18 of the best burgers in Auckland – It’s kai time!
Discover the best burgers Auckland has on offer with these memorable burger joints.
The softness of a bun, the tenderness of a patty, the freshness of veggies, and the delicious sauces – nothing makes you feel content like a delicious burger.
And we have plenty of great burgers in New Zealand!
If you ask us, a good juicy burger and hot crispy fries with a pint of New Zealand beer is the perfect trio to satisfy your craving.
Whether it be a bright sunny afternoon or an exciting night out, a good burger guarantees to make your time memorable.
With quality NZ meat and the finest of locally sourced ingredients, Auckland sure does know how to serve up a good burger.
From your classic cheeseburger to a modern culinary twist, the city is home to several spots, each with its own style.
These are the spots we recommend you head in the City of Sails. They will fix you a burger destined to live in your memory forever!
The Best Burgers Auckland Has on Offer
In no particular order, we recommend all Auckland burger lovers check out the following eateries…
1. Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers
This Queen Street venue is yet another place known for quality smashed burgers.
Run by two burger-loving 80s kids, they were determined to bring this true cult American classic to New Zealand.
Their pressed patties are grilled to have perfect crisp edges and a tender middle, before being put in a potato bun – and they sure are delicious.
Whether it be a classic American cheeseburger or one of their own creations, Fat Puku uses quality beef, fresh veggies, thick cheese, and the best ingredients along with their signature homemade pickles.
As a sustainable bonus, they use serving and packaging materials made from plants, which we just love.
1/492 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
2. Corner Burger
Corner Burger has a great central location that serves up delicious burgers in Auckland.
This locally owned-and-operated restaurant takes true pride in its ingredients. They source premium New Zealand produce which guarantees freshness in every single bite.
We love that Corner Burger is serious about inclusive dining too. They have a range of allergen-friendly options (including gluten-free), along with vegan and vegetarian-friendly meals.
With hand-cut fries, poutine and crumbed onion rings, their sides are stars in their own rights. Their charred broccoli is a must-try, as are their homemade sodas and house shakes.
Or, if you’d prefer, they also have tap and bottled beer to accompany your meal.
With a welcoming ambience and friendly staff, we recommend heading along to Corner Burger for a bite to eat.
Level 4/309 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023.
3. Burger Burger
As a longtime favourite of many Aucklanders, this list wouldn’t be complete without Burger Burger!
You’ll be spoilt for choice with their menu and quality ingredients. They’re known for their juicy patties made from grass-fed NZ beef, served with aged cheddar, pickles and tomato jam.
However, if beef isn’t for you, we recommend their smashed Te Mana lamb burger and Cajun grilled chicken thigh burger.
They also serve up a range of options including tacos, bunless burgers, quinoa salads and vegan options too.
Their menu contains quite the list of sides, however, we recommend you try their fried potato skins (with truffle oil and homemade aioli) or go for a healthier blend of their Summer Shred Salad.
They also have a great range of little combos to keep your little ones happy!
Serving shakes, sodas, craft beers, and cocktails, we recommend you eat-in to soak up the wonderful vibe and ambience.
Assorted locations: Newmarket, Commercial Bay, Ponsonby and Takapuna.
Did you know? Burger Burger organises blind dates once in a while, so if you’re single and are looking to mingle, why not head along?
4. The Flaming Onion
Looking to experience all your dream burger combinations at their best? If so, The Flaming Onion should be next on your list.
With restaurants four Auckland restaurants, The Flaming Onion serves you an upgrade on your favourite burgers.
They’re known for their succulent patties made from Angus beef, NZ premium grass-fed Wagyu beef, and free-range chicken, along with unique flavour combos like their blue cheese burger and one served with a Puhoi Valley ricotta cheese croquette (known as The Avenger 2).
Cheeses, condiments, pickles, spicy relish, bourbon bacon jam, and carefully selected ingredients – together with their seasoned experience, bring your burger dreams to life.
Be warned though, their big burgers sure are big!
Assorted locations: Remuera, Browns Bay, Auckland CBD, and Northcote.
5. Burger Geek
This little burger joint is all about making everything from scratch. A special blend of Angus and Wagyu beef is freshly ground on-site. This is then smashed on the grill and cooked to perfect level of crispiness.
