Umberto Bombana
Clusone
Italy
Overview
Umberto Bombana is an Italian chef and co-owner of the three Michelin star restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana. His culinary journey is as captivating as the dishes he creates:
Born in Clusone, Bergamo, in Northern Italy, Bombana’s passion for cooking was ignited by his grandmother. He observed her meal preparation for an aristocratic family, and this early exposure left a lasting impression.
After finishing hotel school, Bombana honed his skills at Antica Osteria del Ponte, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant outside Milan. There, he apprenticed under acclaimed chef Ezio Santin.
His culinary journey took him across continents, from Italy to Los Angeles and eventually to Hong Kong.
In the 1990s, Bombana arrived in Hong Kong to open Toscana at the Ritz-Carlton. His love for California and the desire for new experiences led him to Asia.
When the Ritz-Carlton closed for redevelopment, Bombana seized the opportunity and opened 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in 2010. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Federico Fellini’s 1963 autobiographical movie "8½".
Bombana is hailed as the “King of White Truffles”. His cuisine revolves around honest cooking, exceptional produce, and impeccable service.
At 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, guests savor dishes that blend tradition with innovation, all while enjoying the luxurious aroma of white truffles.
Chef Bombana’s culinary empire extends beyond Hong Kong:
CIAK - In The Kitchen and CIAK – All Day Italian offer a more casual, refined trattoria experience.
Otto e Mezzo has also found a home in The Galaxy Macau (with one Michelin star) and Shanghai (with two Michelin stars).
He opened Opera Bombana in Beijing, China.
In Hong Kong, he introduced Octavium, his culinary “laboratory” on the 8th floor of One Chinachem Central.
In recognition of his contributions, Bombana received the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
He was also bestowed with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI).
Chef Umberto Bombana’s culinary legacy continues to inspire food enthusiasts worldwide, and his dedication to excellence remains unmatched!
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Born in Clusone, Bergamo, in Northern Italy, Bombana’s passion for cooking was ignited by his grandmother. He observed her meal preparation for an aristocratic family, and this early exposure left a lasting impression.
After finishing hotel school, Bombana honed his skills at Antica Osteria del Ponte, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant outside Milan. There, he apprenticed under acclaimed chef Ezio Santin.
His culinary journey took him across continents, from Italy to Los Angeles and eventually to Hong Kong.
In the 1990s, Bombana arrived in Hong Kong to open Toscana at the Ritz-Carlton. His love for California and the desire for new experiences led him to Asia.
When the Ritz-Carlton closed for redevelopment, Bombana seized the opportunity and opened 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in 2010. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Federico Fellini’s 1963 autobiographical movie "8½".
Bombana is hailed as the “King of White Truffles”. His cuisine revolves around honest cooking, exceptional produce, and impeccable service.
At 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, guests savor dishes that blend tradition with innovation, all while enjoying the luxurious aroma of white truffles.
Chef Bombana’s culinary empire extends beyond Hong Kong:
CIAK - In The Kitchen and CIAK – All Day Italian offer a more casual, refined trattoria experience.
Otto e Mezzo has also found a home in The Galaxy Macau (with one Michelin star) and Shanghai (with two Michelin stars).
He opened Opera Bombana in Beijing, China.
In Hong Kong, he introduced Octavium, his culinary “laboratory” on the 8th floor of One Chinachem Central.
In recognition of his contributions, Bombana received the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
He was also bestowed with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI).
Chef Umberto Bombana’s culinary legacy continues to inspire food enthusiasts worldwide, and his dedication to excellence remains unmatched!
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