The great burger coup: how one Australian city hijacked USA's most iconic dish

If you want the best burger on the planet, you shouldn't book a flight to Chicago or New York, the world's new capital of beef is in our own backyard.

The humble burger has been a staple in midwestern diners for decades, but according to the World's 101 Best Burgers list in 2026, the United States has officially lost its crown.

Australia, and Sydney more specifically, has staged a massive culinary coup, securing a staggering seven spots in the global top 30.

Neil Perry's Cafe Margaret in Double Bay had Australia's top ranked burger, snatching the number three spot in the 2026 list.

The renowned chef said his secret to success was using the highest quality dry-aged beef produced in Australia.

"The Cheeseburger at Cafe Margaret has taken on a life of its own," Mr Perry told Explore.

"What started as our take on a perfect, no-fuss burger with a CopperTree Farms' beef patty, melted American cheese, Rose mayo, onion and pickles in a milk bun has grown into something people come back for again and again."

Joining Cafe Margaret in the upper echelons was another triumphant Sydney venue, Restaurant Hubert, which claimed number 16 on the global list.

Culinary director Brendan Fong revealed that their world-class patty relied on a precise 80/20 fat ratio with dry-aged chuck, short rib and brisket.

"Then there's the sauce," Mr Fong said.

"A splash of pickle juice brings just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and American mustard, so every bite stays balanced," he said.

"When we found out we'd taken the title, the team celebrated the only way that made sense: burgers for staff meal!"

The World's 101 Best Burger Places is an independent review by Upper Cut Media House's network of anonymous ambassadors who tasted more than 1500 burgers to decide on the final ranking.

While Sydney held the undisputed title for best burger in Australia, gems from Melbourne, Adelaide and Wollongong were also featured on the list.

The news came as a massive surprise to the team at Debutant in Wollongong, who had been focused on a completely different culinary goal.

"Our goal for the last three to four years has been to make the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants," a spokesperson for Debutant said.

"The burgers are a side project from buying whole full blood wagyus from a local farm, we needed to do something with all the trim," they said.

"We cook our burgers like any other steak, over iron bark. The natural flavour of quality beef, particularly wagyu, makes for a tender, juicy, flavourful burger."

What makes their burger so special? According to arkhe, it's attention to detail.

"Nothing is overworked or overcomplicated. It's about restraint, clarity of flavour, and letting each component play its role," a spokesperson for the restaurant said.

The team haven't celebrated yet, but said they're planning to have a few "cold beers to go with those burgers one afternoon soon".

Read the full 101 venue list here.