So let’s be real, you can see from our site that we’re not food bloggers, but these smash burgers in Switzerland that we’ve tried below we’re well worth writing about. It’s not an extensive list, but we wanted to share the ones we’ve already tried and will be adding to the list as we go.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling food trends in the past few years, you’ve probably seen the rise of the smash burger. But what exactly makes a smash burger different from a regular one?
What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is all about technique. Instead of forming a thick patty and grilling it gently, a ball of ground beef is pressed, as in “smashed”, directly onto a hot griddle. This creates maximum surface contact, leading to a deep, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy.
The result is a burger potentially with crispy edges, intense beef flavour, and a thinner, layered profile, which are often stacked in doubles or triples. You can of course take singles too.
This style has become hugely popular across Europe, and Switzerland is no exception. When we’re travelling around the country, a delicious smash burger after a long day out is always a great idea, especially when travelling with friends.
So here below is a small list of places that we’ve tried and tested, and can definitely recommend….
Smash Burgers In Switzerland
This list is based on our own tasty experience trying and eating smash burgers at these restaurants listed below. There will of course be more smash burger restaurants that you can discover.
Read on to see which ones we have tried and tasted, and we will add more to this list once we try more too.
Smash Burgers In Lugano Ticino
Two standout spots leading the charge in Lugano are FULLY Burgers & Fries and LEFTY’S, each offering a distinct take on the smash burger experience.
Lefty’s
The focus here is on simplicity done well: juicy smashed patties, melted cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and a house sauce, all layered in a soft bun. The flavours feel well thought-out rather than heavy, making the burger satisfying without being overwhelming.
Alongside their smash burger options, they have the most delicious chicken burger which is AMAZING for those who like spice. When we go here, I often now take the chicken burger over the smashed burger because its just so good. These chicken spicy burgers can get a little messy due to the sauce, but its so delicious that it’s worth getting messy!
Make sure to also take a portion of their fries and leave space for an ice cream desert – you will not be disappointed!
Location: Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 12, Lugano
Fully Burgers & Fries
Different to Lefty’s, here it’s all about bold flavors and richness, with crispy-edged patties, plenty of melted cheese, heaps of bacon, and flavourful sauces packed into the soft buns. The burgers are bigger, messier, and designed to be satisfying in a more intense way.
Fully has a fast, energetic vibe and a focused menu built around burgers and fries, making it a go-to spot when you’re craving something hearty and unapologetically decadent.
They also have a food truck that you can sometimes find at Streetfood Festival.
We personally find some of their burgers to be a little more greasy if we compare to our experience with Lefty’s in Lugano, and with too much sauce, but just as delicious so we still wanted to include in our list.
Locations: Via Pretorio 9, Lugano AND Via Cantonale, 6916 Grancia
Smash Burgers In Aargau
20’s Smash Burger
Located right in the center of town, it’s a small place with a few tables and a takeaway-friendly spot where every burger is smashed and cooked to order on a hot griddle, creating the typical signature crispy crust with a juicy interior.
The approach here feels straightforward but well executed: classic cheeseburgers, bacon options, and more, all built with locally sourced ingredients and with a house-made sauces.
When here, we tried the classic burger and the spicy burger. I loved the spice and truthfully could have eaten another one right after!
Take some sweet potato fries with your burger for the full enjoyment. Their own mayo seasoning sauce was really nice for dipping too!
Location: Stadtturmstrasse 20, 5400 Baden
Smash Burgers In Lucerne
Sando
For those looking for a unique smash burger with a Japanese twist, you need to visit Sando. We tried their location in Lucerene, but it’s good to know that they also have places in Zurich and Geneva.
I usually enjoy the easy cheese smash burgers, and I tried the single teriyaki cheese burger. It was delicious! It has the perfect amount of everything, with great taste and full of flavour, that I could have ordered more to go!
What we loved about the smash burger menu at Sando is that you can also add options to your burger choice, such as a fried egg, caramelised onions and more bacon etc.
The classic fries (seasoned) were also great here, which we enjoyed with their spicy mayo!
Locations: Hirschmattstrasse 29, 6003 Lucerne (plus locations in Zurich and Geneva!)
Smash Burgers In Zurich
Sando
Sando’s has also a place in Zurich so I wanted to add it here too. Our review is based on their location in Lucerne above that you can read.
Their Zurich location can be found at: Niederdorfstrasse 60, 8001 Zürich
Action Burgers
An easy favourite when on the go (and have a little time before catching the next train), is to visit Action Burgers in Zurich main train station..
They serve the perfect proportion between bread bun, the meat, extras and of course the cheese, making it taste delicious. Enjoy the smash burger with their typical crispy fries for a nice deal.
Based on location, they are definitely on the pricy side of the smash burgers in Switzerland. But if you’re craving one, you won’t be disappointed here!
Location: Bahnhofplatz 15, 8001 Zürich
On The ‘To Eat’ List
Here is our ‘future’ list of highly recommended smash burgers in Switzerland that we have yet to try. These have been recommended to us by friends/other bloggers and we hope to update our list once we’ve tried them on our next travels!
Smashies St.Gallen in St.Gallen – rated 4.7
Smashed Smashburger in Fribourg- rated 4.8
SBOOM Smash Burger in Lausanne – rated 5.0
PRETTY PATTY Smash Burger in Geneva – rated 4.5
Fat Boys Smash Burger in Lucerne – rated 4.8
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