
Located one floor above FSM, a narrow staircase leads us to the city’s newest restaurant. The decor combined with soft lighting and wooden accents creates an aesthetic look that feels relaxed and sophisticated, making it a great place for both casual lunches and intimate dinners. Bright subway tiles add a fresh, modern touch, symbolizing the balance between old and new.
Circars Bistro operated as a cloud kitchen for more than a year and a half before opening the dine-in space. Ajay was mulling over the idea of opening a place focused on continental cuisine. Finally during the Covid lockdown, he was able to bring this vision to life. He says, “It took me about six months of experimentation with chefs and daily food tests before I was really satisfied with the menu. I have a deep love of American and European food, and with Circus Bistro, I was able to break free from the constraints of focusing only on Italian or Mexican cuisine, as was the case with FSM.”
Interior view of the newly opened Circus Bistro, an American and Continental restaurant in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Months of planning and extensive testing go behind each recipe. Ajay says, “Sometimes we try multiple brands of the same ingredient before deciding on the right one. For example, with one dish, I tested more than 15 brands of a particular cheese before narrowing down on the right vendor and product. A significant portion of our ingredients are imported.”
Circus Bistro’s menu is a diverse mix of American and continental cuisine, with some dishes from other parts of the world also included. It has a strong focus on continental staples as well as American favorites like burgers and steaks. Ajay’s flair for authenticity shines through, as many of the dishes stay true to their roots while incorporating subtle local twists. Whether you’re craving a hearty American lunch or a light Continental dinner, the menu offers something for every taste.
Highlights of the menu include delicious burgers, especially the tenderloin burger with bacon. Other signature dishes include pork ribs, chicken piccata, tenderloin steak, lamb stew, butterfish and spinach, and of course, apple pie. The classic chicken burger is an all-time favourite, with the patty perfectly cooked and juicy and lightly seasoned with its signature chilli mayo, imparting a juicy flavor that is delicious but not overpowering.
Chicken Piccata is served at Circus Bistro, a new American and continental dining spot in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
The highlight is the pork ribs in BBQ sauce, which strike the perfect balance of smoky and sweet, with the meat so tender it falls off the bone. Another must-try dish is the Chicken Piccata – a dish that is deceptively simple but packed in a zesty lemon and caper sauce.
For vegetarians, the bistro also offers an excellent Mexican bean burger, where the patty is wrapped in a house-made toasted bun, layered with crunchy tortilla chips and finished with a spoonful of fresh, tangy tomato salsa.
No meal here would be complete without enjoying a delicious apple pie from their dessert menu. It’s not too sweet, which brings out the natural tartness of the apple. When served warm, the pie provides a comforting contrast when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fish and Chips | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
In the coming months, Ajay plans to host limited, curated dinners introducing Visakhapatnam to delicious dishes that are not currently available in the city. He added, “These events will mostly be invite-only for our regular guests. I’m also working on some exciting new recipes, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise by revealing too much just yet.”
Location: Circus Bistro, Waltair Main Road
Price of meal for one person: Rs 350
Timings: 12 noon to 10.30 pm
