Review: Burger Meats Bun, Edinburgh

IT CAN BE difficult to find restaurants outside of the Michelin stratosphere that take the time and have the pride to source quality ingredients, never mind deliver them at an affordable price.  Burger Meats Bun is the brainchild of two gentlemen who believe they can do so and a full restaurant, as it always has been when visiting, is a sure sign they’re doing a great job.

Having opened their first branch in Glasgow, Ben Dantzic and James Forrest devised the idea for a burger restaurant using top produce whilst working together at Geoffrey Smeddle’s Michelin-starred restaurant, The Peat Inn.  The Edinburgh branch opened in 2013 and has established a firm reputation as one of the capital’s quirkiest burger joints.

The menu signals BMB’s intent when it comes to provenance, stating that they 'use the best Scotch beef from The Aberfoyle Butchers' as well as slow grown, free-range chicken from Gartmorn Farm. There is a full list of their suppliers on their website, but I’ll let you check that out in due course. 

I ordered the smokin’ bacon, which features home-cured and smoked bacon, Keen’s cheddar (my personal fav) with BMB sauce and onions (£8.50, with a side of Maldon salt chips for £2.50).

I tucked into the fries first and was instantly impressed with the quality of potato used.  They were a little limp to be fair, but I enjoy chips that way, especially with good salt to add necessary seasoning.  As I unwrapped the burger from its playful fast food-style wrapping, I knew I was onto a winner.  The juicy meat patty was brimming with beefy goodness and well-seasoned, with crispy, fresh salad accompaniments you often find are just a token gesture on burgers.  The bun was robust enough to soak up the meat juices, while the melted cheese added another layer of flavour to this delicious offering.

Our friendly waitress delivered Sarah’s selection, 'hot chic': breaded chicken breast, Toma Ranchera cheese, mayo (which she omitted) and chipotle sauce (£8.50) with a side of Thai chilli cheese chips for an additional £3.50. The spicy, smoky sauce was delicious alongside a crispy, tender chicken burger that showed no hints of grease.  The fries were a notable highlight, while the texture of the spring onions and warmth from the chilli lead to a harmonious eat.

I hereby promise to eat at Burger Meats Bun more often.  Great produce and thoughtful cooking are key to any good burger, and they have a proven track record.  A great list of craft beers and quirky cocktails only enhances the experience of this budget-friendly restaurant, so if you haven’t been, please give it a bash.

Web: http://www.burger-meats-bun.co.uk/
Address: 1 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3JX
Phone: (0131) 556 7023

Opening times:

Tues - Sun 12:00 - 21:30