Whilst techniques for urethral reconstruction have developed in the past few decades the quest for an ideal substitute continues. We critically review the literature on buccal mucosal grafts for substitution urethroplasty, to determine the efficacy and complications arising from its use. Buccal mucosal grafts have proved to be a versatile substitute for strictures attributable to a wide range of causes. Placing the graft dorsally appears to be more successful than ventrally and was successful in 96% of cases; after treating complex urethral strictures with two-stage procedures about a quarter of patients required a revision after the first stage with fewer complications then when skin was used as a substitute. Thus, buccal mucosa is most likely to become the new gold standard for substitution urethroplasty and longer term results with its use are eagerly awaited.