POPULAR OPENS ITS DOORS ON VENTURA BOULEVARD

18047 VENTURA BLVD
ENCINO, CA 91316
818-796-2276
SUN-THU 11:30AM- 11PM, SAT 8PM– 12AM

A dynamic new culinary destination has arrived in the San Fernando Valley. Popular, the seventh concept from the acclaimed Tel Aviv Restaurant Group, is now open in Encino, offering a bold and contemporary dining experience. Located at 18047 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316, Popular introduces a lively new gathering place for guests seeking vibrant Mediterranean fusion cuisine, elevated seafood dishes, and crafted cocktails.

Led by Executive Chef Dor Priezler, the menu highlights bold flavors and a seafood-forward approach. Standout starters include the Fish Cigar, a crispy thin pastry filled with fresh branzino, herbs, chili, and lemon zest, served with sumac yogurt and olive oil, Baklava filled with savory cheeses, honey syrup, sesame and poppy seeds, and more. Vegetable selections include Wild Cabbage Skewers with olive oil and honey glaze, roasted almonds with Beurre Blanc, and Roasted Kohlrabi served with whipped feta cheese, honey sumac, poppy seeds and cilantro. Raw selections such as Sea Bream Sashimi with koshu ponzu, and Yellowtail Tartar with sour cream, pickled lemon, wild herbs, harissa, and falafel crumble. Main dishes include Bucatini Cacio e Pepe with Black pepper cream, Urfa and parmesan tuile, Home made Wild Mushroom Gnocchi with sautéed mushrooms, broccollini, goat cheese and fresh oregano and Seared Sea Bream Risotto with spinach cream and lemon garlic butter, sugar peas, parmigiano Reggiano, and broccolini.

Popular also introduces a prix-fixe lunch menu available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering two courses for $39.99 per guest. Guests may select from dishes such as Hummus, Smoked Eggplant, or Little Caesar made with homemade Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, shallots, chives and crispy burek dough to start, followed by entrées including King Schnitzel with lemon cilantro salsa, Dijon mustard and tahini chermoula, Risotto with spinach cream, lemon, garlic butter, sugar peas parmigiano Reggiano and broccolini, Arak Rigatoni, made with light pink sauce, Stracciatella cheese, Italian breadcrumbs and basil. Select premium add-ons are available as well. 

The beverage program at Popular complements the menu with a selection of sake and wine-based cocktails, curated pours, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. Signature cocktails include the Tropit, blending sake with watermelon, guava, and pineapple, and the Far East-Side with cucumber, mint, and lime, alongside the Kyoto Tropic with peach, pineapple, and green tea. Guests can also explore premium sake and wine selections. The menu is rounded out with vibrant mocktails like the Blood Orange Spritz, Strawberry & Ginger Fizz, and a bright Espresso & Tonic with lemon peel.

Designed by the Tel Aviv Restaurant Group team, Popular occupies an inviting 4,000-square-foot space featuring a bright, modern design. The restaurant includes a spacious dining area, a lively bar with seating for eight, and a patio for outdoor dining. Thoughtful touches throughout the space create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying Mediterranean fusion cuisine and the restaurant’s signature sushi offerings.

LEARN MORE
Website: www.popular-encino.com
Instagram: @popular_encino