Bunsen Hill St — Restaurant in Belfast

My expectations for the burger on offer at Bunsen were high. The reputation and excellent marketing, when they gave away free meals to the people of Belfast when they first opened, got to me. I have seen Bunsen mentioned in articles about the best burger in Dublin. But when it came to tasting the burger itself, I was completely underwhelmed. Things didn't start well as my friend and I ordered double cheeseburgers with all the toppings available. They arrived with no cheese. This wasn't a deal breaker but it was the most basic of requests - there are only two options on the menu. So it was a bit of a surprise. The bun was quite strange - top half was perfect. The bottom however was rock solid to the point I actually wondered was it stale. My friend's was exactly the same so I assume they are supposed to be like that. After the first bite, the bottom broke into pieces, meaning the innards of the burger fell out everywhere. The toppings on the burgers are limited to lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard and one other item I can't remember. I asked for all on mine - but they are average. Nothing that couldn't be assembled at home. And then to the star of the show the patties themselves. I asked mine to be cooked medium rare and this was done to perfection. But the meat was bland and not seasoned particularly well. I have had homemade burgers in the house that haven't been too dissimilar. When I go to a burger joint, with a very limited menu, I except the burgers to be exceptional. They were not. Sides were great - hand-cut and shoestring fries hit the spot. Drink offerings were lacking - no beers and a few soft drinks. Milkshakes a welcome addition but we didn't sample on this occasion. What I will say is I found pricing very reasonable. Two double burgers, sides and drinks for c £25 I found acceptable. I wouldn't want to be paying more for a burger (cc Five Guys).

Overall I was disappointed with Bunsen. In the interest of science I will definitely give it another go but there are better burgers out...

Would you like the unique opportunity to have a bit of a moment with your food? We all would, of course - and some of us actually (though, unfortunately mostly foolishly) think we have, maybe once, maybe more than once in our lives.

I came to Ireland expecting good food, no doubt - perhaps something with Lamb, or potatoes or both serving as the star to the dish. - what i didnt expect, coming from North America as i have, was to find the best smashburger of my life here, in an unassuming shop tucked off a main road.

I guess thats why we do our best not to judge a book by ita cover. - I came in alone, and somehow had the best burger experience of my life - such that I will now go out of my way to find somebtime to go back before my time in this place is through.

100% must try - i dont give food places 5 stars lightly, but by golly youd be doing yourself a disservice if you did not give them a try. - you can thank me later.

NOTE - not a lot (if any) veg options, and certainly nothing on the menu that is not a sandwich, fries, or a drink. So come hungry for burgers and burgers only. - cant fault them for a small menu when they absolutely serve...

Absolutely incredible food from here.

I had tried Bunsen on the recommendation of a friend of a friend, I would say I'm fairly had to please when it comes to a burger and usually stick to making my own or to the select few places that I have consistently gone to for years; I'm always happy to branch out and to be proven wrong.

Busen delivers, the restaurant is extremely clean, the staff are upbeat and friendly, which I cannot thank them enough for being just so chill, they really felt like they are happy to help customers, service was super quick too.

Now, the food. When I was asked by staff what way I preferred my burger cooked, I knew it was going to be good, I ordered a cheeseburger with all the toppings, their list is fairly short and sweet, not padded out with things you'd have to omit. The beef quality is really up there, so fresh and tender. The bun was soft and sweet. The cheese was just the right amount used and the topping all lovely and fresh too. The fries were also insanely good.

I will have to go back and try the sweet potato fries. Don't skip out on Bunsen, some really great food...