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    Bombera

    4.1 (549 reviews)
    PriceyMexican
    Open 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Bombera Photos

    BOMBERA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Bombera

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    Nirsh A.

    Food was really good. We got the duck and the quesadilla. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. However, our service was not that great. We were not attended to, and felt dismissed.

    Johnny W.

    Summary: Delicious food with explosive flavors Details: I can't recall how we landed on Bombera while we were looking for anniversary dinner options, but we were sure happy it did! I'll be honest: I came in to the dinner a little skeptical at the slightly lower reviews, but seeing that most of them were chalked up as service qualms (and being used to Chinese restaurants), we opted to give it a go. And boy, the food was t.a.s.t.y! Pozole and the carrots and beans were the highlights of the meal, both coming with a super smokey and fiery chili that we absolutely adored, but everything else we had was enjoyable, and not overly seasoned, which is always the concern when we go out these days. I can see where some of the service complaints might have come from because the staff seemed pretty slammed and harried, but we actually found the service to be quite friendly. Accessibility: Outdoor seating is technically accessible, not not always comfortably so. Some tables are situated on slightly-too-steep inclines, which means you may be scrunching or bracing for the entirety of your meal.

    Decor inside
    Ami J.

    Such a beautiful place! The vibes, the food, the people - all 10/10! First off - I'd suggest to make a reservation! We sat indoors but they do have an outdoor tented area. Second - we didn't have any issues parking on the street. The restaurant is tucked away in a semi-residential area. Third - the experience start to finish: Staff - super friendly, and welcoming! There was a seamless handoff between checking in, to the person helping with our order, to receiving our order. Drink - I had the house fermented soda and at that time - it was featuring dragon fruit. OMG - incredible, tasty, and refreshing! Food - we had SPICY CARROTS TOASTED ALMOND MISANTLA (11/10), BLUE CORN QUESADILLA (10/10 - everything handmade/fresh), and BLACK MOLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH (11/10 - whoever's came up with this combo - chefs kiss!) and more! I recommend this place for date night, family dinner, or a birthday/hang with some friends!

    Guava tart
    Leah E.

    Bombera, hear me out, brunch once a month on Saturday and Sunday? Or just Saturday? Or just Sunday? I was THRILLED to see that the New Year's Day brunch was back this year after a hiatus and I made a resy for two immediately. I was in Hawai'i for two weeks reconnecting with my family so this was my Christmas gift to myself. I love everything about Bombera but I specifically love not having to eat it for dinner.

    Asparagus and carnitas in mole sauce.
    Joel S.

    Cute, friendly with very good food. I liked it when she had Cosecha in downtown but this is more elevated and warm. Nice staff. It's not cheap, $15 for a margarita is questionable. The only thing I would like to see is for a Sunday brunch which was great at Cosecha.

    fish tacos.
    Diana S.

    It's been almost a year since visiting Bombera but I'm still thinking about the freshness and flavors that I enjoyed here. Since I've just locked in the res for my next visit, I'm writing my thoughts in hopes that these months in between have only made this place even better. Bombera is a firewoman and this place is fireeee. The carrots appetizer will make you fall in love with carrots and calling yourself Bugs Bunny--it is that. good. I love the tostadas: smoky whitefish and fresh toppings. I'm not sure if these are on their current menu but the fish tacos were huge and perfect. I love that they let you add on a taco since we were a table of 3 and each wanted our own or if you're feeling extra hungry and want 3 for yourself! Oh and the carne asada was perfectly done but I only wish the portion was larger. They've maximized the seating in the dining room and patio (heated or shaded if you like) where you feel the liveliness but still have privacy for your own table. Lastly, Chef Dominica is not only a culinary genius but she has such a warm vibe and took time to greet so many of her diners on the patio on such a beautiful evening. I'm so excited to be going here in a couple weeks and again and again!

    Ramona H.

