Bunsen Burger Ranked Second Best in the World by Big 7

Bunsen Burger, the Dublin-born chain with a famously pared-down menu, has been ranked as serving the second-best burger in the world, missing out on the top spot to Hamburger America of New York City, RTE.ie reported. The ranking comes from The World’s 50 Greatest Burgers, a list curated by Big 7, the travel blog that compiles the best food, drink and experiences around the globe. The global recognition boosts the Irish chain’s reputation, adding to its list of awards and confirming its focus on simplicity and high-quality products.

What the Ranking Changes:

Bunsen Burger has been ranked second in the world on Big 7’s list, trailing only Hamburger America of New York City.
The ranking covers a 50-strong global list spanning smash burgers, Wagyu creations and reindeer patties, putting the Dublin chain ahead of joints in London, Tokyo, Sydney and Dubai.
Bunsen now operates across Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

How the Ranking Unfolded

Big 7’s list ranked burgers on the patty, the build, signature creations, diner reviews, atmosphere and value, according to Cork Beo and Extra.ie. In the end, Hamburger America took the top spot, renowned for its smash burgers cooked in beef fat, with Bunsen hot on its heels at number two. Black Bear Burger of London came third, followed by Smash Things of Tokyo, Eat at ROBs of Sydney, High Joint of Dubai, Bleecker Burger of London, Uniburger of Montreal, Fergburger of Queenstown and RoyAl’s Chicken & Burgers of Perth, completing the top ten.

The publication praised the Dublin restaurant’s focus on quality over quantity. Big 7 wrote that Bunsen “has always understood that a great burger does not need to be complicated,” noting the “famously stripped back” menu — so pared down that it is presented to diners on a business card — with a focus on freshly ground beef, especially made buns, pickles, cheese and a handful of carefully chosen toppings, Extra.ie reported.

Instagram

From a 2013 Dublin Opening to Cork and Belfast

Bunsen was founded by cousins Tom and Finn in Dublin in 2013, RTE.ie reported. The chain expanded to Cork in 2017, with its French Church Street location becoming a popular spot soon after, according to Cork Beo, and it later opened in Belfast as well.

The recipe behind the ranking is deliberately simple. Bunsen makes its burgers by hand, with the beef ground in-house every day. The Black Aberdeen Angus is sourced from farms in the Midlands of Ireland by FX Buckley. Buns are made in a bakery in Naas, Co. Kildare, and potatoes for the shoestring chips are bought from John Madden, a veteran of the Smithfield fruit market. Customers pair the burgers with fries — shoestring, sweet potato or hand-cut — and a thick shake.

Bunsen Burger Ranked Second Best in the World by Big 7 — Photo: Cork Beo

A Repeat Honoree on the Big 7 Lists

This is far from Bunsen’s first appearance on Big 7’s rankings. The chain was placed second on the site’s list of best burger joints in Europe in 2024 and ranked third in the same listing last year, Cork Beo reported. The steady climb — third in Europe, then second, and now second in the world — shows the brand building momentum on the international food-travel circuit year after year.

For Irish food businesses, the ranking also lands in a crowded global field: the 50-strong list stretches from classic American cheeseburgers to Japanese Wagyu creations, Scandinavian reindeer patties and trendy smash burgers, with Dublin the only Irish entry in the top ten.

Instagram

Big 7’s verdict on Bunsen sums up why the simple approach keeps winning: “This Dublin institution has always understood that a great burger does not need to be complicated.”

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and market analysis purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with a certified financial professional before making investment decisions.