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Bombolo, Chapel Hill, NC

Bombolo

4.5
4.5
287 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

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2 people
21:30
Booked 2 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Innovative
  • Charming
Named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Eater. Dishes you’ve long loved served alongside dishes you’ve never heard of make our ever-changing menu an adventure you’ll want to embark on often. Our wine list is as varied as our food, and every one of our cocktails has been created just for Bombolo by our mixologist.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, International, Bistro
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon, Thu, Sun 17:00–20:45 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:30
  • Phone number
    (919) 914-6374
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Garret Fleming
  • Area
    Chapel Hill
  • Cross Street
    MLK and Hillsborough St.
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    N, NS, T, and A lines
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 287 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Innovative

  • Durham

    Innovative

  • Durham

    Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bombolo in Chapel Hill offers a vibrant dining experience with "creative and delicious food" and an "interesting menu." Chef Garrett's dishes are celebrated for their "unexpected flavorsome delights" and complex, balanced flavors. While some find the seating crowded, the cozy ambiance and attentive service make it a charming spot for a special night out.

287 Reviews
  1. sam

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was very good, and the service was solid, but very expensive.

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  2. Adena

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The lamb heart bolognese was amazing and owner Derrick was very sweet. Will definitely be coming back!

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  3. jason

    VIP

    New York City

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 13 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and great service. Drinks were tasty as well

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  4. Lee

    Montana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lilo- bartender is awesome and food is great- great wine as well

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  5. Raymond

    VIP

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 7 December 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    More expensive than comparable places. Unusual dishes that are on the whole too spicy. Might be to some folks taste, but not to mine.

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  6. chapelhillian

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 6 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Warm atmosphere, attentive staff, delicious and creative dishes.

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  7. JoAnna

    VIP

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent but the service wasn't great. It wasn't crowded but our waiter was not attentive - didn't ask if we wanted more drinks until we asked and didn't ask about the food until we were nearly finished. He brought the check the moment we said we didn't want dessert even though nobody was waiting for our table. I felt like he wanted to get rid of us the moment we walked in and I have no idea why.

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  8. ThomasO

    VIP

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 November 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    TL;DR severely disappointing flavors at inflated prices 2/10 only for the ambiance. The food was the biggest disappointment. Flavorless, unbalanced, and sloppy. The appetizers were unbalanced, and the pasta was so unappetizing, that we genuinely felt we wasted our money. Until Bombolo figures out how to properly season, and balance their dishes, steer clear. The only good thing about this place is the ambiance, which multiple other restaurants in the area have.

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  9. Mark

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrating a first year student with a visit from the parents calls for a special dining experience. Bombolo delivered and even exceeded expectations. The service was very informative and friendly. We enjoyed the small plates such as soup and oysters, as well as the pasta and the mushroom fricasee. We also enjoyed a seasonal four course offal meal which was absolutely stunning. From entrance to reluctant exit, we were blown away and have definitely discovered a new favorite restaurant.

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  10. Carol

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 1 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We like to try new places in the area, so we don't often return to a restaurant. Bombolo is an exception. The food is always excellent here. My girlfriend always gets the same dish (the curried halibut bowl) and I try new things. I must say I am still trying to get the fried chicken dish, but haven't hit it when it's on the menu yet. The only downside to Bombolo can be the crowded seating and noise level, but it was fine Friday night. We will definitely be back!

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FAQs

Bombolo is rated 4.5 stars by 287 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
21:30
Booked 2 times today
Google Map for Bombolo

764 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    MLK and Hillsborough St.
  • Area
    Chapel Hill
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon, Thu, Sun 17:00–20:45 Fri, Sat 17:00–21:30
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, International, Bistro
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    N, NS, T, and A lines
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Garret Fleming
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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