Bar Ume may have shut, but their Japanese-inspired burgers can be found Ume Burger’s Barangaroo and Darling Square outposts. The Koji fried chicken burger, complete with house-made kimchi and lotus root chips or handmade pork katsu burger with mild mustard and tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage are among some of the more unusual offerings. Do they classify as burgers? Who cares, they’re good. The more classic Ume Burger has all the usual elements; beef pattie, American cheese, pickles, tomato, onion and mayo, with a brilliant wagyu mince sauce. The meaty, umami-rich concoction keeps us coming back for more. Shop 2, 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket; umeburger.com

Delicious burgers, loud music and tables for walk-ins only. Mary’s completely overhauled Sydney’s burger scene when it opened in 2013, introducing hungry locals to the idea that a soft, ordinary bun is the perfect carrier for best-quality beef (they use O’Connor grass-fed), house-smoked bacon and American cheese. Owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham opened Mary’s to create a space they liked hanging out in – hence the dim lighting, loud metal and local beer on tap. In doing so, they also created a burger revolution for which we can all be thankful. 6 Mary St, Newtown; marys.wtf

Joshua DeLuca, Timothy Rosenstrauss and Richard Borg worked in some of the city’s best kitchens, including Momofuku Seiobo, Ormeggio and Quay, before flipping burgers in a food truck. But not just any burgers. Burger Head burgers. The juicy stacks at this Western Sydney-based chain are famous for their premium fillings, from smashed Angus beef patties to smoked enoki mushrooms. Everything is made in-house with high-quality ingredients. A weekly special sees the trio flexing their creative muscles; think a Twisties burger or mac ’n’ cheese with tater tots. Multiple locations; theburgerhead.com.au

Penrith hosts some of our top burger spots – Burger Head, Brothers Burgers and American smokehouse Smoky Sue’s – it’s no wonder American import Five Guys opened its first, and sprawling, burger home there. This is a kid-in-a-candy-shop kind of burger situation, and you can top that beef patty with almost anything you desire, including a tower of beef patties. There are basics such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese, or more elaborate options such as grilled mushrooms, capsicum, jalapenos, relish and mayo. Don’t forget the fresh-not-frozen, skin-on fries as well. Multiple locations; fiveguys.com.au

It may not be cool, but it’s had queues out the door since opening in 1957 which makes it worthy of inclusion on this list. Paul’s Famous Hamburgers is famous for a reason. These towering, Aussie-style burgers, complete with sesame bun, beetroot, pineapple and bacon are a two-handed operation. They are possibly the best version of the old-school milkbar burgers that used to be in every suburb, but these are so good that they’ve lasted. And people make the trip to Sylvania especially for them. Stand in line, order at the bar and take your behemoth of a burger to the nearby waterside park for a nostalgic taste of Australia. 12 Princes Hwy, Sylvania; paulsfamoushamburgers.com.au

This Parramatta mainstay offers a burger menu that’s as wide-ranging as it is satisfying, bridging the gap between polished, modern builds and the nostalgic corner-shop style stacked with ‘the lot’. Think dual patties layered with bacon and barbecue sauce one minute, a fried chicken burger with slaw the next, or a classic Aussie-style cheeseburger with beetroot, pineapple and egg if the mood calls for it. Portions are generous, all non-pork options are halal, ingredients are top-notch, and sides like loaded fries only add to the sense of plenty. It’s a one-stop burger shop with something for every craving. 318 Church St, Parramatta; johnbelvedere.com.au

This subterranean steakhouse might be better known for prime rib and martinis, but its signature burger sits at the top of many ‘Australia’s best’ lists (as well as ranking #9 in 2024’s world’s best burgers). Served both in the lounge and dining room, it’s a classic beef burger done with signature precision: twin patties of smashed dry-aged wagyu, molten cheese, a whisper of onion and a glossy bun that holds firm without stealing focus. No unnecessary theatrics, just confidence in ingredients and technique. It’s an indulgence that pairs well with a side of their crisp shoestring fries and a perfectly mixed negroni. Basement/161 King St, Sydney; liquidandlarder.com.au/the-gidley

