“The patties at Bread and Bone have the smoke and singe of cooking over charcoal and the burgers come with a perfect ratio of cheese, pickles relish etc. Try the onion rings if you are famished.” – Simon Wilkinson, South Australia contributor

“Andrew’s Burgers, Albert Park, Melbourne. A classic and still the most impeccable burger with a few canny tricks that keep it fresh tasting and crunchy that escape many of the hip / hipster places.” – Matt Preston, senior editor “A lot of burger places have popped up in the last couple of years but I still think Andrews Burgers, Albert Park are the ones to beat. There always a long line of devotees on any night and that’s a good sign, I go for my favourite burger with bacon, onion, cheese, tomato & lettuce.” – Darren Purchese, pastry chef

“Dan Hong broke my heart when he announced Merivale was closing Lotus in Potts Point years back. Because, the burger. There might have been an uprising from craving carnivores all over the city if they’d taken it away for good, but an exact replica is done still rather incongruously but happily at The Fish Shop in the same location. Dan handed over his recipe when he moved on to Mr Wong, and it’s as good as ever. A pillowy bun sandwiches the brisket-and-chuck-made pattie, there’s loads of melted American-style cheddar in there, which hasn’t the flavour but the texture and melt makes up for what’s lost. There’s Kewpie mayo in there, Heinz’s tomato sauce, a couple of pickle slices (I ask for extra), a crisp shard of smoked bacon (I ask for none) and, oh joy, brown miso caramelised onion. “Dan’s famous burger” is more than the sloppy things appearing out there now, it’s one hell of a burger.” Kate Gibbs, Digital Editor, delicious.

“Mary’s in Newtown. I have major withdrawals living in Byron but they had a pop up at Falls Festival last year so I schlepped out to the grounds preggo and all and devoured two! Also love the burgers at our local The Shop at South Golden Beach.” – Magdalena Roze, contributor “Mary’s burger with bacon.” – Clayton Wells, Automata

“Ben’s Burgers – the classic is a simple, satisfying combination of melty American-style cheese, pickles and a pink-centred, smoky-charred patty on brioche.” – Morag Kobez, Queensland contributor

“Ester, hands down. Thick medium rare pattie, house-made pickles, cheese, perfect bun and a side of crisps – not chips. It’s the fancy-ifing of fast food without getting too fancy.” – Anthony Huckstep, national reviewer

“Burger Bones, food truck in Busselton and surrounds. I met Cooper 7 years ago in London when he was king of the loaded hot dog. Now he’s back on home soil (and sand) and he’s flipped to burgers. He works the cloche and the chat like a master.” – Max Brearley, Western Australia contributor

“I like DA’Burger in New Farm. They do really home-style Aussie burgers, rather than the American cheeseburger style that is so in vogue. Kind of like my dad used to make, but better. I go the Bus Stop, which has the standard salad, plus bacon and gherkins.” – Sharnee Rawson, online news editor

“The signature Grosvenor at the drive-through St Kilda Burger Bar gets my vote for this year’s best. It’s satisfyingly old school, but made from excellent meat with a lovely char crust, smoky streaky bacon, crisp lettuce, cold tomato all on a good bun. Yup, it’s the one.” – Dan Stock, Victoria contributor