There is a new burger spot in town and is where it’s at for a fun day or night out, open daily from morning to midnight; they are serving up all sorts of burgers (beef, chicken and veggie), milkshakes (with and without booze), lots of sides (fries, rings and strips), libations (cocktails and some mocktails), there are combos and a very cool Lamborghini kids pack.
Drawing inspiration from the energy and aesthetic of Milan’s ‘Paninari’ youth movement, MONZO offers a one-of-a-kind experience where food, fashion and culture intersect. The 88-seat restaurant and bar serves simple and approachable fast food using house-ground Canadian beef and quality ingredients, as well as a full bar program in a lively setting.
MONZO is located in the Vancouver House, one of the most architecturally significant buildings in North America designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. The interior aesthetic takes its cue from classic American fast food culture, with touches of art, music and period correct fashion that nod to the Paninaro movement of 1980s Milan. The ownership team worked with acclaimed architecture firm Leckie Studio Architecture + Design to develop a space that seamlessly blends the past with the present.
The 4,040 square-foot restaurant is broken up into three areas: a bar and lounge, “yellow room,” and main dining room with kitchen bar featuring vintage Eames fiberglass seats. MONZO also features a photo-worthy, semi-private ‘Che Gallo’ room that seats up to 16 guests; the vibrant “party room” will be bookable for larger groups and will welcome celebrations for all ages – think video game birthday parties complete with Italian supercar “kids pack” meals and nighttime gatherings with friends and family. The restaurant also features a permanent DJ booth for special events and the upcoming evening entertainment program.
MONZO’s menu has been developed by established Vancouver Chef Mark Perrier, with Chef Hal Bailey at the helm of the kitchen as chef de cuisine.
I tasted my way through a vast selection of menu items:
Had a taste of their Aperol Spritz which is one of the many cocktails they have on offer.
Chicken Milano – is the delicious chicken burger as was the King Monzo – a double patty cheese beef burger with all the fixin’s, both are favourites.
The Big Legume is their vegetarian burger with a home-made veggie patty; the Beef fat fries are skinny and crispy.
I loved the Onion rings which were crispy and perfectly seasoned; also liked the Chicken Strips.
The Chocolate Milk Shake was delicious as was the Monzo Sundae with vanilla soft serve with caramel sauce.
I also tried the Monzo Sundae with chocolate soft serve with chocolate sauce; and the Apple Hand pie.
Monzo Burger is open daily from 11am – midnight, located at 1401 Granville Street in downtown Vancouver, you can follow them on instagram @monzo.burger
By: Richard Wolak