Burgers are a long-standing staple when it comes to hearty comfort food. And with restrictions beginning to ease and barbecue season on the horizon, there's never been a better time to book in your next burger fix.

Yet, with London being the metropolis that it is, we know how tough it can be to sift through the noise and find the best burgers that the capital has on offer. To save you the leg work, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to taste our way through bona fide buns and prize-winning patties in order to find the very best burgers in London. Whether you’re after a classic American diner experience or something with a fresh twist, we’ve got your cravings covered.

From the gravity-defying stacks of patties to the downright delicious, these are the burgers that will put your family barbecue to shame. Upgrade your Big Mac game now with our choice of the best burgers in London.

1) Black Bear Burger

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at both locations

best burgers in london
Black Bear Burger

Black Bear Burger is a burger joint that takes the simple and does it very well. Beyond their pillowy sesame buns making for undeniably appealing Instagram content, the expertly crafted ratios in their signature Black Bear burger are a culinary (and dare we say it, spiritual) experience not to be missed. Balancing two perfectly grilled, dry-aged patties with smoky bacon, melting cheese, onion jam and tangy garlic mayo, there's a reason this burger is the brand's namesake. Equally, the veggie equivalent of the burger means no one needs to miss out on the joy, as well as excellent chicken and brisket burger options also being on offer.

With a lot of burger restaurants in London now having the gall, the audacity and the gumption to charge you separately for chips (as if there would be a scenario in which you wouldn't want fries), you can rest assured that every burger at Black Bear Burger comes with skin-on fries. For those seeking a little something extra on the side too, generous piles of buttermilk chicken nuggets paired with buffalo and blue cheese dips are on offer, as well as our personal favourite brisket spring rolls that are packed with 12-hour beer braised brisket and smoked bacon and American cheese to boot.

Locations: 11-13A Market Row, Brixton, London SW9 8LB
or at BOXPARK Shoreditch 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Hackney, London E1 6GY

Find out more

2) Lucky Chip

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at both locations, with plans to open indoors on May 17

best burgers in london
Lucky Chip

With locations in London Fields' Netil Market and well loved Islington pub The Queen's Head, Lucky Chip specialise in juicy burgers that are sure to impress. Offering monthly specials that have included the crab burger of our dreams, Lucky Chip do burgers and they do them to the max. Our top pick has to be their El Chappo burger, featuring a perfectly grilled patty, thick slice of smoky bacon, roasted jalapeños, blue cheese and a dollop of aioli for good measure. Promising to brighten any day, Lucky Chip is undeniably one of the best burgers in London.

We recommend heading to their Islington branch so you can continue the fun after eating with a spot of life drawing or a good old fashioned pub quiz. Equally, their other location in Netil Market isn't far from the delights of Broadway Market and Colombia Road Flower Market, making for a fun day out.

Locations: Netil Market, 13 - 23 Westgate St, Hackney, London E8 3RL
and 44 Essex Rd, Islington, London, N1 8LN

Find out more

3) Kua'Aina

Covid update: Outdoor seating available, with plans to fully reopen from May 17

best burgers in london
Kua'Aina

A hidden gem tucked away in Foubert's Place, Kua'Aina is a Hawaiian burger joint that will not disappoint. Offering friendly service in a cosy setting, Kua'Aina is one of the few burger restaurants in London that has mastered the art of a delicious burger sans the excessive grease.

Treat yourself to a slice of the sunny island with Da Big Chief which combines a generous helping of fresh avocado seasoned with their 'secret salt', smoky bacon and cheesy goodness with a juicy beef patty. The Hawaiian also makes for a nice switch up from your average burger, featuring sweet grilled pineapple and cheese that balances out a rich beef puck. Promising a meal that will leave you satisfied, this is one burger joint to have in your trusty dinner planning arsenal. We have no doubt that you'll want to say 'mahalo' to us for the recommendation.

