Sydney's best burgers

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Neil Perry has been at the forefront of mod-Oz cuisine for the past two decades, so it's only fitting that the burger that has become synonymous with his bar and grill tops the list of Sydney's best burgers. Like all of Perry's creations, no expense is spared in creating this burger, from the Blackmore wagyu beef to the in-house baked brioche buns. It may be a bit steep to have one every day, but as far as rare indulgences go this one is hard to beat.

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Jeremy Strode's modern British cuisine is a sight to behold in itself, so perhaps we should consider the burger from the bar menu as an extra added bonus. Typical of Strode's cooking, the burger doesn't have any unnecessary frills but what is there is perfectly designed to make your experience all the more pleasurable.

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Colin Fassnidge is well known for his nose-to-tail approach to cooking but he is also fast becoming known for his burger. Like the outspoken chef himself, the burger at the Four comes very close to blasphemy, opting for chicken breast instead of the traditional beef pattie. Puritans may argue over its authenticity but there's no denying this is one of Sydney's best.

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Sure, Neil Perry is already on the list and the contender on Spice Temple's bar menu takes a very loose interpretation of the word 'burger', but goddamn is it good. The burger is constantly changing but if you get the chance to sample the pork belly creation then take hold of it with both hands.

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Handmade Coorong Angus beef patties with pickle and tomato relish: there's a lot to like about the burger effort at NBB+D and not a whole lot to dislike. It's a purist's burger through and through and is just as successful as a winter warmer or a summertime ale accompaniment.

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Dan Hong's cheeseburger at Lotus differs from the rest you'll find around Sydney. It's more a nouveau junk food ode to the American classic. Think In-N-Out Burger, White Castle and Five Guys from the States and you'll soon get the picture.

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Going up against some of the true heavyweights of the Sydney dining scene, Out of the Blue more than holds its own. This little beachside cafe has been a Clovelly favourite for years — and it ain't for the hot chips. Choose your protein (fish, chicken or beef) and let them have at it with everything on display in the colourful salad section. The addition of beetroot and fried eggs may not please burger purists but it has come to represent what the quintessential Aussie burger is all about.

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Really harnessing the American motto of "bigger is better", Bill & Toni's jaunt into pub grub at the Mac Hotel proffers a list of burgers that are just plain scary. Mammoth amounts of cheese and ground beef go into these handheld heart attacks, but if you're going to go out then you may as well go out in style. Head here on a Wednesday night for the true test of burger mettle: the experimental burgers.

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After the cult status that the Plan B burger received during Becasse's time at the Clarence Street location it was inevitable that Justin North's butter-basted creation would strike out on its own. Now you can grab any number of Charlie's burgers without the fight to grab one of the four street-side tables. And if you're really feeling decadent you can grab a side of truffle-infused chips to go with it.