To most, America is the undisputed home of the burger – perfected in diners with red leather booths, a cherry-topped milkshake on the side, or handed through a West Coast drive-thru window. But with Dumbo on the scene, questions have been raised. Founded in 2019 by Charles Ganem and Samuel Nataf, the duo quickly became pioneers of smashburgers in Europe. Opening the doors to their first outpost in Paris’ Pigalle district, it didn’t take long for lines to form and for Dumbo to earn cult status, expanding to four locations across the French capital. “We were obsessed with the simplicity and precision of great American diners – the kind of places where one burger can change your day,” the co-founders tell us. “We felt Paris needed something that mixed that Americana energy with real quality and care. Dumbo was born out of that: radical simplicity, loud flavour, and a style that felt true to us.”

With a minimal menu of classics, Dumbo keeps things simple: a classic smashburger, a veggie burger, French fries, and chicken nuggets. Using carefully sourced ingredients, high-quality produce and big flavours, Dumbo’s no-fuss ethos is what makes their food taste so damn good. Now, with international expansion in sight, the duo have landed in London, opening their first outpost on Bethnal Green Road – greeted by queues around the block from day one. “Paris is cool. Thoughtful sourcing, nice stories, and a growing scene,” Ganem and Nataf tell us, “But London feels a step ahead: dry-aged meat, proper buns (not the overly sweet, industrial Martin’s Potato Rolls), and seriously good execution. There’s a confidence in how things are done there. We try to bring that same mindset and sharpness into everything we do.”

Between flipping burgers, we asked the duo to curate their ideal dinner party, offering up a list of top spots across London and Paris, sharing their non-negotiable burger topping and a bangin’ playlist of eclectic funk and soul.  

Ideal dinner party location…
Paris is always a dream for food. Classic, sharp, a bit wild when it wants to be. Some of our favourite places to host a dinner party would have to be:

Clamato – For oysters, razor clams, natural wine and the feeling that everyone here knows something you don’t yet.
Sugaar – New Basque spot with serious energy, bold flavours and that perfect balance of fire and finesse.
Chez Georges (rue du Mail) – Bistrot royalty. Nappes blanches, loud rooms, steak au poivre and profiteroles. Nothing more needed.
19 Saint-Roch – A hidden gem. Beautifully curated, insanely good produce, and the kind of table that makes you slow down and savour everything.

And in London. Different rhythm, but just as fun:
St. John – The essence of everything honest and deeply satisfying. Bone marrow, crisp wine, white plates, zero ego.
Kiln – Counterside heat, Thai smoke, cocktails flowing. Always packed, always right.
Bao – Steamed buns, bold flavours, playful twists on Taiwanese classics. Perfect for an unexpected, high-energy dinner.

Ideal dinner party playlist…

(They didn’t just say it, they made it)

Ideal dinner party guests…
A mix of close friends. The ones who make you laugh too loud, bring good wine without asking, and stay to help clean up. The kind of table where jokes fly, music plays low, and no one checks their phone.

Ideal design/furniture/tablescape…
Something found at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Vintage pieces with soul, a bit imperfect, a bit magical. Ideally, from the boutique of our dear friend Glustin, who curates an incredible mix of vintage and contemporary lighting.

The best dish to serve…
 A big plate of pasta al pomodoro. Silky, rich, comforting. Maybe with a whole seabass on the side and a generous pour of the very best olive oil. Nothing too fussy, just done right.

The best drink/cocktail accompaniment…
A bottle of something cold to start. Maybe a pét nat or a good beer. Then a few bottles of red passed around. Nothing fancy, just easy to drink and better with friends.

Best burger topping of all time…
Pickles. No question. That hit of acidity cuts through the fat of the meat and cheese perfectly. It’s the balance that makes everything else shine.

Dumbo London is located at 119 Bethnal Grn Rd, E2 7DG, more info here.