Sydney’s burger scene is well and truly booming, and we’re not just talking about the wagyu beef variety. From spicy Middle Eastern chickpeas to plant based fish burgers, vegetarianism has never sounded so darn tasty. Read on for our list of the finest vegetarian burgers Sydney has to offer as we raise our soy shakes to a meat-free 2016!
Lord of the Fries
CBD
In need of a Macca’s fix, but can’t bear the post-binge guilt? Enter Lord of the Fries. The burger-joint-with-a-conscience was first launched by two pals in search of a better on-the-go eating experience, and now includes two venues in Sydney. With a focus on fresh ingredients and high quality produce, the Lord of the Fries menu features all the takeaway classics, from burgers and onion rings through to nuggets and hot dogs, but this time they’re with a twist—the entire menu is vegetarian, kosher and halal (plus there’s vegan and gluten free options for the über saintly amongst us)! Even the heartiest of carnivores could find themselves converted.
Pub Life Kitchen
Ultimo
It may be one of the smallest pubs in Sydney, but The Lord Wolseley is fast become famed for something else. Home to the renowned Pub Life Kitchen, those in the know swear by chef Jovan Curic’s tasty burgers, and their Vege Deluxe (a mouth watering combo of sweet potato, lentils, goats cheese, mayo, lettuce, pickles, ketchup and fries) is no different. Heading down midweek? Keep your fingers crossed for a veggie option at their weekly Wednesday Burger Experiment—their ever-changing concoctions are the stuff of legends.
Burger Project
CBD
One of Australia’s most influential chefs, you may not immediately associate the name Neil Perry with fast food and fries. And rightly so, because Burger Project is none of those things. The latest addition to the Rockpool Restaurant Group, Burger Project pride themselves in their relationships with local growers, producers and suppliers, and use only the finest of ingredients in all of their cooking. Looking for your vego fix? You can’t go far wrong with their Magic Mushroom burger, prepared before your very eyes in open kitchens at both World Square and the MLC Centre. It’s gourmet dining without the price tag.
Mary's
Newtown and CBD
If you’ve still not checked out Mary’s, chances are you’ve been living under a rock. Sydney’s most revered burger joint do a mean ‘Shroom Burger’, made all the tastier thanks to lashings of garlic butter and a generous serving of fries, all served up in a cute retro basket, 50s diner style. Grab and go on your lunchbreak at their CBD venue, or settle in for late night post-beer munchies at their original (and best) Newtown locale. Be prepared to queue, but know that it’ll be worth it.
Cheekyburger
Paddington and Chippendale
If you’re hankering for a veggie burger with a side of American ‘tude, then pull up a red vinyl pew at Cheekyburger. With venues in both Paddington and Chippendale, the kooky diner does a great line in (you guessed it) Shroom Burgers, presented on old-school plastic trays and wrapped in brightly stamped wax paper. Head down on Tuesdays for their $10 burger deal and spend your spare cash on a side of deep fried pickles, or hit up their Tuesday –Friday Happy Hour and wash the whole lot down with a jug of icy cold beer.
Bonditony's Burger Joint
Bondi
You’ll see the crowds before you see the sign at Bonditonys’, especially if you dare venture here at the weekend. With its laid back, straight-outta-the-surf vibe, there’s rarely an empty spot at the buzzy little beach joint that prides itself on gourmet burgers and a carefully selected drinks list. Up there with the best of ‘em is their vego Jonny Collide burger, a homemade corn and chickpea patty served with onion rings, mushrooms, cheese and relish, and topped off with a dollop of Bonditony’s honey aioli. Hold out for a table outside if you can—there’s nowhere better for a spot of Bondi people watching!
Goodtime Burgers
Bondi Junction
$10 burning a hole in your pocket? Don’t Have a Cow! The vego option at Goodtime Burgers doesn’t scrimp on size or taste despite its wallet-friendly price tag. A flavoursome combo of roasted mushroom, tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese and chipotle aioli, chow down on this little number at the American-style diner before hitting up one of the other foul levels that make up Bondi Junctions ‘The Eastern’, then stop in for another late night hit to soak up the beers post-revelry.
Chur Burger
Multiple locations
Veggies rejoice! The legendary Chur Burger have put a spin on their meat-free option with a middle-eastern inspired number that will have you salivating. Tuck into a spiced chickpea fritter with grated beetroot and honey labne, all encased between a delicious fresh burger bun, available at their Express outlet in Sydney’s CBD, as well as at the original Chur Burger over in Surry Hills. But the best bit? Chur Burger are now delivering, so you can enjoy all the goodness of your favourite burger joint from the comfort of your sofa!
Barrio Cellar
CBD
A fairly new addition to Barrio Cellar’s menu, the late night venue’s Mushroom Burger has proved to be a runaway hit with both vegos and carnies alike. The mushroom and cheese patty is brought to life with Mexican inspired flavours including pickled jalapenos, chimichurri mayo, chipotle mustard and red onion, served in a fresh bun alongside a side of chips. A deliciously sloppy burger experience that’ll keep your stomach lined til the wee hours.
Soul Burger
Randwick
One for the vegans amongst us, Soul Burger is certainly dedicated to the cause. Australia’s first ‘gourmet plant-based burger joint’, these guys take their ethics seriously, with a burger menu that encompasses everything from plant based spicy sausage, fish and beef, through to field mushroom, falafel and curried chickpea options, all finished off with classic toppings and mouth watering sauces. Committed to ‘revolutionising our broken food system’, we think these guys are set to take Sydney by storm.
Want more vegetarian dishes? How about 50 of them?! You know you want to. Read the article now.
Image credit: Dan Rajadurai at Soul Burger
