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oChef » Bombo – Seattle
Bombo - Seattle
Photo from Bombo
Bombo at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 133 of the guests
#734 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#32 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
930
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Delicious pizza
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant Bombo Italian Kitchen, an Italian Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District, invites you to discover a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a trendy, casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner.
This spot is known for its welcoming vibe and delicious offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone craving Italian flavors in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Bombo
Bombo offers a delightful setting, often praised for its pleasant atmosphere and a selection of well-crafted cocktails. Many guests find their pizzas to be a standout, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
However, the restaurant faces challenges with its overall value proposition, as some patrons express concerns about pricing and the clarity of additional charges. Service can also be a point of contention for some visitors.
Good
6.1
out of 10
930
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
361
negative
45
neutral
524
positive
Bombo earns an overall score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 56.3%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 930 customer remarks, comprising 524 positive and 361 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.7) is a clear highlight, consistently creating an inviting environment.
Both Food (6.3) and Service (6.4) hover in the average range, suggesting a generally acceptable but not exceptional experience. The Value (2.8) aspect, however, is a significant area of concern for many patrons.
What people like
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Delicious pizzas, cocktails
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Mediocre food quality
Bombo presents a somewhat varied dining experience. While it shines with an inviting atmosphere and some genuinely good menu items, particularly its pizzas, the overall value proposition and service consistency can be hit or miss.
With a recommendation score of 6.1, it’s a place worth considering if you’re seeking a pleasant setting and specific dishes. However, be mindful of potential issues with pricing transparency and service, especially during peak hours.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bombo
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives an average reception, with a score of 6.3 and a customer satisfaction of 58%. Many of the 251 positive comments rave about the delicious pizza, especially the wood-fired options, and the fantastic house-made pasta. Guests also frequently praise the great cocktails and the overall flavor of the dishes, highlighting quality ingredients and flavorful plates.
However, not everyone is completely won over. Among the 149 negative opinions, some found the food to be bland or underseasoned, with complaints about burnt crusts on pizzas. A few also mentioned small portions or issues with the overall food quality, suggesting some inconsistency in the kitchen, particularly with pasta dishes and salads.
Food
433
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
149
negative
33
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious wood-fired pizza
- Fantastic house-made pasta
- Great cocktails
What people don't like
- Bland, underseasoned food
- Burnt pizza crusts
- Inconsistent portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is conveniently located at the main entrance to the Summit building of the Seattle Convention Center, featuring a large patio that opens onto the entry courtyard. I had heard from others that the food was excellent but expensive, and my experience confirmed this. The cost felt justified by the very good food and service.
- pizzaMy date and I visited Bombo after an amazing show at the Paramount and were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. We enjoyed a tasty Bourbon Sour, a delicious beet salad, and a shockingly big pizza, the Walla Walla. The experience was a 10/10, and we would definitely go back!
- drinksThe salad had a little too much dressing, and the pizza was just average with not much flavor. The drinks were good. For an average of $25 per plate, I expect more excitement in my mouth!
- bombo pizzaWe had the bombo pizza and the chicken parm sandwich, everything was delicious!
- cocktailsThe cocktails were simply to live for
- crustThe crust had just the right amount of char
- pizzasthe pizzas are a must-try, especially the Bombo with hot honey – seriously delicious!
- Caesar saladMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I had the fabulous mushroom pizza and a tasty Caesar salad. I shared these dishes with two friends, and the portion size was perfect for us.
- artichoke dipI always love coming in for a drink and snack. Ty is an excellent and very attentive server, with great recommendations including the artichoke dip and salsiccia pizza. It's a great spot, especially before a show at the paramount!
- drinkThere was no wait time, which was a pleasant surprise. The food was great, and the drink was yum! Overall, a highly enjoyable visit.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unjustifiably high prices for mediocre food. More importantly, the service was a mess.
- pizzaserved a pizza we ordered with a pair of scissors that were very used looking
- drinksover priced burnt low quality drinks
- pizzasHowever, the Italian fare was under-salted and lacked flavor. The Italian sub salad was the most flavorful, but the pizzas were bland. Overall, great job hiring the service staff; it's amazing for downtown.
