Popocatepetl – the name is difficult to pronounce, which is why the restaurant is also often called Popo’s. For many, Popocatepetl is an affordable restaurant to go to for a quick bite. The location in Utrecht is the first to get a new look. And we got the chance to come experience it.
The brightly coloured building on Nobelstraat grabs your attention. But I have to admit that it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that, based on a friend’s recommendation, I tried it for the first time. The second time was by invitation, for the presentation of the re-styling and revised menu. The bright colours have given way to more natural soft green and terracotta colors. The nonchalantly covered tables, various potted cactuses, dimmed lights, and horseshoe wall give the restaurant a Mexican vibe. I like this new look.
The new menu
There are of course Mexican classics on the menu. Don’t know the difference between a tortilla, burrito, and enchilada? Don’t worry, the crew at Popocatepetl will happily explain it to you. To start, we ordered the fish cakes and calamari. I expected spicy cakes with a lot of fish, but unfortunately I found them a bit too sweet. We also expected a bit more from the calamari. Besides the small dishes to share, there are also main dishes for bigger appetites. I can recommend the small soft tacos with pulled pork and the sweet potato fries with lime mayonnaise. My companion liked the enchiladas but thought they could use a bit more authentic Mexican flavour. So a side note: the dishes could stand to be spicier. So spice it up Popo’s!
Let’s not forget the last round of the tasting session: a parade of dishes from the dessert menu. It was so good! The favourites of the evening were the churros with chocolate sauce and the passionfruit cheesecake. But go ahead and order every dessert, so you can feast.
Cocktails, tequila or beer
Mexican dishes of course need accompanying drinks. Popo’s drinks menu is very extensive and varied. If you want, you can spend the whole evening enjoying (virgin) cocktails, tequilas, and Mexican beers. Check out the classic Mexican cocktail ‘Paloma’. Or sip on one of the special tequilas that you can order at the bar. Prefer a beer? Popo’s works with the brewery ‘de leckere’, which brews the fresh beer ‘The Mexican’ exclusively for the restaurant. And if you want something completely different, then order ‘Mexican bulldog Corona’ – you’ll get attention with this cocktail.
Curious? Check it out for yourself, and go experience the new and improved Popocatepetl.
Opening hours: Every day from 17.00
Picture’s by: Daniel Versteegh