The best burgers in Sydney – from OGs to fresh favourites

Whether you’re looking for a classic cheeseburger or something more unusual (like a Japanese chicken katsu burger), you’ll find it in Sydney. The city is bursting with bang-up burgers; here are 10 of the best.

Destination NSW

Destination NSW

- 2 min read
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Mary’s Burger at Mary’s 

It won’t take you long to read the menu at Mary’s; there are only five burger options and a roast chicken (half or whole) to choose from. Burger buffs know to go for the original, the Mary’s Burger – beef patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce and their secret sauce. Vegans are well catered for as well, with all options available meat-free. 

Mary's Burger, Newtown - Credit: Mary's Burger

Mary's Burger at Mary's Newtown - Credit: Mary's

Bacon Cheeseburger at Five Guys  

This cult US chain opened its first Australian store in Penrith in 2021, followed by a second store on George St in 2022. The restaurants promise no freezers and no microwaves, meaning everything from the buns to the fries are made fresh in-house every day. Plus there’s more than 250,000 ways to customise your burger, so you’re guaranteed the perfect bite. 

Bacon cheeseburger at Five Guys, Penrith

Bacon Cheeseburger at Five Guys, Sydney

Chicken Katsu Burger at Ume Burger 

Bar Ume was one of the pioneers of the upmarket burgers-meets-bar trend when it opened in Surry Hills in 2016. While it closed in 2021, its spirit lives on at Ume Burger, which is still serving Japanese-inspired burgers and sake in Barangaroo and Darling Square. It’s hard to go past the chicken katsu burger, with hand-crumbed chicken, yuzu kosho mayo, shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. 

Chicken Katsu Burger at Ume Burger, Darling Square

Chicken Katsu Burger at Ume Burger, Darling Square - Credit: Ume Burger

Blame Canada at Bar Luca 

Poutine is the national dish of Canada; chips topped with cheese curds and gravy. The crew at Bar Luca had the brilliant idea of adding it to a burger and so the Blame Canada was born. What started out as a special now has a permanent spot on the menu and frequently appears on lists of Sydney’s best burgers. 

Selection of burgers at Bar Luca, Sydney CBD

Selection of burgers at Bar Luca, Sydney CBD - Credit: Alex Squadrito

Piggy Stardust at Surly’s

Step into a little slice of authentic Americana at Surly’s. The hickory smoker was flown in specially from Missouri and turns out a selection of mouth-watering wood-smoked meats every day. Try the Piggy Stardust, made from 12-hour pulled pork with coleslaw, pickles and Louisiana hot sauce. 

Piggy Stardust burger at Surly's American Tavern, Surry Hills

Piggy Stardust burger at Surly's American Tavern, Surry Hills - Credit: Surly's American Tavern

Big Poppa at Milky Lane 

You’ll want to wear your stretchiest pants before sitting down to this monster: two smashed beef patties, a deep-friend mozzarella patty, double cheese, pulled beef brisket in BBQ sauce, maple smoked bacon, crispy onion rings and baconnaise. If you have any room left, the deep-fried Golden Gaytime dessert is legendary. 

Burger options at Milky Lane, Parramatta

Burger options at Milky Lane, Parramatta - Credit: Milky Lane

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