Location: 26 Foubert's Place, Carnaby, London W1F 7PP

Find out more

4) Haché

Covid update: Accepting outdoor bookings in Balham, Camden, Clapham and Shoreditch and inside for all sites from May 17

best burgers in london
Haché

If you're looking for something a little more luxe on the burger front, Haché is undoubtedly for you. Elevating the humble burger with its gourmet (yet excellent value) offering, Haché's burgers take influence from a number of different cuisines, be it Mexican or Asian. While most burger restaurants have their one standout burger option, we can honestly say that whatever burger you choose here will go down a treat, with each different burger having its own unique, carefully crafted and balanced flavour profile. If you're simply after a more glamorous version of your usual burger order, we'd suggest the Steak Truffle burger which infuses an old favourite with a liberal dollop of lavishness.

For the veggies hankering for something more exciting than the average bean burger, Haché proves that there's no reason for a vegan burger to be boring, offering five different options. For those looking to expand their palate's horizons, we suggest the Secret Garden burger which unites a Panko crusted portobello mushroom, avocado, crispy cavolo nero and spicy peanut sauce in one delicious treat.

Location: 329-331 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9QL
and several other venues as here.

Find out more

5) The Blues Kitchen

Covid update: All branches reopening May 17

instagramView full post on Instagram

Home of live blues and American barbecue classics, The Blues Kitchen promises soul food at its best. With musicians on hand to play timeless soul and rock 'n' roll classics, you might come for the music and buzzy atmosphere, but having some hearty southern style food along with it doesn't hurt.

You can't go far wrong with their cheeseburger, however if you're open to a beef alternative we wholeheartedly endorse their buttermilk fried shrimp burger, topped with red eye mayo, slaw and sweet pickles. Get some tangy buffalo chicken wings on the side, pair with a bourbon cocktail, finish with some oreo doughnuts and you're in for a real treat.

Location: 134-146 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3AR
and a couple others
as here.

Find out more

6) Bleecker Burger

Covid update: Spitalfields and Victoria open for outdoor dining, with plans to reopen other locations soon

best burgers in london bleecker burger
Bleecker Burger

With multiple locations across London from Bermondsey to Battersea, what started as an ex-lawyer's passion project has evolved into a staple of London's burger scene. As you'd expect of a decent burger, the 45-day aged beef is the showstopper of this no-frills burger joint's offering, with the buttery beef patties in each dish perfectly cooked to ensure a juicy centre that balances out its charred exterior.

We recommend you keep it simple with this one and go with a double cheeseburger so you can fully appreciate the high-quality, melt in your mouth meat. Alternatively, if you're after something a little different that's packed with flavour, we suggest taking on the blue burger for a deliciously rich, salty and infused bite. For the indecisive amongst us craving something to pair with a bun, look no further than the mixed fries - a combination of regular chips and sweet potato. We can't help but wonder, why was this not a thing sooner?

Location: Old Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6EA
and several other locations as here

Find out more

7) Mother Flipper

Covid update: Majority of outdoor markets operating as usual with seating available

best burgers in london mother flipper
Mother Flipper

Available at several markets across London, Mother Flipper make gourmet burgers that don't cost the earth without compromising on flavour.

The belle of the burger ball here has to be the Candy Bacon Flipper which sees a succulent beef patty cushioned by a soft sesame bun and topped with bacon fried in maple syrup, tangy gherkins, American cheese, sweet red onions, lettuce, ketchup and mustard. While you could just get a cheeseburger, the candied bacon here is what really makes this one of the best burgers in London, so we'd recommend going all out - you will not regret it.

Locations: Lloyd Park Market, London, E17 4PP (Sat 10-4pm)
Brockley Market, London, SE4 1UT (Sat 10-2pm)
Victoria Park Market, London, E2 9JW (Sun 10-5pm)
South Norwood Market, (Sun 10-3pm)

Find out more

8) Blacklock

Covid update: All locations currently closed, with plans to reopen from May 17. Available for delivery via Blacklock at Home and Deliveroo

best burgers london
Blacklock

Until recently, Blacklock's burger had been a well kept secret amongst the in-crowd, existing off-menu and only on request at their Soho and Shoreditch branches. However, post lockdown the burger has since emerged from the shadows to hold a more permanent spot on the menu. As you'd expect of Blacklock, what makes this burger a standout is the excellent quality of meat, featuring two smashed patties with a tender core and perfectly crisped edges. Served in a soft sesame bun and topped with caramelised onions, gherkins and a generous helping of sriracha burger sauce, we recommend pairing it with their well loved beef dripping chips.

