Defunct Restaurants / Le Cirque, Mexico City, French restaurant that lasted only six years
It was frequented by figures from politics and society, and offered one of the most extensive wine lists in Mexico City.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
The capital of Tuscany, a famous region in Italy, is the luminous city of Florence: the land of Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. It used to be a city-state, before Italy unified as a republic. During its golden age, the Medici family lent money to everyone: the city is full of Renaissance monuments and buildings. The majestic David by Michelangelo, located in the Accademia Gallery, stands out.
Sirio Maccioni
From this region came Sirio Maccioni (pronounced “Machioni”). He crossed the Atlantic in 1954 (Italy had been devastated during World War II, 1939–1945) and arrived in New York City at the age of 22. Later, along with his friends Benito Savarin and Mario Wainer, he opened his first fine-dining restaurant—curiously, French cuisine: Le Cirque. It is said that when Maccioni approached your table, he would ask, “May I do something for you?” instead of the usual “Is everything okay?” He passed away in 2020 at the age of 88.
Le Cirque arrived in Mexico City in 2003 and was located in the Camino Real Hotel in the Anzures neighborhood. “It was known for its high-end French cuisine and as a meeting point for prominent figures in politics and society.” It was also famous, reportedly, for having the most complete wine cellar in the city. A tasting menu was offered. Forgive me—I never went, so I can’t comment on the food. Le Cirque could accommodate up to 180 guests; it featured a bar-lounge, private rooms, and a large terrace for 200.
The Fall of Le Cirque
Some say that Le Cirque in Mexico City (not the one in New York or other locations around the world that are still operating) closed in 2009 due to the economic crisis (remember, in 2008 the so-called “housing bubble” in the U.S. burst). Others suggest the owners simply did not renew the lease. I suppose it was a franchise. Now that I think about it, both arguments could be true: the franchise may not have been renewed due to financial problems caused by the global 2008 crisis.
Rest in peace to this elegant French restaurant founded by an Italian.
Address: Calzada Mariano Escobedo 700, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX
Status: Permanently closed
