If there’s something better than taking a well-earned bite into a crusty artisan pizza right out of a wood-fired oven after a day exploring, it’s having it in a tranquil setting, with a first-class view of lush palm trees, a valley, and stunning rock formations. And knowing some of the premium ingredients can’t be any fresher as they are locally sourced is just another notch to Circolo Pizza’s winning formula.

Sitting on the edge of AlUla’s oasis, the Italian eatery in Al Jadidah district is the perfect spot to unwind and refuel thanks to its laid-back rustic and minimal decor with grounding earthy tones. The outdoor terrace is a real advantage during the cooler months, inviting all visitors to connect with nature near the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for lunch and dinner, guests have the chance to enjoy basking in the sunlight during the day and marvelling at the star-studded sky at night.

Circolo’s carefully curated menu is sure to satisfy any cravings you might have, as it includes small sharing plates, fresh pastas, pizzas, mains, sides, and desserts, all served by the genuine and caring staff. To begin your experience, start with the special AlUla Citrus & Goat Cheese Salad, with wild rocca, locally sourced fresh citrus, cherry tomatoes, spring onions, baked goat’s cheese, and blood orange dressing. As a second treat, cheese lovers can also indulge in the burrata, accompanied with pesto dressing and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, while other typical Italian starters include the bresaola, with wild rocca and grana padano shavings, and the eggplant parmigiana.

For pasta lovers, perhaps the only way to go is Circolo’s bestseller, a creamy linguine pasta with wild mushrooms and truffle, finished with some aged nutty Parmigiano Reggiano that leaves a wonderful aftertaste on the tongue. Additionally, seafood fans have the option a squid ink pasta simmered in a lobster broth, and the AlUla Citrus Risotto is another dish with local citrus as the star ingredient.

Then there are the mains that cater to all tastes. The baked seabass, a whole butterflied, boneless fish comes with a surprising white balsamic aioli, while the veal Milanese, a hearty bone-in veal chop, is topped with a signature gravy, and the oven roasted baby chicken comes out moist and infused with seasoning.

And, of course, you simply can’t leave without trying Circolo’s specialty and main draw. With the restaurant’s name probably inspired by Ed Sheeran saying: “Pizza is a circle. Pizza is my life. Pizza is the circle of my life,” the pizzaioli (pizza makers) obviously have to take their role very seriously. And a testament to this is how they lovingly give the Italian dough 72 hours to rest.

There are nine options to choose from, including the usually beloved pepperoni and cheese-centred margherita. However, we recommend straying from your comfort zone and trying some exciting specials like Artichoke & Spinach and Pulled Lamb. Other options made in front of you range from the Pesto Burrata and Eggplant to the Farmer’s Market.

Try and save room for dessert and ask about the gelato of the day as it is a refreshing way to end your Italian experience. Additionally, chocolate afficionados can’t go wrong with the chocolate mousse, while pain perdu is given a twist, and elevated with rich, creamy mascarpone.

Open daily from 12.30pm - 11.30pm

Old Town North Car Park, Al Jadidah, Al Ula 43523

+966 533353201

@circolo.pizza

alula-circolo