Where to find the best burgers in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, with everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to hidden street food gems, and within this bustling landscape, the humble burger has truly risen to gourmet status. It is no longer just a quick bite; it is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, with chefs experimenting with premium cuts of meat, artisanal buns, and innovative topping combinations that promise a symphony of flavors in every bite. Navigating the city’s burgeoning burger scene can be a delicious challenge, as new contenders constantly emerge alongside established favorites, each vying for the title of “best burger.” We are here to guide you through the city’s top spots, ensuring your quest for the perfect patty is a successful and satisfying one.

Gourmet Burger Destinations

For those seeking an elevated burger experience, Abu Dhabi offers several establishments that focus on high-quality ingredients and creative culinary flair. These are places where the burger is the star, often accompanied by unique sides and expertly curated sauces.

3B, Burger Brisket & Beyond: Located in the Corniche area, 3B has quickly gained a reputation for its juicy, flame-grilled burgers. They are particularly known for their Japanese Wagyu burgers and succulent smoked briskets, which can be incorporated into their burger creations. The menu offers a delightful range from classic to truly gourmet options, often praised for their big, bold flavors. It is a must-visit for serious burger enthusiasts.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes: Hailing from the US, Black Tap has made a significant mark in Abu Dhabi with its indulgent burgers and famous “CrazyShakes.” Their Abu Dhabi branch, located on Saadiyat Island, offers an extensive menu with over a dozen different burger types. Their patties are griddle-cooked and flipped just once, ensuring maximum juiciness and flavor. Signature options include The Champ, The TX, and The Steakhouse Burger, alongside innovative vegan options. Do not forget to pair your burger with one of their colossal milkshakes for the full experience.

Pickl: This homegrown UAE brand has quickly risen to prominence, earning accolades for its fresh, fast, and no-nonsense approach to burgers. Pickl prides itself on making everything in-house and using only the freshest ingredients. You can find Pickl in various locations, including Mamsha Al Saadiyat and World Trade Center in Abu Dhabi. Their “Fresh. Fast. Food.” philosophy translates into incredibly tasty, juicy beef burgers and famous fried chicken sandos that have garnered a loyal following. The New Yorker Cheeseburger and The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger are perennial favorites.

LENTO: Brainchild of Emirati chef and restaurateur Faisal Naser, LENTO has consistently drawn crowds since its opening. This spot is known for its gourmet approach, offering expertly crafted burgers that focus on quality ingredients and balanced flavors. While it has a loyal fan base, it also caters to those looking for a sophisticated take on a classic comfort food. It’s often praised for its unique burger creations and consistently high standards.

ADRIFT Burger Bar: Helmed by Michelin-starred chef David Myers, ADRIFT Burger Bar offers a truly gourmet burger experience. Their “DM Burger” was famously named “The Perfect Burger” by The New York Times. Now with a permanent home on Yas Island, ADRIFT Burger Bar brings Venice Beach vibes to Abu Dhabi, serving iconic burgers, crispy sides, and epic milkshakes in a stylish, minimalist setting. It’s a fantastic spot for a refined yet relaxed burger meal.

Popular and Reliable Burger Chains

Sometimes, you crave the familiarity and consistent quality of well-loved international and regional chains. Abu Dhabi has a strong presence of popular burger joints that deliver on taste and reliability.

Five Guys: An undeniable favorite, Five Guys is known for its customisable burgers, hot dogs, and famous hand-cut fries. Located in Marina Mall and Yas Mall, Five Guys offers over 250,000 possible topping combinations, ensuring you get exactly what you want. Their commitment to using fresh, never-frozen ingredients and cooking everything from scratch resonates with burger lovers. The generous portions of fries are a highlight.

Shake Shack: This New York-born, modern-day “roadside” burger stand has a loyal following for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, flat-top hot dogs, frozen custard, and crinkle-cut fries. With locations like the one in Family Park on the Corniche, Shake Shack offers a consistently high-quality and satisfying burger experience, perfect for a casual yet delicious meal.

Hardee’s: An old-school classic, Hardee’s continues to be a popular choice in Abu Dhabi for its signature Angus beef burgers. Many locals swear by its consistent flavor and satisfying combo meals. It offers a reliable fast-food burger experience that has stood the test of time, proving that sometimes, you just cannot beat a classic.

Just Burger: A homegrown UAE brand that started in Abu Dhabi in 2014, Just Burger has rapidly expanded due to its popularity. They focus on fresh, juicy burgers made with high-quality, natural ingredients and 100% Angus beef patties. Just Burger has garnered a lot of love from customers across the UAE and is a solid option for a reliable, tasty burger.

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Beyond the big names, Abu Dhabi has a selection of local spots and smaller eateries that often surprise with their unique burger creations and authentic flavors.

Burgeneers: Often praised by locals, Burgeneers is a homegrown burger joint known for its creative and flavorful burgers. Located in Al Dhafrah, they focus solely on burgers, with each variety packed with unique flavors and textures. They offer intriguing options like The Biker, The Genius, and The Adventurer, promising a memorable burger experience.

Firefly Burger: This spot is known for offering a great dining experience without sacrificing affordability. Firefly Burger prides itself on using the finest ingredients to craft its menu. Customers often highlight their Kamakazi Burger and Angus Burger as must-tries. It is a good option for those seeking a quality burger at a reasonable price.

Burger28: An Abu Dhabi-founded burger joint launched in 2017, Burger28 lives by its tagline “Be Different.” They offer juicy burgers inspired by local cafeterias, incorporating unique twists. Their signature chicken burger, The Arbab, features a panko-breaded chicken breast with XP sauce and Chips Oman, offering a distinct local flavor. They also have excellent beef options.

Fat Mo’s: Located near the DHL on Airport Road, Fat Mo’s is another highly recommended local spot. Customers rave about their really good burgers, emphasizing the quality and taste of the patties. It’s often cited as a strong contender in the local burger scene.

The Meat District: This restaurant specializes in premium meat dishes, and their burgers are a standout. They offer high-quality beef patties and a selection of gourmet toppings, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the quality of the meat in their burger. Their focus on prime ingredients makes for a rich and satisfying meal.

Tips for Your Burger Hunt

• Check Locations: Many of these burger joints have multiple branches across Abu Dhabi. Use online maps or food delivery apps like Talabat to find the nearest location to you.
• Delivery Options: Most popular burger places in Abu Dhabi offer delivery through apps like Talabat or Noon Food. This is convenient if you prefer to enjoy your burger from the comfort of your hotel or residence.
• Read Recent Reviews: Food trends and quality can change. Always check recent online reviews to get the most up-to-date feedback on a restaurant’s burger offerings.
• Consider Sides and Shakes: Many burger joints excel not only in burgers but also in their sides (fries, onion rings) and milkshakes. Do not hesitate to explore their full menu for the complete experience.

Abu Dhabi’s burger scene is diverse and thriving, catering to all tastes, from classic fast food cravings to sophisticated gourmet desires. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a memorable dining experience, you are sure to find a burger that hits the spot. The www.few.ae editor encourages you to embark on your own delicious burger adventure in Abu Dhabi!