For years, Americans have proudly claimed the burger as their own invention and ultimate comfort food. But this time, the tables have turned.
The latest global rankings for the world’s best burgers have left the U.S. trailing behind, with Europe dominating the top spots.
How the Rankings Were Decided
The annual list, published by World 101’s Best Steak Restaurants, pulled together an international team of 21 burger and steak experts.
These judges traveled across continents, sampling more than 1,200 burgers from food trucks to fine dining spots.
Without announcing their visits, they rated each place on seven factors including meat quality, flavor, customer experience, and even online presence.
Europe’s Winning Streak
Europe didn’t just show up—it swept the competition.
Out of the top ten burger spots in the world, eight went to European eateries, with London alone securing four places.
Meanwhile, not a single U.S. restaurant cracked the top ten, despite being the birthplace of the beef patty and home to fast-food titans like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
America Falls Behind
Across the top 25 rankings, only six American burger joints made the cut.
Four of them were in New York, while Chicago and Los Angeles managed just one each.
For a country synonymous with burgers, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Spain’s Hundred Burgers on Top
Leading the pack was Hundred Burgers in Spain, which has now won back-to-back accolades, including top honors in the Michelin Guide for Burgers in 2024.
Their secret? 120-day aged beef that’s described as melt-in-your-mouth perfection, paired with crispy bacon.
Critics hailed it as more than a restaurant—a global benchmark for artisanal burgers.
London’s Heavy Hitters
London proved itself a burger capital in its own right. Bleecker Burger claimed second place with its stripped-down, no-nonsense sesame bun and medium-rare patty.
Black Bear Burger followed in third, thanks to its rich dry-aged beef.
Meanwhile, Hawksmoor and Burger & Beyond also impressed, coming in eighth and ninth.
The Best of the U.S.
Though America didn’t dominate, it still made its mark further down the list.
Sip & Guzzle in New York City led the U.S. entries at 14th place, thanks to its bold Wagyu tenderloin creation served with tare sauce, Parmesan, and a pickle—presented on a samurai sword-shaped skewer for extra flair.
Other U.S. contenders included Nowon in New York (15th), The Loyalist in Chicago (19th), Red Hook Tavern in New York (21st), 4 Charles in New York (23rd), and Amboy in Los Angeles (24th).
A Celebration of Burger Culture
For organizers, the list was about more than just bragging rights. CEO Ekkehard Knobelspies said the rankings highlight the diversity of burger-making across the globe.
“From Valencia to Sydney, from New York to Tokyo, this list is a celebration of creativity, passion, and quality,” he explained.