Burgers are made across Sydney every day -in homes, at the corner milk bar, in fast food joints and pubs. Over the last few years, we have seen more gourmet burger restaurants pop up to glamorize the bun and patty formula. Some of them focus on our health concerns by offering gluten free or leaner options and others attempt to lure us with a sexy brand personality and fancy must-have sides.
So where are Sydney's best burgers?
Plan B
204 Clarence Street, Sydney
Plan B is of course Justin North's (of Bécasse) cafe which feeds many with affordable take away lunch choices. Mention Plan B to any foodie and you'll hear about the 600-day grain fed wagyu burgers. It is understandable why there's such a big following. Priced at only $10, the combination of a glossy brioche, a generous sized melt-in-your-mouth wagyu patty topped with melted aged cheddar cheese, pickled beetroot and caramelised onion is just impossible to resist.
Grill'd
57 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest, and all over Victoria and Queensland
Thanks to the team at Undertow Media, who brought Grill'd to my attention, I was able to trial the first Sydney store with a $20 voucher -and let me just say, I'll be back. I simply love the cheeky burger names (some to name are The Zen Hen, Hot Mama and Baa Baa Burger), the rosemary sprinkled thick cut chips, the retro store layout and the fun culture within the staff. With bun choices of panini, traditional, gluten free or bunless they've got everyone covered. These burgers are packed to the max and will have your jaws aching. Price ranges from $8.90 to $11.90.
Grill'd: Hot Mama burger: Grilled 100% lean beef, roasted peppers, dill pickle, tasty cheese, tzatziki, salad and harissa paste
Grill'd: The Zen Hen burger: Grilled chicken breasts with all the fat trimmed, tangy satay sauce, coriander, shredded carrot, salad and herbed mayo
Burgerlicious
130 Liverpool Street Sydney (also in Darlinghust, Newtown and Bondi)
When I used to work near World Square, Burgerlicious was a favourite lunch destination. All burgers can be served as wraps or as a salad and they also do a mean nacho. I loved the Zorbar, an ingenious combination of beef, grilled onions, fetta, roasted eggplant, lettuce, tomato, olive tapenade, semi-dried tomatoes, tzatziki and tomato relish. The burgers are slightly cheaper here, leaning towards the $8 mark, making it a real meal deal.
Cafe Giulia
92 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale
Cafe Giulia is the only reason I would ever wake up early on a week day. They have an amazing breakfast menu and by lunch, a to die for offering of some brilliant burgers -including the grilled fish with lettuce and homemade tartare, or the classic hamburger with grilled beef, tomato, lettuce, marinated beetroot, bacon and egg! Cafe Giulia also serve classic European pastas (I can't get enough of the spicy chorizo, tomato and chilli penne), stews, salads and bagels (I absolutely adore the grilled prawns with watercress, roast tomatoes and tahini). The burgers are priced from $6.90.
Fox Studios Backlot Cafe
Frank Hurley Grandstand, via the Professional Entrance, Fox Studios, Moore Park
Now, you can only get to this cafe if you enter via the professional entrance, which means restricted access from the public; hence why I try to schedule any client meetings I have with Fox, just before lunch time. I haven't tried anything else other than the delicious chicken and avocado sandwich on Turkish bread toasted, or this scrumptious chicken burger, complete with guacamole. If only all workplaces had a cafe like this downstairs!
Fox Studios Backlot Cafe: chicken burger
Fox Studios Backlot Cafe: Chicken and avocado on Turkish bread
Where do you think the best burgers in Sydney are?
Burgerlicious and Guila are both heaven - will need to try the others now!
lots of yummy choices here. those backlot burgers look HUGE!. i get my simple aussie burger and chips from Charlie's Cafe in Woolloomooloo opposite all those fancy wharf restaurants. it's nothing fancy but cheap and cheerful and basic and won't give you a cardiac arrest like those monster ones you see around these days.
Nice post! I do love a good burger, but The Counter Burger isn't on your list!! I also loved the lamb, mint and pine nut burger from Gazebo Wine Garden (with crinkle cut chips!) but my favourite in Sydney so far is the Plan B wagyu burger.
Used to be a place called Munchtime in Nth Sydney and also Chattswood. Not sure if its there but they were my fav.
Burgerfuel is a NZ fav but it doesnt compare to Bugerlicius.
The Burger Joint on Liverpool Street across from The Darlo is pretty good too
hehe.. I am lucky enough to try Plan B and love it.. Another great burger I just had is the counter.. you should try ! The burger at Guilia is good? its very near my house, I will try soon.
and the chicken burger from Fox Studios Backlot Cafe make me hungry now ..:D
Awesome, I'm going to have to try some of these since the only one on the list I've tried is Grill'd. I've been DYING to get my hands on a Plan B wagyu burger :( If only I worked in the city!
oh, so many burger joints to try!
have you been to 'burgerfuel' in newtown? i was there ... last yr b4 a gig at enmore, burgers are massive & juicy, and come with fat chunky chips with aoili dip!
need to go back again and review this time hehe