The city of Sydney is a food lovers’ playground. You can eat everywhere from premium restaurants in the CBD to a hole-in-the-wall in the outer suburbs. Luckily, burgers are the ultimate comfort food, no matter where or how you eat them. But with so many places to choose from, how do you find a burger that you’ll love?
If you’re a burger lover, we’ve got good news for you: Sydney is home to some of the world’s tastiest burgers. From vegan burgers to mouth-watering grass-fed patties, there’s something for every appetite. Without further ado, here are our top 10 picks for the best burgers in Sydney:
Bar Luca (CBD)
✓ After-Work Atmosphere ✓ Licensed
Kick-starting the roll-call of the best burgers in Sydney is the boozy bar and eatery: Bar Luca. Situated on Phillip Street in Sydney’s bustling CBD, Bar Luca’s extensive pub-style menu carries a range of over ten mouth-watering burgers including double beef, southern fried chicken and weekly experimental burger specials for all you burger nerds out there.
If you’re looking for a delicious challenge, the Blame Canada Burger is a stack of pure, conversation-starting joy. It comes with 200 grams of succulent Wagyu, crisp maple glazed bacon, molten American cheese, maple aioli and poutine between two soft milk buns.
Burgerhood (Balmain)
✓ American ✓ Licensed
Undoubtedly the best burgers in Balmain, Burgerhood has made it to our shortlist of the best burgers in Sydney. Nestled in the leafy suburb, Burgerhood is a neighbourhood burger joint serving American-style burgers. Founded on the back of a vision to build a family-friendly venue serving a range of guilty pleasures, Burgerhood is your go-to spot for quality burgers and shakes.
Burgerhood believes that a great patty is at the heart of every great burger. They craft their meaty creations by grinding free-range beef in-house from chuck and brisket (with a little added bacon), to create the perfect medium-cooked patty. Served with salty French fries in classic red baskets, Burgerhood’s menu and vibe is reminiscent of the US’s Five Guys (see below) and In-N-Out Burger.
Paper Plane Café (Parramatta)
✓ Brunch ✓ Experimental
@paperplanecafe
Ahh, the burger, that perfect mix of meat, lettuce, cheese, and – peanut butter?! That’s right, The Paper Plane Burger combines a succulent beef patty with bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and peanut butter on a brioche bun. This daring but effective combo has earned its place as one of the best burgers in Sydney. If peanut butter isn’t your thing, Paper Plane Café has plenty of other tasty burger combos to choose from, including veggie and vegan options.
In terms of atmosphere, Paper Plane Café is more of a brunch spot than a burger joint. The décor is evocative of a cosy European coffee house with a South American influence inspired by the owner’s travels. So if you’re in the mood for a coffee with your sandwich over a beer, this is the spot.
Mary’s (Circular Quay)
✓ Casual Dining ✓ American-Style
If you’re in the area and tossing up a classic burger, this Sydney institution is a no-brainer. Situated amongst the many gems of Circular Quay, Mary’s still reigns supreme as one of the best burgers in Sydney. Mary’s Circular Quay can definitely be considered a sister restaurant to the Newtown flagship, offering the same Mary’s burgers, atmosphere and musical dining experience. But there’s one major twist – the entire Mary’s menu can be recreated as a vegan option. Lettuce celebrate!
Still don’t know why Mary’s is considered to have the best burgers in Sydney? Allow us to explain. Until Mary’s came along, the burger landscape in Sydney was virtually non-existent. Sydney’s now thriving burger scene owes it to Mary’s for setting the standard with their short but punchy menu and rock-n-roll roots. Mary’s is all about the burgers, both in terms of style and quality. The buns are soft, the cheese is American, and the patties are 100% Australian O’Connor grass-fed beef.
Butter (Surry Hills)
✓ Late-Night Dining ✓ Fusion
A burger joint like no other, Butter is an innovative restaurant serving a selection of inventive burgers as well as fried chicken and high-end champagne. With its modern, comfortable décor not unlike a sneaker store and a trendy soundtrack to match, Butter offers an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
A must-try is their signature burger, the Cheezus. This burger combines a juicy chicken breast that’s been brined for hours, heavily battered and then fried to create a deliciously crispy texture. Tangy honey mustard is drizzled on top and nestled between two slices of American-style cheese. I’ll take ten!
Five Guys (CBD)
✓ American ✓ Fast Food
At the cult US burger chain on George Street, the line of hungry customers is long and the burgers are flying out the door faster than their staff can say ‘would you like fries with that?’ And for a good reason, the short menu offers the juiciest, cheesiest, all-American burgers and hamburgers money can buy – all made fresh to order.
The best thing about Five Guys is the elevated level of customisation. From extra pickles to onions, grilled mushrooms and green peppers, diners can choose from dozens of free add-ons. With so many choices, it’s no surprise that this chain has developed such a cult following and made a name for itself as one of the best burgers in Sydney.
With such fine, meaty creations on offer and a competitive foodie scene, it’s no wonder that the best burgers all come from Sydney. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or looking to try something new, we promise we’ve narrowed down the elusive search for the best burger in Sydney. Be sure to give these burgers a try when you get a chance — you won’t regret it!
