Compiling a definitive list of the best burgers in Dubai is no small feat. This is a city overflowing with burger joints – from cool, home-grown independents tucked away in Al Quoz to big-name international brands dominating the malls. Add to that the deeply personal nature of burger preferences (pickles or no pickles? brioche or potato bun? smash patty or thick and juicy?), and you’ve got a serious challenge on your hands.
But after plenty of anonymous visits, countless patties and more fries than we’d care to admit, we’ve narrowed it down. These are the burgers in Dubai that truly stand out – the ones worth the drips down your hands and the inevitable sauce stains on your shirt.
The award-winning favourite
Taking the crown for Best Burger Bar is Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop. What started as an online grocery evolved into a cult burger destination in Al Quoz, and it’s easy to see why. The concept is simple: high-quality wagyu beef patties smashed onto the grill for maximum caramelisation, layered with onion, pickles and house sauce, then tucked into pillowy potato buns. Go for the double cheeseburger if you’re hungry, the triple if you’re not messing about. Add tater tots and you’ve got a near-perfect combo.
Heavy hitters you can’t ignore
Eleven Green, founded by the duo behind Tanos At 8, delivers cool interiors and even cooler burgers. The Double Trouble – stacked with cheese, pickles and signature sauce – is a crowd-pleaser, while the Bull Burger with bacon jam brings rich, savoury depth.
Pickl remains a powerhouse on Dubai’s burger scene. Known for its perfectly seared patties and legendary chicken sando, it’s one of those places that consistently delivers. Morning, noon or late-night craving – it hits every time.
High Joint, a small but mighty Al Manara spot founded by three Emirati friends, keeps things creative. From pineapple toppings to truffle twists, it’s bold without losing sight of flavour. The High Jamz with caramelised onions and beef bacon is a standout.
SALT, a home-grown success story, continues to draw crowds to Kite Beach. With sliders, soft buns and a laid-back seaside vibe, it’s become part of Dubai’s burger DNA.
For something a little different
If you want a refined twist, Brasserie Boulud at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk serves a raclette-smothered French-style burger that’s indulgent in the best way. Chez Wam ups the ante further with wagyu topped with foie gras, while 11 Woodfire adds smoky notes and gourmet flair to its wagyu creation.
3Fils may be known for Japanese-inspired plates, but its Wagyu Overload burger is one of the city’s most flavour-packed surprises. Meanwhile, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori blends wagyu and foie gras into a rich slider that’s unforgettable.
Big flavours, big personalities
Bossman’s Burgr Factory goes maximalist with towering, over-the-top creations. GOAT in Dubai Design District delivers indulgent combinations like wagyu with teriyaki sauce and parmesan. Junk Burger keeps things stripped-back and French-inspired with premium beef and brioche buns.
For café cool, Parker’s truffle burger is a fan favourite, while LUSH Burger at JW Marriott Marquis offers licensed, late-night indulgence. And yes, Salt Bae Burger in DIFC may be flashy, but the wagyu-heavy creations genuinely deliver on flavour.
The beauty of Dubai’s burger scene
What makes Dubai special is its range. You can grab a messy smash burger from a tiny unlicensed joint in Al Khawaneej, sit seaside with sliders at Kite Beach, or enjoy a raclette-laden French burger in a five-star hotel.
Whether you’re after a classic cheeseburger done right, a wagyu-loaded gourmet showstopper, or a smash patty with serious crust and attitude, Dubai delivers.
So read through the list, plan your route, and bring plenty of napkins. These are the burgers that define the city’s ever-evolving food scene – and they’re absolutely worth the hype.
FAQs: Best burgers in Dubai
Some of the most popular spots include Pickl, High Joint and SALT, known for smash burgers, creative toppings and consistently juicy patties.
Smash burgers are widely available across the city, especially at Pickl and High Joint, where thin, crispy-edged patties and melted cheese are the stars of the show.
Yes, several restaurants serve premium wagyu and gourmet-style burgers. 11 Woodfire and Brasserie Boulud offer elevated takes with high-quality beef and refined flavours.
Absolutely. Spots like SALT and various neighbourhood burger joints offer reasonably priced sliders and classic cheeseburgers without compromising on taste.
Most major burger restaurants in Dubai provide delivery through popular food apps, making it easy to enjoy top-rated burgers at home.
Read More:
- Terminal 1 Dining Guide: Restaurants in Concourse D at Dubai Airport
- Dubai Airport Terminal 1: Best Lounges in Concourse D
- Concourse B Food Guide: Restaurants at DXB Terminal 3
- Dubai Airport Terminal 3: Must-Try Restaurants in Concourse A
- Concourse C Dining: Best Restaurants at Dubai International Airport
