Critics praised their ‘famously stripped back’ menu
11:44, 04 Nov 2026Updated 12:36, 04 Nov 2026
A Bunsen Burger(Image: bunsenburgers / Instagram)
It’s one of Leesider’s go-to spots for a great meal – promising no fuss, quality food with lovely portions that won’t leave you hungry.
And now, the Bunsen restaurant chain has been recognised for their amazing grub once again, as they’ve just been ranked as having the second-best burgers in the world. Bunsen – which was founded in Dublin and also has a location in Belfast – was awarded the glowing accolade by the popular travel website Big 7 in its new listing.
These Irish restaurants are known for their simple menu – serving basic burgers and cheeseburgers with the usual spread of condiments and veg for customers to choose from. Their location on French Church Street in Cork became a popular spot for fine grub not long after the chain first expanded to the county back in 2017.
And it’s clear Rebels aren’t the only ones who love their food, as the chain only just missed out on the number one spot in the Big 7s rankings. That honour went to Hamburger America in New York City, which is renowned for its smash burgers cooked in beef fat.
A Bunsen Burger
Speaking about Bunsen, the Big 7 team said their “simplicity and quality” were among the reasons they ranked so highly. They added that they have “always understood that a great burger does not need to be complicated,” writing: “The menu is famously stripped back – so much so 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.
“Enjoy your burger with fries – shoestring, sweet potato or hand-cut – and a thick shake for the perfect dining experience. It’s a testament to their simplicity and quality that they’ve also opened up stores in Cork and Belfast, too.”
It’s far from the first time the chain has been honoured by this travel website. In 2024, they were placed second on their list of best burger joints in Europe. And last year, they ranked third in the same listing.
Other famous burger joints which made the top 10 include Black Bear Burger in London, Smash Things in Tokyo in Japan, Eat ROBs in Sydney and Uniburger in Montreal in Canada. The judges said each burger was evaluated on the patty, the build, signature creations, diner reviews, atmosphere and value.
Top 10 best burgers in the worldHamburger America, New York CityBunsen Burger, DublinBlack Bear Burger, LondonSmash Things, TokyoEat at ROBs, SydneyHigh Joint, DubaiBleecker Burger, LondonUniburger, MontrealFergburger, QueenstownRoyAl’s Chicken & Burgers, Perth
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