Popoca Oakland - Oakland, California

Daniel Johnson

One of my new favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. Oaklands little secret that is sure to get overrun once some food reviewer from New York comes here. Nestled in a quaint area of downtown that has seen a lot of revival lately, this intimate restaurant has simple cozy, stylish vibes without being overdone or super trendy and has highly elevated and affordable food options. You can’t go wrong with anything. Don’t know what to get? Try the Estilo Popoca, which is their tasting menu. Great price for the amount of food you get, and you can even request specific items if you want to make sure you don’t miss out on something. The staff is friendly and attentive. Just an overall great experience. Oh yeah… and the cocktails are also on point. Don’t miss out.

Ann Choi

The food seems simple but the flavors are so complex and delicious!! First time I came, there was a dish served with tortillas and those tortillas were sooo good! I was hoping for more tortillas on my next visit but they’d switched up the menu—not disappointed at all! Just got more papusas :))

More people need to eat here. You’re missing out if you haven’t been.

Deborah Johnson

Tasty Salvadorean food with a unique flare. The fresh salad with plums, radishes, mint, pumpkin seeds, and honey was bright from the mint. The papusas were light with the masa instead of the usual heaviness. One was made with multicolored masa, queso and peppers. The other was oyster mushrooms, queso and a hint of lemon to break up the strong flavors of mushroom and cheese. The chicken was 2 small legs and a thigh with potatoes, dates and a wonderful sauce made with fermented pineapple juice. Walking distance from the 12th St. BART station. Limited street parking. Featured in Bon Apetit magazine as 1 of the top new 20 restaurants and in SF Cronicle.

kevin marroquin

Popoca is a hidden gem in Oakland that delivers an unforgettable dining experience! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for a delightful evening. The menu is a celebration of El Salvadoran cuisine, and every dish we tried was a masterpiece. The pupusas are a must-try—perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and a flavorful, cheesy filling. The pollo campero is the crispiest most delicious fried Chicken I’ve ever tried. The drinks are also fire! Love trying new drinks with Salvadoran touches.

The service was top-notch, with the staff making us feel welcome and attended to throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu and passion for the food really shone through. It’s clear that the team at Popoca takes great pride in what they do.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Oakland, Popoca is a culinary experience you don't want to miss. We’ll definitely be back for more!

Raul Maldonado

Elevated level of Panchitas (IYKYK, SF). That is, amazing Salvadoran food & drinks. I recommend the Elote cocktail, if you’re interested in a hint of maisa ? with sweetness. There’s the Mango Agave(?) as well for a spicy kick.

Foods came out warm to fill your soul. My fiancé and I enjoyed the Pastel De Pato, Ceviche, and Pupusa Frijol y queso. For mains we loved the pollo de chicha. Highly recommend the Salvi Side Plate.

Everything mentioned can be pricey altogether, so be mindful of ordering extra drinks & plates (still hard to resist lol)

Service was great, and customers were pretty diverse. Small space so definitely make an advanced reservation indoor.

Commuting:
It’s near broadway, if you’re considering transit. Bike lanes are good, but not amazing. Lastly, if driving, okay is okay, but Old Oakland feels like it’s re-emerging. Also, have no Bluetooth devices on in your trunk more or anything in sight of your car. (General advice people forget)

Iris R

My daughter recently introduced me to a fantastic Salvadorian restaurant, and my dinner experience there exceeded all expectations. Every dish we ordered boasted the spectacular flavors of Central America, elevated with a touch of sophistication. The owner's warm and friendly demeanor made us feel incredibly welcome. His humility and kindness truly left an impression.
The ambiance was delightful, especially on the charming patio where we dined. Happy, joyful music filled the air, creating a serene and cheerful atmosphere. Watching the two chefs work their magic in the small kitchen was a treat, particularly as they prepared the mouthwatering pupusas and the flavorful pollo "campero" with beaming smiles, reflecting their passion for their craft.
The waitstaff was both amiable and professional, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience. While the prices were reasonable, they reflected the value placed on the hard work and quality ingredients that go into crafting these exquisite Central American dishes. It's truly a testament to the rich culinary heritage of our community in Oakland.
A heartfelt thanks to the owner and the dedicated staff; we're definitely planning to return soon! It's worth noting that parking is street-only, so arriving early or being prepared to find parking is advisable. Additionally, they do take reservations, which can be a great convenience

Mekuria Getinet

Braving the rain for our patio reservation turned out to be the best decision. It felt like our own “chef’s table” as we witnessed a skilled chef crafting delightful meals, including hand-made pausas over an open flame. The ambiance, enhanced by the interplay of fire, rain, exquisite food, and attentive service, heightened all our senses. The random drops of water on us added a unique touch to the experience ;). Opting for the Estilo Popocoa, we let the chef surprise us, and every dish from appetizers to dessert was a delightful masterpiece. The food, the staff, the overall vibe – everything was truly amazing. Counting down the days until our next visit.

P.S. I don’t drink alcohol , but since it was my birthday, we hade a few cocktails. Again, delightful.

Nicole Hadassah

Had a terrible experience two weeks back. It was a beautiful , warm evening. The restaurant was half full and still understaffed. Unsure where all the positive reviews are coming from, and felt confused after hearing nearby tables raving at the flavors. Got the plums con alguashte, pork chop, and summer beans. The flavors felt like a lot going on, contradicting each other as I ate them. The pork chop took over an hour to arrive at our table. It was cold but bearable. I did not enjoy the achiote gravy that covered it. Wiped it off but it was unavoidable. Should have gotten the papusas but I grew up in San Leandro and any to go Salvadorian spot tends to satisfy my cravings.