Chicago's Latest Michellin-Inspired Restaurant — Bambola 🕌

Bambola is the newest concept from the Bonhomme Group, inspired by the Silk Road. The group also runs trendy spots like Beatnik, Beatnik On The River, romantic bars Good Funk & Bordel, atmospheric Mama Delia, and the Michelin-starred Porto. My friend and I checked it out as soon as it opened! The interior feels similar to many West Loop Instagram-friendly spots, except for some Central Asian-inspired partitions dividing the space. Lots of big tables — great for group dinners. 🐫 Wagyu & Caviar Tartare Also on Porto’s menu, but here it’s served with duck egg yolk and fried bread instead of oyster and a crispy tart shell. Still delicious. 🐫 Braised Oxtail Expected tender, savory meat — but it was too salty with a subtle medicinal note (from caramelized onion and mushroom?). The cheesy polenta with soft egg was the only good part. 🐫 Lobster Pasta Described as tossed in a wheel of cheese with a hint of red curry — hoped for tableside action, but it came plated. The cheese + curry combo tasted odd — we only had one bite. 🐫 Rose Shiso Spritz Tasted like a big glass of rose water — fine but forgettable. 👍 Service was excellent — the manager noticed we didn’t enjoy the lobster, removed it from the bill, and offered to replace it or send dessert. Still, the food didn’t win me over — probably won’t return soon. Days later, chatting with Porto’s chef about Bambola, I called it “fusion” — he cringed 😅. My friend said “multicultural,” and he lit up. Men… 🙄 📍 Bambola 1400 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 #Bambola #SilkRoadInspo #BonhommeGroup #ChicagoEats #NewRestaurant #MixedReviews