Mexico City's celebrated dining scene just got a whole lot closer to home. La Popular, one of the capital's most beloved modern Mexican restaurants, is officially opening its doors in Los Angeles this Monday, September 22nd, bringing authentic flavors and that unmistakable Mexican hospitality to the heart of Hollywood.
Perched at Ovation Hollywood with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, this isn't just another restaurant opening: it's a cultural bridge connecting two of North America's most vibrant food cities.
The Heart Behind the Brand: Grupo Carolo's Inspiring Story
The story of La Popular begins with something much deeper than business ambition. Eduardo Gómez Senderos, the CEO behind Grupo Carolo, started this journey in 2007 with a small bakery inspired by his younger brother Carlos: affectionately known as Carolo: who has Down Syndrome and discovered his greatest joy in baking.
"To this day, Carolo can still be found in the bakery, happily baking and greeting guests with his signature warmth," explains the team behind the brand. That spirit of authentic hospitality and heart-driven service has become the foundation for what's now grown into one of Mexico's most recognized restaurant groups.
Under Eduardo's leadership, Grupo Carolo has expanded to include celebrated concepts like Blanco Colima, Emilio, and Cachava, always maintaining that balance between world-class dining and cultural authenticity. The LA expansion represents a major milestone: bringing that same soul and quality to U.S. diners without compromising what makes these restaurants special.
Culinary Excellence with Chef Jhon Arevalo
Leading La Popular's kitchen is Executive Chef Jhon Arevalo, a self-taught culinary talent whose 15-year journey from line cook to executive chef speaks to the kind of dedication that defines great Mexican cooking. His menu at La Popular isn't trying to reinvent Mexican cuisine: it's celebrating it through bold flavors and inventive compositions.
The menu reads like a love letter to Mexican dining traditions. Starters include Ahi Tuna Tostadas with chipotle aioli and Seafood Ceviche brightened with citrus and serrano. The Tortilla Soup arrives with layers of flavor from fried ancho chiles and chicharron, while the Corn Off The Cob Salad gets dressed in Tajín-lime vinaigrette.
Chef Arevalo's taco plates honor street culture while adding refined touches: think Carnitas and Ribeye alongside the indulgent Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Taco filled with refried beans and Mexican rice. The Platos Especiales section showcases both comfort (the melty, braised Quesabirria with consommé) and sophistication (Carne Asada with chimichurri butter and soulful Chicken Mole Poblano).
Even the kids' menu gets attention, offering approachable favorites like Chicken Tacos and Cheese Quesadillas that introduce younger diners to authentic Mexican flavors.
A World-Class Beverage Program
Trevor Tyler, Vice President of Beverage Operations for La Popular's U.S. expansion, brings serious credentials to the bar program. As a Certified Cicerone® and Guild of Sommeliers member: plus one of FSR's "40 Restaurant Stars on the Rise": Tyler has created something special.
His program centers on agave spirits with single-origin tequilas and mezcals, barrel-to-glass sourcing, and cocktails that balance culinary technique with approachability. Signature drinks like the clarified mezcal punch Yucatán Toucan and the smoke-kissed Oaxacan Jellyfish showcase modern mixology with authentic Mexican inspiration.
The beverage program goes beyond impressive cocktails, featuring an unparalleled Tequila & Mezcal Collection spanning Blancos, Reposados, Añejos, and rare Single-Origin Mezcals. Tyler has also integrated low-ABV innovation and craft non-alcoholic offerings, recognizing today's evolving guest preferences.
"His program delivers not just drinks, but a modern interpretation of Mexican drinking culture, executed with rigor, authenticity, and innovation," the team notes.
Design That Tells a Story
The 5,500-square-foot space is a collaboration between Norr Architects and Greige Goods Studio, creating what can only be described as refined farmhouse meets Hollywood glamour. The design team chose a deep magnesium-blue hue as an homage to "Magnesium Maggie" from World War II, while a wood-tile wall sculpted in abstract mountain shapes adds texture and warmth.
The indoor-outdoor bar features four strategically placed televisions ensuring views from every angle, while a communal table and lounge area with a lush green plant feature wall create intimate gathering spaces.
Outside, the full patio invites year-round enjoyment with two fire features, live music capability, and a weatherized louvered canopy. Every vantage point showcases that stunning Hollywood Sign view: making this not just a restaurant, but a destination.
What This Opening Means for LA's Dining Scene
La Popular's arrival represents more than just another restaurant opening: it's part of a broader trend of authentic international concepts expanding to Los Angeles. The city's dining scene continues to attract world-class operators who see opportunity in LA's diverse, food-savvy population.
For industry professionals, this opening demonstrates how successful restaurant groups are approaching expansion. Rather than diluting their concept for a broader market, Grupo Carolo is maintaining the authenticity and quality that made them successful in Mexico City while adapting thoughtfully to the LA market.
The emphasis on design, beverage innovation, and elevated service standards reflects what today's diners expect: especially in a competitive market like Hollywood where restaurants need to deliver on multiple levels to succeed.
The Details
La Popular Los Angeles
Ovation Hollywood
Phone: 323.552.7499
Website: www.LAPopularCDMX.com
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
With its combination of authentic Mexican cuisine, innovative cocktails, stunning design, and that unbeatable Hollywood Sign view, La Popular looks set to become LA's newest must-visit dining destination. Whether you're a local looking for your new neighborhood spot or a visitor wanting to experience Mexico City's dining culture without leaving Hollywood, this opening deserves a spot on your reservation list.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
