America has lost its crown in the burger world.
On Monday, the internationally renowned World 101’s Best Steak Restaurants released its top 25 rankings for the best burgers that money can buy.
The organization flew 21 burger and steak experts around the world to sample more than 1,200 sandwiches.
Testers, who visited restaurants and food trucks unannounced, evaluated each establishment on seven criteria, including meat quality, flavor, guest experience, and online presence.
Restaurants across Europe dominated the rankings, securing eight of the top ten spots. London was well represented with four eateries.
No shops in the US — home to burger giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s reign, and birthplace of the beef patty — made the top ten.
Only four US restaurants – four in New York, and one each in Chicago, and Los Angeles – cracked the top 25.
Here is how they ranked the burgers:
Europe dominated the best burger rankings, with reviewers praising the beef at eight restaurants from the Spain UK, Denmark, and Sweden. London restaurants took home four awards in the top 10
Hundred Burgers, Spain’s premier burger joint, has now dominated two major burger awards.
In 2024, the restaurant nabbed top honors in the Michelin Guide for Burgers.
The shop’s acclaim is attributed to its 120-day aged beef, which is described as ‘melting in your mouth,’ and its ‘super crispy’ bacon.
‘Hundred Burgers is more than just a restaurant — it has become a benchmark for artisanal excellence in the burger world,’ World 101’s Best Steak Restaurants said in their overview.
Bleecker Burger, with eight shops across London, took home the silver with its no-frills, medium-rare patty on a sesame bun approach.
Black Bear Burger, with three standalone restaurants and five food hall stops, took third place with its dry-aged beef patties.
Hawksmoor and Burger & Beyond ranked eighth and ninth.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Sip & Guzzle in New York City took the top spot for American burger joints, ranking 14th.
Only six of the top 25 burger joints that made the list are in America – New York took four of the spots, while Chicago and LA also took home an award
The reviewers showed up at 1,200 burger joints around the world unannounced and tested the sandwiches – their takeaways were compiled into a top 25 list
Their burgers — a Wagyu tenderloin with tare sauce, a Parmesan cheese slice, and a homemade pickle — are served on a samurai sword-shaped skewer and described as ‘familiar and refined.’
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) also made the list.
‘We wanted to shine a light on one of the most universally loved dishes, and the incredible diversity of burger culture around the world,’ Ekkehard Knobelspies, the CEO and publisher of the rankings, said.
‘From Valencia to Sydney, from New York to Tokyo, this list is a celebration of creativity, passion, and quality.’
