Popoca

4.8

26 Reviews

$30 and under

Latin American

Make a booking

2 people

13 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 23 times today

Lively
Innovative
Great for creative cocktails

Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Popoca means “to emit smoke” in Nawat, the language of native people of El Salvador who stoked wood fires to prepare food over a comal for their families. Revered as more than just a means of cooking, smoke represents a prayer or offering to the spirits.

Popoca is a mix of heritage and play. Our food is driven by preserving past, creating something new and uniquely Oakland.

After years of pop-ups, Popoca has its own digs in the Old Oakland neighborhood, where the pupusas, chicken with fermented pineapple sauce, and other Cali-Salvadoran specialties are happily devoured.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Latin American
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 5:15 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:15 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(510) 457-1724
Website
https://www.popocaoakland.com/
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
906 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
Area
Oakland
Parking details
None

What 26 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

East Bay
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Popoca offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious thoughtful food" and vibrant flavors. Guests rave about the "extraordinary cocoanut flan" and the "superb cocktails." The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with "friendly staff" who enhance the dining experience. The restaurant is a "complete gem" in Old Town Oakland.

26 Reviews

N
Nelson
San Francisco
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As a Salvadoran, I love this take on our cuisine! The pupusas are among the best I've ever had - the only ones better were at El Triangulo in Olocuilta, El Salvador. On the more modern side, the Pollo Campero is some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. It doesn't taste like the Pollo Campero in El Salvador, but you can see where the inspiration came from. Great drinks menu as well!
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E
Emily
VIP
Minneapolis
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ceviche was delicious, as was the guac a mol and the noodles and all the pupusas. Unique cocktails. Nice presentation of all. Comfortably cool ambiance. Server was attentive and friendly. Will return.
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h
hamei
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always everything was delicious and flavorful. I’ve been a fan of Anthony’s cooking since the pop up days. All of his dishes are seasoned to perfection and flavors that all work together perfectly. Drinks were great as well! As always all the love !
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D
Deb
Palm Springs
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
A thoroughly lovely experience. Delicious thoughtful food presented by a friendly staff. Very fresh and clean with vibrant flavors. The cocoanut flan was extraordinary. A great experience. We will be back.
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B
Beth
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dishes had layers of flavor and were varied. We had the tasting menu and it was delicious from first to last. Service was excellent. The place was hopping on a Tuesday night. I’m definitely going back!
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F
Fatima
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great time. Always great food and service.
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CM
ClaudiaM
VIP
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a lovely evening at Popoca. The food was delicious and service was outstanding. All-around great dining experience!
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M
Maria
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing along with their cocktails! I can’t wait to bring my Salvadorian mama here! Plus, Andres, our waiter, was so welcoming! Thanks for yummy food with an amazing experience.
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P
Paolo
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Fun casual service. Staff is knowledgable and passionate about the dishes and will offer recommendations. The food was a fun modern take on Central American food. N.A. beverage options and an interesting cocktail list.
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D
David
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Completely delightful experience. Great food filled with pleasant surprises. Beautiful reuse of space. A complete gem.
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FAQs

Popoca is rated 4.8 stars by 26 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

13 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 23 times today

906 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Oakland
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 5:15 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:15 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None

Website
https://www.popocaoakland.com/
Phone number
(510) 457-1724

Popoca

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 26 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

How is Popoca restaurant rated?

Is Popoca currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information