Restaurant review: Burgster, Palm Beach

DON’T be fooled by the name — Burgster is more than just another burger restaurant, says Chantay Logan.

Burgster at Palm Beach. Photos supplied for Gold Coast Bulletin's Taste

THEY’RE the fantastic foodie four.

Rob Rivers has spent the past six years running restaurants and cafes, Peter Smith is a builder who creates great spaces, Jarome Smith is a whiz at fitting them out and Rochelle Smith has a masters in photography and mind for marketing. Together they’ve got all facets covered at Burgster, their slick new back-of-the-burbs Palm Beach hangout angled at locals.

The comfortable melding of modern culture and nostalgic styling is inspired by the streets of Williamsburg, NYC.
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Burgster at Palm Beach.

The thinking may be global, but the menu sticks closer to home, with most of the sustainably produced meats and organics bearing a local postcode.

While a name like Burgster offers a head start at the peak of the Coast’s burger boom, it’s underselling a much broader culinary experience.

Burgster at Palm Beach.

With fried chicken to 12-hour smoked brisket, brioche buns to lettuce cups, the burger bunch (from $14), certainly stacks up, but it’d be a shame to stop there. Small plates explore interesting territory, from local oysters shucked in-house ($3 each) and kingfish ceviche ($18) to crispy chicken skins with kale, anchovy and parsley dressing ($15).

Burgster at Palm Beach.

Burgster at Palm Beach.

Fresh king prawns and juicy citrus segments make up a vibrant salad ($19) that gradually reveals a complex cocktail of cilantro, shallots, chilli, cumin and paprika oil.

Balls of buffalo mozzarella ($14) receive a crisp golden crumbing, arranged on basil pesto, their centres still deliciously warm.

Prawn sandwich fans will adore the Moreton Bay bug sliders with lemon mayo and watercress ($19) on soft, slightly sweet brioche buns.

The Toby’s Estate coffee is in good hands, joining a refreshment list that focuses on small-batch wines, craft beers and trendy cocktails.

Stone & Wood’s Garden Ale and the very worthy Newstead Brewing Golden Ale are on tap.

Burgster does have a casual vibe, with menus and cutlery propped in repurposed mackerel tins, but attentive, caring table service reflects it is – at heart – a small, very hands-on family business.

It’s open from 11am until late.

BURGSTER

Shop 2, 4 Philippine Pde, Palm Beach

Book it: 5525 0537

Highlight: Moreton Bay bug sliders