Athens has taken the burger from borrowed Americana and turned it into something distinctly its own. Across the city, local kitchens have refined the form with disciplined technique, thoughtful sourcing, and an instinct for playful subversion.
What defines the scene now is confidence. Dry‑aged patties are charred just so; smash burgers arrive with lacey edges and melted, thrift‑shop nostalgia; buns are chosen with intent; sauces are calibrated with the precision of perfume. There are knowing nods to the diner canon, but also fearless detours – spice routes, island herbs, midnight snacks reimagined.
From smoke‑kissed classics to clever cross‑cultural riffs, Athens is cooking at full throttle. These are the addresses that make the case for the city as one of Europe’s most compelling burger capitals right now.
01
Bonnie Burgers
Small, focused, and clearly part of the new smash-burger wave, this newcomer keeps its menu deliberately tight. Thin, succulent beef patties are pressed hard on the griddle to create crisp edges and deep caramelization, then paired with melted cheese, pickles, and a tangy house sauce. The double version adds intensity without tipping into heaviness. Fries are classic and unfussy, especially good with the jalapeno mayo, reinforcing the back-to-basics appeal that defines the place.
Falirou 40, Koukaki
02
Smasheato
New to the Athens burger scene, this spot commits fully to smash technique, prioritizing texture and flavor over excess. The cheeseburger arrives with thin, well-seared patties, melted American cheese, chopped onion, and a sharp, slightly acidic sauce that cuts through the richness. A fried chicken sandwich adds contrast, while loaded fries provide a satisfying side. The menu stays focused, letting execution do the talking.
Mega Alexandrou 2, Dafni
03
Big Nick
Big Nick takes a daring approach to burgers, emphasizing ingredients that are obtained locally and freshly. Their flagship dish, the Big Nick burger, is a beef patty topped with caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce that tastes rich and filling. With jalapenos, cheddar, and house-made spicy sauce, the Spicy Nick amps up the heat – perfect for anyone who likes a little kick. For a fusion twist, the Spicy Korean burger stands out, blending a beef patty with kimchi, gochujang sauce, and pickled cucumber, producing a savory and acidic balance of flavors. Serving hand-cut fries or a crisp coleslaw alongside its gourmet burgers, Big Nick takes pride in its no-nonsense approach to cooking.
145 Vouliagmenis, Nea Smyrni
04
Tarantino
The unpretentious atmosphere and attention to quality ingredients sets this place apart. The El Capone burger stands out with a juicy 200g beef patty, cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy BBQ sauce for a bold flavor combination. Those looking for a more decadent option can indulge in the Truffle Shuffle, in which truffle mayo elevates the rich beef patty with layers of cheddar and caramelized onions. With a focus on artisanal takes on classic American flavors, Tarantino maintains a neighborhood feel with a contemporary twist on comfort food. Vegetarians will love the portobello mushroom burger with truffle mayo and grilled haloumi cheese.
Dimitrakopoulou 17, Koukaki
05
Smash ‘n Bun
This place on Patriarchou Ioakim street is known for its smash burgers, thin beef patties with crispy edges, and juicy fillings. The menu is based on organic and homemade ingredients. The patties are made with 100% forty-day dry-aged beef, the chicken is free-range, the potato rolls are made with selected Greek flours, the cheese, bacon, and tomato are organic, the sauces are made in-house, and the potatoes are from Naxos. Try the classic Teddy’s with the double patty, the Moldo for mushroom lovers, and the spicy Korean Fried Chicken with the nicely crispy breaded chicken and kimchi.
Patriarchou Ioakim 48, Kolonaki
06
Ekiben Kitchen
It was New York-raised chef and restauranteur Aris Vezene who first introduced Athens to smash burgers. And he did it most enticingly. First at Birdman, a Japanese gastropub in Syntagma, and now also at Ekiben Kitchen, which is inspired by Japanese bento railway culture, he serves up a delicious Smash Burger. It’s easy to make this burger disappear in two to three bites. The cooks use two thin patties made from grass-fed cow meat, topped by melted American cheese, homemade tonkatsu ketchup, chopped lettuce and onions, and homemade, fluffy potato rolls. Also delicious is the Chicken Katsu burger, with Japanese coleslaw, pickled cucumber, and wasabi aioli. Ekiben has now also opened in Glyfada.
