You might have heard of Lombardo’s when it first opened in Amsterdam. Its debut creation – an opulent, over-the-top $250 burger, with lobster tail, Wagyu beef, foie gras and truffle shavings sandwiched between 25 karat gold-covered buns – caused quite a buzz.
You might also know Lombardo’s as one of Amsterdam's top burger joints. It has, over the past nine years, gained some 2,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. And even if you don’t, the Singapore outpost – the brand’s first international franchise – makes sure you do, with declarations of its humble achievement painted on various parts of the wall.
It hopes to convince you to part with $25 for just the burger, and nothing else. Granted, Lombardo’s buns are larger than most and almost two-palms-wide. Each fluffy vessel – buttered and toasty on one end and sprinkled with sesame seeds on the other – are a worthy base to deliver the Black Angus beef patties into your mouth.
Staying safe is your best bet here. We like the Dutch cheese burger ($22.50), which forms the foundation for many of Lombardo’s permutations. The beef patty, amply seasoned and juicy but lacking a Maillard-approved crust, comes layered with complementary, classic fix-ins: melted English cheddar, sweet red wine onion compote, mini pickles, lettuce, and homemade burger sauce. It’s accessorised to form creations like the beer-braised pork ($29.50), blue cheese ($28) – and our favourite, the greasy goodness of pancetta and a fried egg in the Hangover Burger ($27.50).
Shooting for bolder creations is where the burgers failed to impress. Resist your patriotism and skip the chilli crab-inspired Singapore Fling ($35). The crab meat mixture, strong and pungent, overwhelms each bite with spice and fishiness. The Silence Of The Lamb ($27.50)
has an assertive gaminess and its goat cheese crumble brings on more funk than flavour.
A few non-beef options and two sides complete the menu. Skip the roasted vegetables ($8) since you’re already indulging and order the lemon zest fries ($8), which are light, crispy and perfumed with bright, citrus notes.
We can say this about Lombardo’s Singapore – some things don’t quite stack up. Between its hits and misses, this famed burger joint doesn't earn the same full five stars here just yet.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
What the stars mean:
★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional
