The 50 Best Burgers in Europe

When it comes to delicious dishes, few foods boast the universal appeal of a beautifully crafted burger. From the classic cheeseburger to innovative gourmet creations, Europe is a haven for burger aficionados on the hunt for a brilliant bite. But who does it best? Drawing on data from our social audiences, as well as recommendations from our editorial team, we’ve compiled this year’s annual list of the best buns on the continent. You’ll see some familiar faces in there, as well as plenty of newbies stirring up the scene. So, here’s our pick of the best burgers in Europe for 2024.

Best Burgers in Europe

50. Otto’s Burger – Hamburg and Cologne, Germany

This wildly popular burger joint has proven such a hit that it now boasts a second location in Cologne. We’re not surprised; the burgers here are superb. Vegans and veggies are well-catered for here too. Since 2022, the restaurant has re-focussed its menu, so most (but not all) of the burgers are made with a special Portland pea and wheat-based meat substitute. Meat-eaters fear not, there are still a few juicy burgers listed made of premium beef from Luneburg Heath. We’re still dreaming about the Truffle Burger, topped with red cheddar, portobello mushroom and truffle mayo….

49. Surf Shack – Malmo, Sweden

For smash burgers with a view, look no further than Surf Shack. This American-style burger joint is right on the beach, so you can enjoy your patty pillows with a sea view. The hand-smashed burgers are made from meat sourced from local Swedish farms and served on fresh brioche buns with any topping you like. The golden-brown french fries are picked from a local farm and hand-cut daily and the shakes are whipped up in front of your eyes.

48. 180 Grammi Burger – Florence, Italy

Taking its name from the precise weight of each patty, 180 Grammi has earned widespread acclaim for its dedication to quality ingredients and impeccable craftsmanship. Customers are invited to customize their burgers by choosing the meat, type of bread, rareness and ingredients, so you’re guaranteed to love whatever you order. The beer menu is just as extensive too, with a dozen Italian and Italian craft beers on offer, including gluten-free varieties.

47. Ponas Mesainis – Vilnius, Lithuania

Ponas Mesainis only opened its doors in Spring 2024 but business is already booming. The first-of-its-kind burger joint combines American hamburger traditions with Lithuanian products. So, instead of bog-standard buns, the team here handmakes potato buns, while the beef patties are made from the highest quality local Wagyu and Angus meat. Every bite is as moreish as you can imagine.

46. Hood Burger – Ljubljana, Slovenia

This undeniably trendy burger spot now boasts three locations, so you’re never too far from a delicious bite in Ljubljana. Fresh Slovenian ingredients make for the perfect burger experience: soft buns, medium rare patties and crunchy. There is a classic burger on the menu, but we recommend trying a speciality burger, like “Le Brie” or “Hood Steak”, made with real beef rump steak and served with what are surely the crispiest fries in the city.

45. Submarine Burger – Zagreb and others, Croatia

Submarine Burger was voted one of the Financial Times 1000 fastest-growing companies in Europe, and it’s not hard to see the reason behind its success. Billed as all-natural, homemade gourmet burgers, the joint uses vegetables from an organic farm, homemade potatoes, cheese from the local dairy and 100% local beef. There are great vegan options too, including protein-packed salads and veggie patties. There are at least a dozen mouthwatering options to choose from but if you can’t choose, go for the sliders (three mini-versions of their most popular burgers). You won’t regret it.

44. Delibros – Tirana, Albania

With a kitchen headed up by Chef Neri, Delibros serves up the best artisan burgers in the capital. There are nine varieties to choose from, including “Crispy Chicken”, “Smash” and a delicious “Super Vegetarian”, made with lentils, oatmeal and celery. Save room for the fries, served hot and crispy, onion rings and creamy coleslaw.

43. Zaganu Beer and Burger – Bucharest, Romania

Conveniently located right in the thick of the action in the heart of Bucharest, this is the place to come for brilliant beer and burgers. Try the “Zaganu Classic”, a mouthwatering masterpiece made from prime beef, melted cheese and crisp lettuce, topped with a special secret sauce.

42. Projekt Burger – Kranj, Slovenia

They keep things simple at Projekt Burger with perfectly-portioned burgers crafted from quality ingredients. Their signature thick beef patty is succulent, perfectly complemented by a selection of fresh veggies and sauces. A generous portion of thick-cut chips tops off this quintessential burger experience.

