My first time here since Bombolo started. I came on Sunday night with a burger in mind but they did not do a burger last night. Bartender suggested that I try either the pork belly or rolled chicken. I chose the chicken and just loved it. Ended with raspberry bundt cake - also delicious! Bar was fun! Great service and overall environment. Will definitely be back.
Susan H.
We were excited to try Bombolo for our anniversary based on the positive press and reviews we'd been reading since before it opened. We went and - it was good. It's not going to be something we're thinking about long after the fact. Some interesting flavors were presented but nothing we'll necessarily be craving. Highlights were the focaccia that accompanied the polpette, the sauce on the kefir lime-stuffed morels, and the breading on the fried chicken. Service felt a little stilted and everything came out so fast that we felt like we were being rushed and didn't really have time to fully sit and enjoy. Again, it was good - but I definitely think there are other Triangle restaurants offering a better foodie experience and value.
Finbar Gallagher
Innovative and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phil “Philly” Farrell
From the outside, it's a small store front in a small plaza but that's why they call 'em hidden gems. One page menus make me apprehensive. But after talking with our waiter, there were several entries I wanted to try. Decided on the duck & wild boar pappardelle. Not sure if that the correct pasta but it was flat, wide, & house-made. Wife had the halibut, upon the chef's recommendation the sauce was switched because of an allergy issue with the original one. We tried some of the small plates as well. Every interaction with the staff was top-notch. From the phone call with the hostess, the greeting from our waiter, to actually meeting Chef Garrett, we had an amazing experience. One for your foodie bucket list.Dietary restrictions: After being greeted by the waiter, his first question was if there were any food allergies. After that he would check dishes with the kitchen staff before we could inquire. Menu items were not marked GF because they change frequently & will not be marked unless confirmed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halibut Khao Soi
PatriciaB
I had high expectations for this place but I have to say that I was disappointed with my first trip to Bombolo. The restaurant is uncomfortably small and over-seated for its size and consequently very noisy. The menu was quite limited. There were only 4 entrees none of which seemed particularly appealing (octopus, fried chicken, halibut and short ribs). Unfortunately for me I probably chose the exact wrong one (halibut). The preparation was not to my liking (lots of coconut notes) and the fish was a bit rubbery. The mixed salad was very good. They were out of Prosecco at 7:00 PM. Since it's a bit off the beaten path for me...I probably wouldn't go there again.
This was our first time at Bombolo. We were drawn to it because of the reviews. Unfortunately, our server was incredibly pompous. He immediately made us feel like we were a bother to him and a disappointment when we asked questions and when we didn't order multiple courses and expensive beverages. We overheard him complaining to other staff about the kick off to the evening, I guess not being what he was hopeful of for clientele? He made us feel badly and almost embarrassed that we were not familiar with the menu. Did he tend to our needs? Yes. Was the food amazing? Yes. Will we ever go back? No.
Familyoffour
Wow! Bombolo was amazing. The staff was welcoming and attentive, and the food was delicious. It had the perfect level of hipness and comfort. We had a great experience dining with our family. Thanks for a wonderful dinner, Bombolo!
Nicki G.
We went to Bambolo for their monthly plated dinner and WOW. It was a French inspired night with wine pairings. The event was 10/10. I assume their special evenings like this are unique and they're probably not menu repeaters BUT hopefully this review will encourage you to attend their next one or just go eat there. The food was immaculate. I can't even pick a favorite. Baked oysters, cured scallops with bread, halibut crudo, delicious pasta dish and lastly venison. Everything was SO good. The wine pairings were also super delicious. I'm not much of a red wine drinker and I appreciated the lightness of the reds that were chosen. The woman from the wine shop did a phenomenal job of explaining the history and significance of each wine. It was a lovely experience. The restaurant staff were so friendly and kind as well. Only thing I'd change is adding a dessert! Would've loved a little sweet treat, even something tiny like a truffle or scoop of icecream, just something to finish off the meal would've been amazing. All in all, the meal was so amazing and I'm so glad I got to experience this wonderful event. Everyone should go check them out!
jass
Bombolo was excellent. It was very busy on a Saturday evening. the receptionist was very frendly and helpful, and the service was great. it was matched by a wonderful menu with dished that offered wonderful sauces and flavors. wine list is very good to compliment the food. Garret has created a gem of a restaurant, and when the weather is wamrer and there is outside seating it will be even better. i highly recommend Bombolo, and will be back.
