These are the world's best burgers

Prepare to drool

This week we celebrate National Burger Day, for what could be more worth celebrating than patties in buns?

Beef, chicken, veggie, smothered in melted cheese, dripping with burger sauce, topped with tangy pickles and sautéed onions - it’s hard to beat a burger.

It’s a fast-food classic that has been elevated to new heights over recent years, with everyone from fancy restaurants to trendy street food trucks putting their spin on the burger.

And thanks to Instagram, many eateries take the approach that the crazier and bigger the burger the better, knowing they’ll reel in those sweet, sweet likes.

Here are the best, craziest and most extravagant burgers from across the world.

The most expensive one

Fleur, Las Vegas

Widely thought to be the most expensive burger in the world, this $5,000 concoction consists of Kobe beef, foie gras and lots of truffles. The price tag also includes a rare bottle of Petrus and diners get to keep the glasses too.

The most delicious one

Patty and Bun, London

This London chain is fast developing a cult following for their juicy beef patties and brioche buns. They’re all great, but our favourite is the ‘Smokey Robinson’ - beef patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, caramelised onions, bacon, ketchup and smokey P&B mayo in a brioche bun.

The iconic one

McDonald’s Big Mac, worldwide

Is it fancy? No. But is it absolutely delicious at the end of a night out or on a hungover Sunday? Yes. Whether you enjoy yours sober or when recovering from one drink too many, there’s no denying the layers of meat, bread, shredded lettuce, gherkin and special sauce in a sesame bun taste good.

The controversial one

In-N-Out burger, California

Popular in LA, In-N-Out focuses on fresh ingredients and even offers a “protein style” burger, which uses lettuce leaves instead of a bun. No surprise Angelenos love it - but whether their claim that it's better than anything offered on the East Coast is open to debate.

The fancy fast food one

Five Guys, worldwide

Voted the UK’s most popular burger chain this year, the American joint is making waves on this side of the Atlantic thanks to its fast food style but quality ingredients. You can add as many toppings as you want, and whatever you do, go hungry.

The burger geeks’ favourite

Au Cheval, Chicago

Voted the best burger in the world by The Burger Guide, Au Cheval serves up double and single cheeseburgers - with the option of adding bacon and egg - in a stylish diner setting. “Au Cheval's burger blends amazingly juicy and tender beef with melted cheese, egg, and thick cut bacon in a rich, messy, and completely transformational burger experience,” writes the guide. We’re sold.

The veggie one

Bill’s halloumi burger, UK-wide

A favourite with veggies and meat-eaters alike, Bill’s veggie burger piles all the good stuff into a bun: griddled red peppers, griddled or dry-fried halloumi, humous and sweet chilli sauce. It’s salty, sweet, umami and oh-so satisfying.

The most extravagant one

Roast burger, Roast, London

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between getting a whole roast dinner and a burger, this is the one for you. Because yes, it is essentially a roast dinner in a burger. Roast beef, curly kale, red cabbage, carrot piccalilli, horseradish cream and melted cheddar, sandwiched together by a rosemary and garlic bun. RIP us.

The no-bun burger

Eastway Brasserie, Andaz London Liverpool Street

If you’re trying to be a bit healthier and cut back on bread, Eastway Brasserie has got you covered with its bun-less burger. Instead of a bun, your burger is topped with beef pâté, bbq pulled pork, lettuce, tomato and red onion, sandwiched between a mac and cheese bun. Much healthier.

The one with a twist

Dip and Flip, London

Gravy is great. More foods should come with gravy. And this is clearly the logic behind Dip and Flip, the London burger chain who serve cheeseburgers topped with sliced roast beef or lamb dunked in gravy. Hell yes.

The gourmet one

Fergburger, Queenstown, New Zealand

Legendary the world over, Fergburger has over 30 different types of burger on its menu. So if you're bored of beef, why not try cod, pork belly or falafel? The breakfast burgers are seriously worth a try too. Who says you can't eat burgers for every meal of the day?