Madrid Celebrates International Burger Day with Gourmet Routes

Spain's capital embraces the popular dish's evolution, highlighting establishments offering everything from smash burgers to high-quality classic creations.

Gourmet hamburger on a wooden board with a Madrid restaurant background.
IA

Gourmet hamburger on a wooden board with a Madrid restaurant background.

This May 28th, Madrid celebrates International Burger Day with a culinary scene that has transformed from fast food to a gourmet experience.

The hamburger, though often associated with the United States, has its roots in Europe, specifically in Germany, in the city of Hamburg. Its mass popularization was consolidated in the USA, turning it into a gastronomic and cultural icon. It arrived in Spain in the latter half of the 20th century, evolving from a fast-food item to a high-quality option compatible with local produce.
The Community of Madrid has emerged as a hub for this transformation, hosting reference burger joints that foster a more specialized 'burger' culture. Trends like the 'smash burger' and the use of brioche buns have gained traction, displacing traditional seeded buns.
In celebration, several Madrid establishments stand out. Nanu´s Hamburguesas Madrid, located on Francisco Silvela, blends classic American ambiance with the 'smash burger' and will launch a limited edition of its 'Patty Melt' for the special day.
La Bistroteca, with restaurants in the Salamanca district (Espartinas and General Espardiñas), offers a gastronomic perspective with selected meats, grilled cuisine, and artisanal buns, elevating the hamburger into a gourmet culinary experience.
Marlons, on Paseo de la Habana, arrived in 2021 with American-inspired 'smash burgers', such as the 'Oklahoma Fried Onion burger', providing a fast, urban experience near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
The Valencia-based chain Hundred Burgers, with three locations in Madrid (Eloy Gonzalo, Plaza Pedro Zerolo, Avenida de la Victoria), has been internationally recognized as the world's best. Its secret lies in the in-house preparation of minced meat and brioche buns.
Meanwhile, Nolita, located on Ponzano street, distinguishes itself from the 'smash' trend by championing the classic hamburger with juicy meat, artisanal pretzel-style buns, and original combinations like Gruyère and champagne fondue. They have expanded their concept with Nolita Express for take-away orders.