    Second time dining at Bombera. Amazing service, food is well thought out and the flavor and presentation 5 star plus. Cocktails are exciting, well put together and balanced. Fresh ingredients, Mexican flair, friendly and fun. Parking can be a challenge but worth it. We sat at the end of the bar closer to the entrance which is Where sat the first time we ate there. I enjoyed watching Guadalupe the bartender create cocktails and share recipes with me. Alejandro provided excellent service while We were waiting for our table. No reservations so 60 minutes but time went by quickly. Well done Chef and restaurant family. See you again soon. I'm hoping I can sneak in a chat with Chef next time.

    Kelley K.

    I have been wanting to dine here for years! We finally made it! This place is so charming! What a welcoming establishment! The entire staff is friendly & efficient. The drinks & the food were all amazing! We had the best time. I truly hope we will dine here often. It really will be difficult for me to order anything besides their Swordfish. It was the best fish I've ever eaten. Mind blowing swordfish! Thank you Bombera for the wonderful experience.

    Green pozole
    Liz S.

    Anything less than 5 stars would be a crime! After 3 dinning experiences at Bombera it has become my Oakland favorite (at the moment). Every single dish I have tried is unique mouth watering deliciousness. The food is so flavorful and perfectly fresh. I have had NO missed on the appetizers, entrees, or drinks. My only miss was the tres leches cake which was dry and dense and not one milk in sight lol. Staff has always been kind and attentive while encouraging sharing which I highly encourage as well! Get all the things! The duck mole is soft and crispy with a unique green mole a must try. Decor is cute and outdoor patio is perfect on a sunny day. Make a reservation!

    Shirley H.

    Must try's: horchata, quesadilla, and fish tacos! The fish tacos were huge and so filling. The quesadilla was nicely toasted and would've been great with the addition of a protein. I'd skip on the tamales, they were fairly dry, and the guac/salsa - the portion of guac was pretty sad.

    carrots + smoked trout tostada + horchata + night bird drink
    Caity B.

    Service and food were great! Do not miss out on the carrots and tostadas! The only "downfall" was that the drink menu online was not up to date with what was offered the day we came in.

    Menu
    Joy F.

    Had a wonderful experience at Bombera and it's been on my list to visit. Scored a reservation for early dining and line was already forming at 5:00pm. Dined inside which was a beautifully decorated fire station, hence the restaurant name of Bombera. Started with the chips, guac and salsa, beets, all amazing. We also had pozole which was good and for our entree the filet mignon and whole chicken! It was a $9 difference from a half chicken to a full -- so guess what more chicken to take home! Our server was very nice. When I had mistakenly thought I was ordering a cocktail vs a shot, he quickly suggested we can make it to a cocktail, and it was really good. Oh and the closer was an amazing cardamom cake that you'd see displayed on the side of their open kitchen --- so so good! This is one of those places we'd love to come back to for sure, that checked all the boxes for a date night.

    Chips, salsa and guacamole, roasted carrots in black beans, seasonal salad, roasted chicken, and big smiles, ready to dig in!
    Kim C.

    From the moment you walk into Oakland California's Bombera, you feel the magic. The owner / Chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros always smiles and waves from behind the kitchen, and that simple gesture sets the tone, warm, festive, and genuinely welcoming. The whole team carries that same energy; they're always happy to receive you like you're family. Let's talk FOOD. Where the culinary ways of Mexico and California intersect. Exquisite!!!! Thoughtful!!! Beautifully presented!!! The flavors are layered, the spices are intentional, and the details in every dish keep me coming back. I honestly haven't made it past ordering the roasted chicken, the signature salad with seasonal fruit, and those carrots! Listen, you may think, "Carrots? Really?" YES. Really. These carrots come surrounded by black beans in a chili sauce, topped with toasted almonds. I've never tasted anything like it. It's one of those dishes you think about later. Perfect for everything: Girls' night (like we did this past Friday), birthdays, graduations, date nights, I've even come solo. The food and service are that good. And I have to give a huge shout-out to Estilo, one of my favorite servers! He always welcomes every guest like they're his favorite person in the room. He talked us into getting the beets, and they were ON POINT. He checked on us throughout the night, joked with us, and honestly enjoyed our table just as much as we enjoyed having him. He even said, "You all look so great, let me take a picture of you!" and captured such a sweet moment. They've got indoor and outdoor seating, great vibes all around, and THE BEST tortilla chips you will ever have. I recommend making a reservation, however, they do take walk-ins. If you're in the San Francisco Bay area, it's a must! You'll definitely thank me!

