Overview
The duo behind Bourke Street's Japanese-inspired burger haven have just opened a new chapter, with a second Ume Burger opening at Barangaroo at the end of October. Owners Kerby Craig and Regina Jose have taken up residence on Wulugul Walk, the waterfront suburb's new dining precinct, and the simple, sustainably-focused menu itself bears a fraternal twin-like resemblance to the original Bar Ume's, but with one notable exception.
With Japanese-inspired street food and burgers the cornerstone of Ume, the Bacon Cheeseburger has been tossed aside, and replaced with the younger, sexier Menchi Burger, made with handmade pork katsu, tonkatsu sauce and cabbage. They have, of course, retained the Kakiage Burger for plant-loving burger aficionados.
Aside from the main attraction, Ume Burger has a whole lot on offer. The drinks list has a sweet spread of wines, beers, Japanese spirits, as well as intriguing house-made sodas like yuzu brown sugar or strawberry vanilla. Plus, and I mean plus, there's a soft serve station, in all its glory. The flavours rotate with regularity so expect a lucky dip, from lavender and white chocolate to sweet potato. The whole joint is rounded out by some pretty slick décor, with the kooky creations of Sydney paper engineer Benja Harney dotted about the place.
With burger restaurants multiplying like a year three maths class, Craig and Jose stand out from the crowd with their bold flavours and unique take on Japanese cuisine, so there's no doubt they'll be right at home in Sydney's new home of high-end interpretations of street food — just take a wander past neighbours like Anason, Zushi, Belle's Hot Chicken and Lotus Dumpling Bar.
Find Ume Burger at Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo and 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Open Monday to Saturday 11am–10pm and Sunday 11am–9pm.