The story
Joe Bastianich’s namesake outpost in Milano’s Mercato Centrale leans into hearty, American-style street food, and its smash burger has already sparked debate. Creator xMurry called the Single Smash Burger “the best I’ve had so far,” praising its “great crust, flavorful meat, and an amazing bun.” But Giovanni Fois dismissed the chain’s offering as “mediocre,” comparing the New York Cheeseburger and Chimichurri Burger to “cheap American fast food.”
Other menu items have earned more consistent praise. Habemus Fame declared the Panino con Brisket “the best brisket sandwich I’ve ever had,” calling the spot a “must-visit for meat lovers.” Franchino Er Criminale gave the fried chicken—specifically the WingX, Smoked BBQ, and other flavors—a 9/10, noting its “crunchy breading” and well-balanced flavors. While the burgers may divide opinions, the restaurant’s smoked meats and fried chicken offer some of the most satisfying bites in the market.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2022.
What diners say
Synthesized from 40 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Diners consistently praise the quality of the burgers, particularly the smash-style patties, crispy bacon, and soft brioche buns. Many consider it among the best burgers in Milan. However, a recurring concern is the high price relative to portion size, with some finding the sandwiches small for the cost.
Burger Quality
The smash burgers are widely praised for their juicy, well-cooked patties, crispy bacon, and soft brioche buns. Specific favorites include the New York burger and the bacon cheeseburger, with many calling them among the best in Milan.
Value for Money
Many diners feel the burgers are priced at a premium, with sandwiches around €15 and no combo meals, making the total cost high for the portion size. Some note that the burgers are tasty but small, leading to a perception of poor value.
Service
Service is frequently described as inattentive or grumpy, with issues like ignoring customers, incorrect orders, and a lack of napkins. However, a few reviewers mention friendly staff, indicating inconsistency.
Portion Size
Several reviews mention that the burgers are smaller than expected for the price, with some comparing them to fast-food sizes. The fries are also noted as small portions.
Bun
The brioche bun is consistently highlighted as soft, sweet, and well-suited to the burger. It is a key component that enhances the overall experience.
Fries
Opinions on the fries are mixed: some find them good, while others describe them as overly salty and greasy. They are generally considered a standard side.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 19 dish mentions say about the food
The Smashball steals the show, a messy, indulgent triumph of crispy edges and molten cheese. Reviewers agree the food here is loud, unapologetic comfort with a rockstar swagger.
“The smashball here is simply stunning — a smash burger that's incredibly juicy and crispy-edged, one of the best I've had.”
“The smashball here is simply stunning — a smash burger that's incredibly juicy and crispy-edged, one of the best I've had.”
“The smashball here is simply stunning — a smash burger that's incredibly juicy and crispy-edged, one of the best I've had.”
“The smashball here is simply stunning — a smash burger that's incredibly juicy and crispy-edged, one of the best I've had.”
What creators say
7 creators have covered Joe Bastianich. Most active: Habemus Fame, Franchino Er Criminale, xMurry
Shorts 4
Videos 3
Bastianich Chicken is an excellent fried chicken format with crunchy breading, well-balanced flavors, and a 9/10 rating in the fast food/junk food context, though delivery distance can compromise quality.
Dishes mentioned
WingX
I got the 8 WingX combo with different seasonings. The breading is nice and coarse, the frying is very dry — you can see it from the image. The chicken is not minced, it's a real fillet. The breading is excellent. These are really good tenders, really good chicken fingers. Good. Very good.
Smoked BBQ
This is the Smoked BBQ. The frying stays crunchy despite the sauce glaze. It's well balanced in flavor — it's good, really good. It's not that brain-tickling good of typical fast food or junk food, it's good because it's well made. It's a bit spicy, but there's a whole range of marinades you can choose from. This one is just the right amount of spicy, it arrives after and it expresses the aroma of spicy, not just pepper for the sake of it. Delicious.
Hawaian
This is the Hawaian — I predict pineapple inside. The frying stays crunchy despite the sauce. It's well balanced. Good. Really good.
Brasilian Citrus Pepper
This is the Brasilian Citrus Pepper — I imagine it's something lemony and peppery. It's more reddish, you can see more chili and paprika. The outside creates a very crunchy veil. The crunchiness is their strong point. The skin crackles. You could eat a bucket of these. It's really good. I didn't expect it to be this good.
Tenders
These are the normal tenders that go with ranch sauce. The breading is nice and coarse, the frying is very dry. The chicken is a fillet, not minced. The breading is excellent. These are really good tenders. Good. Very good.
Joe Bastianich's smash burger is the best I've had so far — great crust, flavorful meat, and an amazing bun. The fries are excellent but pricey, and the tenders are just okay for the cost.
Dishes mentioned
- Smash Burger
Patatine Fritte
These fries are really special. They're super crunchy and I ate them with real pleasure. But €5 for a portion in Milan? That seems a bit overpriced to me.
Tenders con Salsa Burger e Jalapeño Pickled
These tenders are good, not incredible. They're crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and the pickled jalapeño gives a nice kick. But €7 is too much for what they are. I wouldn't remember them.
Jose American Smash Burger, Joe Bastianich's chain, feels like cheap American fast food — the burgers are mediocre, with the chimichurri version being slightly better than the basic cheeseburger.
Dishes mentioned
- Cheeseburger
Chimichurri Burger
This one is better than the New York Cheeseburger. The chimichurri and Alabama sauce are strong, it tastes like a sausage patty rather than a smash. It's not something I'd crave to eat again right now. I'd give it a 7 plus.