A firm favourite amongst meat lovers, the mild kick of the burger sauce makes for a delicious burger, as well as providing irrefutable cool points for knowing about their secret offering before it was officially a 'thing'.

Location: 24 Great Windmill St, London, W1D 7LG
and two other locations
as here.

Find out more

9) Patty & Bun

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at all locations (except London Bridge and Pembridge Road), with plans to reopen indoors from May 17

best burgers in london
Nic Crilly-Hargrave

No best burgers in London line-up would be complete without a mention of Patty & Bun. While their DIY kits provided much solace during lockdown, nothing beats eating out at this no-nonsense burger joint.

Messy in the best way possible, the Ari Gold cheeseburger has become a firm staple in our burger rankings. With each element of the burger locally sourced, you're guaranteed to enjoy a golden brioche bun, tender aged beef patty, liberal layer of cheese, pickled onions, tomato, lettuce and vitally, their delicious smoky P&B mayo. So good that it features in their other two beef burgers, this is the type of mayo that will leave you thinking about it for days after consumption. Before booking in to try one of these tasty creations, it's well worth scoping out their offers page before your visit and you might even save yourself a few pennies.

Location: 54 James St, London, W1U 1HE
and multiple other locations as here.

Find out more

10) Mac & Wild

Covid update: Both venues due to reopen May 17

best burgers in london
Lateef Okunnu, Mac & Wild

You'd be hard pushed to find a burger with better quality meat than at Scottish steak and burger joint Mac & Wild. With all meat sourced from the Scottish Highlands, their burger offering is truly a treat for the taste buds. In a partnership of titans, their Venimoo burger sees a beef patty and venison patty come together in a toasted sesame bun with melted cheese, pickles, béarnaise sauce and sweet caramelised onions. Richly indulgent, if you're seeking an extra dose of decadence add candied bacon for £2.50.

For those fancying a spot of sport before tucking into their dinner, head to their Devonshire Square location to don Highland tweeds and try your hand at a virtual hunting experience, allowing you to win your virtual meat before enjoying your food.

Locations: 65 Great Titchfield St, London, W1W 7PS
and 9A Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YN

Find out more

11) Honest Burgers

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at a number of locations, with others due to reopen soon - check their locations page above for more info

Another classic on the London burger scene with more than two dozen branches across the capital, chances are you've at least walked past an Honest Burgers before. And there's good reason there are so many locations, with the chain consistently delivering high-quality burgers and their now famous rosemary salted chips.

Besides their undeniably good namesake Honest burger, the brand has different specials depending on what location you go to, however our new top pick on the menu has to be the Barcelona burger. Combining locally sourced beef, rocket, Torres Jamon Iberico crisps, manchego cheese, grilled onions, bravas sauce and confit garlic mayo to boot, this twist on the classic burger is sure to go down a treat. With fritter and plant based burger options on offer too, there's no need for veggies and vegans to skip out on the experience. Better still, each burger comes with their hand-cut rosemary salted fries, making for a very reasonable yet undeniably tasty dining experience.

Location: 24 Thurloe St, South Kensington, London, SW7 2LT
and multiple other locations
as here.

Find out more

12) Nanny Bill's

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at all locations

best burgers in london
Nanny Bill's

Having made the shortlist of the National Burger Awards 2019, Nanny Bill's The Jam burger is not one to be missed. Homemade bacon jam tops two succulent beef patties, American cheese, sweet pink onions, lettuce and smoked bacon. Finished in a glossy seeded brioche bun with hot sauce and burger sauce, this burger is real treat for the senses.

Striking the perfect balance between charred on the outside yet rare and juicy, this loaded burger will undoubtedly quench your burger cravings. With locations at Vinegar Yard, BOXPARK Wembley and Shoreditch, this is a burger worth making the trip for.

Location: Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas St, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3QX
and several others as here.

Find out more

13) Burger & Beyond

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at Shoreditch and Camden, with plans to reopen indoor seating at Shoreditch from May 17

best burgers in london
Burgers & Beyond

If there's one place worth getting a bacon cheeseburger at, it's Burger & Beyond. Aged beef patties are combined with crispy pancetta bacon slices and double American cheese, onion and their unique burnt butter mayo to produce a delicious burger. Salty bacon perfectly offsets the tender and juicy beef patty, with the quality of ingredients being immediately evident.