To bring diners the best flavours, Burger Geek sure goes to extreme lengths – their applewood-smoked home-cured bacon and unique sauces are an example of this.
Whilst we love their burgers, also be sure not to miss their iconic free-range crispy hot wings too!
At first glance, Burger Geek’s menu might look brief, but they keep their offering simple, ensuring that each and every menu item is perfect.
Pay them a visit to check their delicious food out for yourself.
175 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010 and
478 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021.
6. Lord of The Fries
Lord of The Fries is an exclusively plant-based restaurant determined to make a difference in the world. They’re known to be one of the top vegan eateries in New Zealand (and Australia too).
Their carefully designed menu has something to suit everyone’s taste. We promise it will surprise even the biggest meat-eaters.
Since they opened in 2016, they have become a top destination for burger lovers looking for something a bit different.
We recommend checking out ‘the biggie’ (their version of a Big Mac) and their ‘phish’ burger.
These are burgers with a positive environmental impact – we can get behind that!
Shop 10, Snickle Lane, 18 Commerce Street, Auckland 1010 and
179-189 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010.
7. Baby G Burger
This little pop-up burger truck that appears in parking lots around Auckland is a well-kept secret.
Born out of a passion for smashed burgers (and a little motivation from friends), this small business opened just before lockdown. Ever since it’s been the talk of the town among smashed burger lovers.
They serve up crisp and juicy patties with special sauce, American cheese, pickles, and onions – all with just the right amount of seasoning, on a grilled potato bun – simply put, they’re delicious.
They pop up all over the place (which we think is part of their appeal) but they do also have a set schedule at times. You’ll find them near the Daily Bread Bakery in Point Chevalier every Friday from 5 – 9 pm.
Pop-up food truck – locations vary.
8. Wise Boys
Wise Boys is yet another exclusively vegan restaurant serving Auckland (since 2019). They proudly consider themselves a one-stop shop for plant-based burger goodness – and we can’t help but agree.
Their homemade vegan smash patties and vegan southern fried chicken are the stars of the show.
They also have a Hungry Jack burger made from jackfruit (a substitute for pulled pork) and tangy slaw with grilled pineapple – it is a stellar creation.
We also recommend you leave room to try their amazing sides, including their house-made shakes and sundaes which (being vegan) are made from creamy oat milk.
604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 and
Commercial Bay 7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010.
9. Black Dog Burger
Black Dog Burger is a spot with a very social vibe, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends over a burger and beer.
They use only the finest cuts of NZ scotch fillet beef and fresh premium free-range chicken, which goes in their freshly baked brioche buns. All sauces are handcrafted on-site and every burger is cooked to order on their flat-top grill.
Best of all, their delicious creations come at a surprisingly affordable price!
We recommend checking out Black Dog Burger when you’re next in the central city.
137 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010.
10. Handmade Burgers
Handmade Burgers, a spacious restaurant in Kingsland, serves some of the most awesome burgers in Auckland.
Beef, chicken, or veggie, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you pay them a visit.
Flame-grilled Angus patties make their burgers stand out in the competition, whilst fresh ingredients, handmade sauces, sides, and shakes will help fill you up.
Their burgers are colourful and beautifully presented – plus, they taste every bit as good as they look.
Round up your in-person dining experience with tap and bottled beers to match your meal.
455 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
11. The White Lady
Operating since 1948, the iconic White Lady food truck has been serving up memories (and delicious food) to several generations of Aucklanders.
With burgers, toasties, and shakes, The White Lady like’s to keep things simple.
Of course, they use only the freshest handpicked ingredients, resulting in the best Kiwi burgers and shakes.
Their burgers won’t win any awards for the way they look but they sure are a tasty way to end a night out in town.
You can find their truck in Commerce Street Monday to Friday from 7 pm – 4 am and on weekends 24 hours. They also run pop-ups during special events and attend festivals around Auckland.
Corner Commerce Street &, Fort Street, Auckland 1010.
12. The Chosen Bun
With a great menu and stylish vibe, The Chosen Bun entices tastebuds all around Auckland.
They specialise in fluffy brioche buns, smashed patties and beautiful fried buttermilk chicken. Each of their burgers has distinct flavour combinations, inspired by Mexican, Asian-fusion and Southern flavours (depending on the burger you choose) and they’re all delicious.
