Inside the New MONZO Burger in Downtown Vancouver

MONZO Burger, the latest concept from Kitchen Table Restaurants (Ask For Luigi, Di Beppe, Pizzeria Farina, etc.), is set to open its doors in downtown Vancouver on September 9, 2023, across from Linh Cafe at the Vancouver House. I was among one of the first to try its menu and take a look inside.

The new concept draws its inspiration from the Italian Paninaro, a subculture that was born in the early 1980s in Milan. Known for their distinctive fashion sense that combined luxury labels with sportswear brands, these carefree affluent youth spent their days socializing at panino bars and newly emerging American-style fast food restaurants. And MONZO is a modern interpretation of these attitudes., delivering a one-of-a-kind experience where food, fashion and culture intersect.

Currently, there are six burgers on the menu, along with sides, dips and desserts. Burgers (and burgers only) are priced between $8 and $18 each. You can turn your burger into a combo by adding $6-14, which will include fries and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Their fries, onion rings and hand pies are all deep fried in beef fat.

I tried the King Monzo, Bacon Double, The Wrangler and Chicken Milano:

• King Monzo – Double cheeseburger with iceberg lettuce, tomato, diced onions, sour pickles and signature burger sauce
• Bacon Double – Classic crispy bacon double cheeseburger with ketchup, mustard, diced onions, sour pickles and American cheese
• The Wrangler – A piquant take on the Bacon Double, rendered smokey with house BBQ sauce, aioli, charred onions, Swiss cheese and spicy pickled jalapenos
• Chicken Milano – House made fried chicken cutlet sandwich, arugula, parmigiano, garlic aioli, sesame brioche bun

Of the four, I liked The Wrangler the most with the various sauces and smokey flavours. The chicken cutlet in Chicken Milano reminded me of a schnitzel and it was a good sized cutlet. King Monzo felt more like a balanced burger with lettuce and tomato, and then you have the classic Bacon Double.

Its boozy Almost Tiramisu Milkshake was indeed boozy and decadent, and they have canned Lambrusco on the menu! For sides, I would suggest getting the onion rings.

Per i bambini – for the children – option is available and I like that it’s served in a paper Lamborghini-esque tray. Very appropriate for this concept.

While it’s a fast food concept, the interior is retro, open and airy, with booths for bigger groups. To celebrate the official opening day on Saturday, September 9, MONZO will be giving away free burgers to the first 100 customers.

MONZO Burger
1401 Granville Street, Vancouver
monzoburger.com