41. The Butcher – Monugno, Italy

The Butcher is a must-visit destination for burger aficionados in the sunny south of Italy. Known for their generous portions and flavourful patties, The Butcher offers a variety of burgers made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. If you’re a meat eater, order their best-selling “The Bari”, made with brisket, iron steak and chuck teak rolled with beef tartare, gooey stracciatella, rocket and cherry tomatoes.

40. Ground Burger – Lisbon, Portugal

Located smack-bang in the centre of Lisbon, Ground Burger has earned a cult following for its creative take on the classic burger. From the indulgent "Gourmet" burger topped with foie gras to the zesty "Mexican" burger featuring guacamole and jalapeños, every item on the menu is packed with flavour and guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. Wash it down with a craft beer for the ultimate dining experience.

39. Moa Burger – Krakow, Poland

This family-owned, New Zealand-inspired burger joint goes above and beyond when it comes to gourmet patties and toppings. This place rewards the adventurous, so instead of going classic opt for a speciality like the “Surf ‘n’ Turf”, made with grilled tiger prawns, homemade garlic mayo, red onion, tomato and lettuce.

38. Badass Burgers – St Julian’s, Malta

Those who prefer a more unconventional burger experience will love Badass Burgers in St. Julian’s. The menu is brimming with creative concoctions, like the “Truffle Trouble Burger”, made with a whopping 250-gram Badass Angus Patty, smoked streaky bacon, gooey cheddar, mushrooms, crispy onions and a (un)healthy dose of homemade truffle mayo. Dishes are served with a delightful view too.

37. Friends & Brgrs – Helsinki, Finland

Friends & Brgrs is a Helsinki institution known for its juicy burgers made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The menu features a wide range of options, including beef, chicken, and veggie burgers, all served with a generous helping of homemade burger sauce. You could go classic, but we recommend going all out with the “Double Friends”, made with two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and slathered with Friends mayo.

36. Bleecker Burgers – London, UK

This London hotspot has gone from strength to strength since opening its food truck in 2012, with four buzzy locations across the capital. The menu has remained as simple as ever, with six mouthwatering burgers, including the award-winning “Double Bacon”. You won’t need to add many toppings as the sesame bun and juicy beef patty deliver enough flavour to tantalise your tastebuds without them.

35. Bastard Burgers – Gothenburg, Sweden

With its bold flavours and rock 'n' roll-inspired decor, Bastard Burgers has become a favourite among Gothenburg locals. The menu showcases a mix of classic and inventive burgers, such as the "Dirty Bastard" topped with chilli con carne and jalapenos. For a truly indulgent experience, don't miss the loaded fries smothered in cheese and bacon.

34. Arrow Burger – Monaco

This award-winning burger joint is located right next to the Cathedral, but that’s not the only reason to visit. The burgers are the best around for miles, made with a homemade Pain brioche bun and premium Angus beef steak. Crowd-pleasers include the Arrow Mountain (made with a crispy raclette cheese patty) and the Arrow Smoke NY (topped with smoked cheddar, crispy bacon and a gobsmackingly good BBQ sauce). And, at less than €15 a pop, it’s a bargain too!

33. Gotland Smash Foodtruck – Visby, Sweden

Gotland Smash Foodtruck popped up in 2022 and gave everyone yet more reason to visit this fairytale medieval town on the pretty island of Gotland. Their signature smash burgers are superb, made with locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection. There’s a good range of burgers on offer too, from the “Signature” to the “Truffle Dream”, made with truffle cheddar and truffle mayo. We’re not the only ones raving about these burgers either – these guys already have a string of awards under their belt, including Best Burger in the European Food Truck Awards.

32. Shiso Burger – Berlin, Germany

Shiso Burger has been on our radar for a while now, but this Berlin-born burger joint has exploded in popularity in the past couple of years, with eight new locations around Europe.

Healthy isn’t a term we usually like to hear in the same sentence as burger, but we’re happy to make an exception for Shiso, which specialises in “healthy Asian burgers”. The buns are fluffy and light with black sesame, stuffed with the highest quality ingredients and prepared fresh every day, right in front of your eyes. Try the “Shiso Burger”, made with a marinated tuna patty, shiso leaves and teriyaki sauce for a bite you won’t forget.

31. BoRD13 – Deva, Romania

The BoRD13 might not be new, but it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves, having won the top spot for Romania in the European Street Food Awards 2023. Surprised? We’re not, the signature burgers are some of the juiciest around, made from premium Black Angus beef and served in homemade buns.

