Australia’s fast food scene is a true melting pot of cultures and influences, with homegrown Aussie delicacies like meat pies sitting alongside the likes of Nashville hot chicken, Neapolitan-style pizzas and loaded bánh mì. Whether you're after a beloved hole-in-the-wall spot or a cult-favourite regional chain, there's a fast food gem waiting to be discovered in every Australian state.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover Australia's greatest fast food restaurants, counting down to the best of all.
This distinctive sugary pink pretzel chain began in Perth, when founder Brittany Garbutt started selling her OTT take on the doughy snack out of a shipping container. Pretzel Australia now has numerous outlets in Western Australia and Victoria selling a range of savoury and sweet hot pretzels, which can be customised to taste with a medley of toppings. Favourites include chipotle and cheese, salted caramel and peanut butter Oreo.
The success of this Lebanese Australian eatery, which started as a single restaurant in western Sydney and now has branches around New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT, shows that El Jannah knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to chicken. The spot's charcoal chicken is the standout, grilled to juicy perfection and served with house-made garlic sauce, crunchy pickles, fresh tabouli and Lebanese bread. There are burgers and nuggets, too, and if you go to one of El Jannah's NSW branches you can also order an amazing beef shawarma.
You can grab tasty tacos, cheesy quesadillas and delicious loaded fries to eat in or take away at this lively Mexico City–inspired taqueria, which has expanded from its hole-in-the-wall central Melbourne location to include another restaurant in East Brunswick. Go for its award-winning beef birria taco, try the vegetable pastor quesadillas or visit on the weekend and get your chops around the comida corrida lunch bowl – all are served with a punchy house salsa.
Classic American-style burgers, French fries and milkshakes have earned this Adelaide fast food joint a loyal following. It opened in the city's Norwood suburb in 2013, and there's now an additional outpost in Hindmarsh. Go for the classic Nordburger or, if you’re extra hungry, the Big Kahuna, which comes loaded with bacon, grilled pineapple and American cheese. Veggies will not be disappointed with the mushroom burger, and there's a decent choice of chicken options, too, including a take on that Aussie classic, the chicken Parmi (chicken Parmigiana).
Poke bowls made with Tasmanian tuna are among the specials you might taste at this small pan-Asian spot in Launceston. It also does a brisk trade in rice paper rolls, bánh mì and rice bowls, which come loaded with ingredients like grilled beef, house-made kimchi, edamame, lotus root chips and furikake. Other must-orders include popcorn cauliflower, crispy karaage chicken and pan-fried pork dumplings. It’s open from Monday to Friday for dining in or takeaway.
Giant burgers, loaded hot dogs and mac ’n’ cheese balls make Canberra’s Brodburger a must-visit spot. The fast food joint launched in 2009 and has gone on to become one of the city’s most popular spots for flavour-packed patties. Go classic with the Brod Burger or try tackling The Don (hash brown, crispy bacon, fried egg, beef patty, lettuce, onion, avocado, Swiss cheese, relish, mayo and a choice of ketchup or barbecue sauce). The mighty Broddog hot dog, topped with crispy bacon, coleslaw, pickles, ketchup, corn relish, sweet potato ribbons and shaved cheese, is also well worth a taste.
There are many fabulous places to get your fix of this Middle Eastern fast food favourite, but Real Falafel in Adelaide's Central Market is hard to beat. The pitta is warm and soft, the pickles are made in house and the falafel are crunchy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and bursting with herby flavour. The no-frills stall also serves shakshuka, sabich (a pitta pocket loaded with eggs, aubergine, salad, tahini and amba – a pickled mango sauce), and veg-packed falafel, hummus and halloumi bowls.
Fresh, locally sourced fish and hot chips made from Tasmanian-grown potatoes are what you can expect from this Invermay mainstay. Fraggles Fish and Chips is famed for its fried fish favourites, including battered scallops, blue grenadier and flathead. Don't fancy fish? You can also order burgers, souvlaki and chicken tenders.
Small independent spot The Burger Rebellion is proof that fast food can still have soul. This proudly local joint flips some of the juiciest, most imaginative burgers on the coast – and everything’s made with fresh, locally sourced produce, from classic beef stacks dripping with house-made sauce to Korean fried chicken, pulled pork and bun-free bowls. There are vegan and veggie options too, because everyone deserves a taste of rebellion.
