Where to find the ultimate smash burger, crispy chicken, and sliders with a sunset view in Dubai. A comprehensive guide from A to Z.
Forget skyscrapers and malls for a moment. Today, the real battles in Dubai are not about building heights, but about achieving the perfect patty. Here, the humble burger has ceased to be just fast food and has become a true cult—complete with icons, devotees, and places of worship. Local chefs have turned it into a canvas for culinary experiments, proving that the perfect burger is also high art. And believe us, this city has its own da Vincis and Michelangelos of the grill. Consider this guide your personal treasure map. We've already blazed trails, stood in lines, and eaten dozens of burgers (someone had to do it!) so you can immediately head straight for the best. Whether you're looking for the ultimate smash burger, crispy chicken, or simply want to enjoy sliders with a sunset view—we'll show you exactly where on the map.
How We Chose the Best: Our Criteria
How do you distinguish a great burger from just a good one in a city with hundreds of options? We developed our own scoring system. It's not subjective—it's five ironclad rules that helped us separate the wheat from the chaff (or rather, the ideal patties from the mediocre).
- Honesty in every ingredient: It all starts with the basics. We were looking not just for "beef," but juicy, properly cooked meat with an honest flavor. The bun? Only one that absorbs juices without becoming soggy. Vegetables? Only those that crunch as if they were just picked from the garden.
- Originality of concept: In a city where competition is immense, it's important to have your own unique identity. We sought out establishments with unique recipes, original sauces worth discovering, and distinctive presentation styles that turn food into an experience.
- Atmosphere and experience: Going for a burger is an emotional journey. We evaluated everything—from the playlist and design to service speed and friendliness. After all, the best burger is one eaten in the right place and with the right mood.
- Recognition and "popular love": High ratings online are great, but the buzz of satisfied voices right inside the restaurant is even better. We chose places that locals genuinely love and return to again and again for that same dose of pleasure.
- Value for money: We analyzed whether the price justified the taste, portion size, and overall impression. So you can be sure: every dirham spent will bring back pure gastronomic happiness.
Top burger joints on Dubai's culinary map
High Joint – A Cult Classic of Local Cuisine
High Joint is a story about how a tiny, almost secret establishment became a cult brand pursued by food enthusiasts. What's the secret? Fanatical dedication to quality ingredients. Meat here is a cult: only fresh, never frozen, top-quality beef transformed into thin patties right before your eyes. The sauces aren't from bottles—they're homemade, each with its own character. The result is that pure, concentrated meaty flavor, which isn't hidden behind unnecessary ingredients. It's burger honesty at its finest.
The atmosphere matches the food: energetic, authentic, and without any excess pretension. All attention is drawn to the grill, where magic happens. Be sure to try the flagship "High Jamz," where the sweetness of rich bacon jam meets the saltiness of the patty, or the spicy "Spicy Mango Slaw" for a sensory explosion.
Practical information: Key locations are in Al Manara and Motor City. Price range is mid-level.
Fact: The owners of High Joint started their journey with secret dinners for friends, perfecting recipes over years before opening their first establishment, which instantly blew up Dubai's culinary scene.
Tip: Visit during weekdays in the daytime to avoid queues, especially at the flagship location in Al Manara, which has only a few tables. Patience will be fully rewarded.
Pickl – When chicken is just as important as beef
Let's get straight to the point: Pickl is the place to go for the ultimate fried chicken sandwich. Their famous "Chicken Sando" is a symphony of crunch. You hear it when you take the first bite, feel the tender, juicy meat inside, and realize this is not just chicken—it's the result of precise technology and hundreds of experiments. But don't let the chicken overshadow everything else. Their beef burgers are juicy, powerful, and the signature homemade pickles add exactly that tanginess that balances the richness and makes your taste buds sing. The atmosphere of these establishments is modern, bold, and incredibly Instagram-worthy, with neon slogans and vibrant design, making them a magnet for everyone young at heart and hungry.
Practical information: Pickl has an extensive network of branches throughout Dubai. Price range: mid-range.
Not just beef!: Pickl is a must-visit even if you're not a fan of beef. Their fried chicken sandwiches are truly exemplary. Be sure to ask for the 'Comeback' sauce—its name speaks for itself.