    Tepache con Tiki cocktail, tamales, chips, & cardamom cake

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    Page 1 of 14

    Bombera Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bombera

    Do they have a bar?

    Yes! A really nice one, indoors with seating

    What is the difference between the patio and Garden area dining options? I don't see a garden based on any pix here. Thanks!

    Patio is outside closer to front door very simple Garden has a small set up with flowers but still outside… 

    What is the salon area? I am familiar with the outdoor patio and dining room, but see that “salon” is also offered as a dining location.

    The salon is in the back of the restaurant, not great, but okay, makes sure you reserve the right number of chairs as their hosts gets bent out of shape if you clone with extra folks

    Is the outdoor area pet friendly?

    Yes

    What's parking like in the area? Does Bombera have their own parking or would I need to park in a nearby parking garage (are they close enough?

    Bombera does NOT have their own parking. Street parking only; some metered, some not. The food and friendly staff are worth this inconvenience.

    Considering taking the in-laws here. is it loud in the indoor dining room? they're extremely sensitive & one has a hearing aid.

    Your in-laws will likely have a terrible time indoors at Bombera. I have hearing aids, and had the worst restaurant experience ever. The din was amazingly loud. The restaurant made it worse with loud music, and refused requests to turn it down. The… 

    Do they offer outdoor dining?

    Yes, they have a good size outdoor patio area with standing gas heaters.

    Assuming we are allowed to bring our own wine, what is the corkage fee?

    Are tamales offered as part of the Saturday brunch menu?

    Would say yes, since they have had them recently. Would suggest you call ahead. One thing for sure: they are excellent

    View All 10 Questions

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    Doña

    Doña

    3.9
    (616 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    One of the best Mexican places in The Town - and it's a fiercely competitive landscape too! We've…read morebeen coming for a while now and this place never disappoints. The menu does change up seasonally. I've had countless mouth watering chile rellenos with their ever changing sauce and filling. And my to go to nowadays to ensure I get plenty of protein is ordering one of their bowls, usually with pescado frito (fried fish) with black beans. My husband enjoys their barbacoa shredded meat. The bowls are filling, nutritious and flavor bombs. I also love indulging in their agua frescas. Our personal favorites are the strawberry horchata (a MUST if it's available) and their coconut ice coffee. Refreshing beverages to help soothe your tongue because the sliced fresh chiles on fried fish bowl are indeed lethal. Overall consistently delicious. It does get packed but if you come early around 4-5pm you will beat the crowd.

    Double dated with my friend and her partner. It was my partner's and my first time visiting Dona…read more Ambiance coming in was welcoming and well decorated. They welcomed dogs on their patio, loved seeing all of the pups. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Food promptly came out and was delicious. We'd definitely come back in the future! We got the nachos and french toast....delicious

    Photos
    Outside. Dona is located in a two-story building with a cool outdoor deck. Restrooms are located upstairs (code required).
    Outside. Dona is located in a two-story building with a cool outdoor deck. Restrooms are located upstairs (code required).
    Pescado Frito Bowl. The cod was perfectly fried and tasty!b
    Pescado Frito Bowl. The cod was perfectly fried and tasty!b
    Margaritas for 2. This one is their passion fruit one. It's tasty!

