Melburnians have joined the burger craze following a number of eateries opening around the city.
All ages have succumbed to the flavour sensation of charred meat in a freshly baked bun combined with a variety of accompaniments.
Self-confessed burger connoisseur Belinda Colosimo-Minniti said the industry’s popularity is justified. She loves nothing more than snacking on a freshly made burger.
“The value of the burger experience is so appreciated in today’s world that even McDonalds had to raise the bar,” she said. “Give me a homemade burger any day.”
Burgers, she said, are subjective and cater to all different pallets.
“In Melbourne there are so many options to choose from – we are truly blessed.”
Whether you are a burger enthusiast or keen to test out the new fad, here is a definitive top 5 countdown of Melbourne’s best burger eateries, proving to residents that this form of fast food is most certainly worth the wait and the calories.
The New York burger in all its glory. Copyright: theburgeradventure.com
- New York Minute
It was the little café which took over the suburbs in true New York fashion and has now opened in Carlton on the outskirts of the city. Everything is homemade and caters for gluten and lactose intolerances as well as other dietary restrictions.
Best burger: Without a shade of doubt, the New York burger. Think double patty with the lot. It quite literally contains all the vital ingredients of a great burger plus more. The free-range wagyu patty, spinach and bun is complimented by the “special sauce” used to give a fresh take on the classic American burger.
A close-up of ‘The Merrywell’ burger with a classic side of fries. Copyright: barleyblog.weebly.com
- The Merrywell
Not your typical burger restaurant yet it, too, follows the American diner theme. Nestled in the Crown hub, it proclaims its burgers to be “pink and juicy”.
Best burger: The Merrywell – the flavour combination, according to Colosimo-Minniti, is well thought out and combines well together. It is the “soft and floury” bun that is the highlight. Yes, the patty is indeed “pink and juicy”.
The wagyu and bacon burger with the classic sides. Copyright: theburgeradventure.com
- The Spotted Mallard
Located on the Sydney Road strip, this gem of a restaurant was recently unknown to the general public. The music and atmosphere make for a truly enjoyable, dining experience. “Pure gold”, according to Colosimo-Minniti. Not to mention the burgers.
Best burger: The wagyu beef and bacon burger takes the cake. It features a wagyu beef patty with bacon, melted gruyere cheese, caramelised onion, pickles and chipotle mayonnaise served on a lievito brioche bun with sides of hand-cut chips and homemade slaw. What is not to love?
The Jane burger with various sides.
Copyright: eatmywords.com.au
- Brother Burger and the marvellous brew
With its two stores, this restaurant lives up to its name and has a great selection of burgers. There is a variety of beers to suit every burger choice. And it has a great atmosphere.
Best burger: The Jane – it is the simplest burger on the menu but without a doubt the tastiest. A wagyu beef patty with lettuce, pickles, ketchup and a mustard-mayo. The only complaint is they need to be bigger.
The Double Dragon burger with double the flavour.
Copyright: @thundermistress on minus.com
- 8 bit
Fair to say this restaurant is the new kid on the block and it has more than kept up with its competitors.
Best Burger: One cannot go past the Double Dragon. Basically it is beef, cheese, bacon, pickles, mustard, and lettuce TWICE. It is topped off with the homemade “8bit sauce.” Not for the faint-hearted but definitely one to try.