- saucethe sauce tasted like jarred Vodka sauce with almost no flavor
- breadeven though we ordered 2 orders of bread, one came out 10 minutes before the other
- crabnot a lot of crab within the dish
- crustthe crust was way too soft
- dishesAs for the food, it was okay but nothing to write home about. The dishes were very greasy, and the flavor was just average. However, what really caught me off guard was the surprise gratuity charge.
- gnocchignocchi seemed to be out of a can
If youre looking for a spot with potentially delicious pizza and pasta, its worth a try, especially for the drinks. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistencies in dish quality and portion sizes, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests (176 out of 302 comments) had positive things to say, frequently praising the friendly waitstaff and attentive servers. With a score of 6.4, its clear there are good moments, as many highlighted excellent service and knowledgeable staff who provided great recommendations. However, the experience isnt universally stellar, with 121 negative comments indicating room for improvement.
Some encountered slow service, inattentive waiters, and disorganized staff, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.3% and a feeling of being ignored or dealing with communication issues.
Service
302
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
121
negative
5
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly waitstaff
- Attentive servers
- Knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Disorganized service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a bit pricey, but overall it was a nice place with great service. The wood fired pizza was good, and its convenient location to the Camlin Hotel made it easy to get to.
- serverI've been coming to this establishment for about a year now and am never disappointed with the service, the quality of the food, and the detail on my cocktails. I especially really like the server that says they live out in Bremerton and look forward to them serving me whenever I come.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the staff was nice, the food was just okay. The focaccia bread was dry, and the kids' spaghetti was quite unappetizing.
- attentiveIt's a nice spot to grab a bite before a show. The service was nice initially; they were very attentive when we first got seated. However, after a while, it felt like they forgot about folks sitting outside.
- waitressThe host, as well as our waitress, were very nice!
- KellyKelly is the absolute best; he took spectacular care of me!
- bartenderThe bartender we had Erik was amazing made us feel right at home!
- managera male staff member stepped in to help—twice. When I asked if he was the manager, he confirmed that he was.
- waiterin Woodinville, we were immediately impressed by BOMBO's open NANO doors and decor. Our waiter was fabulous, and the mushroom pizza was the best we'd ever had, though very rich. The salad was also great.
- AlexAlex was our server and he recommend some great choices
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unjustifiably high prices for mediocre food. More importantly, the service was a mess. It felt like the staff hadn't found their rhythm, and everything was well below expectations.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was one of the most poorly run I've encountered. While we were seated quickly, we waited 20 minutes before having to flag down staff for menus and water, despite seeing empty tables and the restaurant not being busy. An hour after ordering, another waiter approached to ask if we had received all our food, only then discovering we were still waiting for other meals.
- waitressDespite having a 5: 15 PM reservation, the service was unprepared for the expected rush. Our waitress was inattentive, requiring us to flag her down for drinks, and we ended up sending a friend to the bar for appetizers, which arrived before our drinks. To make matters worse, my friend's wine order was incorrect not once, but twice.
- serverThe server just dropped the pizza off at the end of the bar and walked away without any care or concern
- waiterI've been here twice, and the servers don't seem to have any incentive to provide timely or quality care. My waiter spoke very poorly to me when I inquired about our time for dinner versus appetizers due to a musical across the street. He then avoided me when it was time to pay.
- managermanager said we were the ones who were socializing instead of placing our order
- staffstaff honestly, treated us with complete disregard
- customer serviceit’s on par with JCPenney’s customer service
- waterroom temperature water without any ice
- ServiceService and organization needs work.
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter a fantastic, attentive server or experience frustrating delays and disorganization. If youre patient and lucky, youll have a great experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.7 and boasting a strong 83.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 86 positive remarks out of 103, guests frequently praise the open patio, great vibes, and convenient location. Many find the urban natural design and overall atmosphere to be beautiful, welcoming, and a perfect spot for various occasions.
However, a smaller number of 13 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns include feeling like a bottleneck at times, a bad atmosphere due to inappropriate 80's music, and tables too close together, leading to awkward arrangements. Some also noted issues with open doors making it cold.
