The 15 Best Burger Spots in Cape Town

We’re relishing the burger scene in Cape Town right now… The stalwarts have been joined by a juicy seasoning of hot new burger bars. But there’s still the eternal question: are you a purist who demands the simplicity of the best quality beef on a bun with the merest suggestion of sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion? Or are you up for a gourmand journey through a riot of adventurous toppings? Luckily the Mother City has them all, together with a sprinkling of certified wagyu beef, and some pretty decent vegan burgers, too.

Zuney Wagyu Burgers

A narrow brick-walled slip of a burger bar on the coolest stretch of Kloof Street, Zuney does farm to table in the realest sense of the phrase. The name comes from the Zuney Valley in the Eastern Cape where two neighbouring family farms have been raising certified wagyu herds since 2014, grazing on pasture and leading the best possible life. They supply steaks directly to restaurants and private customers all over South Africa, and this new burger offering is their answer to sustainably using the whole animal. Three deliciously simple and juicy burgers showcase the depth of flavour of the wagyu beef: a classic (with wagyu-infused onions, pickles and homemade sauce), a cheeseburger and a wacon burger – you really can taste the difference in the meat. The wacon turns out to be sublimely smokey slices of wagyu brisket which raise the umami factor another notch, and the thin cut chips are fried in wagyu fat to give a flavour reminiscent of biltong… guaranteed to give you cravings for weeks to come!
Good to know There’s a black bean vegan burger too and Mason Road wines by the glass. No bookings, just order at the bar and grab a seat.
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm
Thursday –  Saturday, 11am – 1am
Contact 072 467 5458,
Where to find it 69A Kloof Street, Cape Town

Frankie’s Burgers

The offspring of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants’ legendary burger-slinging Burger Fridays in Woodstock, Frankie’s Burgers has taken on an independent life of its own, with a permanent spot upstairs from The House of Machines, and pavement seating outside on Shortmarket Street. They use the same top-quality grass-fed FFMM beef for a short menu of OTT burgers on milk buns from Jason Bakery. Think two smash beef patties, emmental cheese, FFMM burger sauce and house cucumber pickles, lettuce and crispy onion on the classic Frankie’s Burger. There are chicken burgers, veggie burgers, a bacon and egg burger (with onion marmalade) and a series of hot dogs too, all made with ethically-sourced FFMM meat. And with drinks from THoM you’re all set for a hands-on feast.
Good to know The Burger Fridays, serving a different one-off creative collab burger fantasy each week, continue at the FFMM Woodstock HQ.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – late
Contact 021 569 9652, orders@ffmm.co.za
Where to find it 84 Shortmarket Street (above House of Machines), Cape Town

The Dog’s Bollocks at Yard

Down a narrow back street in what was once the light industrial area of Gardens, the vibe at Yard still hints at its pop-up origins… loud, irreverent and unapologetically casual. The hole in the wall, former mechanic’s workshop spills out onto a plant-lined pavement, where The Dog’s Bollocks shares space with Pizza Warehouse. Get your name on the blackboard Q-Door as you order, then be ready for your name to be shouted out to go and grab your towering burger from the burger stage. The burgers really are stacked high, with onions, dill cucumber pickle, tomato and lettuce, and dripping with sauce (no cutlery, so be prepared to dive in face first), and they come with good crispy chips. From the Old School Mega Slider to the spicy Hot Bitch, there are a raft of different burgers to choose from. The Gourmet Black also comes recommended (a black activated charcoal bun, and stacked with avo and feta).
Good to know There’s a vegan ‘Vag’ burger patty option too. Booking is advisable for evenings.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 083 440 7843 (WhatsApp), yardct@gmail.com
Where to find it 6 Roodehek Street, Gardens, Cape Town

