Some days, nothing satisfies quite like a perfectly built burger. Whether it’s stacked high with crispy fried chicken and bacon or crafted with dry-aged beef and blue cheese mayo, burgers have taken a bold turn in recent years and the venues serving them are just as impressive.
We’ve scoured the streets of Sydney, Perth and Brisbane to find five burger hot spots worth your time (and your appetite). From rooftop views to neon-lit indulgence, here’s where to go when you’re serious about your next burger fix.
Harbour View Hotel – The Rocks, NSW
Nestled beneath the mighty steel curve of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Harbour View Hotel is a venue that fuses historic charm with contemporary dining. Positioned at the edge of the city’s iconic Rocks district, this multi-level gem offers a rooftop terrace for sunny-day sipping and a downstairs bar with the kind of hearty pub fare that locals return for again and again. Inside, a classic-meets-modern fit-out keeps things cosy without sacrificing style - think heritage bones, warm wood tones and sweeping views over Circular Quay.
The burger to order here is the fried chicken, bacon & cheese supreme - a textural masterpiece featuring buttermilk fried chicken, crisp grilled bacon, melting American cheese, iceberg lettuce, aioli and pickles, all hugged by a soft bun and served with a side of golden fries. It’s everything a good pub burger should be: satisfying, indulgent and generously portioned.
Secure a table for golden hour upstairs - bookings available soon.
Coco Belle – Mount Pleasant, WA
At Coco Belle, comfort meets charm in the heart of Mount Pleasant. This chic café boasts natural timber and stone finishes that glow in the daylight streaming through oversized windows. Inside, a mix of communal tables and quiet corners creates a laidback atmosphere ideal for both weekend brunches and casual weekday catch-ups. The chalkboard specials rotate with the seasons while the walls, dotted with family photos, bring a personal warmth to the space.
The grilled chicken burger is a refined take on café fare - stacked with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, tomato relish, red onion and aioli. It’s a clean, well-balanced burger that plays on subtle sweetness and creamy richness, pairing perfectly with one of the signature smoothies like the Tropical Island Kiss. A burger that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy but wholly satisfied.
Plan your visit and save your seat at Coco Belle - booking info coming soon.
Dove & Olive – Surry Hills, NSW
Surry Hills is no stranger to good food, but Dove & Olive on Devonshire Street stands out with its quirky charm and dedication to craft beer and creative pub dining. With its stained glass lamps, leather booths and leafy courtyard, the venue balances inner-city cool with a comforting pub nostalgia. Locals love it for its rotating beer taps, honest cooking and friendly, unpretentious energy.
The Dove beef burger takes the humble beef burger and elevates it with dry-aged beef, bacon and onion jam, blue cheese mayo, smoked tomato purée, crisp lettuce and tomato - all wrapped up in a plush milk bun. The blue cheese and smoky tomato combo gives this burger an edge, while the quality of the beef patty ensures each bite is juicy and rich.
Get your hands around one soon - table bookings opening shortly.
A seafood institution in Marrickville for more than three decades, Gribbels knows a thing or two about delivering quality, freshness and flavour. The interior channels a breezy coastal vibe with aqua accents and imagery of the ocean’s bounty adorning the walls. With daily catches on display and a Mediterranean influence in the kitchen, Gribbels blends relaxed dining with a passion for produce.
While known for lobster spaghetti and chilli crab, the fish burger is an underrated star. It brings flaky, lightly battered or grilled fish together with crunchy lettuce, zingy tartar and a butter-soft bun - simple, yes, but executed with a deft hand. For those who love seafood but crave the structure of a burger, this is the best of both worlds.
Reserve your spot for a casual yet memorable meal - booking options available soon.
Hashtag Burgers and Waffles – Capalaba, Qld
Loud, unapologetic and deliciously over-the-top, Hashtag Burgers and Waffles in Capalaba is a playground for burger lovers. Inside, black metal stools and vibrant neon signs set a fun, fast-paced tone, while the menu reads like a love letter to cheat-day cravings. It’s a place where creativity meets comfort and the result is nothing short of addictive.
Go big or go home with the Your Dirty Uncle burger: lean beef patty, American cheese, maple bacon, shallots, pickle mayo and ketchup, served alongside hot chips. Or embrace the spice with the Chooky Chook, featuring fried chicken, chilli jam, lettuce, red onion and mayo, paired with indulgent mac n cheese balls. It’s the kind of place where no burger is too outrageous and no sauce too extra.
Treat yourself to something bold - look out for booking details coming soon.
Whether you’re chasing crisp chicken, crave dry-aged beef or are leaning seafood-forward, this list proves that the burger scene has grown well beyond the drive-thru. Each of these venues brings something unique to the table, marrying bold flavours with strong identities and vibrant atmospheres. Next time the craving hits, you’ll know exactly where to go.
