J.G. Melon, an iconic establishment since 1972 known for its green decor and cozy ambiance, remains a top destination for burger enthusiasts. A firm favourite over the years, our latest visit to this historic restaurant in New York reaffirmed its status as one of the world's best burger joints. Enjoy your burger either indoors or in one of their outdoor booths, and indulge in their Cheeseburger with bacon and a side of fries. The burger arrives deconstructed and excellently cooked, and the beef is remarkably juicy and flavourful, complemented by a buttery bun and crispy bacon. J.G. Melon's unchanged charm makes it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic, classic burger, but remember to bring cash for your meal as they still don't accept card payments.

Sold Out Burger, a Parisian eatery established in 2020 in the 10th arrondissement, boasts a unique concept: offering just one beef burger a day, with an emphasis on daily ingredient preparation and minimal food waste. Their compact restaurant exclusively serves to-go burgers, with their Cheese Burger featuring aged cheddar, red onions, pickles, and secret sauce. We suggest you go all the way and upgrade your burger with double beef patties, bacon, and a side of French fries, as the end result is kind of amazing. The burger comes with thick and well-seasoned beef patties with a crisp crust, a soft and buttery bun, house-made pickles providing a balanced acidity, and a classic burger sauce. Thickly cut red onions add texture, and the added bacon tops it all off. Despite offering limited burger options, this classic and uncomplicated burger joint serves the best hamburger we've eaten so far in Paris.

Goldies, established in 2017 in Berlin's Kreuzberg, has expanded its culinary horizons with Goldies Smash Burger on Graefestraße, located a short 10-minute walk from its original location. Their short but sweet menu features a handful of different burgers, including vegetarian and vegan versions. We love their classic double Cheeseburger and the Super Smash Brother burger. The burgers arrive with an In-N-Out-style presentation, and this homage is evident throughout the meal. The bun-to-patty ratio is ideal, the potato bun perfectly toasted, and the well-seasoned crust highlighted the beefy flavours. Their crispy french fries are also a standout side-order that shouldn't be missed. Goldies stands out in Berlin's burger scene by prioritizing simplicity while respecting the tradition of smash burgers, resulting in what is arguably the best burger in Germany.

Gasoline Grill, originally situated in a fully operational gas station near Copenhagen's bustling shopping district and subsequently expanding across the Danish capital, impress us with their stylishly furnished but compact locations, complete with blankets for chilly winter visits. We've had them as guests at Stockholm Burger Fest 2019 and 2022, and we adore their Cheeseburger and Butterburger varieties – especially the latter with its decadent buttery richness. The burgers arrive in practical paper pockets that capture the beef juices from the perfectly cooked medium-rare patties. The bun's soft interior and griddled warmth pair harmoniously with the other ingredients. The Gasoline sauce adds a delightful hint of spiciness, distinguishing it from ordinary burger condiments, and the melty, creamy cheese complements the rich Butterburger without overpowering it. Gasoline Grill's straightforward yet delicious burgers, combined with their cool ambiance and affordable pricing, undeniably position them as the top hamburger joint in Denmark and the reigning burger king of Copenhagen.

Emmy Squared, a sibling restaurant to the acclaimed Pizza Loves Emily, has a presence in several eastern U.S. cities making them a much more accessible option. Emmy Squared's Le Big Matt Burger, featuring two dry-aged beef patties, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and Sammy sauce in a pretzel bun is amazing. Emmy Squared impresses with exceptional beef that really shines as a burger, together with the tasty and durable pretzel bun and superbly cooked bacon. If you run across an Emmy Squared outside New York, treat yourself to a remarkable burger and waffle fries – along with some fantastic pizza.

