Burgerlab Parkdale crowned as Moorabbin, Mordialloc Chelsea’s best burger restaurant

This Parkdale lot was just a servo before a local legend turned it into a booming burger haven. And it’s not the money he cares about.

Burgerlab Parkdale has been voted in as the Leader’s best burger restaurant in the Moorabbin, Mordialloc and Chelsea region.

Seven years ago the lot at 194 Como Pde W Parkdale was home to a petrol station.

But Beaumaris hospo head Anthony Pinzone saw more than just a servo.

Pinzone had learned plenty of tricks from his parents Stefano and Betty, who proudly ran a string of successful milk bars across Melbourne’s inner south in the 50s and 60s.

He also had years of experience leading a number of Bayside eateries including Mentone’s The Long Room and Beaumaris’ Aunty Betty’s and La Cucina.

So up went the concrete on Como Pde, followed by a huge indoor kitchen, dining area and ultra — laid-back courtyard.

Above the deck’s twinkling lights overhead — in a monster red neon font — Burgerlab Parkdale.

Fast forward to today, you’d be hard pressed to drive by and spot a spare seat.

The restaurant has also been voted in as the Leader’s best burger restaurant in the Moorabbin, Mordialloc and Chelsea region.

“It’s really my passion, we took apart the old servo turned it into a very family friendly place,” Mr Pinzone told the Leader.

“We love seeing kids and families come in — we’ve got something for everyone. Beers on tap, cocktails, milkshakes.

“We’re not about the money and drinking … we’ve made a family space and we love for pets to come along too.”

What a set up!

Mouth-watering feeds.

The father of two and lifelong Bayside resident sponsors eight local sporting clubs including groups at nearby Mentone and Braeside.

“We give all our vouchers to the kids, we love to reward them and see them come in,” Mr Pinzone said.

“I really have a strong connection to this community … all my businesses are always centred on that.

As for the fabulous food — Mr Pinzone’s focus is on local produce, with fruit, vegetables and meat sourced nearby.

Top menu picks include the Baconnator — beef, free-range bacon, melted raclette cheese, tomato, lettuce dried shallots, mayo — and the Atomic Rooster — fried chicken, American cheese, jalapeños, pickles, red onion, tomato, chipotle mayo, sriracha, tomato sauce.

Vegans and sweet tooths aren’t left behind, with more options including the Bean Me Up vegetable burger and desserts like rocky road choc tops.

Mr Pinzone said he was grateful to his incredible staff who had weathered a number of harsh COVID-19 lockdowns as well as his loyal customers who keep coming back for seconds.

“They’ve all been great, COVID-19 really impacts businesses but it’s the workers out there who are made to scrape through as survivors,” Mr Pinzone said.

“We’re so lucky to have a great following which looks after us.”

Find Burgerlab Parkdale at 194 Como Pde W, on Facebook or phone [phone].