Europe dominates world's best burgers as U.S. misses top ten in World 101 rankings
Eight of the top ten burgers come from Europe as the United States places just six entrants in the top 25, none in the top ten
Europe dominated the World 101's Best Steak Restaurants' top 25 burgers, with eight of the top ten spots, in the rankings released Monday. The study, conducted by the international panel World 101, dispatched 21 burger and steak experts to more than 1,200 sandwiches around the world. Unannounced visits and seven scoring criteria—meat quality, flavor, guest experience, and online presence among them—shaped the rankings, according to organizers.
Across the Atlantic, the United States did not place any restaurant in the top ten and had only six venues reach the top 25. Four were in New York, with one each in Chicago and Los Angeles.
London's Bleecker Burger earned the silver medal, while Black Bear Burger, which operates several standalone venues and food halls, took third. Hawksmoor and Burger & Beyond finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Spain's Hundred Burgers is highlighted as a leading purveyor, noted for its 120-day aged beef and very crispy bacon; the restaurant has also been recognized by other major awards in recent years, including a distinction in the Michelin Guide for Burgers in 2024. A Wagyu tenderloin with tare sauce, Parmesan and a homemade pickle was described by reviewers as a standout; the dish is representative of the level of refinement cited in the report.
On the American side, Sip & Guzzle in New York City led U.S. joints, finishing 14th overall. Other U.S. entries in the top 25 included 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).
Ekkehard Knobelspies, CEO and publisher of World 101's Best Steak Restaurants, said the rankings aim to highlight the diversity and creativity of burger culture around the world.