The Best Burgers in Sydney

Once upon a time, Sydney didn't really have a burger scene. Now they’re absolutely everywhere – on cafe menus, at the bar in fine diners, and served from takeaway windows at neighbourhood butchers. Let’s not forget food trucks, which are having a major revival in Sydney right now. Whether they're a classic Oklahoma smash or stacked like fatty Jenga towers, these are some of our favourite burgers in the city.

Want more burgers in your life? These are Sydney’s best according to 14 top chefs. Plus, Broadsheet writer Howard Chen shares his guide to the finest smash burgers in town.

Words by Dan Cunningham
Updated on 4 June 2026

Restaurant

Eat at Robs

This hugely popular takeaway-only burger shop, which is at the front of Darling Street Meats in Rozelle, serves arguably some of the best smash burgers in town.

Restaurant

Saint Peter at the Grand National Hotel

Josh Niland's seafood-focused restaurant is essential Sydney dining. The double yellowfin tuna and swordfish belly bacon cheeseburger here defies all expectations.

Cafe

Cafe Margaret

Neil Perry’s casual sibling to Margaret is ranked third in the World’s 101 Best Burger Places list for its American cheeseburger, comprising a 200-gram Coppertree Farms beef pattie, American cheese, onions, pickles and rose mayo (a blend of tomato and “umami” sauce).

Restaurant

The Grill at The International

A celebrated steakhouse with a burger of equal acclaim. Inside a soft potato bun is a 180-gram O’Connor beef pattie, layers of aged Australian cheddar and American cheese, and cognac flambéed caramelised onions with green peppercorns. Add a Martini and you’re in heaven.

Restaurant

The Gidley

Descend the stairs into a labyrinthine den of lush velvet booths, flowing booze and a menu that champions Riverine rib eye – but don't sleep on the cheeseburger here, one of Sydney's best.

Shop

Happy Shop

Old-school American diner vibes, packaged neatly in a takeaway-focused shop. The double-stacked burgers here are a nostalgic hit for all the right reasons.

Restaurant

Clam Bar

The best of New York inspires the Pellegrino 2000 team’s CBD grill. It’s all about irreverently executed classics here. Look to the knife-skewered cheeseburger on a sesame bun with 250-gram grass-fed beef pattie, American cheese and pickles.

Restaurant

Pacho’s Burger Truck

The Rozelle truck run by a brother-sister duo sends out the classics, specials drawing on their Afghan heritage and a burger so flavour-packed it doesn’t need sauce.

Cafe

Self Raised Snack Shoppe

The cheeseburger at the Self Raised team’s takeaway shops are well worth your time. But let’s take a moment to appreciate the fish fillet, the unsung hero of the burger world. Sustainable hake, American cheese, pickles, onions and house tartare – we’re loving it.

Restaurant

Burger Head

Three young ex fine-dining chefs took Penrith by storm when they opened Burger Head. If you’ve ever wondered what a cheeseburger made by Quay and Momofuku Seiobo alumni tastes like, this is the place.

Restaurant

Bar Luca

One of the city’s original new-wave burger spots is best known for the Blame Canada burger, starring maple-glazed bacon, maple aioli and silky poutine. But you can also play it straight with a classic BL beef burger or a fried chicken number with ranch and streaky bacon.

Restaurant

Paul’s Famous Hamburgers

Paul’s hasn’t changed its recipe since 1957. That means you won’t find fancy burgers here – just classic, homemade burgers and chips. That famous works burger with the lot is absolutely worth travelling for.

Bar

Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour

This American-inspired “dining parlour” is in the business of good times. Slink into a booth under fairy lights with a burger, some poutine, and the feeling that your night could end up being huge if you stick around long enough.

Restaurant

Bush

If you know, you know. Bush’s burger has been on (and off) the block for the better part of a decade. It looks the part, but it’s unlike any burger on this list. The kitchen grinds beef fat with venison – an invasive species in Australia – to create a burger that’s both sustainable and very delicious.

Restaurant

Ume Burger

Japanese-inspired burgers are the MO at Ume, where the signature Wagyu number is hard to look past. Fill your table with sides including koji-fried chicken, lotus root crisps and house kimchi.

Restaurant

Soul Burger

Vegans shouldn't be denied a good burger, and Soul’s plant-based crowd-pleasers tick all the boxes. You’ll find both the Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers here, as well as satay tofu, mushroom and convincing alternatives to fried chicken and pulled pork.

Restaurant

Surly’s

A boozy, neon-lit dive bar serving up Southern American barbeque platters and gut-busting burgers. It’s just the kind of stuff you’ll want to eat after sinking a few pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a bourbon shot or two.

Restaurant

Burgers Anonymous

This Breaking Bad-inspired chain deals in outstanding burgers at every one of its locations across town. No matter where you live, there’s probably an Anonymous close by – which means you’ll be tucking into a Heisenburger in no time.

More Options

Chebbo’s Burgers, Marrickville
Social media star Ali Chebbani’s smash burgers are a big reason for the city’s newfound obsession with the style. The hype around them is justified. Go for the fried onion number with a beef pattie, caramelised onions and American cheese on a potato bun with pickles, mustard and Chebbo’s tangy special sauce.

Out of the Blue, Clovelly
A few years ago, word got out that the burgers at OTB are pretty damn good, and it’s been going gangbusters ever since. These days, some planning is required to get your hands on one of these classic fish’n’chipper burgs. Considering the seaside location, the burger you want is the classic fish number. A strong case for shredded carrot in a burger.

Hi Hi Burger, Bondi Junction
The ruthless efficiency at Hi Hi Burger demands respect. Paul Allam, co-founder of Bourke Street Bakery, runs a well-oiled machine where a few taps on a touchscreen gets you a single smash burger for less than $10. It’s true to form: a consistent, balanced and well-smashed patty for a steal.

Wingmill, Neutral Bay and Dee Why
Who knew a last-minute menu addition at a wing spot would be one of Sydney’s best smash burgers? These burgers are anything but an afterthought. A fresh chuck-and-brisket blend hits clarified butter on the grill, then lands in a toasted potato bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickles, American cheddar and Mill Sauce (a zesty take on thousand island dressing).

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