30. Taste Burger – Warsaw, Poland

For some of the best buns in Poland, look no further than Taste Burger. Their commitment to cooking burgers fresh with exceptional ingredients, especially their renowned bacon, sets them apart. The result? An understated yet elegant burger bursting with flavour. From perfectly seasoned beef to super fresh buns and extraordinary toppings, it's all about delivering a no-frills, juicy perfection that satisfies every burger lover's craving.

29. Bamba Marha Burger Bar – Budapest, Hungary

Opened in 2018, Bamba Marha Burger Bar is at the very top of its game in a city where people seriously know good burgers. Culinary maestro Jani Jancsa leads the team here, whipping up soft and chewy buns stuffed with juicy patties oozing with gooey cheese and crunchy toppings. Don’t miss the monthly special, a creative concoction featuring unusual and oh-so-photogenic ingredients, like the blue bun beef patty, filled with grilled pepperoni, marinara and truffle mayonnaise.

28. Dish Burger Bistro – Prague, Czech Republic

Dish Burger Bistro has long been celebrated for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and creative flavour combos. Nearly all of the burgers are made with 160 grams of premium beef, but that’s not where the fun ends. Toppings range from portabello mushrooms and emmental cheese to pickled jalapenos and balsamic mayonnaise. The cosy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favourite among locals and tourists too.

27. LetzBurger – Strassen and Ettelbruck, Luxembourg

Luxembourg may be small, but it certainly isn’t lacking in burger joints. That said, for a top-notch bite, hotfoot to LetzBurger. For a long time, the best way to secure a bite was to hunt down one of the food trucks circulating Strassen and Ettelbruck, but as of November 2023, the team now has a permanent spot in Place Marie Adelaide in Ettelbruck. Founded by seven high school students in 2018, the burgers here are made with passion and meticulous attention to detail. As well as the classic cheese, chicken and hamburgers, there’s a “monthly special”, which ranges from the popular “Pizza Burger” to this month’s “Mozeralla Supreme”.

26. Bacao Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain

Bacao Barcelona started as a pint-sized “hamburgueseria” in 2010, but it’s since grown to become one of the city’s biggest and best burger outlets. But while there are multiple outposts dotted across Spain, the best is its beachfront location in Barceloneta, steps from the sand. The burgers are made with locally sourced ingredients and all of the sauces are homemade. These aren’t Maccie D-style burgers either, think patties topped with bacon jam and manchego cheese.

25. Burgermeister – Berlin, Germany

There’s something inherently satisfying about eating a juicy burger on the move – and that’s exactly how you should be enjoying this iconic burger. Favourites include the classic cheeseburger topped with dill pickle and the ‘Meisterburger’ with bacon and fried onions, but with nine iterations on the menu, you won’t be stuck for choice. Arrive hungry and order the cheese fries or, even better, bacon and onion fries too.

24. Junk Burgers – Paris, France

For a long time, you could only order Junk Burgers through delivery but, mercifully, this much-loved burger brand has opened a bricks-and-mortar store for takeaways. The signature smash burger features a light brioche bun that practically dissolves in your mouth, an expertly crafted beef patty, oozing American cheese and a secret sauce with a spicy kick. Oh, and the fries are just as delicious. We challenge you to walk away with just one of these bad boys.

23. The Burger Shack – Aarhus, Denmark

This Danish-owned burger chain has truly mastered the art of flame-grilled steak burgers. The ‘Shack menus’ are brimming with creative burgers, including a delicious vegan burger made with pea protein. It’s a big hit with families too, as kids receive a special gift with their meal and, if they’re lucky, get a coveted seat in Jack’s cabin.

22. Social Burgerjoint – Helsinki, Finland

Social Burgerjoint boasts a brilliant menu catering to all tastes, from juicy beef burgers to gourmet vegetarian creations. Customers can choose from classic or smash patties, nestled between a freshly baked bun and stuffed with a staggering range of toppings. Condiment aficionados will be pleased too; there are eight different mayos on offer, from bernaise to basil. Service is fast and friendly.

21. Roxor – Bratislava, Slovakia

This trendy burger joint has received thousands of happy Google and Trip Advisor reviews, and it’s easy to see why. Combining fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold flavours, Roxor takes an innovative approach to burger making. From classic cheeseburgers to more adventurous culinary creations like the El Gringo (made with chipotle mayo), there’s something for every taste. The stylish interior makes for a deliciously good photo opp too.

20. VLND Burger – Tallinn, Estonia

Since its inception in 2021, VLND Burger has been turning heads in Tallinn, offering a burger experience that's second to none. Among their crowd-pleasers is the legendary HBF burger, featuring a tantalizing combination of bun, paprika-chipotle mayonnaise, crisp iceberg lettuce, sriracha bacon, an organic beef patty, double cheese, and caramelized onions. In a city teeming with burger joints, VLND Burger reigns supreme, thanks to its commitment to quality and innovation.