Ambience
103
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open patio
- Great vibes
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Awkward arrangements
- Inappropriate music
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereWe were excited to try something new and we ended up enjoying everything. The atmosphere of dining was delightful. The food was delicious!
- locationI assume they'll improve over time, but until then, this place is not worth the money at all. It's a huge shame because its location is great for shows at the Paramount.
- ambiencethe ambience of the Italian restaurant was pleasant
- restaurantDeRon was great at suggesting the best menu options. The restaurant was such a nice find after setting up our booth for a work event, definitely not your typical convention center find. Would suggest and happily dine here again!
- spaceThis is a good place for post office happy hour. I found it easy to get a table and there was plenty of space for any size group.
- ambianceambiance worked well for us to catch up
- convenient locationhow convenient it is as it is literally right there in the convention center
- musicVery nice music
- spotNice spot to grab a bite before a show
- vibehospitality and vibe at Bombo
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe overall atmosphere felt uninviting
- 80's musicthrown off with the 80's music playing in the background
- arrangementmade the arrangement feel awkward
- bad atmospheredue to the bad atmosphere
- bottleneckMade a nice little bottle neck for the venue
- chairs outsideChairs outside on a beautiful evening were uncomfortable
- doors were openthe doors were open the entire time even though it was cold
- musicmusic made me feel like we were at an NBA game
- spaceThere is no excuse for receiving my request and not scheduling something to meet my needs. It seems they were maximizing the space of their restaurant in hopes more people might be coming, at the expense of their current customers and the clear requests that were made. The food and atmosphere were rated a 4, but the service related to the reservation arrangement was a 2.
- standing areaI scheduled a work happy hour for my company departure and was not a fan of the arrangement. We had asked to reserve a standing area to mix and mingle, but they gave us an area tucked away in the back on the bottom floor. The tables were low to the floor, which was not conducive to a standing mix and mingle at all.
If you're looking for a beautifully designed spot with a great location and welcoming vibe, especially for a pre-show bite or a casual hangout, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that the music choice or seating arrangements might not always hit the right note for everyone.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
While the overall value experience is quite low, a few guests found some bright spots. Some appreciated the happy hour pricing, noting it as a good option before a show. Others mentioned the transparency around an auto gratuity or service charge being explained upfront, which is a small positive among 11 positive remarks out of 92 total comments.
However, the value aspect generally falls into the poor category, with a score of 2.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 12%. A staggering 78 negative comments highlight significant concerns about the restaurant being overpriced and the prevalence of a 22% dine-in charge or automatic gratuity fee. Many felt these mandatory service fees made the experience not worth the money.
Value
92
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
78
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fee
- Overpriced food
- Surprise charges
Often praised
- happy hourgood spot to hit happy hour before a show
- auto gratuityI appreciated the host explaining the auto gratuity of 22%
- foodWhile they claim to be gratuity-free, they impose a 22 percent service fee, which feels like a hidden tip. The food was not great, though reasonably priced. The service was mediocre, and our waiter was rude and initiated awkward conversations.
- happy hour pricesAnd great happy hour prices!
- included service chargeemphasized the included service charge
- other optionsPlenty of other options in the area
- priceNever had a $30 bowl of pasta - but it was WORTH IT!
- pricingthe pricing is what you expect
- service chargeinform you clearly when you sit at the table about the automatic 20% service charge
- transparencyvisually emphasized on the receipt
Frequently criticized
- pricesAlthough the ambience was pleasant and the food tasted enjoyable, I found the limited options disappointing. However, what truly detracted from my experience was the exorbitant prices and the additional service charges. Due to the high costs and added service charges, I will be steering clear of such establishments in the future.
- service chargedefault 22% service charge for all parties, of which 100% goes to the restaurant instead of the server
- priceSpent $33.25 (minus tip) for what is pictured below. That's it
- service feethey charge 22 percent service fee which is essentially their way of getting the tip
- billthe bill, which the server merrily explained that they had already included the tip for us
- gratuityquestioned the 20- 25% gratuity that was added with out my permission
- 22% charge22% charge is charged without a choice or a heads up
- automatic gratuitya 20% gratuity is automatically added, so no additional tip was needed. That would be fine if the service met the standard implied—but it didn’t.
