Justa Burger is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, hands down. It’s simultaneously grown-up and childish.
There are three sauce options: Aioli, Cajun, or Teriyaki. While all are great, the aioli is incredible. Each burger is otherwise identical, with two slices of cheese, two thick pickles, and one mini tomato. The presentation is entirely charming. With the bun set aside, you can see how every ingredient is placed carefully and deliberately.
The aioli and potato bun are a little grown-up and knowing. The cheese and presentation are a little childish and playful. None of it is amateur. The taste is unquestionably delicious.
The size of vegetable toppings means you won't get it in every bite. If you’re not paying attention, the mini tomato bite will surprisingly explode.
The burger feels little, presenting a devastating dilemma: Are you satisfied with just one, or do you need another?
Justa Burger is tucked away. It’s in the basement of the A.I.R. Building in Nihombashi, under Cafe Pharmacy. You could easily pass it by or ignore the sign because there doesn’t seem to be a burger joint inside.
When you walk in to the cafe, and head downstairs, you’ll be immediately faced with the tiniest kitchen at the base of the stairs, where Mari-kun pivots between cooking and taking orders.
I try to take everyone here who visits. I know not everyone wants to eat a burger when traveling to Japan, but even if I only had 24 hours in Tokyo, I’d proably make time for this.