If you're left wanting something a little extra on the side, poutine fans are well catered to with bone marrow gravy and cheese fries, though we would suggest trying their dirty tots - tater tots generously doused in ranch, buffalo hot sauce and topped with crispy bacon and parmesan.

Locations: 147 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6JE
and Camden Lock Market, West Yard, London, NW1 8AB

Find out more

14) Shake Shack

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at several locations, with others due to reopen soon - check their locations page above for more info

best burgers in london
Shake Shack

Since moving across the pond, Shake Shack has delighted burger lovers in the UK with this Manhattan import. An American classic that has stayed true to its New York roots, Shake Shack does straightforward burgers with high-quality ingredients. Sometimes simple is best, and that's certainly the case at this burger staple. Their Smokeshack burger is our go-to, featuring a perfectly cooked beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, their trademark ShackSauce and topped off with finely chopped sweet cherry peppers. A little piece of smoky heaven all wrapped up in a decadently soft bun.

Location: 24 Market Building, The Piazza, London, WC2E 8RD
and multiple other locations as here.

Find out more

15) Yen Burger

Covid update: Dining in options due to return May 17

A Pan-Asian burger joint in London Bridge, Yen Burger adapts Japanese spices to burgers with mouth-watering results. Switching up the average brioche in favour of a spongy bao-like bun, each burger is packed with high-quality meat, sauce and texture to make for a memorable dining experience.

Their Yen Supreme burgers are the go-to here, combining a tender wagyu beef patty with turkey bacon, sweet pickles and red onion, cheddar, fresh shiso and yen sauce to top it all off. For the veggies amongst us, their tofu burger takes a veggie staple and completely reinvents it in the best possible way - bursting with flavour, soy marinated tofu is combined with aubergine, lettuce, coriander, tomato, red onion, cheese and their winning blend of yen sauce. We have no doubt you'll be left craving another fluffy burger immediately after your first.

Location: 1b Southwark Street, SE1 1RQ, London

Find out more

16) MEATLiquor

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at most locations (bar Queensway), with indoor seating due to reopen May 17

A no nonsense burger joint which promises to be sloppy and satisfying in equal parts, MeatLiquor burgers are a soft and fall apart kind of deal. While you can keep it simple with a cheeseburger, we recommend committing and going for the Dead Hippie - a double stack, French mustard-fried patty burger melded with lettuce, minced onions, tangy pickles, a hearty layer of cheesy goodness and topped with their trademark Dead Hippie sauce.

If you're wanting something a little extra to sweeten an already delicious deal, we would strongly recommend trying a round of their monkey fingers. Perfectly battered pieces of chicken heaven smothered in buffalo sauce and accompanied by a blue cheese dip - truly, what isn't there to like?

Location: 15 Hoxton Market, London, N1 6HG
and multiple other venues as here.

Find out more

17) Cut + Grind

Covid update: Outdoor seating available, with indoor seating reopening May 17

best burgers in london cut  grind
Cut + Grind

As their name would suggest, Cut + Grind select and grind the finest cuts of beef fresh and on-site each day. Past winner of National Burger of the Year (yes, it's a thing), Cut + Grind's burgers offer unrivalled taste and texture. The beef patty is undeniably the standout at this burger joint, balancing a good level of crisp edges with its rich, buttery and beefy flavour. The v-cut fries that accompany each burger sweeten the deal at Cut + Grind, though it's the high-quality meat that will steal the show.

Keep it simple with the Classic cheeseburger which sees a succulent beef patty accompanied by British cheddar, pickles, lettuce sweet red onion and burger sauce on a soft bun.

Location: The Urbanest Building, Canal Reach, London, N1C 4BD

Find out more

18) Buns

Covid update: Outdoor seating on offer, with plans to open indoor on May 17

Buns is the type of burger joint that will make you reassess all other burgers you've had before. Consistently flavoursome, well cooked and always liberally slathered in delicious toppings, their menu offers a host of burgers for different tastes. While the tangy Southern-style buffalo burger is a personal favourite, you can't go far wrong with their answer for the cheeseburger, All Hail The Cheese. Pickled red onion, American cheese and a smoky mayo come together in harmony to bump this from a pretty good cheeseburger to a very good cheeseburger. Better still, each burger comes with rosemary fries included to make for the perfect duo.

