Smash burgers are the rebels of the burger world. They're bold, flavour-packed and unapologetically crispy. Unlike the thick, juicy patties of a traditional burger, a smash burger begins as a ball of meat pressed flat onto a scorching hot grill. This 'smashing' creates a caramelised crust that locks in flavour, giving each bite a perfect balance of crunch and succulence.
Born in American diners in the mid-20th century, smash burgers have made their way to Dubai’s food scene, where creative chefs are taking this simple yet genius technique and giving it a local twist. From classic cheese-laden stacks to adventurous flavour mash-ups, these hidden gems across the city are serving smash burgers worth seeking out.
Beau
Beau in Jumeirah 3 gives the smash burger a gourmet twist, and the one you absolutely need to try is their truffle smash burger. Made with Angus beef, layered with cheese, truffle sauce, pan-fried mushrooms and caramelised onions, it’s indulgence in every bite. Also worth exploring is their signature Angus burger with Elysee sauce and pickles, proving Beau knows how to elevate comfort food. The sleek Parisian vibe of the restaurant, based in Jumeirah, also extends to their presentation with burgers served in chic, stylish packaging.
@beaurestaurants
Josef’s Burger
Josef’s Burger, located in Wasl Building in Al Jaddaf, is all about bold flavours and burgers that pack a punch, and their JB Burger is a must-try. Made with crispy beef, candied jalapeños, chilli mayo, and a side of chilli cheese nuggets, it’s sweet, spicy, and unforgettable. For something extra indulgent, the grand truffle burger with wagyu beef, roasted and caramelised onion and truffle mayo is another hit. With creations like the fiery habanero, triple cheeseburger, creamy avocado truffle burger and more on the menu, Josef’s Burger guarantees big flavour with every visit.
Josef's Burger
Maxzi The Good Food Shop
At Maxzi The Good Food Shop in Al Quoz, the grilled jalapeño cheese burger is the one you’ll want to come back for. Juicy wagyu beef patties are smashed for that perfect caramelised crust, then topped with gooey melted cheese and fiery grilled jalapeños that give each bite a bold kick. Add onions, pickles and their signature house sauce, all tucked inside pillowy potato buns, and you’ve got a burger that balances heat and indulgence beautifully. Pair it with golden tater tots for the ultimate comfort fix.
www.maxzi.ae
SLAW
SLAW, with multiple outlets across Dubai, has become a go-to for smash burger purists, and their truffle cheese burger proves why. An Angus beef patty is pressed thin for crispy edges, layered with Swiss cheese, truffle oil and roca leaves, creating a rich, earthy bite that feels decadent yet approachable. For true beef fans, doubling up is a great idea to enjoy an experience of melty American cheese and that signature smash sizzle forming crispy rims. And don’t skip the sides. Try corn ribs and an epic lineup of seven fries, from sweet potato to fully loaded dirty fries.
@slaw.ae
LENTO
Try the picante burger at LENTO in Jumeirah's Al Wasl. Made with wagyu minced in-house and tucked into soft milk bread, this smash burger delivers the perfect combo of juicy meat and crispy edges. Each bite has just the right hit of spice, balanced with freshness that keeps you reaching for more. Helmed by Emirati chef Faisal Naser, LENTO nails both the flavour and the vibe with DJ booths, hip-hop beats and more. Go for the burgers, stay for the vibe.
@lento.ae
Hidden Shack
Hidden Shack in Al Safa keeps it simple and unforgettable with its smashed Oklahoma, featuring double beef patties smashed thin, layered with double cheese, tangy pickles, and house sauce. It’s a classic done right, delivering pure smash burger satisfaction every time. Also try their signature 'The OG' with two pieces of smashed beef with double cheese, home made sauce, tomatoes and raw onions. A true hidden gem.
@hiddenshack.ae
High Joint
High Joint's 'High Jamz' burger is messy in all the right ways, stacking an Angus beef patty with caramelised onions and a generous drizzle of sauce that soaks into every layer. Add a mountain of fries on the side and you’re in cheat-day heaven. Expect messy, moreish creations with inventive toppings like pineapple and truffle. High Joint has become a cult favourite in Dubai, and it’s easy to see why. Born from three Emirati friends’ passion in 2018, High Joint has grown into one of Dubai’s smash burger heavyweights, now with multiple outlets across the city.
@high.joint
Prime Burger UAE
The 'New York Burger' at Prime Burger is a smash hit, with double wagyu beef patties seared for maximum flavour, layered with gooey cheese, grilled onions and crisp pickles, all tucked into a hand-baked bun made fresh daily. It’s the kind of burger that feels classic yet elevated, with each bite delivering that rich wagyu juiciness. With outlets in City Walk and Mirdif Way, Prime Burger has built a loyal following thanks to its no-frills approach reflected in fresh ingredients, simple craft, and a focus on flavour.
www.primeburgeruae.com
Smash Shack
At Smash Shack in Al Warqa, the messy smash stack burger lives up to its name in the best way possible. Juicy beef patties are pressed thin, topped with melted cheese, caramelised onions, and finished with their addictive messy sauce. Sweet, tangy and just the right amount of indulgent. Known also for smashed double-decker burgers, everything here is amped up with in-house sauces that make each bite unforgettable. It’s comfort food at its juiciest, smokiest best.
@smashshack.ae
Simple
Simple, at Al Khawaneej West, lives up to its name, with their smash single cheese burger, made with wagyu beef pressed thin, melted cheddar, pickles and their signature sauce, all hugged by a soft brioche bun. Double it up if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence. The flavours only get better. To complete the experience, order the loaded skin-on fries drenched in cheese and signature house sauce, the perfect partner to their no-fuss, perfectly executed smash burgers.
@simple.dubai