In 2025, this brilliant bakehouse clinched the title of Best Plain Sausage Roll at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition – but its pastry-wrapped snags are really just the beginning. The team here isn’t afraid to have fun, dreaming up creations like the pie burger (a steak pie nestled in a brioche bun with mac ’n’ cheese) and pie-chos: a nacho pie piled high with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. In the mood for something classic? You can't go wrong with Banana Boogie's meat pie, featuring a rich, savoury blend of mince and slow-cooked beef.
A blink-and-you'll-miss-it ramen shop on Aerodrome Road, Umami Ramen certainly makes an impression with the big, bold flavours of its brilliant bowls. Try the signature tonkotsu ramen with a smoky black garlic oil drizzled over the top, or the tom yum tonkotsu ramen with juicy prawns. The vegan ramen is equally deeply flavoured with its creamy broth of mushrooms and soy milk topped with grilled lotus root and wood ear mushrooms. Too hot for a big bowl of steaming soup? Order the Shake Shake Ramen, a container with all the noodles and toppings, but without the broth.
Loved for its fun interior (check out the wall covered with colourful toy cars), friendly staff and cool vibe, Run Amuk Hotdogs specialises in fully loaded dogs. You can go classic with the Brat (a bratwurst topped with caramelised onions, ketchup and American mustard) or switch things up with the Viking (a cheese kranski sausage piled with remoulade, house pickles, fried shallots, red onion, sour cream, Dijon mustard and fresh dill). The Cheesy Pleasey Fries, finished with a trio of cheeses, sour cream, red onion and chives, are a must-order, too.
Don’t worry, no clownfish get near the deep fat fryer at Frying Nemo. This much-loved fish and chippie by the marina at Tipperary Waters is fully committed to frying up local, sustainable seafood. Think beer-battered wild barramundi, tempura banana prawns, marinated sardines and king threadfin fish cakes. If that’s not quite Aussie enough for you, how about a crocodile or buffalo burger? All sourced from the Top End, of course.
Miami Bakehouse, which has locations in Myalup, Mandurah, Falcon and West Pinjarra, takes its pies seriously; it crafts each one with the finest Western Australian ingredients and locally milled flour, ensuring every bite bursts with flavour. Each week brings a new 'pie of the week', featuring genius fillings like Japanese chicken and shiitake mushroom, kangaroo and chestnut, lamb rogan josh, and caramelised ginger chilli pork. The mini-chain also does a mean meat pastie – a flaky pastry delight that took top honours at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition in 2025.
Fancy a finger lickin’ feed? Get yourself along to East Brisbane’s KCS Chicken for amazing Korean-style chook. Keep it classic with boneless fried chicken smothered with Korean sweet chilli, chilli hot wings (all coated in a crispy bubbled batter) or the hefty Oh My Cheese chicken burger. We strongly suggest ordering kimchi fries on the side and a traditional Korean milkshake (especially the misugaru flavour) for the full experience. If that isn’t indulgent enough, a cinnamon sugar doughnut will hit the sweet spot.
With four locations and a food truck, Grease Monkey is one of Canberra’s most-loved fast food names. It specialises in American comfort food, offering everything from giant burgers and hot chips to Detroit-style pizza and fried chicken. The Greasy (beef patty, lettuce, cheese, onion, pickles, relish and house sauce) is the signature burger, and pizza fans say you can’t beat the Spitfire (pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, hot honey, cheese and red sauce).
Tandoori tikka skewers are the signature dish at this street food–inspired Indian spot. Order the classic chicken, or try the cheesy paneer or mouthwatering lamb. Everything comes with fluffy and charred naan bread and a zingy dipping sauce, or you could pair your skewer with a side of chilli cheese fries. Tikka Take also serves tasty masala dosas, single-serving biryanis and a raft of classic curries. As well as the original Canberra branch, there's now one in Sydney, too.
A meat pie is the ultimate Aussie fast food, and there’s no shortage of pie shops to get a quick carb fix around the country. But why not start with one of the best? Buddy’s Bakery in the Melbourne suburb of Melton won the coveted awards for 'best plain beef pie' and 'best chunky beef pie' at the Great Aussie Pie Competition 2024. The flaky pastry and top-quality fillings stood out from the 2,000 pies that were tested from 367 bakeries. Once you’ve tried the classics, taste the bakery's other pastry favourites, including the signature Ned Kelly pie, filled with egg and bacon.