- 22% dine-in chargethey applied a 22% dine in charge to our bill
- 22% fee22% fee added to the ticket that was not mentioned anywhere
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for potentially high prices and mandatory service charges that many find surprising. While happy hour might offer some relief, the overall value is a significant concern for most diners, so weigh your options carefully.
How are the prices at Bombo?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 133 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 48, many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good cluster around the 21 – 40 $ mark. However, there’s also a noticeable number of diners enjoying a more premium experience, with some spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 133 reviews.
How this Italian Restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the variety in spending, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in Seattle. It offers options for different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bombo
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Pop-Ups!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their pop-ups. The holiday and Lion King dual pop-ups were absolutely amazing!
- pop-ups10
- holiday pop-ups10
- Lion King dual pop-ups10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Vibe, Good Food
My experience at the restaurant was for a 1-night southern pop-up. The food was pretty good, and the vibe was even better.
- food7
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience at Bombo Italian
My family and I recently tried Bombo Italian for the first time, and the experience was disappointing from start to finish. Upon arrival, despite the restaurant being nearly empty, we experienced an awkward wait of about five minutes before being acknowledged. We were informed upfront about an automatic 20% gratuity, which would have been acceptable if the service had met expectations, but it did not.
Our server seemed rushed, taking only our appetizer order and leaving before we could finish our selections. When he returned, we had to repeat our entire order as nothing had been taken. This pattern of rushed and inattentive service continued, even during payment.
The food did not redeem the experience either. The dishes were bland, with many tasting and looking like they were packaged. The chips resembled store-bought kettle chips, and the pasta sauce lacked depth and seasoning.
The mushroom sauce, in particular, tasted and looked like it came from a can. For the price point and the mandatory gratuity, the quality was not sufficient. While the ambience is nice, the combination of poor service and underwhelming food makes this a place we are unlikely to return to.
It was fine to try once, but not a spot we would recommend.
- ambience4
- service1
- server1
- food2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Great Drinks and Atmosphere, Food Mixed
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, primarily driven by the service and atmosphere. Our server was incredibly attentive without being intrusive, and he even made a mean cocktail. :) The food, however, was just okay.
The Bombo pizza was quite salty, while the pasta pappardelle was bland. Despite the food's inconsistency, we'll be back, but specifically for the drinks and the enjoyable atmosphere.
- service10
- cocktail10
- drinks9
- Bombo pizza3
- pasta pappardelle4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Service and Food!
I was in town for a convention and had a fantastic experience. Our server, Kelly, was a riot and provided excellent service. The food was also not shabby at all, exceeding expectations.
The overall atmosphere was great, contributing to a memorable dining experience.
- Kelly10
- food9
- service10
What Bombo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Coffee
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and offerings can you expect at Bombo Italian Kitchen?
At Bombo, you can enjoy a full dining experience with lunch and dinner seating, complete with table service. The menu features a variety of Italian delights, including happy hour food and drinks, coffee, and a selection of alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian options are also readily available to cater to diverse tastes.
What is the atmosphere like at Bombo Italian Kitchen, and what about parking and accessibility?
You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere at Bombo, perfect for a relaxed yet stylish outing. For your convenience, the restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrance. Parking is available with paid options including a parking lot, parking garage, and street parking nearby.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Bombo?
Bombo receives an overall score of 6.1, with customer satisfaction at 56.3%. While the **Ambience** (7.7) is highly rated, **Food** (6.3) and **Service** (6.4) are considered average, and **Value** (2.8) is a notable concern for many.
What do customers appreciate most about Bombo?
Many guests enjoy the pleasant **atmosphere** and find the **pizzas** and **cocktails** to be particularly delicious. The staff can also be quite **attentive** and friendly.
What are the main complaints about Bombo?
Frequent complaints revolve around the **prices** and the often-unclear **service charge**. Some customers also report **inconsistent service** and find the **food** quality to be mediocre or lacking flavor.