De Vrije Burger at Time Out Market

You used to have to drive to Stellenbosch to get your mitts on one of Bertus Basson’s inimitable burgers (and it’s worth the drive), but now you can just head to Time Out Market, where they rub shoulders with some of Cape Town’s best chefs in urban cool, food hall format. Bertus keeps things simple with his signature burger, going for full-on flavour with free-range beef, home-made buns and just four burger options. De Vrije Burger is the classic combo of beef, cheese, lettuce tomato, onion and pickles, or Die Bennie Griessel (named after Deon Meyer’s fictional hero) comes with mustard pickle. Then there’s a vegetarian falafel burger, and a plain beef and cheese burger without all the salad bits… and you can order with or without the hand-cut tjips.
Good to know Each burger comes with a complimentary De Vrije Roomys (ice cream)
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm
Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Where to find it Time Out Market, 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

LA Farms

A fresh new kid on the Green Point block, LA Farms is a deli-butchery-eatery, where all of the meat (and much of the produce) comes from the family farm on the Cape West Coast. Grass-fed herds of Angus and certified wagyu cattle, as well as sheep, graze on coastal pastures within sight of the sea-spray, producing meat with a distinct flavour profile of the unique terroir. LA stands for ‘Look Alive’ which resonates with the sustainable, ethical and health focus of the deli (organic flour from the farm’s wheat, bone broth, fresh vegetables and more), and the family-friendly eatery at the front of the shop, which is the perfect place to watch the world go by. Among the grass-fed steaks, free-range lamb shanks, chops and sandwiches on the menu, you’ll find a tasty selection of burgers: choose between a classic wagyu or Angus burger, a lamb burger or the flavour-punch of a brisket burger, slices of dry-aged smoky meat folded with chilli, sauce and cheese. All served with chunky and delicious wagyu tallow fries.
Good to know The eatery (and butchery) is strictly halaal. No alcohol is served, but there’s a full coffee, tea and juice menu plus kombucha and a healthy selection of soft drinks.
Opening times Sunday + Monday, 9am – 5pm
Wednesday + Thursday, 9am – 7pm
Tuesday + Friday + Saturday, 9am – 8pm
Contact 021 434 1111, deli@lafarms.co.za
Where to find it 105 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

Redemption Burgers

There’s a laidback but rocking vibe at this unpretentious eatery in the chic precincts of the Old Biscuit Mill. Old Motorhead and AC/DC album posters, craft beers on draught (look out for the Fokof Lager by Afrikaans rock band Fokofpolisiekar) and a banging playlist set the tone, with deep blue walls and sunny yellow tables… the menu is even printed on a vinyl album. With a screen for the big games in the covered outdoor seating area and a prime view of the passing crowds, it’s a tempting refuge on Saturdays when the Neighbourgoods Market fills the yard to overflowing. The burgers are as carefully crafted as the beers, and generously proportioned. The Straight Ace is our go-to: a 200g handmade beef patty, topped with organic cheddar, homemade tomato relish, gherkins, and sweet mustard mayo. Simple, yet effective. Or go for the Flimsy Gypsy (an ostrich burger topped with creamy brie, marinated tomatoes and roasted garlic mayo) and the El Borracho Mexicano (homemade jalapeño mayo and topped with organic cheddar, chilli salsa and guacamole). They also make a damn fine veggie burger.
Good to know There’s a breakfast menu too.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday + Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Thursday + Friday, 9am – 8pm
Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 079 476 3648, chef@redemptionburgers.co.za
Where to find it Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Clarke’s Dining Room

The familiar white canopy and copper sign on Bree Street is still luring hungry hipsters for all-day breakfasts, brunch cocktails and lazy lunches, and their simple but delicious cheeseburgers are a thing of legend. Clarke’s was ahead of the curve when it opened over a decade ago, with its Scandi decor, carefully sourced ingredients and artisanal kitchen – most of what’s on the menu is made in-house. For their burgers they bake their own soft brioche buns, source grass-fed beef from Greenfield for the 210g patty, and top it with Klein River Havarti cheese… pure bliss on a bun. Then there’s a baby burger (for when you’re craving burgers but not quite hungry enough), a buttermilk-fried chicken burger, and a zucchini-and-beet burger with aubergine and smoked mozzarella. If you want to fancy your burger up, add crispy bacon, fried egg, avo, or house-made kimchi.
Good to know The burgers are available on the lunch menu from 11am. On Tuesdays there’s a two-for-one on burgers from 7pm – 8pm. This is a cashless establishment.
Opening times Monday, 7am – 4pm
Tuesday – Friday, 7am – 10pm
Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 087 470 0165, info@clarkescapetown.co.za
Where to find it 133 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Burger and Lobster

