![4]( "Recensione")
After gifting my husband the cookbook of 'The Magic of Tinned Fish' by Popina chef, Chris McDade, I was the one who became enthralled with the book and the place. My husband has a penchant for buying tinned fish and mollusks - no matter which country he's travelling to but what he doesn't do is use them in time before their expiry date. So the 'Tinned Fish' cookbook by McDade, was one of intrigue. I therefore took it upon myself to make a few dishes from this extraordinary cookbook, and then learned that there was a restaurant I could visit which played on the themes from the cookbook. But adverse, tinned fish folks, be not afraid! Popina is not a place entirely of tinned fish - it's Italian more than any kind of fish.
Food: Five stars
I had the 'new' celery and fennel salad to start, complete with anchovies (yay!), ewe's blue cheese, and walnuts (delicate mint leaves folded in). If it came in a large size salad, I would have easily devoured it. It was SUBLIME!!!
For my main, it was the Rigatoni with the guanciale, in a delicately-spiced pepperonata sauce. A generous portion of pasta I'm told by the staff, from all the pastas on the menu. So if you want lots of pasta, get this one.
For drink I started with a Nebbiolo rosé wine by the glass and then with my pasta I moved to a 'chilled' Valpolicella red. Both were excellent in quality and paired well with the dishes.
I couldn't make room for dessert sadly. There were only two choices but each would have put me over the edge.
Service: Four stars
Seemed a bit of confusion with the staff sorting out the seating and walk-in diners when I arrived for my early dinner booking. Or just my impatience? As I was only a table for one, and had pre-booked, I was seated at the bar, as not to take a table from diners who were 2 +.
Atmosphere: Three stars
Humid October night in Brooklyn. But the air conditioning inside the restaurant was pumping. Thankful for my jacket which I had to put around my shoulders for most of the night even after the air conditioner was turned off. Popina is located on a busy street and whilst the window looking out is generous if you're sat near it, there isn't much to look at but the fenced-in Pier 9, and many cars. But it's not noisy, indoors. Also I cannot comment on the outdoor garden space as I did not sit there, nor did I visit it.
Great spot with a chill neighborhood vibe. I really appreciate the flavors of their pasta. We got the fettuccini with ramp, basil and breadcrumbs. Since ramps are in season this was a really good choice. Next is the orecchiette broccoli rabe, spring onion, anchovy. I can definitely taste the anchovy and all the flavors mixed well together and nothing is too overbearing. The hot chicken milanese was definitely "hot." It was cooked very well. (tip: If you can't handle "hot/spicy" ask for extra lemons) I asked so that i can eat it. For apps we also got the pimento cheese. They gave a lot of serving which was nice. Overall the experience was great. The service was also great, they were very attentive in refilling our water which was nice. I will definitely come again to try other food on the menu!
Yum!!! We ate outdoors in the heated patio and had an excellent dinner. I’d highly recommend the garganelli (Brussels, leeks, Gorgonzola) if it’s still on the menu as well as finishing your mean with the chocolate chess pie. Looking forward to coming again!
Great little spot, little out of the way for most people (its next to a port) but worth the trek. Really comforting combinations of southern food and italian classics, well exemplified in their hot chicken milanese which is one of the best breaded/fried things i’ve eaten so far in 2023. The “pizza bianco” is really just foccacia with a side of either olives, mortadella or anchovies. Works well as an upgraded bread course however. Solid drinks. Nice mezcal negroni which i always appreciate.
Desserts are no slouch either. Chess box pie!
Got the rigatoni, the chicken, and the chocolate pie. Also tried some of the spritz’s. Everything was great and I would definitely come back
Came on a Friday evening with my husband. We made a reservation earlier that morning. Very tight space (we sat inside) with a nice, minimal ambiance. Too a minute for our waitress to get to us and then the bartender came by to get us drinks. Super nice dude. Also a tight menu but with a number of things that looked interesting g. Got the pimento cheese and potato rolls, which were great and came served with some pickled relish. I got the mafaldine pasta with pepper and pecorino. I was in the mood for something like cacio e pepe and this definitely hit the spot. The pecorino made it slightly sharp and salty, which I loved. Hubby got the hot chicken Milanese, which was also very good but definitely spicy, even for him who can handle spice. He washed it down with a can of IPA beer and I with a really good, funky, orange wine.
Will definitely come back but will plan it during a time where I can visit their back garden.
Cool concept of cuisine with Italian meets the South. Limited menu but everything was delicious. Save room for the Chocolate Chess Pie!
Awesome awesome experience here, and some of the best service we've ever had. Killer recommendations on wine and food. Chocolate chess pie is an absolute must, but the rest was incredible too.
Amazing food. The southern / Italian fried chicken is unreal and very unique. And it’s kid and dog friendly, but also adult friendly in a different section. Dream restaurant.
Good food, but nothing memorable. I tried the anchovies and gnocchi. The anchovies came with too much potato. I enjoyed the complex flavor in the gnocchi, but I didn't enjoy that the guanciale was chewy. Someone ordered the pie for dessert; it looked good, but I didn't try it.
The service was quick and friendly. Expensive for what it is.
Quality food, excellent service, quaint backyard space made for a delightful dining experience. I would go back and I would recommend to others. I do wish these types of places got in the habit of offering lemoncello at the conclusion of the meal.
Great food, excellent wine list, and a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere that is perfect for dining solo or with friends. Opt for a seat in the garden rather than up front which can be a bit tight. The corn agnolotti and classic spaghetti with sungold tomatoes, basil, and mascarpone are particularly excellent, as is the chess pie.
Amazing all around! Came in as a walk-in around 7:30PM and the host seated us at a table right away on a Saturday night. Note: There’s seating at the bar which is first come first serve as well. The staff was so pleasant and nice. Food was just perfect and very tasty. Portions are hearty and leave you very satisfied. Definitely a must if you are in the area.
My wife and I drove from the Upper West side of Manhattan to celebrate our anniversary. The service was attentive, the food came out quickly and we were incredibly satisfied!
Small but delicious menu. Loved the pasta with smoked cheddar, mushrooms, and creamed corn the night we went. Also the arancini in saffron honey was incredible. Always a reliably good meal at this cozy neighborhood spot with fantastic, helpful service. Never had the chance to sit in their garden but I hear it's great
Easily the most charming restaurant patio in the neighborhood. I used to walk by during lockdown to admire all the chocolate chess pies cooling in the window. Finally got the chance to come in and enjoy a slice!
absolutely delicious, wonderful hospitality. the drinks, appetizers and entrees were all top notch and delicious. gratuity included is great and should be standard across all restaurants. thank you for the wonderful dinner.
I wish I had opened Popina myself. It is a perfect restaurant. The spicy chicken milanese and carolina arancini are sublime-- the service is good and I feel a little like I'm in a different city when I go to Popina. One that is hospitable, a little slower, that allows you to savor every moment, sip and bite.
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