19. Bread meets Bread – Edinburgh and Glasgow Scotland

Bread Meats Bread boasts a mouthwatering menu of six classic burgers, seven speciality burgers and a whole string of chicken and plant-based burgers. You can’t make a wrong decision, but we recommend opting for one of “Icons of BMB”, like the “Chad Hogan” – a decadent masterpiece of a double cheeseburger featuring smoky pulled beef and barbecue pulled port, crispy fried onions and gochujang mayo. This family-owned business takes quality as seriously as creativity, with patties made from three cuts of dry-aged grass-fed Scotch beef sourced from local Perthshire farms.

18. Bira dos Namorados – Braga, Portugal

Sure, Portugal’s blockbuster cities are brimming with burgers, but for something a little different head off the beaten path to Braga. Instead of the usual classic cheeseburgers, you’ll find burgers infused with local flavours and inspired by traditional dishes, like the “Bifana Burge” (a twist on the beloved Portuguese pork sandwich) or the “Francesinha Burger” (a homage to Porto’s iconic dish). Heaven.

17. T & C Burger Lab – Rome, Italy

Proof that there’s more to Italy than good pizza and pasta, T&C Burger Lab boasts some of the best burgers on the continent. The buns are soft, chewy and loaded with sesame seeds, while the patties are juicy beyond belief. Then there’s the sauces, which are slathered on liberally and garnished with top-notch ingredients. It’s a messy eat, but it’s worth the extra napkins.

16. Juicy Grill – Athens, Greece

Juicy Grill started life 13 years ago as a teensy-tiny burger joint with a menu of four-or-so burgers. But word soon got around and the lines got longer, so the burger brand opened up a brand new site downtown with a much better menu. Now, you’ll find BBQ wings and sticky buns alongside hulking salads and New York-inspired desserts. But it’s the burgers that are the scene stealers here. Choose from 15 different burgers, from the standard juicy to the Bill Murray, stuffed with onion rings.

15. 7Bone Burger Co. – Portsmouth, UK

Bow down to the burger kings at 7Bone Burger Co., this joint is a true maestro when it comes to crafting indulgently delicious burgers. Picture this: a medium-rare patty oozing with American cheese, topped with bacon jam and truffled garlic mushrooms. Don’t take our word for it though, each burger is a masterpiece in its own right. The vegan menu is excellent too.

14. Bun’s Burger Bar – Oslo, Norway

Bun’s Burger Bar features a wide range of Mexican-inspired dishes, but it’s their creative burgers that have caught the attention of aficionados. Their creative burgers are made with high-quality beef and unique toppings, like truffle aioli, honey mustard and jalapeno-avocado cream. Plus, the views of the Oslofjord are second to none.

13. Firma Pickles Burgers – Utrecht, Netherlands

This burger joint-cum-wine bar is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. Their menu features standout creations like the Pickles Burger, a beautiful marriage of juicy beef, tangy pickles and savoury cheese served on a softly toasted bun. The Halloumi Burger, made with cheese, fresh veg and zesty sauces, is a real crowd-pleaser too.

12. Van Ver Burger – Turin, Italy

Magic is happening in Turin. Founded by two friends who previously worked as professional chefs, Van Ver Burger specialises in vegan burgers. Served from a colourful food truck that travels around the city, the burgers here are entirely plant-based – and bursting with flavour.

11. Goiko Grill – Madrid, Spain

Proof that the finest ingredients make the finest burgers, Goiko Grill has been churning out some of the best patties in the world for more than ten years. There are now more than 100 Goiko outlets dotted across Spain, but the original outpost in the capital is still a firm favourite with punters. Think juicy patties made with 100% beef, chicken or pork rib topped with everything from crispy lettuce to sun-dried tomatoes. Veggies and vegans are welcome too; the vegetarian and beyond meat patties are top-notch.

10. Tommi’s Burger Joint – Reykjavik, Iceland

It might have a chilly location, but Tommi’s Burger Joint serves up buns that are guaranteed to warm the soul. The team uses Icelandic grass-fed beef to ensure their burgers are juicy and packed with flavour, then garnish them with premium ingredients like crispy bacon and creamy American cheese.

