5 of the best smash burgers in Amsterdam
A trend that really took off in 2023—and one I’m more than happy to see stick around: smash burgers. And I think restaurants are more than happy about them too, because generally speaking, they don’t use the most expensive cut of meat, they’re quick to prepare, and they don’t require many skills to make. But even here, you can separate the wheat from the chaff, because one smash burger tastes noticeably better than another.
And that’s why it was high time to make a list of the very best smash burgers in Amsterdam. It’s made me hungry.
The smash burgers in Amsterdam you’ll want to try
1. Le Smash
Better well borrowed than poorly invented… Let’s be honest: Le Smash got this right. Their concept and styling remind me a lot of places like Supernova in London, and also a little of Gasoline Grill in Copenhagen. But it works: a limited menu where every dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Because they are: the smash burger here is one of my favorites, especially because of the sauce (which is somewhat reminiscent of an upscale Big Mac sauce, but in the most positive way possible). Side note: it’s takeaway only, because it’s not exactly cozy inside.
Govert Flinckstraat 122
2. Maijard Smashburgers
Another favorite is Maijard Smashburgers, which has also been discovered by TikTok and therefore often has to deal with queues of tourists. There’s no extensive menu here either, but the interior is much less bare than at Le Smash: lots of neon colors, texts like ‘Let’s get smashed’ that are, of course, illuminated, and there’s even a little merchandise shop… They go big here, although in the end it’s all about the burger—and fortunately, it’s seriously good.
Rozengracht 9
3. Bar Bonnie
If you’re in the mood for a good smash burger but also want to sit somewhere pleasant, you should definitely go to Bar Bonnie. I think this is a great place for lunch, drinks and/or dinner anyway, so the fact that they have a good smash burger on the menu only makes it better for me. The service is good, they have a terrace with heaters—in short, it’s lovely to spend time here. The burger is so flavorful, the cheese is always perfectly melted, and with regular or truffle fries on the side: absolute bliss.
Amstelveenseweg 226
4. Janana
I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s great that you can: you can also order a smash burger here to enjoy at home. Definitely recommended if you live nearby, because otherwise I worry about the temperature and quality. Because those are spot-on when you eat here instead of ordering, and you can completely customize it to your own taste. Extra bacon, for example, confit garlic or homemade pickled peppers… Even better: they also have a vegetarian smash burger.
Willem de Zwijgerlaan 151
5. The Beef Chief
Quite possibly the tastiest burgers in Amsterdam and the surrounding area—you genuinely can’t go wrong here. And of course they also have a smash burger, called Fry Me A River, with American cheese and smoked Cheddar, and it’s so delicious: the onions are ‘smashed’ into the beef patty. And even though this article is about smash burgers, believe me: you really want to try everything here. Work your way through the entire menu; there are no duds.
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 85
Also read:
- 24 places to get the best burgers in the Netherlands
- How to make the very best hamburgers in 5 steps
- 6 tips for eating that big hamburger without making a mess
Image: The Beef Chief
