‘Who has the best burger in Riyadh?” is a common question in the city. It is also one that bodes much discussion and many opinions, hence why it is a very competitive category at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo.
A top burger is the sum of its parts, and then something. Each element is considered, but there has to be something else special – and we’re not talking about skewered pickles or fresh fries on the side. There is of course technique, but the best burger in Riyadh requires a hook that makes any dedicated burger fan switch camps.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Let’s patty. Take a look at the best burger in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
Section-B
Brilliant burgers in the Saudi capital, as well as across the Kingdom, are easy to find. So, choosing the best burger in Riyadh is no easy feat. Whether we’re talking beef, chicken or even veggie burgers, Section-B is a home-grown hero.
The Jeddah-born eatery highlights how a proper good burger doesn’t need all the toppings in the world. It can be a paired-back thing of beauty crafted with top technique. The simple, confident menu, freshest of ingredients and listening to customers’ feedback throughout the years has resulted in burgers that keep bringing the crowds back.
Hittin, instagram.com/sectionb_sa.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
GUNBUN
Even the best of burger restaurants can be formulaic with bun, patty and toppings. The clue here is in the name that GUNBUN isn’t your average Riyadh burger joint. As the restaurant proclaims, it’s “the Revolution of BUNS”, featuring what the eatery describes as “burnt dough” sandwiching a range of patties and comforting fillings. It results in something totally different that you’re not going forget – and you definitely won’t be removing this bun. This is one of the most unique offerings from the Best burger in Riyadh category at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.
Pure Center, instagram.com/gunbun.ksa.
The California Burger
The quest to create the best burger is really an evolution, and in The California Burger’s case the journey started in 1977 with a goal to create a burger that reflected, yes, the place it’s named after. Fast forward years and hop around the world to the Kingdom, and we have a casual eatery serving fantastic “old-fashioned” burgers with fresh, quality ingredients. The formula for the burger options (complete with doubling, tripling and quadrupling patties) to the freshly cooked fries has been perfected over the years, and it shows in each bite. Yum. It highlights why The California Burger is highly commended in the Best Burger in Riyadh category.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/thecaliforniaburger.
SHORTLISTED
Black Tap
Renowned New York-born joint Black Tap may have only opened its first Saudi branch earlier this summer, but it’s safe to say it’s already the place to head for killer burgers in a super cool setting. Enjoy a huge range of classic American cheeseburgers like The Texan (a beef patty with cheddar cheese, crisp onion rings and mayo) to more inventive options inspired by a Philly cheese steak among its neon signs, graffiti art, grey brick, and graphic black and white floor. You can’t leave without trying one of its famed CrazyShakes either – it will be love at first slurp.
KAFD, instagram.com/blacktapksa (92 002 4304).
Burger Boutique
Whether you fancy ordering a bunch of sliders to share, are craving a traditional American cheeseburger or want to get your chops into something a little more extravagant, Burger Boutique serves up burgers that feel like a party in your mouth. Grass-fed, organic and perfectly cooked, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re after something a little fierier, try the Heat Wave with jalapeños, sriracha beef bacon and chipotle sauce. Scorchio!
Al Olaya, burgerboutique.com (053 853 3392).
Century Burger
Inspired by its founders’ American academic joint, Century Burger pays tribute to the popular American delicacy in the most authentic way possible. If you’re searching for the best burger in Riyadh, this is a classic. All buns are made in-house making them extra fresh to sink your teeth into, whilst its expansive menu comprises everything from its signature chicken burger and healthy keto options to the more extravagant truffle version. All perfectly cooked and properly seasoned, don’t forget to order with a side of crispy fries.
Al Olaya, centuryburger.com (92 003 3900).
Graffiti Burger
As you’d expect from the name, street culture is alive and well at Graffiti Burger, where colourful artwork perfect for the ‘gram decorates the walls. Not to be outdone by its hip setting, the burgers are something special, too, with chefs serving up unique treats like the Cheeto Beef Burger, Buffalo Spicy Crunch Chicken, and the Rengo Beef. If you’re craving the best burger in Riyadh with a side of uniqueness, the previous is it. The chicken rollers are also definitely worth ordering, as are its loaded fries that come smothered in cheese.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/graffitiburger_ksa (053 165 0055).
Regal Burger
Alyasmin’s Regal Burger is just that – regal. The polished restaurant complete with wide, curved windows makes for an elegant spot to enjoy a burger. If you’re feeling flush then opt for the Wagyu X burger which comes crafted from prime wagyu beef and served with provolone cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms. Posh dishes including a crab avocado salad and shrimp tacos also don the menu if you’re all beefed out. But, we don’t think you will be. If you’re after the best burger in Riyadh, this is one to flip for.
Alyasmin, instagram.com/regal.burger (055 592 3887).
The Brgr Joint
Hunting for the best burger in Riyadh? One of the best burger joints in Riyadh for its meaty simplicity, we love the Brgr Joint not only for its perfect patties, but for its rustic décor of exposed brick walls, beautiful green shrubs and moody lighting. Not your average burger, opt for the creative black-bunned delights like The Kingdom and Buffalo Burgers, all of which are pretty easy on the wallet too. These are the best burgers in Riyadh.
Al Izdihar, instagram.com/thebrgrjoint (053 100 3555).
Wagyu Burger
No prizes for guessing what this swish burger joint specialises in. A place that takes its meat sweats seriously, its impressive signature Wagyu burger has cheddar cheese, pickles and mushroom sauce all nestled into a bun with precisely 150 grams of wagyu that always goes down a treat. It’s one of the most luxurious burgers in the city and also more broadly one of the best burger in Riyadh. For something a little less indulgent, the grilled chicken and classic angus also hit the spot. Open wide: these patties are monsters.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/wagyu_burger (055 770 7796).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