Bread Meats Bread, a UK burger sensation with seven locations in Scotland's Edinburgh and Glasgow, offers a diverse menu featuring regular and specialty burgers, as well as vegetarian and vegan alternatives, sandwiches, poutine, and delectable sides. Notable choices include the Double Royale With Cheese, featuring dry-aged beef patties, American cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, and the Luther Burger with candied bacon, hot honey mayo, and onions served between doughnuts. The classic cheeseburger is impressive with a perfectly toasted bun, melted cheese, and rich dry-aged beef, and their Luther Burger, with unique doughnut buns, offers an adventurous flavour profile. Bread Meats Bread undeniably stands out as a top burger destination in the UK, and is a firm favourite in Scotland.

Encarnado Burger, currently the most talked-about burger joint in Rio de Janeiro and crowned as the city's best by both Veja Rio and the burger guide Hambúrguer Perfeito, impressed us during our visit to the lively neighborhood of Ipanema. Their short menu features six burger options, and our Palhaço Reencarnado (meaning "reincarnated clown") was meticulously cooked and assembled. The golden brown sesame seed bun was not only visually appealing but also exceptionally soft and well-toasted. The balance in size, particularly with the substantial beef patty, and the well-proportioned ratios make it super special. The cheese provides a delightful creaminess, and the excellent pickles contrasts nicely with the rich beef, creating a classic harmony of flavours. And the great fries have a crispy texture and distinct potato taste that completes the meal. Encarnado Burger has left a lasting impression on us, securing its place as our favourite burger restaurant in Rio de Janeiro.

4 Charles Prime Rib, an intimate New York City basement steakhouse with a speakeasy ambiance, is known for its memorable dining experience and is operated by the owners of Au Cheval. While reservations are typically made a month in advance, a next-day takeout option allow for a convenient meal pickup. The substantial Double Wagyu Cheeseburger (with an additional charge for bacon) is pricey but on par with Au Cheval, quality wise. The burger features expertly cooked and seasoned patties with an intense beefiness, complemented by savoury and smoky bacon with a buttery texture. The cheese, dijonnaise, and pickles contribute with unique textures and harmonious flavours. 4 Charles Prime Rib's burger may be expensive, but their exceptional flavours make them perfect for anyone seeking a celebratory meal. Just make sure your wallet is thick and your reservation is secured in advance.

Briochef, recognized as Madrid's best burger joint on multiple occasions, lived up to its reputation as we dined at their location near the Palacio Real de Madrid. With around ten burger options on the menu, we sampled the Oasis, Picanto, and Brooklyn, experiencing burgers with both thick and thinly smashed beef patties. They offer the choice of one thick or two smashed patties, and the burgers are impressively saucy and feature a fluffy brioche bun that handles the beef juices impeccably. The dry-aged Rubia Gallega beef patties, aged for 60 days, are tender with a perfect pink centre and a generous crust. The sauce in the Brooklyn burger strikes a remarkable balance between sweetness and spice, while the wafer-thin, crispy bacon adds a lot of flavour. Briochef unquestionably serve some of the best burgers in the Spanish capital, thanks to their outstanding meat and exceptional buns.

Burgers and Pastrami – BAP, located in Stockholm's Östermalm district, has continually evolved its burger offerings and ingredients since its inception in 2017. Their menu includes eight burgers, plus several hidden menu options and some tasty pastrami sandwiches. Notable favourites among their menu include the lunchtime Bronx burger, BBQ Swey, and the off-menu Royal with Cheese, which features double patties for an ideal beef-to-bun ratio and exceptional crust development while maintaining juiciness on the inside. Their sides, including regular and sweet potato fries, maintain a high standard with a crispy outer shell and creamy interior. A standout is their BAP Fries 2.0, featuring fries with pastrami, sauce, red onions, fresh chilies, and cilantro, designed for sharing. Over the years, Burgers and Pastrami – BAP's commitment to quality has paid off, and we currently rate them as the best burger restaurant in central Stockholm.