Ideal for a lunch stopover during the workday, or dinner before a night on the town, Burger & Lobster manages to pull off two seemingly incongruent dishes: burgers and (sustainably caught) lobsters. The casual, New York-inspired interior (brick walls, steel, leather and raw wood) lends itself to after-work drinks, too – check out the hand-crafted cocktail menu, created in collaboration with one of Cape Town’s best mixers, Brent Perremore. As well as the original B&L burger (steak beef patty, pickles, red onion, mayo, cheese and maple bacon), you can splurge on the Lobster Royale burger, the Wolf burger (with steak and lobster, brie, lettuce and truffle mayo), then there are wagyu, chicken, veggie or vegan burgers on the menu too. Or go all out and get one of the decadent combos with a burger and a whole lobster to share.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm (sit down + takeaway)
Contact 021 422 4297, capetown@burgerandlobster.co.za
Where to find it 105 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through Dineplan

Conscious Carnivores

This eatery, butchery and deli began in the early days of Makers Landing, championing ethically-raised halaal meat. Three years on it continues to uphold the standards of premium dry-aged beef and offers a good selection of burgers mostly with a choice of wagyu or grass-fed beef patties grilled on an open flame. The OG burger is topped with melted cheddar, horseradish aioli, red onion, rocket, maple glazed macon and a paprika tomato sauce on a soft brioche bun. Or go for the signature cheesy Cheddarmelt burger, a chicken prego burger, or the vegetarian Shroom burger, all served with fries.
Good to know All the meat served is halaal, and there are alcohol-free tables in the enclosed fully halaal dining area. Or you can sip a craft beer from Ukhamba Beerworx (just upstairs) at the communal tables in the main area.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm
Friday + Saturday, 11am – 10pm
Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Contact 072 963 5414, consciousmeatmerchants@gmail.com
Where to find it Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Folk Café

If the burger craving hits after a cold-water swim in one of the tidal pools of False Bay, head to Folk Cafe for your fix. Situated near the beach at the St James train station, this laidback restaurant has a casual-dining menu of freshly prepared bistro favourites, including four different burgers based on bbq-basted smash patties. We loved the American Dreams burger served with melted cheddar, bacon and onion marmalade. And there’s a vegan beet burger (beetroot and chickpea patty). Folk Cafe takes full advantage of its seaside location (you can happily arrive with sand between the toes) with outdoor seating, a spacious interior and an enchanting play area for children. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!
Opening times Monday, 7am – 4pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 9pm
Sunday, 7am – 7pm
Contact 021 276 3656, info@folkcoffee.co.za
Where to find it 54 Main Road, St James, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Hudsons The Burger Joint

As the name implies, this American-style diner is the place to be when your burger craving hits. With branches in Kloof Street, Green Point, Muizenberg and Claremont, it’s a popular post-work hangout for its festive weekday happy hour between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, making it a great place to catch up with friends over a chilled beer or a cocktail, and a burger from the long and varied menu…decision fatigue is going to be your only problem. The Original Royale is a good starting point for the bewildered, with streaky bacon, cheddar, battered onion rings and chilli oil. But what they all have in common is locally-sourced, free-range meat seasoned with their secret spice mix, and rolls freshly baked daily in each store. And there are four different vegan burgers too, including the San Fran, with its mushroom and lentil patty.
Good to know Every Monday there’s an all-day half-price special on the vegan burger menu.
Opening times Monday –  Sunday, 12pm – 11.30pm
Contact 021 426 5974, kloof@theburgerjoint.co.za
Where to find it 22 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Jerry’s Burger Bar

