The best restaurant in the East Bay is a ‘neighborhood treasure’ that prompts inter-continental travel

Homer Simpson once, quite catchily, sang “you don’t win friends with salad.” Well, The Simpsons’ paunchy patriarch must have never tried a Bombera salad, which prompted at least one person to fly 5,000 miles.

Nosh readers cast their votes prior to Thanksgiving, and the results of the 2025 Nosh Awards are in. Visit Nosh every day from now until Dec. 12 to see a new award announced each day. Congratulations to all the winners!

“Travelled all the way from London, UK just for the salad!,” commented one of the Nosh Awards voters who propelled the Dimond District restaurant from chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros to its second consecutive victory in the Best Restaurant Overall category.

Other voters had similarly high praise, if not the cross-Atlantic commute.

“Love the outdoor seating and the unusual and traditional options. It feels like an Oakland vibe,” commented Adrienne of Oakland.

“Excellent elevated Mexican food, great service, and great vibe. Love this place! It’s a neighborhood treasure,” wrote Shoshana Finacom of Oakland.”

Both the outdoor patio and spacious indoors are lively and festive, complimenting Rice-Cisneros’ style of seasonal, original takes on Mexican classics featuring California produce and products.

“The ambience, service, and food are top notch every time. The duck mole and the chocolate pot de crème are not to be missed,” wrote one Nosh Awards voter.

Other standouts include 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.

Dominica Rice-Cisneros opened Bombera in the Dimond in 2021. Credit: Bombera

“Best Mexican food in the Bay — authentic and traditional. You feel like you just arrived at your beloved tia’s house in Mexico. You feel the love in every bite,” commented another voter.

Rice-Cisneros’ culinary star began to rise after she opened Cosecha Cafe in Swan’s Market in 2010. In 2019 she was named a James Beard Awards semi-finalist for best chef, California. In 2021, Rice-Cisneros shuttered Cosecha and opened Bombera in a revamped fire station later that year. (“Bombera” is the Spanish word for a female firefighter.)

Several Nosh Awards voters pointed to Bombera’s ample options for vegetarians and vegans that are as creative and flavorful as the meat dishes. The current menu includes black mole roasted butternut squash with toasted pecans and swiss chard.

“Excellent food that does not skimp on veggie/vegan options,” awards voter Jenny of Oakland commented.

As with many of the 2025 Nosh Awards winners, the welcoming, attentive service at Bombera was mentioned right alongside the food and drinks.

3459 Champion St., Oakland. bomberaoakland.com

Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m.

“The food is always delicious. The decor is simple, but lovely. The wait staff rocks,” commented one voter.

“Incredible food and experience time and time again. They treat you like family!” wrote Claudia of Alameda.

“Bombera has a welcoming atmosphere, consistently delicious food, and excellent service,” added another awards voter.

Since landing in the Dimond, Bombera has consistently been ranked among the top restaurants in The Town and Bay Area, including a Bib Gourmand recognition in the Michelin Guide. Now, after taking home the trophy for the East Bay’s best restaurant two years in a row, one voter had a straight forward recommendation: “Eat there and you will understand.”

The Best Restaurant Overall category was highly competitive, and the other restaurants nominated were Burdell, Popoca, Magö, Parche and Roses on Adeline.

The best restaurant in the East Bay is a ‘neighborhood treasure’ that prompts inter-continental travel

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