Formerly The Aylesbury, the restaurant undertook a revamp last year and became what we now know as ‘Bomba’. The restaurant has retained much of its rustic, casual interior and generous bar seating with owners Jesse Garner and Andrew Fisk coining the establishment as a ‘Spanish workers bar’. With the range of menu options and affordable prices, it certainly lives up to the claim.
Bomba offers a $15 express lunch menu that is excellent value considering the prices of fixed lunch menus in Melbourne CBD ($25-35). This is structured perfectly to suit casual diners, a corporate lunch or group dining. The ‘tapas’ section includes a choice of several small bites, ‘raciones’ which is a medium sized dish and lastly, ‘venduras’ which are side dishes to be shared.
For the evening, Bomba offers a more extensive dining selection that does not disappoint, including a charcuterie selection and three types of paella. A great little place even for a few nibbles or a glass of sangria. Actually, make that two.
Dishes from the express lunch
Charcoal grilled corn with dried maize
Grilled corn has become somewhat famous in recent years, following its popularity at Mamasita, variations of the dish has been popping up all over Melbourne. Bomba, however, have made this dish its own as instead of being topped with grated cheese, it is smothered with lashings of crunchy maize crumbs and a tangy chipotle mayonnaise sauce. Despite the few ingredients, the combination results in a fantastic juxtaposition of textures and flavours.
Pedro Ximenez braised pork jowl with celeriac
At a recent work lunch, the braised pork jowl ended up being the most ordered dish. The dish was, to simply put, a perfect comfort dish. The jowl is cooked to a melt-in-your mouth consistency and the creamy celeriac mash was velvety smooth.
Patatas bravas, Freekah and Cauliflower salad with barberries
The two sides offered are fitting compliments to the raciones. The Patatas are lightly seasoned and served with a tomato puree and aoili. Incredibly moorish. In contrast, the freekah salad is zesty with fresh, clean flavours and a combination of interesting textures.
Bomba.
103 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
03 9077 0451
http://bombabar.com.au
