The Lowdown
Let’s talk about Popolo—this hidden gem in Grunwald has been on our radar for a while, but we hadn’t had the chance to actually try it out… until now. Fast forward to Wednesday, September 4th, and let’s just say: we will NEVER forget this day. Keep reading, and you’ll get why.
The Boss
So, we finally made it, and right off the bat, we got to sit down with Rafał, the creator of this Popolo restaurant in Grunwald. This guy is not just your regular restaurant owner—he’s been in the game for almost 25 years and knew exactly what the people of Poznań needed. That’s why he reached out to the masterminds behind the Popolo franchise brand (Popolo translates to ‘for the people,” duh) to bring it to our city. Before Popolo took over, the spot was home to a wine bar called “jUNNI” that couldn’t survive the pandemic. But Rafał, being the local legend that he is, knew Italian food would bring everyone back. And spoiler: he was absolutely right.
One of the first things we noticed? The menu. It’s super clear with photos of each dish. Now, normally, we’re not about that photo-menu life because it can feel kinda cheap. But Popolo’s menu is on another level—somehow, the pics make the experience better. You’ll see what we mean when you go.
The Chow
The Starter
Let’s get into the food. Rafał helped us pick, but honestly, we were already eyeing most of these dishes anyway. First up: the Bruschetta Mix for 27 PLN. Two pieces came topped with vine-ripened ham, and two with fresh tomatoes. The ham was salty and savory in all the right ways, while the tomatoes tasted like pure summer on a plate, thanks to a splash of olive oil and balsamic drizzle. Total win.
Next, we hit the Shrimp for 39.99 PLN—60g of perfectly cooked shrimp, braised in white wine and served with lettuce and two sauces: spicy tomato and a basil-garlic combo. The shrimp had that perfect snap when you bite into them, and the sauces? Let’s just say they were chef’s kiss.
The Big Guns
Then came the big guns—the Pizza Popolo for 46.99 PLN. This thing was stacked with tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, smoky ham, crispy bacon, spicy Spianata Piccante salami, and sweet, onions. Every bite hit different: the spicy kick of the salami balanced out by the richness of the cheese and meat, all tied together with that thin, crispy crust that holds it down. A perfect mix of savory, spicy, and just a touch of sweetness—this pizza was a straight-up flavor bomb.
We also couldn’t resist trying the Grenadine Pasta with Shrimps for 47.99 PLN. This one’s a new addition to the menu, and let’s just say it’s fire. Creamy tomato sauce, zucchini, lemon peel, and tender shrimp—all combining for a flavor that was fresh but comforting. The lemon peel added this next-level brightness that had us going back for more.
The Angus
Rafał also recommended the 170g Angus Steak Grenadine for 79.99 PLN, and WOW. Served with mushrooms and loaded with buttery goodness, this steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The crunchy salt sprinkled on top was the perfect finishing touch. Pro tip: if you’re a steak lover, you have to get this.
The Sugar rush
By this point, we were full (blame it on Rafał for making everything sound so good), but there was no way we were skipping dessert. First up: the Raspberry Dolcetto for 15.99 PLN. Mascarpone cream, fresh raspberries, and crunchy meringue—this was dessert heaven. Creamy, sweet, tangy, and crispy all in one bite. Trust us, you need this.
Couldnt let it slide
We washed it all down with two drinks: Kawa Mrożona and Affogato. The Kawa Mrożona was a perfect iced coffee treat, while the Affogato—a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with a hot shot of espresso poured over—was everything you want in a coffee-dessert mashup. Fun fact from Rafał: “Affogato” means “drowned” in Italian, which is exactly what the ice cream looked like in that delicious espresso pool.
The Bottom Line
And we can’t forget to mention the vibe. Popolo’s got this amazing outdoor garden, and on weekends, you can catch live music. Rafał? Honestly, one of the nicest guys we’ve met in the restaurant scene. Nothing here is overly fancy, but everything is done sooo well. It’s classic Italian with a little extra flair, and it’s all good.
So, whether you’re driving or hopping on public transport, get yourself to Popolo ASAP. If you don’t have a car, just take the number 6 tram from Półwiejska and head towards Budziszyńska. Get off at the Budziszyńska stop, and it’s just a short walk from there. 100% worth the trip. Oh, and when you go, make sure you say hi to Rafał from us!