Harlem Shake, established in 2013 in New York, quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the city's finest milkshakes and smash burgers. In 2021, they also expanded to Brooklyn, and their menu offers burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Out of their burgers, the Harlem Classic and Hot Mess were real standouts. The patties have a deep crust and are super beefy. The Harlem Classic delivered classic flavours with a well-balanced special sauce and crisp pickles, while the Hot Mess featured an addictive bacon relish with savoury, sweet, and spicy notes, enhanced by chipotle mayo's smokiness. The Jerk Fries packed some heat, and the creamy, red velvet cake-flavoured Harlem Shake was a refreshing complement. Harlem Shake is the best smash burger restaurant we've eaten at in New York, making them a must-visit.

Soul Coffee Beer, located in Paiporta on the outskirts of Valencia, and the restaurant is usually packed. We ordered two burgers; the Notorious with two dry-aged beef patties, smoked cheddar, bacon, pickles and house sauce, and the Emmy-nem with a dry-aged beef patty, English cheddar, caramelized onions, and a Korean gochujang sauce. The burgers are impressive with their saucy goodness, delivering an explosion of flavours, exceptionally juicy and tender meat, a perfect crust, and a medium-rare centre. The toasted bun plays a supportive role, while the caramelized onions adds sweetness that paired wonderfully with the spicy gochujang sauce in the Emmy-nem. The Notorious offers a classic cheeseburger experience with crispy bacon and standout pickles. Soul Coffee Beer left us full, satisfied and covered in sauce, winning a place in our heart and making them one of our favourite burger places in Spain. A must-visit, but booking a table in advance is recommended.

Nowon, New York City's first Korean-American gastropub, opened its doors in 2019, with locations in the East Village and Bushwick, Brooklyn. Emphasizing their unique influences in both decor and menu offerings, the restaurant is buzzing with a bustling atmosphere and loud music. We sampled two distinct burgers: the Legendary with two beef patties, cheese, roasted kimchi, pickles, onions, and kimchi sauce, and the Dry-Aged Steak Burger with the same ingredients but featuring a thick dry-aged 8 oz beef patty. We also loved their Nowon Fried Chicken with gochujang. Both burgers were super tasty, and the well-toasted, fluffy buns carried a subtle savoury sesame flavour. While the burgers were a bit messy in composition, the fusion of Korean flavours enhanced the overall experience without being overwhelming. A hint of heat added to the background, not overpowering the taste. Nowon's fusion burgers impress on all fronts, offering a superb venue, atmosphere, and cuisine that has made us revisit them every time we've returned to New York.

Lagom, helmed by Swedish descendant Elliot Cunningham, has been a beloved burger joint for Burgerdudes since 2017, and we had them as guests at Stockholm Burger Fest 2018. They've consistently earnt recognition as one of the UK's finest, and the fire-focused concept has made a triumphant return to Hackney Church Brew Co. in north-east London. Their amazing Smash Burger features dry-aged beef, American cheese, vinegar slaw, and a dill and mustard mayo. Even though the burger seemed somewhat small in size, the exceptional flavours exceed expectations, with expertly balanced composition. The beef, notably fatty and imbued with rich dry-aged notes, is exceptionally juicy and delectable. A stunning crust provided a satisfying crunch, harmonizing beautifully with the creamy cheese and tangy coleslaw alongside Scandinavian mayo. The simple, well-toasted bun played its part seamlessly. While Lagom's burger might have ventured beyond "lagom" (meaning just right in Swedish), its return to London contributes to the city's vibrant burger scene, showcasing excellence in one of the world's premier burger cities.

Located in northeastern London in the Leytonstone area, Leytonstone Tavern recently gained recognition in England's burger scene. Unassuming from the outside, the venue reveals its warm and inviting ambiance indoors. Their menu boasts a handful of beef burger options, including the Double Cheese + Onion Smash with dry-aged beef, cheese, chopped onions, pickles, and mustard jam, and the Bone Daddy, their award-nominated burger featuring dry-aged beef, braised brisket, Guinness gravy, blue cheese, fried onions, roasted bone marrow, pickles, lettuce, and confit mayo. We were delighted by the beautiful presentation of the burgers, with every element gleaming. The buns are soft, well-toasted, and generously seeded, while the patties, with a perfect balance of crustiness and juiciness, showcase the rich, dry-aged flavours. The thoughtful seasoning and harmonious flavours in both burgers stand out, with the cheeseburger displaying a well-balanced profile. Although the roasted bone marrow in the Bone Daddy was more of a stunt addition, the messy, decadent burgers has left us with a lasting impression. Leytonstone Tavern are definitely worth a detour outside central London for everyone in search of delicious, world-class burgers.

