Like everything in London, over the past decade what we have come to expect from this seemingly simple food has been dramatically altered – if your first thought is ‘it’s just a simple burger, how good can it be?’, then you’re sorely mistaken and behind the times. From Bleeker’s award-winning smash to Honest Burgers’ celebrated vegetarian number, here are some of the best burger joints in London.

Dumbo

Parisian smashburger sensation Dumbo Burgers has officially opened its doors in London, bringing its cult-favorite minimalist menu to Shoreditch in June 2025. 

Founded by Charles Ganem and Samuel Nataf, Dumbo quickly became a Paris staple with its signature approach: a focus on quality ingredients, no-fuss recipes, and a stripped-back, functional aesthetic that lets the food shine.

Dumbo feels very Parisian and cool – it’s an unassuming spot right by Brick Lane, but you’ll see it because of the queues outside. We waited 30 minutes for our food and ate it out the back of the restaurant in the tiny courtyard.

Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager

119 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 7DG

Black Bear Burger

Black Bear is the burger joint Londoners whisper about—tucked into Exmouth and Brixton markets, with outposts in Westfield and takeaway-only spots in Canary Wharf, Victoria, and Shoreditch. Their ethos? Simple, done well. More recently, it’s won the coveted accolade of being named ‘The Best Burger in the UK’ at the 2025 National Burger Awards.

Think fresh-baked bespoke buns, high-welfare British beef from native breeds, and everything from pickles to ice cream made in-house daily. No gimmicks, just seriously good burgers crafted with care—proof that sometimes, the simplest things really are the best.

Exmouth Market and Brixton Market
www.blackbearburger.com

Supernova

The smash burger, when the patty is crushed down into the pan while frying, is the trendiest style around at the moment. A deviation from how large and, frankly, impractical burgers got in the 2010s, smash burgers are satisfying and much lighter, and Supernova delivers one of the best.

Walk-in only, it’s casual, no-nonsense, and absolutely delicious.

The smash burger is the trendiest style around at the moment, and Supernova is one of the best

25 Peter St, London W1F 0AH
supernovaburger.com

Zula Burger

Istanbul’s viral burger spot, ZULA, has landed in Marble Arch with its signature bold flavours, daily-baked brioche buns, and a tight, elevated menu. Standouts include the Basic Burger—a classic cheeseburger reimagined with truffle mayo— and The B.I.G. with a double patty for the extra-hungry.

With interiors designed for lingering, along with a sweet alfresco front, ZULA is a burger spot you’ll actually enjoy dining in.

For dessert, you won’t want to miss the creamy cheesecake that’s already a cult favourite.

Natasha, Digital Editor

5 Old Quebec Street, London W1H 7AF
www.marble-arch.london

Dove

This Notting Hill restaurant from Jackson Boxer has a homely neighbourhood vibe with simple, elegant decor that has light streaming in as you wait to find out if you’ve made it early enough to get your hands on their prize offering – a highly sought-after burger. The restaurant only makes 10 of their infamous burgers per service – that means if you want one for lunch, you have to make it by 12 noon or you won’t get one. The burgers are made from 50-day aged rib cap with a generous portion of Gorgonzola cheese that has flavour, literally, oozing out of it. Absolutely worth the hype. If you miss the burgers though, we also recommend the grilled Atlantic prawns with a delicious smoked garlic and black lime butter sauce – you’ll want to take some of the sauce back home with you, it’s so good.

where: 31 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EU
website: www.dove.london

Hawksmoor

Meet experts Hawksmoor might be best known for its steaks, but the burger is equally good. The secret ingredient? Bone marrow. A little bit is mixed into the burger patty, which keeps the meat extra juicy and provides an added depth of flavour.

Served with either a classic Oglesheild cheddar or, for a more tangy experience, Stichelton blue, this is an indulgence of the highest quality.

across london
www.hawksmoor.com

The Plimsoll

Four Legs have been in the news recently as their restaurant, Tollington’s, takes London by storm, but their spot, The Plimsoll, is still the go-to place for a burger.

The Dexter cheeseburger has become the stuff of Finsbury Park legend. Pack with meat, cheese and gherkins between brioche buns. A sink your teeth in and close your eyes experience.

The Dexter cheeseburger has become the stuff of Finsbury Park legend.

52 St Thomas’s Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 2QQ
book here

Bleeker Burger

Winner of the National Burger of the Year award in 2024, Bleeker sits atop many Londoner’s lists, with locations in Spitalfields, Victoria and Bloomsburg Arcade and Westfield.

There’s nothing fancy here, just the highest quality ingredients and perfectly constructed – exactly what you want from a burger. They also place a large emphasis on supporting charitable causes and are working with homelessness organisations The Outside Project and Stonewall Housing in 2024.

Across London
bleeker.co.uk

Manna

Set amid the foodie wonderland that is Arcade Food Hall, Manna is perfect for those searching for something just a little bit different. Developed by Bake Street’s Feroz Gaija, Manna is a smash burger and fried chicken joint inspired by diner culture and regional fast food joints in the States.

The fried chicken burger is a great alternative, but their beef smash is also a winner.

103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB
www.arcadefoodhall.com

Honest Burger

Honest means a commitment to high-quality, sustainable and British ingredients. They make their burgers from scratch in their butchery, and fresh chips made with potatoes from local farmers.

For vegetarians who always feel left out, Honest has a stunning halloumi and chilli jam combo that is as good as the real thing.

For vegetarians who always feel left out, Honest has a stunning halloumi and chilli jam combo

Hammersmith, South Kensington, Tooting
www.honestburgers.co.uk

Blacklock

Blacklock is known for its solid meat offering, and while you might think that ordering the burger is a bit of a cop out, you’d be sorely mistaken.

It used to be an off-menu item but, thankfully, has made its way into the main rotation. The double cheeseburger with gherkins and caramelised onions was too good to remain a secret.

It used to be an off-menu item, but thankfully has made its way into the main rotation

across london
www.theblacklock.com

Food & Drink, Restaurants

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