Set in one of Salamanca Place’s convict-built Georgian sandstone warehouses, Rockwall Bar and Grill is a special spot for lingering over exceptional Tassie produce. But you can get a quick sampler of its storied cooking at Salamanca Market. The long queues that snake from its stall are testament to the quality. Choose from the crispy Scottsdale pork belly skewer with Huon Valley apple slaw, the Cape Grim fillet steak sandwich with smoked bacon and house-made tomato relish, or the classic egg and bacon brioche roll.
Get your bagel hit at this New York–style bakery in Sydney: these are as chewy, crusty and delicious as they get. You can’t beat the O.G. LOX (smoked salmon, onion and cream cheese on a white sesame bagel) and the oozing bacon, egg and cheese is also fantastic. Run by Brooklyn-born Michael Shafran, all the bagels are boiled and baked in the traditional NYC way. The first Brooklyn Boy Bagels opened as a hole-in-the-wall spot in Surry Hills and quickly gained a cult following, with a drive-thru in Marrickville soon joining. It also has stalls at an array of food markets selling bagels, challah bread and babkas.
Ben's Burgers – which has been serving the good people of Fortitude Valley American-style burgers for over 10 years – is the place to go for a handheld treat that truly hits the spot. Think juicy patties, buns with just the right amount of squish, melting cheese and flavour combos your taste buds will love. Whether you're craving a straightforward cheeseburger or a fully loaded creation dripping with toppings, Ben’s has got your back.
There’s a reason locals can’t stop talking about Paradise Bakehouse – this Bundaberg gem has turned flaky pastry and hearty fillings into an art form. In 2025, its golden, gravy-rich mince pie snagged the Best Plain Pie title at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition, adding yet another trophy to owners Huyen Nguyen and Lam Khong’s growing collection. With three bustling stores across the region, the bakery keeps fans coming back for its bold, flavour-packed creations – think steak, cheese and chilli pies and creamy chicken and vegetable creations, each one wrapped in perfectly crisp pastry.
Italian street food is the simple and winning premise of this cute Gold Coast spot. Soft yet crispy folded piadina flatbreads are stuffed with all manner of tasty fillings – there’s Byron Bay halloumi with roasted capsicum and pesto, chicken schnitzel with provolone, yuzu slaw and sriracha mayo and the on-trend Brat (bacon, rocket, avocado, tomato, provolone and aioli). Other street eats include gooey arancini and fried piadina chips. For the perfect beach picnic, eat on the sand and imagine yourself in Sicily.
If it wasn't for the queues, you'd stroll straight past this hallowed food haunt in Marrickville. The bánh mì at this teeny café are the epitome of fast, fresh and affordable food. Plan to join the long line that pretty much permanently forms along Illawarra Road before you’re super hungry, otherwise you’ll be tempted to order a few (although that'd be no bad thing). Fans recommend the classic pork, featuring a soft baguette deftly smeared with pâté and stuffed with tender pork belly, shards of crackling, soft herbs, chilli, pickled carrot, spring onions and cucumber.
The cheese pulls are next level at this mini WA chain that claims to make 'the best damn toastie you’ll ever have'. Opened in 2013, the toastie shop was named after US rapper Ghostface Killah. Fun fact: he went to check out the joint a year after it opened and performed outside the store. There are 12 different cheese sandwiches to choose from, ranging from classic grilled Cheddar to the Snoop Hogg with pulled pork shoulder. For the full experience, dip your toastie in a bowl of house-made tomato soup.
Taking inspiration from Nashville’s famous hot chicken, the crew at this fast food favourite (housed in BRKLYN Bar on Rundle St) are a dab hand with spicing. The mouth-numbing 'secret spice blend' that coats its tenders and wings contains a blend of four different chillies – cayenne, habanero, ghost pepper and Carolina reaper. Not a spice fiend? Don't worry, you can choose your preferred spice level. With crinkle fries, waffles, burgers and sando specials to try too, you’ll certainly be back for another round.
This tiny Top End gem has amassed a large and loyal following for its next-level laksas and juicy charcoal-grilled chicken. The Malaysian café is a no-frills roadside spot where the lovingly prepared food does all the talking. Its laksa soups, which can be made with chicken, beef, seafood, veg or a combo, are big, steaming hot and spicy bowls of goodness – especially if you heap in more of owner Amye’s dangerously delicious sambal. Nab one of the few tables to slurp it up or get it in a container to go.