A favourite among both Rozelle locals and burger obsessives from all over town, this window connected to a butcher shop delivers straight-up burgs that lean into quality without relying on theatrics. Beef is grass-fed and seared in the ‘Oklahoma smash-burger’ style – pressed thin onto the grill with a mountain of paper-thin onion slices for maximum juiciness – then built in a perfectly toasted bun with cheese and tangy house sauce. There’s a sense of nostalgia and familiarity to a ROBs burger, elevated by consistently perfect execution. Service is warm and easy-going, and everything feels made for the neighbourhood rather than Instagram. 621 Darling St, Rozelle; eatatrobs.com.au

Part bistro and part bakery, come lunchtime, this harbourside French hotspot adds another ‘b’ to its resume: burger joint. The patty of this luxe sandwich blends premium beef cuts for maximum flavour and juiciness, topped with melted cheese, sharp pickles and a swipe of mustard-forward sauce that nods to Loulou’s French brasserie tradition. The bun is pillowy but structured, adding lightness without risk of collapse, while skin-on fries come crisp and golden. This is a burger to linger over with a glass of wine (included in the $25 burger meal set), a view of the bridge and a sense of luxury. 61 Lavender St, Milsons Point

Sydney’s smash-burger scene has plenty of gold medal contenders, but this roaming food truck has earned its loyal following through great ingredients, skilful technique and some uncharacteristic restraint. The patties are thin, aggressively seared and layered with just enough American cheese to melt into every crevice. Soft milk buns hold the structure without distraction, pickles bring plenty of zing (and a little crunch), while the house sauce provides tang without overpowering the beef. Menu staples stay true to form – cheeseburgers are the go-to here – while occasional specials keep regulars curious. Expect queues, merch and burgers that prioritise balance over gimmicks. Multiple locations; chebbos.com

Sure, it might be going against the tide, but the burger on the lunch menu of this glossy seafood-leaning venue definitely earns its place. While seafood towers and raw bar selections headline, the cheeseburger here brings pure comfort amid all the New York-style elegance. A thick, juicy patty of medium-rare grass-fed beef anchors the build, capped with melted American cheese, caramelised onion, tangy pickles and a soft toasted bun. Pair it with a crisp martini for peak contrast, or go for fries and an afternoon off for pure, hand-licking satisfaction. 44 Bridge St, Sydney; clambarsydney.com

This beachside stalwart has long been a rite of passage for anyone cruising the Eastern Suburbs. Celebrated primarily for its legendary fish and chips, regulars know the burgers here are deserving of equal attention. Generous beef patties, crisp lettuce and that unmistakable OTB garlic mayo create a simple, satisfying burger that feels like holding summer in two (sauce-covered) hands. Not keen on beef? The chicken schnitzel version rivals any pub classic. Opt for takeaway and eat your burger overlooking the surf for the full experience. It’s unfussy food done exceptionally well, proving that a burger doesn’t need to be flash to feel iconic – just fresh ingredients and a little hit of salt air. 2/272 Clovelly Rd, Coogee; outoftheblueclovelly.com.au

This pioneer of Sydney’s gourmet burger truck movement has been drawing crowds for more than a decade, thanks to an ever-changing menu and unapologetically bold ingredient combos. Now set up in its own bricks-and-mortar digs, expect the same commitment to rotating specials featuring components like truffle mayo, jalapenos and double-stacked smashed patties, all delivered in a perfectly squishy bun. Classics stay in the mix, but the thrill lies in those limited-run creations – pastrami rolls, fish burgers and super-spicy fried chicken sandwiches – usually announced on Instagram to keep Mister Gee’s enthusiastic followers hooked. Bakehouse Quarter, 2/5 George St, North Strathfield; mistergee.com.au

Bright pastels, a breezy fit-out and a sun-filled Northern Beaches address might make this spot feel like a postcard from a Californian summer, but its burgers are more than just aesthetics. The beef patties are coarse-ground and full of flavour, layered with crisp lettuce, plenty of tangy pickles and a sauce that strikes the right nostalgic chord. Fried chicken options also shine, especially when paired with a creamy shake and fries on the side. It’s family-friendly, laid-back and entirely unpretentious: exactly what you want after a swim. 41 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach; sunsetdiner.com.au/avalon