There are few pleasures in life that come close to tucking into the perfect hamburger. Maybe it’s the fact that you have to get really tactile and hands-on with it? It’s squishy, meaty and saucy all at the same time – or maybe it’s just always satisfying and filling? Good thing there’s no shortage of places to get a great burger in Cape Town, whether you’re ordering in or dining out. With plenty of top contenders, we’ve put together a list of our favourite burger spots in the Mother City.

Great Burgers in CBD and Surrounds

Get your beefy fix at these burger spots in and around Cape Town.

Stud. The Burger Shop

Stud. The Burger Shop makes some of the best burgers in Cape Town. Renowned for crafting sensational beef burgers, their signature ‘The Stud Burger’ – with a double stacked Boran beef patty, double cheese, pickles and onions drizzled with mustard and mayo on a fresh brioche bun – is always a crowd-pleaser. Vegans and vegetarians alike can tuck into their delish meatless buns. The Jnr. Burger is another Stud favourite, that we could easily smash in minutes. A definite must!

Get your hands on The Stud Burger with Stud Chips
Location: 315 Main Road, Sea Point | 98 Kloof Street, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00–22h00 | *Store times may differ with location
Contact: 087 470 0474 (Sea Point) | 087 470 1229 (Gardens)

studtheburgershop.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Zuney Wagyu Burger Bar

Zuney combines a laid-back atmosphere with a commitment to sustainability with their farm-to-table Wagyu burgers. Keep it ‘Classic’ with their Zuney Wagyu patty served with pickles, Wagyu-infused onions and their house-made sauce, all loaded on a light brioche bun. Take it to the next level with the Wacon & Cheese option and a side of tallow fries.

Get your hands on the Cheese
Location: 69a Kloof Street, Gardens
Hours: Thurs-Sat: 11h00–01h00 | Sun-Wed: 11h00–22h00
Contact: 0724675458 | 0795812496 | 0824930930

zuneywagyu.com | Instagram

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Smokin’ Joe’s

Smokin’ Joe’s serves up succulent, smoky burgers that leave a lasting impression. Their tasty beef patties are grilled to perfection and paired with homemade sauces and toppings. Try the Smokin’ Joe, one of their roadhouse-style burgers. Served with two 65-gram beef patties, secret sauce, cheese, roasted tomatoes, caramelised onion, jalapeños, and Smokin’ Joe’s sauce on a toasted bun – it’s a serious knockout!

Get your hands on the Double Impact for something with a slight ‘bite’.
Location: 50 Kloof Street, Gardens
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11h00–20h30 | Fri-Sat: 11h00–22h30 | Public holidays: 11h00–21h30
Contact: 021 110 5493

smokinjoesburgers.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Dog’s Bollocks at Yard

Set up in a garage in Roodehek Road, no words can quite sum up the Dog’s Bollocks. Their offering is pretty simple – choose between a beef, chicken or vegan patty with your choice of topping and sauce. Make sure you go hungry because the burgers are big, bigger than your head, in fact. You’ll want to wash the deliciousness down with a local craft beer.

Get your hands on The Vag (vegan) with Pepperberry Blue
Location: 6 Roodehek St, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sun: 09h00-22h00
Contact: 021 461 8134

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Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room

The Clarke’s burger is a no-frills, simple offering that packs a lot of flavour. Imagine a 210g grass-fed beef burger topped with a slice of Klein River Havarti cheese, hugged between a crisp and buttery brioche bun! Clarke’s has nothing to hide and it’s clear why. Possibly one of our favourite places to get a great burger in Cape Town.

Get your hands on The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
Location: 133 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon: 07h00-16h00 | Tues – Fri: 07h00-23h00 | