Bambolina & Kokeshi in Salem: A Quick Review

On Derby Street in Salem, two restaurants, Bambolina and Kokeshi. under the same ownership, currently share space in the same location. Bambolina opened in 2015 while Kokeshi opened in 2017, although at a different location in Salem. At some point during the pandemic, they merged together, presenting an intriguing option for diners, Italian cuisine & pizza as well as Asian cuisine, including ramen. 

The Bambolina menu is relatively small, with Antipasto (8 choices, priced $8-$24, such as a Cheese Board, Charcuterie, Marinated Feta, and Grilled Caesar Salad), Neapolitan Pizza (8 choices, priced $12.50-$17.50) and three Pasta Dishes (about $19 each, including Fettuccine Bolognese, Mushroom Fettuccine, and Rigatoni Arrabiata). 

They imported a wood-burning stove from Italy, which cooks their pizzas at 925 degrees, so it takes only 90 seconds to finish. They use Italian "00" flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, as well as any other ingredients that you order for your pizza. You can order a variety of pizzaz such as the Pastrami & Potato, Forest Mushroom, Hot Pepper & Pepperoni, and Margherita. 

Kokeshi doesn't serve traditional Asian cuisine, but rather takes a more creative approach, although still paying respect to the foundation of the Asian dishes. As one example of their creativity, in the past, they used to sell Octopus Hotdogs. Some of their Ramen dishes use nontraditional ingredients, but they still attempt to be respectful to Asian culinary traditions. 

The Kokeshi menu is also relatively small with 6 Starters (priced $5-$9, such as Tamari Marinated Cucumbers and Edamame), 6 Noodles (priced $16-$17, such as Back Alley Bacon Ramen and Vietnamese Noodles), Ahi Tuna Poke ($19), and Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($14). 

Even though both menus are relatively small, there's still plenty of choices which will interest diners. And as I've mentioned before, smaller restaurants menus are generally better than massive tomes, and their ingredients may be fresher as well. 

Last week, while visiting Salem, I decided to have lunch at Bambolina & Kokeshi, my first time dining at these restaurants. I was intrigued by the idea of being able to sample both menus, and there was plenty on those menus which appealed to me. 

I began with the Chicken & Lemongrass Dumplings ($9), which have sweet chili sauce, scallions, and sesame. The fried dumplings had a nice crunchy exterior, and the filling was tasty and flavorful, enhanced by the slight heat and mild sweetness of the sauce. They also had an appealing aroma, enhanced bt the lemongrass. A nice way to start my lunch and I'd definitely order them again. 

Of course I had to order a pizza, opting for the Soppressata ($16.50), with crushed tomato, fresh mozzarella, Italian cured salami, fresh oregano, and pecorino tomato. A beautiful pizza, with a nice char to the crust, it was also delicious. The crust was thin, but not overly so, and as it thickened near the edges, it had a nice chewy texture to it. The toppings were tasty, with thin and flavorful slices, with crispy edges, of the salami. Definitely an excellent Neapolitan pizza and highly recommended. 

I also opted for the Col. Sanders Ramen ($16), made with a spicy pork broth, fried chicken, Tokyo wavy noodle, corn, wakame, Vermont butter, and scallions. The broth was spicy with a nice depth of flavor, and the fried chicken had a crunchy coating and was moist and tender inside. The noodles were cooked just right, with a nice firm texture, and there was a light sweetness to the dish with the corn and butter. It was an ample dish, full of flavor, and very pleasing. Another dish I'd highly recommend. 

First impressions can sometimes make a big difference, and my first experience at Bambolina and Kokeshi was extremely positive. I'll be returning again soon to try more dishes on their menu, and expect they will probably be as delicious too. Service was very good as well. I strongly recommend my readers dine here as well. 

I'll also note that one of the owners, Larry Lebowittz, will soon open Common Craft, a craft beverage spot and restaurant, at the Burlington Mall. I've seen the preliminary menu and it looks intriguing. Based on the quality of Bambolina and Kokeshi, I have high hopes for the food at Common Craft as well.