“ Small, charming place with amazing food. Our party of 6 each ordered something different, plus three small plates to start. Every dish was excellent. The fried chicken was the best I have ever had. The meatballs were delicious. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. I look forward to coming back! ”

“ We had a reservation at 5:30 last Friday and it exceeded my expectations. We shared the carbonara fritter, asparagus with poached egg and giardiniera, and the wild boar saffron pappardelle; all of which we paired with a couple roses. We intended to buy more food, but our server Patrick very graciously let us know that we would be over-ordering on portion size. I also had literally a million questions, which were received with great patience. He was completely right and I was pleased with his honesty and professionalism. This has been our favorite restaurant by far in the entire surrounding area, Raleigh and Durham included. The fritter was awesome, very cleverly executed and difficult not to order more of. The asparagus was perfectly cooked, crispy and al dente, perfectly balanced with a giardiniera brunoise and the yolk of the egg. The pasta was our favorite. We made it a point to go around and try every “fresh pasta” at every restaurant conceivable, but I had been here before and knew deep down that this was the best. It was a light dish, full of beautiful chunks of braised boar and accents of saffron and maybe nutmeg? The sauce was killer. The pasta k.o.ed us both and the rose made us fall in love. We wanted to stay for dessert but ran out of time! In most cases, the passion and love for food and hospitality even in the best chefs becomes lost in the translation before ever reaching the guest. At Bombolo, this was not the case. Rotating menus are not easy, but are more sustainable and keeps things interesting for both the kitchen and guests. The dedication and hard work are more than clear, they shined through every component and became a memory we will treasure for the rest of our lives. Definitely coming back! I recommend making a reservation and coming early as specials and fresh pastas run out at any restaurant if you are dining late and/or right before close. You’re a fool not to appreciate this fine establishment. ”

“ Great little place in Chapel Hill!! Menu has many interesting and creative dishes. Sat at the bar with a friend, we tried many dishes. For starters, Lamb Belly, Crispy Pig Ears, and Tonno Tonno. Course Two: Tortellini & Summer Truffles and Rabbit Something Pasta. So good!! Course Three: Octopus and Lobster Pot.....we enjoyed them all! Menu is a little on the rich side but I Love that so...:) Service at the bar was attentive and friendly. We will be back! ”

“ Bombolo was recently named “North Carolina’s Restaurant of the Year”, but after dining there I’d say that “North America’s Restaurant of the Year” is a more apt title! I was deeply depressed when I learned Big Belly Que (my fave restaurant as a UNC undergrad) had closed after the pandemic, but knew I had to make a trip back when I learned Chefs Garret and Eleanor were opening their own spot. These chefs are mad talented, and my meal at Bombolo was well worth the redeye from California! Everything from the service to the eccentric decor (don’t miss a trip to the bathroom while you’re there) was spectacular! We ordered enough food to feed a small village and every single bite we had was spectacular. Some of our favorites were the Uni pasta, the octopus, the Thai halibut dish (I forget the name), the Nashville hot soft shell crab, and a secret off menu bao bun that we strongly recommend makes it to the menu soon! ;) every dish was so unique and flavor packed, and they change their menu often! I am already trying to figure out when I can make it back to NC. :) This place is not to be missed during your next trip to the NC Triangle, and if you live here and haven’t been to Bombolo yet - GO! I promise you’ll become a regular! ”

“ I’ve lived in Chapel hill most of my life and returned for a short visit. I was skeptical when someone suggest a restaurant I hadn’t heard of there as the town, like so many others has become a vast and ever expanding wasteland of chains and bland suburban facades of “fine dining”. All staying in the shallow end of food, where things are safe, towing the lines of what’s accepted and common as not to rock the boat filled with students who know no better and retired boomers who fear change. Upon walking in, I felt like I had entered another time or realm. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu. Clearly happy to be there and refreshingly human. The food itself was innovative. Risk taking, delicious and made with attention and care at every step. Thoughtful and flavorful dishes. I couldn’t help but continue to order long after I was full. The menu was less like an attack on the senses or an attempt to overwhelm with over the top additions and more like an impenetrable castle of creativity and taste, it’s impossible to find something to dislike, to find a weak point in the structure and break down its walls made with purpose and intent. To say I left satisfied is an under statement. To say I’m suggesting you eat here is less than honest. I’m demanding you, if you care about your spirit, if you love food and if you believe in the restorative and inspiring effects a great meal can have you MUST eat here. ”

“ This is our second visit to Bombolo, the first since they were recognized by The James Beard Foundation. I am happy to be able to say that they still maintained the same quality of food, service, and ambiance they had prior to the recognition! Came as a table of four as they opened. Parking was a little easier to get this time around because we were earlier than the normal dinner crowd (5PM). There were a few standouts from the dinner: Our waitress was excellent! She was on top of everything, friendly, and managed our requests perfectly! The Chanterelle and Morel Fricassee had a wonderful presentation, and the person who ordered it recommended it highly. The Cinghiale Pappardelle was a respectable portion and delivered on our recent memories of Tuscany. I had the fried chicken plate, which was delicious! The meat was succulent and the fry coating was well seasoned. The accompanying biscuit and Mac 'n Cheese was also delicious. If it sounds like a lot of food it was! This is something one could split or take home. We ordered a white chocolate cardamom and ginger cheesecake and the Bombolo. The cheesecake's flavors were well balanced. The cardamom did not overpower. The Bombolo was our favorite, however. I recommend anyone visit if they're in the area. It's worth the trip! ”

“ Review from 2025 Back and this place is still wonderful Menu is completely different This time sat inside by the bar, Layal was wonderful and attentive and offered a delicious Lebanese arak. my favorite this time is the fried carbonara bites and the Caesar salad. Every dish had an extra noche of flavor making it very unique. The inside is also beautiful and full with European art. If you haven't yet, give this place a go. Review from 2023 The shrimps r the bomb. get them. get two of them. ;) had the stuffed shishito peppers which were delicious and the lobster pot equally delicious. sat outside, cute area however had a bit of cob webs and service was a lil slower than inside potentially. parking available upfront ”

“ Fine dining at its very best. We especially loved the barbecue shrimp. The sauce was out of this world. Khao Soi was super tasty. Warm welcome at the door, table service was the perfect mix of friendliness and professionalism. I see why people are saying it's one of the finest restaurants in the region. ”