They are also well-versed in gluten-free cooking – they even run a separate frier to ensure there’s no cross-contamination for those that can’t have gluten.
Trust us, Chosen Bun is worth the drive across Auckland if you’re not a local!
3/40 Stonefields Avenue, Stonefields, Auckland 1072 and
13. Big J’s Takeaway
Having served locals for over 25 years, Big J’s Takeaway is a hidden gem in the suburbs.
A carefully designed menu provides staple favourites, whilst a weekly special surprises every time. Whatever you choose though, Big J continues to offer the best.
We highly recommend their chargrilled steak burgers, topped with their handmade sauces and relishes.
These gourmet melt-in-your-mouth burgers are surprisingly affordable and, thanks to their generous size, are also excellent value for money – perhaps the best in the whole city!
With great taste, uncompromising quality and friendly service, all at very reasonable prices, you’ll be sure to return to Big J’s.
4/1 Melton Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060.
14. Saltwater Burger Bar
With a charming outdoor setting, the Saltwater Burger Bar is the perfect place to spend a warm summer’s evening.
Everything on their menu is lush and packed with flavour. They serve up juicy 160g patties placed on layers of fresh ingredients and their signature blend of sauces, chutneys and salsas, served on artisanal ciabatta buns.
Everything on the menu is amazing, but our pick is the Sweet Matilda – grilled free-range chicken breast basted with ginger soy, red onion, grilled halloumi cheese, salad and sweet chilli sauce.
Yum!
156 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland 1061.
15. Rosier Burgers
Rosier Burgers is a small takeaway joint in Glen Eden that is all about fresh, homemade food. Established in 2019 by Dion Angove, an award-winning barbecue Pitmaster, it has become quite an icon in West Auckland.
They strongly believe in the use of fresh, ethically-sourced ingredients to ensure quality and taste.
The double cheeseburger is a popular menu choice. It comes loaded with two fresh organic beef patties, and is topped with Swiss cheese, caramelised red onions, pickles and a generous dose of Rosier’s special sauce, served on a brioche bun.
If you’re nearby on a Wednesday, we suggest heading along to Rosier Burger (having prebooked your meal). On ‘BBQ Wednesday’ they crank up the barbecue, serving a range of delectably slow-cooked meats.
354 West Coast Road, Glen Eden, Auckland 0602.
Pro Tip: If you’re nearby mid-week, we suggest heading along to Rosier Burger (having pre-booked your meal). On ‘BBQ Wednesday’ they crank up the barbecue, serving a range of delectably slow-cooked meats.
16. Shake Out
Shake Out is all about simplicity, serving quality burgers without the fuss.
They’ve held back on fancy ingredients and confusing names, instead just offering good old-fashioned cheeseburgers and meals done right.
NZ grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and delicious veggie bites make up some of the delicious ingredients they use.
Their burgers are served on potato and pumpkin flour-based buns before being topped with secret sauces.
Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to treat yourself to one of their rich shakes or sundaes for dessert.
Retail Unit C, B:HIVE Building, 72 Taharoto Rd, Smales Farm, Takapuna, Auckland 0622.
17. ReBurger
What started as small food truck in London (that was inspired by the street-food scene in London) can now be found in a restaurant in Grafton — and it’s called ReBurger.
They serve up a stunning range of beef and chicken burgers, dosed with a generous dose of their secret sauces. We’re not kidding when we say that this is a transcending experience.
In addition to their burgers, they also have an extensive menu including loaded fries, tacos, SFC tenders and sides to help fill you up.
Plus, their prices are reasonable.
What’s not to love?
123/21 Whitaker Place, Grafton, Auckland 1010
18. Jax Burger Shack
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best burgers in Auckland is Jax Burger Shack.
With burgers that are overflowing with quality fillings, this is a fan favourite in East Auckland.
They have an extensive menu, including chicken, beef and vegetarian options, along with a range of flavourful additions.
Ensure you’re hungry when you visit Jax as these burgers are super-sized!
2/64 Ormiston Road, East Tāmaki, Auckland 2019
All photos are either care of the eateries recommended or by our author, Sand J.