Skoufou 15, Syntagma
07
Balboa Athens
A recent addition by Ergon Foods that favors boldness over restraint, Balboa leans into indulgent, generously built burgers. Thick beef patties form the backbone of the menu, layered with melted cheese, bacon, and assertive sauces. A spicier option introduces chili heat and jalapeños, while sides like onion rings and seasoned fries are clearly designed for dipping. The overall feel is hearty, confident, and unapologetically old-school.
Ermou 98 & Artemidos, Monastiraki
08
Po‘ Boys
Here, the chef has created a menu that revolves around their signature smoking station, where every kind of meat – whether it’s brisket, ribs, or burgers – is smoked to perfection. The Holy Cow burger is a standout, featuring a smoked beef patty made from Serres beef, topped with caramelized onions, cheddar, a rich cheese fondue, and house-made BBQ sauce, all served on a buttery brioche bun. The smoked beef patty retains a pink hue, a signature characteristic of the smoking process, not its doneness, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. This burger, like all the offerings at Po’ Boys, comes with a side of perfectly crisp, golden fries that complement the richness of the burger.
Agatharhou 12 & Lepeniotou, Psirri
09
Stack
As the name suggests, this newer opening embraces height and layering, delivering burgers that arrive stacked and substantial. The double cheeseburger is the obvious standout, built around juicy patties, melted cheese, and sauces that hold their own against the volume. A fried chicken option offers crunch and richness in equal measure. Portions are generous, and the menu clearly targets diners with a serious appetite.
Thivon 438, Ilion
10
Juicy Grill
Juicy Grill has become a local favorite for its bold, creative burgers and hearty portions. The Matty’s Burger stands out with a juicy beef patty, sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, iceberg lettuce, and signature BBQ sauce, offering rich, smoky flavors. For a crunchy option, the Fluffy Fried Chicken burger features a perfectly fried chicken filet, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and mayo, delivering a satisfying bite. Another hit is The Billion, served on garlic buns with regato cheese, double bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Caesar’s sauce.
Paleon Patron Germanou 7, Syntagma
11
Food Str
Even though it’s centrally located, this place is at the same time hidden away on the pedestrian Kalamiotou street, near a cluster of fabric shops. Their burgers might be small but they’re also affordable, and what can be described as honest. Thus, if you have a bit of a raging appetite, you can easily try two together with fries. Go for the mushroom burger with three different kinds of mushrooms, parmesan flakes, lettuce, and a generous serving of mayonnaise. Also, the chicken burger with the nicely grilled chicken breast and pickles, homemade tomato sauce, and mayonnaise, is satisfyingly succulent. The Mediterranean burger with feta and olive paste makes a nice change from American classics.
Kalamiotou 14, Agias Irinis Square, Monastiraki
12
Jackaroo
Jackaroo has become a staple in Athens’ fast comfort food scene, blending fried chicken and burger culture under one energetic roof. Their menu leans hard on big flavor—signature Chicken Melt sandwiches, stacked burgers, loaded “mega” sandwiches, and crunchy fried chicken fingers with a corner turned on sauces. Everything is cooked to order: buns are sourced locally, meats served fresh, and sauces are made in house. The style is bold, unpretentious, and loud—built for grabbing, digging in, and going back for more. Jackaroo also has chains in Panormou, Neos Kosmos, Piraeus and Thessaloniki
Fokionos Negri 18, Kypseli
13
Nob Burger
Minimalism plus deep indulgence shapes the approach here, with a menu that keeps attention on the core elements. Beef patties are well-seasoned and juicy, paired with soft buns and sauces used sparingly for balance. The cheeseburger anchors the offering, while a double version adds depth without overwhelming the palate. Sides like crunchy salads remain straightforward, reinforcing a philosophy that favors clarity over complication.