Salt – Where the atmosphere matters most
To understand the Salt phenomenon, you need to forget the word "burger joint." It's more like a beach club where the entrance ticket is ordering a couple of signature sliders. It all started with the iconic silver Airstream food truck on Kite Beach and has evolved into a ritual. It's the taste of salty sea air mixed with the aroma of grilled meat. It's a sunset over the bay, views of the sail of Burj Al Arab, and the sensation of sand beneath your feet as you enjoy the city's best sliders. The menu here is brilliant in its simplicity. Classic "Original" sliders are flawless classics, while their spicy version, "Hook," with jalapeño peppers, adds some heat. And to fully immerse yourself in this vibe, order a milkshake with Lotus cookies—a perfect sweet counterpoint to the salty sliders.
Practical information: Main locations are Kite Beach and Dubai Marina. Price range: mid-range.
Warning: On weekends and evenings, it gets extremely crowded here. Be prepared for lines and creative parking solutions. A great option is to arrive by taxi and not worry about anything.
Black Tap – Show Burgers and Crazy Milkshakes
Black Tap is a gastronomic theater where food is the main attraction. First to take center stage are giant, gravity-defying "CrazyShakes." These aren't just desserts—they're architectural creations made of cakes, candies, cookies, and whipped cream, designed to blow up your Instagram feed. But don't let these sugary towers fool you: the burgers at Black Tap aren't just a warm-up before dessert; they're full-fledged stars of the show. While the milkshakes pose for cameras, it's the gourmet burgers that do the real work—exploding your taste buds. Here, premium ingredients are boldly used, whether it's truffle oil in a burger patty or tangy blue cheese. The atmosphere is always lively and cheerful, like a trendy New York diner, making it perfect for celebrations, family dinners, or just a group of very hungry people.
Practical information: Restaurants are located in prestigious locations such as Jumeirah Al Naseem and Rixos Premium JBR hotels. Price range: high.
Tip: One CrazyShake is a serious challenge even for two people. Don't be greedy—share! And come truly hungry—portions here are designed for champions.
Summary table for quick selection:
| Establishment | Signature dish | Atmosphere | Price range | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Joint | Signature smash burger | Authentic minimalism | $$ | Purists and flavor enthusiasts |
| Pickl | Crispy chicken sandwich | Bright, Instagram-worthy | $$ | Young people and food bloggers |
| Salt | Sliders and beach vibes | Relaxed, street-style | $$ | Sunset dates |
| Black Tap | "Crazy" milkshakes | Noisy American diner | $$$ | Celebrations and families with children |
Your Burger Tour: Practical Planning Tips
Best Time for a Food Tour
The ideal season for hunting burgers is from October to April. The weather whispers: you can sit on terraces for hours or, like at Salt, right on the beach, without fear of melting in the heat.
Budget
Prices can vary significantly. In mid-range establishments (High Joint, Pickl, Salt), a burger will cost between 40-60 AED. In premium spots like Black Tap, expect to pay 90-120 AED or more.
Important: prices are constantly changing. Check the venue's website or delivery app before visiting to avoid surprises.
Transportation
The best burger joints are scattered across the city like precious gems. The surest way to visit them all is by taxi or car-sharing services (Careem, Uber). Some locations in malls can be reached by metro, but be prepared for walking.
Reservations
For popular spots like Black Tap, it's essential to book a table in advance for Friday or Saturday evenings—otherwise, you risk missing out on the fun. In the more democratic places, High Joint and Salt, the law of the live queue applies: first come, first burger.
Save money with apps: Before your trip, download local discount apps like The Entertainer or Zomato Pro. Often you can find deals such as '2 for the price of 1' on main dishes, which will make your burger tour twice as enjoyable.
Friday traffic and rush hours: Friday in Dubai marks the start of the weekend. From noon until late at night, roads turn into parking lots, and popular spots become overcrowded. Plan your route and timing with plenty of extra time to avoid missing your burger rendezvous.
More than just a burger
What do a Dubai burger and a Dubai skyscraper have in common? Ambition. Both strive to be the tallest, brightest, and most impressive. From the perfect simplicity of a beachside food truck to gourmet complexity featuring truffles and foie gras, Dubai's burger scene proves that even the simplest dish here can transform into an unforgettable experience. So boldly add a new must-do item to your travel itinerary—between climbing Burj Khalifa and visiting Dubai Mall. This item is called "Find your perfect burger." Trust me, in this city, the best routes are not plotted on maps but rather from one juicy patty to another. Your gastronomic safari begins. Enjoy your meal!
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