Brussels, Smash Burger City

Ask any Brusselier where you eat the best burgers in the capital and chances are the answer will be Rambo. There’s no stressing over what to choose here, at Rambo there are only three options: the classic, the special and the no meat. And boy, does it taste great! Crunchy from the first bite, melt-in-your-mouth. Here, they’ve mastered the smash technique to perfection. Rambo was the very first smashburger restaurant in the country. You'll find them in the heart of the Châtelain district, as an American diner, or in Saint-Boniface as a takeaway only.

Various locations in Brussels

A closed burger… when Martin Volckaerts (once best young chef of the year according to Gault & Millau) spotted the concept on social media, he rushed to Paris. Volckaerts was immediately convinced and brought the genre to Brussels. A closed burger is not only easier to eat, it also makes for a much better taste experience. At BAM near the Ixelles cemetery, you have a choice of five burgers: salmon, chicken, beef, Italian and truffle. A real feast, with no spillage.

Avenue de la Couronne 459, 1050 Ixelles

The best way is the traditional way, and they prove that at Bikette. There, brioche buns are made fresh, every day, the traditional way. The ingredients are all top quality. The meat comes straight from the farm. The onions are caramelised on the spot. Choose whatever cheese you want to go with it. And top it all off with one of the home-made sauces. You can lick your fingers and thumbs in the Bailli and Sablon districts.

Rue du Bailli 30, 1000 Brussels
Rue de Rollebeek 15, 1000 Brussels

Flagey is the epicentre of Brussels' smash burger culture. So, it’s no coincidence that Smash was one of the first restaurants of the genre to establish itself nearby. At Smash, they know that lovers of these burgers can be found all over Brussels. That's why they got themselves a food truck that sets up shop at all the capital's coolest events. On the Smash menu: four different cheeseburgers, a veggie burger and a chicken burger. Plus, fine Brussels beer.

Rue Van Elewyck 1, 1050 Ixelles

Brussels even has a burger joint that’s made for vegans. At Kitsune, the burgers are 100% vegan. Not a vegan yourself (yet)? Then definitely pop in. Chances are you'll walk out completely converted. In fact, the flavour palette at Kitsune is overwhelming and ranges from the US to Japan and South Korea. Delicious and caters to young and old alike. They even have a vegan kids' menu!

Petite rue des Bouchers 25, 1000 Brussels 

The battle for the best burger in Brussels is getting more exciting by the day and Flipper’s, a formidable new contender, has entered the fray. Step inside this immaculate space - reminiscent of 1980s California - place your order electronically and judge for yourself. The brioche bun is crispy, the meat is juicy, the sauces are creamy and the vegetables are fresh. It checks all the boxes! And best of all, it's not too heavy on the stomach!

Rue Lesbroussart 13, 1050 Ixelles

OK, you're not going to find a smashburger here. But will a unique sandwich do? An American sandwich, that is. Because there is not much that’s more American than this fantastic lunch spot. Elbow lunch counter is an authentically American pastrami bar where they prepare the pastrami in front of you, on a flat griddle. Deliciously tender, on rye or on hero. With a simple pickle on the side. At Elbow, they love simplicity, and everything here is simply delicious.

Rue de la Paix 32, 1050 Ixelles