Red Hook in Brooklyn, New York, is a trendy neighborhood featuring a blend of modern housing and industrial spaces, resulting in a burgeoning restaurant and bar scene. One notable establishment is Red Hook Tavern, an offshoot of the acclaimed BBQ spot, Hometown Bar-B-Que, drawing inspiration from classic American corner bistros. Their burger has a thick dry-aged beef patty, cheese, onions, and a sesame bun served with pickles and potato wedges. And we've fallen in love with the juicy patty cooked to a perfect medium rare, and its creamy cheese, well-toasted bun, crispy onions, and well-executed sides. Red Hook Tavern offers a superb American bistro burger in a charming atmosphere with friendly service, making it a must-visit in Brooklyn.

AMBOY Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers, a recently established eatery in Los Angeles's Chinatown that was founded by burger expert Alvin Cailan – known for hosting The Burger Show on First We Feast's YouTube channel. They offer three burger varieties; Classic, Slim Thicc, and DH, featuring dry-aged beef. We tried their Amboy Burger in both the Classic and DH versions, with "new school American cheese," caramelized onions, pickles, and burger sauce in a sesame bun. Both burgers impressed us with their soft, sesame-seed-covered buns and flavourful patties, and the DH variety was a real show-stopper with its exceptional beefiness and texture. AMBOY QMDB has exceeded our expectations and secured its place as our new favourite burger spot in Los Angeles.

Pastis, a French bistro located in New York's trendy Meatpacking District, is a popular dining spot for both celebrities and locals. We ordered their Cheeseburger à la Américaine, with two beef patties, cheese, red onions, pickles, and a special sauce, accompanied by french fries. Despite the bustling restaurant, our meal arrived promptly and was impressive with its rich beefiness, expertly cooked patties, melted cheese, and a subtly nutty sesame bun. The secret sauce complemented the pickles and thinly sliced red onion, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. The well-prepared french fries added to the overall satisfaction, making Pastis' burger a nearly flawless experience and a must-visit. The ever-popular restaurant requires that you secure a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment though.

Funky Chicken Food Truck in the outskirts of central Stockholm has been a firm favourite in Sweden's food truck scene since we first sampled their burgers back in 2015, and we've awarded them as Sweden's Best Burger for the last three years, as well as winners at the inaugural Stockholm Burger Fest 2016. Located in Nacka Strand and mainly serving lunch-time burgers, they've become the burger destination of choice for hungry hamburger lovers. They have an arsenal of almost 10 different burgers, and serve one of these a week, so keeping up with their socials is a must in order to time your visit just right. Their signature patties are packed with juicy beefiness and an almost alarming amount of black pepper, which is balanced just right to give them a crust that truly is to die for. The airy brioche bun somehow manages to handle all of their wild ingredients, and we have never left them hungry or dissatisfied.

Burger & Beyond, a London-based burger establishment, has held a special place in our hearts since we first encountered them at Camden Market back in 2016. We have followed their journey through street food pop-ups and food festivals (including Stockholm Burger Fest 2022 and 2023), as they have expanded to multiple restaurants in central London and even a delivery service in Manchester. Here they offer a diverse burger menu, along with delectable sides and shakes. We recently tried every single burger on their menu, and fell madly in love with two standouts: the Bacon Butter Burger and the Bougie Burger, both featuring dry-aged beef, double cheese, and exquisite toppings. The sesame-sprinkled brioche bun and high-quality beef impresses us every time, and the thick, perfectly cooked patties combine a great crust with a pink centre for maximum beefiness. The exceptional ingredients, including pancetta bacon, brown butter mayo, and marrownaise, elevate the burgers to the next level. Burger & Beyond offers an almost unparalleled burger experience in England, and we have yet to pass by one of their restaurants without going in for a cheeky burger or two.

