In a world of caviar, truffles and teeny-weeny tasting menu portions, there’s something radical about just ordering the damn burger. Toronto’s best burgers are two-handers, requiring all of your attention (as if it didn’t have it already), so leave your phone in your pocket and savour all of that tender, juicy deliciousness.
Toronto has a bit of an obsession with smashburgers — and for good reason. Some of the best burgers in Toronto are thin, crispy patties, griddled hot and fast and thrown between buns with a host of other friends for a flavourful bite that’s ready in a flash — and they're usually some of the best cheap eats in Toronto. But that’s not the only type of burger on offer. Toronto has plant-based patties, wild boar burgers and halal lamb topped with chutney for those who want to take their burger game to the next level.
The foodism team has done the work, chomping burgers from east to west to share the big guns and most delicious buns with you. From splurgeworthy options packed with fancy cheese at Michelin Guide-recommended spots to quick and dirty (but oh-so satisfying) patties griddled to perfection, here are our picks for the best burgers in Toronto.
New must-try burgers in Toronto
Bindi’s Burgers
12 Clinton St., Upstairs
This hidden gem is taking fusion to a new level. Above the Monarch Tavern, Bindi’s Burgers is a new, holy matrimony of American and Indian cuisine. Chef and owner Remo Lobo fixes his halal lamb and beef smashburgers with tomato chutney, cheese, spiced aioli and lettuce, then sprinkles them with mint and cilantro. Opt for deep-fried paneer instead of a side of fries, and wash it all down with a mango lassi.
Atomic Burger
245 Greenwood Ave.
The team behind the now-shuttered Fattoush Sandwich Club has just opened a new restaurant inspired by atomic- and Googie-era design. Located just north of Greenwood Park, Atomic Burger leans into its cheeky, retro outer-space theme with its eponymous sandwich, featuring 45-day dry-aged beef, Atomic sauce and classic burger fixings. Fans of Fattoush’s famed falafel needn’t mourn: The Martian dresses a falafel patty with vegan aioli, pickles, mustard and tomatoes. Like any classic burger joint, they also serve milkshakes (including an ube, coconut and sprinkles number that has our name written all over it), “Saturn’s” onion rings and oregano-sprinkled chicken tenders.
The 8 best burgers in Toronto
1. Burger Drops
116 Atlantic Ave.
Most Torontonians couldn’t name their local MP, but ask them where to find the city’s best burger and they’ll rattle off a list without hesitation. When I admitted I hadn’t tried Burger Drops, a friend was so appalled he showed up with a couple of their signature buns on his next visit. The thick, juicy patty was barely contained by the bun — but part of the joy was wrestling with this loaded smash burger. Made with never-frozen AAA beef, the freshness is undeniable. Add in sweet griddled onions and their signature sauce — featuring hits like jalapeño relish, pickles and cheese sauce — and you’ve got one of Toronto’s most elite burgers.
2. Harry’s Charbroiled
Multiple Locations
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I was pretty pumped when this quintessential burger joint opened up in the Little India neighbourhood, and its unique brand of smashburgers did not disappoint. The Toronto fave earns its namesake by charbroiling its patties on a griddle for the ultimate level of crust and juiciness. The smashburgers are thin, crispy on the edges and cooked in a flash for a burst of flavour. The Plain Jane is a great place to start, but their range is diverse, with toppings like crispy jalapeños, and options ranging from plant-based patties to crispy haddock, all served between two buns. Don’t skip the thick-cut fries, which are some of the best in the city.
3. Aloette
163 Spadina Ave.
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If you like your burger with a bit of class, Aloette’s offering is one of the most satisfying in the city. A welcome departure from Toronto’s ever-present smashburger, this quarterpounder patty may have been born out of pandemic necessity, but it’s certainly not an afterthought. With its beautiful layers of gooey emmental cheese, dijonnaise, pickled onions and shredded lettuce, this burger has cemented its place on many a best burger list, including this one.
4. Stefano's Diner
1265 Dundas St. W.
Almost too pretty to bite into, this Dundas West diner’s single or double-decker smash burger is a real looker. Crispy plant-based patties dripping with melted cheese are stacked with pickles, caramelized onions and lettuce, then slathered with Russian dressing and squeezed between two sesame buns. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, it’s perfection — and it’s all vegan.
5. Guerrilla Burger
Multiple locations
Sometimes, a stacked burger is all I need to solve my problems. Guerilla Burger brazenly stuffs their two-handers with outrageous toppings, like cashew mac and cheese; jerk aioli, grilled pineapple, coleslaw and plantain; or Beyond Meat chili and avocado sour cream. I usually dine in, because these babies are best enjoyed fresh, and order the Nashville Hot Chik’n Sandwich, with three plant-based tenders instead of a patty and hot ‘hunny’ sauce. If I’m ravenous, I’ll pair my burger with their cheese-drenched and Beyond-meat-loaded Guerilla Supreme fries, or vegan poutine.
originalchimneys.com/guerrilla-burger
6. Happy Burger
Multiple locations
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Tangy pickles and a slightly sweet, pillowy potato bun balance out these savoury smash burgers, earning the Happy Cheeseburger the top spot in my books. A little more substantial than some of the other favourite smash burgers in the city, Happy Burgers also come topped with onion, shredded lettuce, tomato and Happy Sauce. No matter how hungry I am (or amn’t), I will always order their waffle fry poutine on the side, slathered with dark gravy and topped with cheese curds.
7. Rudy
Multiple locations
The iconic Rudy smash burgers have taken the city by storm, expanding to nine locations across the GTA in just a few short years. Grilled to crispy, greasy perfection, the super thin burgers are all flavour. The OG Rudy cheeseburger is delicious but pretty petite, so you may want to go for the Rude Dude to get an extra patty. They come topped with lettuce, tomato and Rudy sauce, which is kind of like a chipotle mayo. I can’t resist their poutine, made with golden skinny fries (reminiscent of my favourite fast-food chain) and topped with Quebec cheese curds and a house-made vegetarian gravy.
8. Antler Kitchen & Bar
1454 Dundas St. W.
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Prepare to be completely blindsided by the flavours of Antler’s Game Burger. Wild boar, bison and deer meat mingle in the juicy patty, offering a whole different experience than your typical beef burger. Toppings like hot mustard, duck egg aioli and house-smoked cheddar hit all the right tangy, savoury notes in a delicious, unexpected way.
