Homer Simpson as soon as sang very catchily: ‘You do not win associates with salad.’ Effectively, the pot-bellied patriarch of The Simpsons has most likely by no means tried a Bombera salad, which despatched not less than one particular person flying 5,000 miles.
Nosh readers forged their votes forward of Thanksgiving, and the outcomes of the Nosh costs 2025 are inside. Go to Nosh day by day from now till December 12 to see a brand new prize introduced day by day. Congratulations to all winners!
“Traveled all the best way from London, UK only for the salad!” mentioned one of many Nosh Awards voters, propelling chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros’ Dimond District restaurant to its second consecutive win within the Finest Restaurant General class.
Different voters additionally had excessive reward, if not the transatlantic commute.
“I really like the outside seating and the weird and conventional choices. It appears like an Oakland vibe,” mentioned Adrienne of Oakland.
“Glorious Mexican meals, nice service and nice ambiance. Love this place! It is a neighborhood treasure,” wrote Shoshana Finacom of Oakland. “
Each the outside patio and spacious indoor house are vibrant and festive, complementing Rice-Cisneros’ model of seasonal, authentic interpretations of Mexican classics with California produce and produce.
“The ambiance, service and meals are high class each time. The duck mole and the chocolate pot de crème shouldn’t be missed,” wrote a Nosh Awards voter.
Different highlights embrace the charred beets with whipped pumpkin and sesame seed butter and carne asada huarache supreme, with filet mignon and crispy Oaxacan cheese on an heirloom blue corn tortilla.
“Finest Mexican meals within the bay – genuine and conventional. You will really feel such as you simply arrived at your loved one tia’s home in Mexico. You possibly can really feel the love in each chunk,” mentioned one other voter.
Rice-Cisneros’ culinary star started to rise after she opened Cosecha Cafe in Swan’s Market in 2010. In 2019, she was named a James Beard Awards semifinalist for Finest Chef, California. In 2021, Rice-Cisneros closed Cosecha and opened Bombera later that 12 months in a renovated firehouse. (“Bombera” is the Spanish phrase for feminine firefighter.)
A number of Nosh Awards voters identified Bombera’s big selection of choices for vegetarians and vegans, that are simply as inventive and attractive because the meat dishes. The present menu consists of roasted pumpkin with black moles, roasted pecans and chard.
“Glorious meals that does not skimp on vegetarian/vegan choices,” mentioned award selector Jenny from Oakland.
As with lots of the 2025 Nosh Awards winners, Bombera’s welcoming, attentive service was highlighted proper alongside the foods and drinks.
3459 Champion St., Oakland. bomberaoakland.com
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
“The meals is all the time scrumptious. The decor is easy, however stunning. The wait workers is nice,” mentioned one voter.
“Unbelievable meals and expertise each time. They deal with you want household!” wrote Claudia of Alameda.
“Bombera has a welcoming ambiance, persistently scrumptious meals and glorious service,” added one other award voter.
Since touchdown on the Dimond, Bombera has been persistently ranked among the many high eating places in The City and Bay Space, together with a Bib Gourmand recognition within the Michelin Information. Now, after profitable the trophy for the East Bay’s greatest restaurant two years in a row, one voter had a transparent suggestion: “Eat there and you will perceive.”
The Finest Restaurant General class was very aggressive and the opposite nominated eating places have been Burdell, Popoca, Magö, Parche and Roses on Adeline.