Eratosthenos 3, Pangrati
14
Saint‘s
Bright, playful and centered on smash burgers, Saint’s by Mpoumpou has drawn attention with its stripped-down menu and bold style. The star is the beef smash burger, thin patties with crisp edges, served with minimal toppings that highlight the seared meat. A chicken option rounds out the offering, with golden fries and tangy house sauces. The interior bursts with color and pop culture references, creating a lighthearted and vibrant setting. It’s a small space with a lot of personality, and a firm nod to the fast-casual spirit done right.
Pinelopis Delta 8, Neo Psychiko
15
Burger Disco Club
Burger Disco Club merges burgers with nightlife in an underground setting that transforms after dark. By day and evening, the focus is on creative, gourmet burgers crafted with care, often paired with artisanal sauces and sleek presentation. Once night falls, the venue evolves into a listening bar and club, with curated music and cocktails. The dual identity gives the burgers extra buzz, making them part of a bigger experience. Its retro-futuristic decor and eclectic beats add to the sense of discovery for anyone looking for something beyond the classic burger house.
Nikis 11, Syntagma
16
Raw Street Burger
A newer street-level concept that blends indulgence with a lighter touch, this burger joint focuses on clean flavors and balance. Beef burgers arrive juicy and neatly structured, while a chicken option offers a crisp alternative without excess heaviness. Sauces lean bright rather than rich, and sides follow the same logic. The result feels contemporary and controlled, without losing comfort-food appeal.
Ymittou 130, Pangrati
17
Guerrila Chef Burgers
This burger-focused outpost strips things back to essentials, relying on precision rather than breadth. The cheeseburger is offered in single or double form, built with high-quality beef, melted cheese, and exact seasoning. There’s no decorative garnish or unnecessary flourish; each element is chosen for clarity of flavor. The narrow menu signals confidence, delivering consistency and focus rather than variety.
Solomou 33, Exarchia
18
Sam Burgers
This place has earned steady acclaim in Koukaki, praised for its flavorful patties and unfussy approach. The burgers lean on freshness and balance: juicy beef with well-chosen toppings, tucked inside soft buns that hold together without overwhelming the fillings. Sweet potato fries and simple sides complement the menu. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with a straightforward authenticity that feels reassuring in the city’s fast-moving burger scene.
Dimitrakopoulou 82, Koukaki
19
Burgernauts
Here you’ll find a playful cosmic theme and a menu dedicated to smash burgers. The space-themed decor adds humor and lightness, while the food keeps things serious: crisp-edged patties pressed thin on the griddle, topped with melting cheese, tangy sauces, and soft buns built to hold the flavor. The vibe is casual, quirky, and youthful, appealing to anyone looking for a fun twist on the smash burger wave without compromising on execution.
Spirou Merkouri 22B, Pangrati
20
Starlight
Starlight pushes the burger scene into new territory by offering both meat and vegan options with equal care. Their lineup features juicy beef burgers alongside plant-based creations, with monthly specials that keep regulars intrigued. Think smoky vegan patties with inventive toppings or classic cheeseburgers with a twist, always presented with bold flavor combinations. With locations downtown and in Glyfada.
Kolokotroni & Praxitelous 1, Syntagma
21
ONE Burger
A futuristic brand identity on the Athens burger map, sleek in both design and execution. The menu is streamlined, centered on cheeseburgers that focus on clean lines of flavor – juicy patties, crisp lettuce, and signature sauce in perfectly proportioned buns. Presentation is minimal yet confident, designed to highlight quality ingredients rather than excess. The pared-down aesthetic of the space matches its food philosophy, aiming for impact through simplicity. With an eye toward expansion, it’s a concept that signals ambition from its first bite.
Agathonos 7, Psirri