Qship
Overall Bombolo deserves its recent accolades. My wife and I returned after a year or so (we were there not long after opening) for a Saturday "date night." We decided on an early supper, arriving at 5:00 p.m., to avoid the crowd which indeed developed at the night went on. Service from Patrick was pleasant and professional and, for the most part, the food lived up to its accolades. The only drawback was my veal chop which, despite being the featured (and most expensive) dish was extremely disappointing. So tough that the meat knife originally provided did not even make a dent! Even with a heavily serrated steak knife it was a struggle. Not like any "milk-fed veal" I had previously encountered.
Amazing food! The chef is phenomenal! And mixing flavors that you wouldn’t think of it together ! The pastas are on point ! Kudos to Patrick our server ! Amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
JennyM
We had a wonderful experience at Bombolo. Sons had lobster, crab and lion's mane pasta and the halibut..both were superb! Husband had the truffle pasta...this was the only one I didn't try but only because he finished every last bite! It looked fantastic! And I had the Maine Lobster Pot and it was every bit as good as it was when we ate there for the last parents weekend we were in town for. I've been thinking about since I had it last in October and it did not disappoint!! Bravo, Bombolo!!!
Francisco
Bombolo is a worthy successor to Kitchen, the previous occupant of this space on MLK Blvd. They probably have one of the best simple mixed garden salads I have ever had. The dishes, while a tad pricey, are generous, well prepared, and full of flavor. It's a great addition to the Chapel Hill culinary scene and, for me, is easily one of the top three restaurants.
Manisit Das
Bombolo is the 2023 NC Restaurant of the Year by Eater Carolinas, tucked in a quaint shopping center in Chapel Hill! We shared a delicious four-course meal that included chicken oysters, crab and lion’s mane mushroom tagliolini, and a wagyu rendang, and we ate to our heart’s content! We would love to return to try more innovative and delicious dishes from Bombolo’s menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
dbsutton
First time trying and was blown away at how good everything was. Cannot wait to return to try other things on the menu. Excellent wine choices that went quite well with the food. Our servers were delightful, energetic and very well informed.
My first time here since Bombolo started. I came on Sunday night with a burger in mind but they did not do a burger last night. Bartender suggested that I try either the pork belly or rolled chicken. I chose the chicken and just loved it. Ended with raspberry bundt cake - also delicious! Bar was fun! Great service and overall environment. Will definitely be back.
We were excited to try Bombolo for our anniversary based on the positive press and reviews we'd been reading since before it opened. We went and - it was good. It's not going to be something we're thinking about long after the fact. Some interesting flavors were presented but nothing we'll necessarily be craving. Highlights were the focaccia that accompanied the polpette, the sauce on the kefir lime-stuffed morels, and the breading on the fried chicken. Service felt a little stilted and everything came out so fast that we felt like we were being rushed and didn't really have time to fully sit and enjoy. Again, it was good - but I definitely think there are other Triangle restaurants offering a better foodie experience and value.
Innovative and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From the outside, it's a small store front in a small plaza but that's why they call 'em hidden gems. One page menus make me apprehensive. But after talking with our waiter, there were several entries I wanted to try. Decided on the duck & wild boar pappardelle. Not sure if that the correct pasta but it was flat, wide, & house-made. Wife had the halibut, upon the chef's recommendation the sauce was switched because of an allergy issue with the original one. We tried some of the small plates as well. Every interaction with the staff was top-notch. From the phone call with the hostess, the greeting from our waiter, to actually meeting Chef Garrett, we had an amazing experience. One for your foodie bucket list.Dietary restrictions: After being greeted by the waiter, his first question was if there were any food allergies. After that he would check dishes with the kitchen staff before we could inquire. Menu items were not marked GF because they change frequently & will not be marked unless confirmed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halibut Khao Soi
I had high expectations for this place but I have to say that I was disappointed with my first trip to Bombolo. The restaurant is uncomfortably small and over-seated for its size and consequently very noisy. The menu was quite limited. There were only 4 entrees none of which seemed particularly appealing (octopus, fried chicken, halibut and short ribs). Unfortunately for me I probably chose the exact wrong one (halibut). The preparation was not to my liking (lots of coconut notes) and the fish was a bit rubbery. The mixed salad was very good. They were out of Prosecco at 7:00 PM. Since it's a bit off the beaten path for me...I probably wouldn't go there again.