Hot wings and cold drinks are the premise of this finger-lickin’ chicken joint with five locations in the city. Choose your wing flavour – Buffalo, smoky barbecue, Korean, Portuguese and honey mustard are the most popular, though heat freaks may dare to try the Asskickin’ option – and get stuck in. This is messy, bone-gnawing food, though the wings can be swapped for chicken tenders if you prefer. Pair your choice with loaded fries, corn ribs and coleslaw for a proper feast.
Memories of the array of Lebanese delights on offer at A1 bakery will stay with you for a long time. A veritable institution in Melbourne’s Brunswick suburb, the family-run bakery cooks all of its breads, dips and pastries on site. Must-try dishes include the shanklish pie (a boat-shaped pie filled with a yoghurt-based cheese, tomato, onion and herbs), herby za'atar pizzas, kibbeh (deeply moreish lamb meatballs) and baklava. If you’re inspired to create your own Middle Eastern feast, be sure to have a mosey around the adjoining grocery store too. There are also A1 Bakeries in Fitzroy and Highpoint Shopping Centre.
Whether they’re served steamed and silky or fried and crispy, the dumplings at this cheap and cheerful spot in Sydney’s Haymarket are as good as they get. All dumplings (and noodles) are handmade and showcase lesser-known Chinese specialties from Nanjing, a city to the west of Shanghai. Be sure to order the steamed prawn and pork dumplings, the Nanjing-style xiao long bao (a regional version of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings), the deliciously flaky sesame biscuit (filled with pork and spring onion), and the sliced beef vermicelli soup.
Named the best pizzeria in Australia by the 50 Top Pizza World 2024 awards, the team at 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar don't believe in traditional fast food. In fact, its pizza dough is slowly leavened over 48 hours (hence the name) to ensure it's the perfect texture: light, fragrant and aromatic. Toppings range from simple classics like marinara to the more creative Notti d'Oriente (pictured) with tomato sauce, lamb sausage, mozzarella, capsicum and red onion. The handmade, fluffy gnocchi are equally dreamy. There are two locations, in South Yarra and Elsternwick.
A south Sydney institution, this burger joint has been frying up its patties by Tom Uglys Bridge on the Princess Highway since 1957. Its signature dish is a loaded Aussie burger – the Famous Works – which comes with egg, bacon, cheese, pineapple and all the trimmings. It’s a messy affair but absolutely delicious. There are also chicken burgers, hot chips with chicken salt, classic milkshakes and Paul’s signature pineapple crush made with Queensland pineapples.
This cult smash burger chain began in Melbourne in 2011 and sparked a revolution, with imitators opening around the nation. But Huxtaburger remains the original, with five outposts to its name, including two in WA and one in NSW. The secret is in the simplicity and quality of its produce. All patties are made with premium grass-fed Victorian beef, the sesame-sprinkled buns are baked in-house daily, and the sauces are all made from scratch. There are several beef options, plus chicken burgers and three veggie choices, along with chicken tenders and fries served in a variety of ways.
Seafood and pristine white sandy beaches are what brings people to this part of Western Australia – and foodies in the know head straight for Albany’s Hooked on Middleton Beach. The spot was named best fish and chips takeaway at the 2024 National Seafood Industry Awards for its freshly fried and grilled fish and seafood, which it sources from local fishermen. Start with scallops, prawns, squid rings or freshly shucked oysters, then choose between Denmark cobbler, Broome Spanish mackerel or hake, which can be fried or grilled.
This low-key and lively Thai street food joint will transport you straight to the steamy streets of Bangkok, with its colourful plastic seating that spills onto the streets. Regulars rave about the punchy and aromatic flavours of favourites like its signature boat noodles and prawn wontons in tom yum soup along with duck larb and Thai barbecue hot pots. Tick as many of the boxes on the checklist as you can justify and wait for the magic to unfold. It’s fast (seating times are limited to an hour when it's busy) but fiercely delicious.
With a blissfully simple menu, you'll know what to order at this family-owned, hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese takeaway in Springvale – the bánh mì. The spot has been baking its deliciously soft yet chewy buns for two decades and consistently scoops industry and newspaper awards for making Melbourne’s best bánh mì. Locals flock here for their Vietnamese street food fix, so it's no wonder the queues are constant. Try the bakery's bestselling roasted pork in barbecue sauce, which combines cubes of marinated and crispy pork with caramelised onions, plus all the trimmings.
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Last updated by Jessica Morris.