Rarely does a burger joint also have sides that rival its main burger offering, however if you do venture to Buns then we recommend fitting in some room for their Korean gochujang wings. In fact, with bottomless wings on Thursdays, there's a strong case to visit this burger joint for more than just their burgers.

Location: 339 West End Lane, London, NW6 1RS

Find out more

19) Band of Burgers

A BYOB burger joint with multiple locations, Band of Burgers offers excellent value, high-quality and halal Angus beef burgers. As you might've gleaned from their name, the restaurant has a music theme throughout, with records adorning the ceiling and famous faces lining the walls. Offering a cosy setting with friendly service to match, Band of Burgers delivers generous food portions and sides that hold their own with their burgers.

While The Mexican and Chicks On Fire are our top burger picks, we'd also advise saving some room for their hand cut chips and deliciously thick, creamy milkshakes that are sure to impress even the most particular of milkshake connoisseurs.

Location: 23 Camden High St, London, NW1 7JE
and several other locations as here.

Find out more

20) Baba G's

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at all venues

best burgers in london
Baba G's

Baba G's Bhangra burgers infuse the American classic with some Indian flair. Melt in your mouth meat paired with spicy sauces mean that this burger joint will not disappoint. Adapting flavours typical of Indian cooking to reinvent your average burger, our top pick has to be their Crazy Lamb Jalfrezi burger. Served in a glossy black onion seed brioche bun, the burger combines a lamb patty spiced with cumin, coriander and chilli, topped with an onion bhaji, mango pulp and mint cumin raitha. Proving that fusion food can be done well, it wouldn't be right to go without also treating yourself to some pachos (poppadom nachos with all the trimmings) at your visit.

Location: Pop Brixton, London, SW9 8PQ
and at several other locations
as here.

Find out more

21) Dip & Flip

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at both venues, with plans to fully reopen May 17

best burgers in london
Dip & Flip

Every burger joint has its own 'thing', and at Dip & Flip it's that each burger comes served alongside a pool of gravy bliss. Not one for the faint hearted, our choice of the menu has to be their green chilli cheeseburger. A smashed beef patty is topped by diced green chillies, molten cheese, sweet pickles and white cabbage slaw, all encased in a toasted brioche bun and topped with ketchup and mustard. Round off with a bowl of enough homemade gravy to immerse your entire burger and you've got the Dip & Flip experience. An inevitably messy yet undeniably heavenly experience, it's one of the most reasonably priced quality burgers in London. All aboard the gravy train.

Locations: 87 Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1HW
or 62 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RQ

Find out more

22) Katsubo

Covid update: Limited outdoor seating available, with plans to reopen fully on May 17

Based in Mayfair's The Lucky Club, Katsubo is a pop up that sees the humble burger reinvented with vibrant Japanese flavours. Offering a thoughtfully considered fusion menu, Katsubo transcends any gimmicks to provide deliciously rich comfort food.

The soft shell crab burger has to be our favourite thing on the menu here, not only looking visually impressive but more importantly being packed with depth of flavour. A deep fried soft shell crab is smothered with wakame tartar sauce, salad and slaw, encased between a soft and spongy Hokkaido milk bun. Creamy, sweet and hearty, if you have room for more we strongly advise rounding off your meal with some karaage avocado which comes with a tangy sriracha mayo. Itadakimasu!

Location: 56 Davies Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5JF

Find out more

23) Tongue N Cheek

Covid update: Outdoor seating available at Camden Market

Serving up juicy burgers from Camden Market, Tongue N Cheek is a burger joint that does simple, satisfying burgers. It's worth going for the candied bacon burger which sees a meaty dry-aged beef patty topped with diabolically good maple candied bacon, cheese lettuce and a smoky mayo. Balancing rich meat with the salty sweetness of the bacon and faint smokiness, the ratios in this burger are spot on.

Location: West Yard, Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF, London

Find out more

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE's print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE

Headshot of Lian Brooks
Lian Brooks

Lian Brooks is Hearst's SEO Manager. Helping brands stay ahead of emerging trends, she is an experienced digital marketer and writer with a penchant for all things tech.