This was our first time at Bombolo. We were drawn to it because of the reviews. Unfortunately, our server was incredibly pompous. He immediately made us feel like we were a bother to him and a disappointment when we asked questions and when we didn't order multiple courses and expensive beverages. We overheard him complaining to other staff about the kick off to the evening, I guess not being what he was hopeful of for clientele? He made us feel badly and almost embarrassed that we were not familiar with the menu. Did he tend to our needs? Yes. Was the food amazing? Yes. Will we ever go back? No.
Wow! Bombolo was amazing. The staff was welcoming and attentive, and the food was delicious. It had the perfect level of hipness and comfort. We had a great experience dining with our family. Thanks for a wonderful dinner, Bombolo!
We went to Bambolo for their monthly plated dinner and WOW. It was a French inspired night with wine pairings. The event was 10/10. I assume their special evenings like this are unique and they're probably not menu repeaters BUT hopefully this review will encourage you to attend their next one or just go eat there. The food was immaculate. I can't even pick a favorite. Baked oysters, cured scallops with bread, halibut crudo, delicious pasta dish and lastly venison. Everything was SO good. The wine pairings were also super delicious. I'm not much of a red wine drinker and I appreciated the lightness of the reds that were chosen. The woman from the wine shop did a phenomenal job of explaining the history and significance of each wine. It was a lovely experience. The restaurant staff were so friendly and kind as well. Only thing I'd change is adding a dessert! Would've loved a little sweet treat, even something tiny like a truffle or scoop of icecream, just something to finish off the meal would've been amazing. All in all, the meal was so amazing and I'm so glad I got to experience this wonderful event. Everyone should go check them out!
Bombolo was excellent. It was very busy on a Saturday evening. the receptionist was very frendly and helpful, and the service was great. it was matched by a wonderful menu with dished that offered wonderful sauces and flavors. wine list is very good to compliment the food. Garret has created a gem of a restaurant, and when the weather is wamrer and there is outside seating it will be even better. i highly recommend Bombolo, and will be back.
Overall Bombolo deserves its recent accolades. My wife and I returned after a year or so (we were there not long after opening) for a Saturday "date night." We decided on an early supper, arriving at 5:00 p.m., to avoid the crowd which indeed developed at the night went on. Service from Patrick was pleasant and professional and, for the most part, the food lived up to its accolades. The only drawback was my veal chop which, despite being the featured (and most expensive) dish was extremely disappointing. So tough that the meat knife originally provided did not even make a dent! Even with a heavily serrated steak knife it was a struggle. Not like any "milk-fed veal" I had previously encountered.
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food! The chef is phenomenal! And mixing flavors that you wouldn’t think of it together ! The pastas are on point ! Kudos to Patrick our server ! Amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful experience at Bombolo. Sons had lobster, crab and lion's mane pasta and the halibut..both were superb! Husband had the truffle pasta...this was the only one I didn't try but only because he finished every last bite! It looked fantastic! And I had the Maine Lobster Pot and it was every bit as good as it was when we ate there for the last parents weekend we were in town for. I've been thinking about since I had it last in October and it did not disappoint!! Bravo, Bombolo!!!
Bombolo is a worthy successor to Kitchen, the previous occupant of this space on MLK Blvd. They probably have one of the best simple mixed garden salads I have ever had. The dishes, while a tad pricey, are generous, well prepared, and full of flavor. It's a great addition to the Chapel Hill culinary scene and, for me, is easily one of the top three restaurants.
Bombolo is the 2023 NC Restaurant of the Year by Eater Carolinas, tucked in a quaint shopping center in Chapel Hill! We shared a delicious four-course meal that included chicken oysters, crab and lion’s mane mushroom tagliolini, and a wagyu rendang, and we ate to our heart’s content! We would love to return to try more innovative and delicious dishes from Bombolo’s menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time trying and was blown away at how good everything was. Cannot wait to return to try other things on the menu. Excellent wine choices that went quite well with the food. Our servers were delightful, energetic and very well informed.