One of Cape Town’s burger stalwarts, Jerry’s has claimed one of the best spots at Heritage Square with pavement tables spilling onto Shortmarket Street at the front, but the hot tip is to go right through and grab a table in the inner courtyard of the historic complex, shaded by an ancient vine. The beef patties are made according to a secret recipe, with no eggs or bread crumbs and served on gorgeous brioche buns. Tangy sauces such as chipotle mayo and mustard mayo are made in-house from scratch.. And contrary to many other burger joints, the price includes a generous portion of fries: thin, shoe-stringy perfection (or go for sweet potato fries, a side salad or onion rings). We love the Jack D. basted in a sticky Jack Daniels sauce with caramelised onions and crisp bacon, and there are a whole load more creative options to choose from.
Good to know Jerry’s also has branches in Blouberg and in the Willowbridge Centre.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 10.30pm
Contact 021 569 1355, heritage@jerrysburgerbar.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 98 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

Café Caprice

This vibey hotstop of the Camps Bay strip is where you’ll find CT’s glam squad, but with its prime beach-facing location it also feels surprisingly chilled. And alongside its café-chic meals, expertly mixed cocktails and live music, it serves a good selection of burgers, just in case that craving hits beachside. We tend to go for the Caprice Burger: 100% grass-fed beef basted in barbeque sauce, topped with beer-battered onion rings and served with fries… the onion rings are a mini meal in themselves, adding texture, crunch and flavour. And vegans can swap out the beef for a Scheckters Raw patty. If you’re partial to laidback beats, resident DJs provide a chilled, deep-house soundtrack from Thursday to Sunday…
Good to know Every Tuesday there’s a two-for-one burger special.
Opening times Monday, 12pm – 12am
Tuesday – Thursday, 9am – 12am
Friday – Sunday, 9am – 1am
Contact 021 438 8315, info@cafecaprice.co.za
Where to find it 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town

Gibson’s

The yellow-and-black retro decor, comfortable bench seats and zesty yellow chairs set the scene at Gibson’s, a sassy New York-style diner at the V&A with loads of alfresco seating for Table Mountain and harbour views. Inspired by the top burgers of Chicago, New York and Las Vegas, the Gibson’s team set out to create the optimum burger recipe. Another ace up their sleeve is the expertise of their sister restaurant Belthazar next door (whose master butcher really knows their beef). The result is a solid selection of 35 different gourmet burgers: hand-crafted, pure beef patties are chargrilled, lavished with smoky secret sauce and a variety of extras (perhaps cheese, bacon or mushroom sauce), and sandwiched in home-baked brioche buns. For simple beef appreciation, we enjoyed the tasty wagyu burger.
Good to know They also hold the world record for the longest milkshake menu (207 to choose from!)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 087 357 3465, contact@slickrestaurants.com
Where to find it Shop 157, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Saveur

With its sparkling views over the yacht basin and harbour at Simon’s Town, Saveur is an ideal lunch spot on a Cape Peninsula road trip, with a light-filled, easy breezy ambience and a wide outside deck. As well as a varied menu of European bistro classics, seafood and grills, there’s an excellent array of burgers. Go for a classic Saveur burger, where you can choose between beef, chicken, ostrich or vegan patty, served with tomato lettuce, gherkins and mayo. Or build your own with a choice of sauces, jams and toppings. We also enjoy the grilled halloumi burger with hummus, roast brinjal, red pepper, avo and harissa mayo. And check out the chalkboard menu too, where you might find a lamb burger or a hake burger among the daily specials.
Good to know Every Wednesday from 5pm is Burger Night with a two-for-one special on burgers. There are usually some special off-the-menu burgers on the night to change things up.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 5pm
Contact 063 604 0547, simonstown@saveur.co.za
Where to find it Waterfront, Wharf Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Brash

Introducing the newest kid on the burger block! Best friends and business partners, Gabriel Wulfsohn and Benji Fisher’s slick new burger joint on Regent Road is a step-up from their roaringly successful Brashmobile food truck (which has been popping up in all of the coolest spots around Cape Town over the last year). Serving up just two burgers – with beats and a buzz to match – both are smashburgers so you get all the irresistible caramelisation on the edges. Choose between the classic American cheese, onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard or the double patty Mack Daddy with it’s own special sauce.
Good to know To drink, there’s Radley & Finch wine by the glass and Devil’s Peak lager.
Opened 14 September 2024
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm
Friday, 4pm – 11pm
Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 002 8376, info@brashburger.com
Where to find it 90 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.