Dominica Rice-Cisneros

Bombera - Oakland, CA

Named one of the “Female Titans of the Bay Area Food Scene” by Eater San Francisco, Dominica Rice-Cisneros is a celebrated chef and restaurateur whose career spans more than three decades. Her latest restaurant, Bombera—hailed as a discovery by the Michelin Guide—has redefined the culinary landscape of Oakland, honoring Mexican American culture and Chicana heritage cooking.

Rice-Cisneros launched her first solo project, Cosecha Café, in 2010 at the historic Swan’s Market in Oakland. For nearly 12 years, her soulful dishes drew long lines and critical acclaim, culminating in a 2019 James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for Best Chef: California. While still operating Cosecha, she began developing Bombera, a full-service restaurant located in a restored firehouse in Oakland’s Dimond neighborhood.

At Bombera, the menu is a deeply personal reflection of Rice-Cisneros’ roots and experiences—from her grandmother’s tamales to smoked trout tostadas inspired by Jewish delis in New York and the fresh seafood of Baja California. She prioritizes in-house preparation and premium sourcing, using seasonal produce from California’s top farms and nixtamalizing corn for her signature tortillas and tamales. Bombera has earned accolades including “Best Restaurants in Oakland” from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Born and raised in downtown Los Angeles, Rice-Cisneros is a second-generation Mexican American with family roots in Chihuahua, Mexico. She began working in restaurants at age 14, later refining her skills in fine dining with chefs Alice Waters and Chris Lee at Chez Panisse, Alex Lee at Restaurant Daniel, and Antonio Rivera in Mexico City. Her time in Mexico deepened her appreciation for local markets and seasonal cooking—a philosophy that continues to define her cuisine.

A member of Les Dames d’Escoffier since 2017, she is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for women in hospitality. She’s committed to creating opportunities for women of all ages and backgrounds in the restaurant industry, especially in the Bay Area.

Dominica Rice-Cisneros lives in Oakland with her husband, Southwest history professor Carlos Solomon, and their young family. Her inspiration comes from travel, research, and a desire to preserve and perfect traditional Mexican recipes through the lens of Chicana heritage cooking.