Hearth — Review by Eater
New York, United States — Italian/American
Anthony Maner, a pizza shop owner, visits legendary chef Marco at Hearth in New York's East Village to review their signature burger. Made with heart, liver, brisket, chuck, bone marrow, imported raw fontina cheese, caramelized onions, and a high-quality sourdough bun, Maner considers it one of his favorite burgers on earth and believes it deserves to be on top burger lists across the United States.
What was great: The burger with heart, liver, brisket, chuck, bone marrow, raw fontina cheese, caramelized onions, and sourdough bun. The double-fried fries in beef fat. The hyper-seasonal approach and invigorating dining experience.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show is the Hearth Burger, an extraordinarily thoughtful creation that transcends typical burger expectations. Chef Marco explains that the patty is a composition of heart, liver, brisket, chuck, and bone marrow, creating a complex and deeply flavorful meat preparation. The burger is topped with a thick layer of raw fontina cheese imported from Italy and caramelized onions that add sweetness and depth. The bun is sourced from Lost Bread, made with milk and sesame, providing a clean, wonderful sourdough foundation that perfectly complements the richness of the filling. Anthony notes the fries are equally impressive, made from potatoes that are blanched and then double-fried in beef fat, resulting in extraordinary texture and flavor.
The Experience
The restaurant embodies a hyper-seasonal, Tuscany-rooted philosophy that deliberately avoids being categorized as Italian. Chef Marco's vision is for diners to leave feeling invigorated. The service is warm and welcoming, with Marco personally preparing and presenting the burger to Anthony. The East Village location provides an authentic New York City dining atmosphere.
Value & Pricing
While specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, the quality of ingredients and preparation suggest this is a fine dining experience rather than a casual burger joint.
Notable Moments
To me, it's insane that this burger is not like on the top of every burger list in the United States.
It's beyond a burger. It's like a meal. I almost think of it like how I think about pizza. It's like pizza is pizza, people say, but like then any kind of food can transcend like being that specific dish.
The Verdict
Anthony considers this one of his favorite burgers on earth and believes it stands out in a city obsessed with smash burgers. He emphasizes that this burger transcends the category, becoming a complete meal experience rather than just a sandwich. Hearth is best for diners seeking elevated, thoughtfully composed cuisine that respects seasonal ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.