Al Mercato – Burger Bar

Al Mercato’s Burger Bar doesn’t take reservations – which is understandable when you consider the queue that is always snaking its way outside this venue.

There’s one obvious reason for its popularity. Burger Bar’s standard hamburger is the largest I’ve ever seen. Its thickness makes every bite a challenge, but the flavour combinations utilised by chefs Eugenio Rancoroni, Beniamino Nespor and Francesca Lecchi make it a challenge worth undertaking.

The toppings are as interesting as they are diverse – red onion marmalade, foie gras, habanero and hummus.

If that isn’t adventurous enough for you, you can opt for the Street Food option. Here, you can sample burgers from around the world. Go Greek and choose a braised lamb sandwich with mint tzatziki sauce. Or perhaps sample the Cuban sandwich made with roasted pork shoulder. There’s Vietnamese banh mi on offer and for the brave, you can even try burgers with fillings of diaphragm and fried brains with aioli sauce.

Whatever burger you choose, rest assured you’ll find the matching fries for it too. Al Mercato Burger Bar offers four types: regular, garlic, truffle and Szechuan pepper (the last is highly recommended).

Match this with great music, great beer and you have the ultimate street food experience, if not quite at street food prices.