Holy Burger, an award-winning burger joint in São Paulo, offers a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of an old New York jazz club. Their extensive menu boasts 13 burgers, and the "Pony Line" hamburger with dry-aged beef, cheddar, sugarcane molasses and bacon is super impressive with its appealing appearance. The fluffy and golden-brown bun holds some perfectly balanced ingredients, and the incredibly juicy dry-aged beef patty from Spazio Lab offers deep beefy flavours and a delightful airy texture. The addition of sugarcane molasses with bacon adds a harmonious sweet and savoury blend, resulting in pure burger bliss. Holy Burger offers a world-class burger experience worth its price in São Paulo, making them our favourite Burger restaurant in Brazil.

Au Cheval serve Chicago's best burger, but their Manhattan location is no slouch either, serving up some of the best burgers New York has to offer. We just love their classic Double Cheeseburger with American cheddar, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise. We usually skip the "au cheval" style egg, and instead opt for some pricey but delectable bacon. The experience delivers an exceptionally beefy flavour, complemented by the creamy cheddar, well-balanced dijonnaise, and crisp pickles. The patties are bursting with intense flavour, tender texture and impeccable seasoning. And the thick bacon provides a delightful buttery saltiness that elevates the burger to new heights. Book a table and come prepared for a hefty bill and loud music, and you won't be left disappointed. And if you're in Chicago, don't miss their more accessible Small Cheval locations across the windy city.

Bleecker Burger, with a handful of stylishly decorated restaurants in central London, is known for its minimalist design, letting the quality of the meat shine. Their menu features a handful of different burgers, sides, and milkshakes, all designed to highlight the meat's excellence. Having impressed since their introduction in 2015 and making appearances at Stockholm Burger Fest in 2018 and 2019. Bleecker Burger is considered a must-visit in London, and their double bacon burger with house fries is a favourite menu choice, with phenomenal dry-aged beef, a soft sesame bun, and crunchy, salty bacon enhancing the flavours. The simplicity of their burgers, focusing on meat, bread, cheese, onions, and sauce, is key to their success. Bleecker Burger is a firm favourite of ours in London, and we've made a habit of always heading over to them every time we get off the train at Victoria Station.

Hundred Burgers, with a handful of locations in Valencia and now also Madrid, is operated by the Spanish equivalent of Burgerdudes – a group of burger lovers known for global burger exploration. Their flagship restaurant in central Valencia boasts a college library-inspired decor and offers eleven beef burger options, and we've fallen head over heels in love with them. Their signature Singular burger with 60-90 days dry-aged beef, cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and Camembert crème is packed with flavours, and the insane Paul Finch burger with a mind-boggling 80-120 days dry-aged 'New York Strip Steak' has to be experienced if you manage to get a hold of one (they only serve a limited amount of them each day). The burgers are impressive, with a savoury brioche milk bun hybrid, which pairs perfectly with the intense Rubia Gallega beef patties that melt in your mouth. Hundred Burgers have bowled us over, and serve the best burgers we've eaten in Europe. They're worth the flight to Spain alone.

Yes, the world's best burger restaurant can be found in a pizza parlour. Pizza Loves Emily have locations in both West Village and Brooklyn in New York, and has been our firm favourite ever since we first tried them back in 2017. Several visits later, we still dream about The Emmy Double Stack Burger, with two dry-aged beef patties, cheese, fried onions, pickles, and Emmy sauce in a pretzel bun. Every bite fills us with awe, and the bespoke Emmy sauce steals the show every time. It's richness and discrete spiciness works flawlessly with the other ingredients, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. The pretzel bun defies expectations by being surprisingly soft, and its saltiness complements the burger well to allow the beef's deep and juicy flavours shine properly. Time after time, Pizza Loves Emily still retains its title as the best burger in the world, offering an unmissable dining experience (alongside their excellent pizza).