9. Gasoline Grill – Copenhagen, Denmark

It’s not the first time Gasoline Grill has featured in our top 10, and we’ll wager it’s not the last either. Hand-ground daily, these burgers are bursting with flavour and made with premium organic ingredients. Wolf it down with a side of golden, crispy crinkle fries and a glass of homemade lemonade. Wholesome and heavenly. There’s always a queue, but rest assured, these burgers are worth the wait.

8. Burger Bar – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Billed as ‘fab food, not fast food’, Burger Bar only uses the freshest ingredients and 100% freshly ground beef in their burgers. There’s an extensive menu to choose from, but sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. The Classic Burger is made with 200 grams of juicy black Angus beef, served on a perfectly toasted sesame bun and topped with crispy beef bacon, tangy pickles and a signature homemade burger sauce. Bliss in every bite.

7. Red Bear n’ Burger – Compiegne, France

Head chef Matthias Carre is no stranger to awards; last year he took home first prize for his beef tongue and tonkatsu sauce burger at the Coupe de France du Burger 2023. As you might expect, the burgers here are seriously inventive, featuring ingredients like grilled avocado, spiced popcorn and thyme mayonnaise. Shouldn’t work, but it really, really does.

6. Ter Marsch & Co. – Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands

Award-winning Ter Marsch & Co. has captivated the hearts of burger aficionados from far and wide thanks to its quality ingredients, innovative flavours and incredibly good-looking burgers. Blockbuster burgers include the “Ter Marsche Classic”, made with a succulent beef patty topped with melted chees and crispy bacon, and “The Oishi”, made with a Dutch dry aged Rib Eye and Japanese Wagu that melts on the tongue. All burgers can be ordered to be vegetarian too, replaced with a succulent plant-based patty.

5. Pretty Patty Smash Burger – Geneva, Switzerland

Founded by two best friends, Pretty Patty Smash Burger boasts some superstar Swiss smash burgers that taste as good as they look. There are just three burgers on the menu: Classic Smashburger, Fancy Smashburger (with a special secret sauce) and Vegan Smashburger (made with a plant-based patty), which highlights the team’s commitment to quality over quantity. Every burger is made with locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted patties too. Thankfully, the brand recently opened its second location in Geneva, so you’re never too far from one of the blockbuster buns.

4. Jenkins Restaurant – Valencia, Spain

This popular chain of hamburger restaurants is turning heads, and hearts, all over Spain. There are at least a dozen delicious buns to choose from on the menu, but you’d be a fool not to try their award-winning “Mejor Hamburguesa”, which won first place at last year’s National Burger Award. It involves two glazed buns, 180 grams of Black Angus USA Prime beef, smoked cheddar, caramelised onion, bacon, picked gherkins, Korean sauce and a big grin.

3. The Beefy Boys – Hereford, United Kingdom

The Beefy Boys are no strangers to winning awards, as demonstrated by their triumph at the UK National Burger Awards last year – and it’s no surprise why they clinched the top spot. Their flagship burger, The Old Boy, is a masterpiece – a smashed dry-aged grass-fed Herefordshire beef patty, expertly seasoned with The Beefy Boys' secret spice blend, cooked alongside thinly sliced onions and gooey melted cheese, all squeezed between a fluffy potato bun. Their veggie menu is superb too, with mouthwatering options the 'Beanie Boy,' (made from a savoury bean patty with a kick of chipotle). There are now three outposts of this wildly popular joint, in Cheltenham, Shrewsbury and Hereford.

2. Bunsen – Dublin, Ireland

Bunsen Burgers has snagged the coveted second spot for Europe's best burgers, and it's not hard to see why they're causing a stir. There are just four mouthwatering burgers to choose from: classic hamburger, double, cheeseburger, or double cheeseburger. No frills, no gimmicks—just good old-fashioned deliciousness. The burgers are soft and chewy (made in-house) and topped with a patty cooked to perfection, exactly to your liking. Unlike most burger joints, the fries are handmade and available in hand-cut, string, or sweet potato varieties too. No wonder Bunsen Burgers has exploded onto the scene, with eight locations now gracing the streets of Dublin – these boys are going far.

1. XO Grill – Kettenbrückengasse and Vienna, Austria

XO Grill was founded by besties Ben and Robert during the pandemic as a pop-up restaurant, but it’s since cemented its status as a must-visit destination for burger-loving tourists and locals. The burgers are crafted with exquisite XO Beef from Xtra Old Austrian dairy cows and the finest seasonal ingredients from local producers. There are only a handful of burgers to choose from, but it’s worth trying every single one of them. Order with a side of hand-cut, double-fried fries topped with homemade sauce, fresh herbs and sesame for a lip-smackingly good meal out. It’s a burger experience like no other.