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    Margaritas for 2. This one is their passion fruit one. It's tasty!
    Taqueria El Paisa

    Taqueria El Paisa

    4.4
    (559 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Came here for lunch on a Tuesday around noon and it was pretty busy. We finally lucked out and got…read morea parking spot in the parking lot. We tried coming here on a Sunday and couldn't find parking for 15+ minutes so we ended up leaving. There is some street parking but we prefer to park in the lot. Once you get inside you order at the counter. If you're getting tacos they're all the same price so the cashier will write the number of tacos you bought and you take that receipt and get in the line. Once you get called up you put your receipt in the basket that the worker hands you and tell them what kind of meat you want in your tacos. Today I tried the asada, carnitas, Al pastor, and tripa. They all were delicious, my favorite was the tripa. Portions are good ($4.50/taco) and they have a variety of salsas, jalapeños, limes, etc in the seating area once you exit. I also got a hibiscus (Jamaica) agua fresca that was good. They do accept credit card but they'll charge a $1 fee so try to bring cash if you can. Definitely recommend, this is now one of my top taco spots in Oakland.

    This is certainly one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Each taco is $4.50 and…read morethey load each up with meat. The meats are all juicy and cooked perfectly. The pina colada drink was perfect to balance out the salty/savory flavor of the tacos. You self serve cucumbers, carrots, and radishes which is always cool. Finally, there's live Mexican music playing and the overall vibes are fantastic. 4.9/5

    Photos
    Taqueria El Paisa
    Torta de asada!
    Torta de asada!
    Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)

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    Tacos de Cabeza y Campechana (Carne Asada y Chorizo)
    Agave Uptown

    Agave Uptown

    3.9
    (789 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    We went to Agave Uptown for a dinner before seeing Poppy at the Fox Theater. When we arrived, we…read morewere pleasantly greeted by the host and sat at a table for two. Very quickly someone came to give us water. We looked over the menu and were able to decide what we wanted pretty quickly so with in a couple minutes our server came to take our drink order. Since we were decided, we ordered everything at that time since we were on a schedule for the concert. My wife ordered the Chef Salad and I ordered the two tacos plate. We also ordered shrimp ceviche to share. With in a few minutes, our server brought our drinks to us. A couple minutes later, the ceviche was brought to the table and it was absolutely delicious. Just about the time we finished off the ceviche, our meals were brought out. They visually looked stunning and smelled wonderful. The first bite of a taco was so good. The chicken seasoned perfectly, the ratio of onion with cilantro was spot on and the salsa was delicious. The plate included Mexican rice and black beans, both of which were excellent pairings with the tacos. My wife's chef salad was outstanding as well. We determined that if ever in Oakland, this is our go to place to grab a meal

    Update: I came here about twice after last time and thought "Okay, even the lady who was hostile…read morelast time is now cloyingly sweet, even if just to mock me, but its still good food and a nice time, I'll update the review" and enjoyed myself here on a date recently.... Until tonight. I came tonight with my autistic friend for their birthday and the staff kept giving me mocking eyes, as if he thought I was on another date, (and of course mere seconds after approaching me, talks of "puta" and overtly derogatory slutshaming terms all while still glancing at me with a smirk as he talked to his friend at the bar was quite irritating,) and the evening continued with a pretty heavy tone of dude giving me a mocking look, as if barely able to hold onto his laughter seeing me with a more poindexter looking openly autistic looking friend of mine, assuming I was just some hoe having hella dates, I get it, I was here a few days ago for an actual date. God forbid I think "What a pleasant spot, and I like their agua frescas, let me take my autistic friend who doesn't drink for a little bite since it's their first night in Oakland after an hour long drive, after a nice outing today, and to end an evening on a high note." And the mockery didn't help set a tone for a fun evening at all, we left pretty fast from the discomfort and bro triggered my migraines with the passive aggressiveness. Delicious food, and the woman server was pleasant, the guy? Not exactly. And its a shame, I liked the pork loin and agua frescas here a lot, not the ableism and weird commentary and vibes.

    Photos
    Bar Area
    Bar Area
    Tostadita de chile ajo - potato tostada
    Tostadita de chile ajo - potato tostada
    Molotes|Masa|papas
choriso|Epazote
black bean paste|cabbage|queso|
tomatillo salsa

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    Molotes|Masa|papas choriso|Epazote black bean paste|cabbage|queso| tomatillo salsa

    Bombera - mexican - Updated August 2026

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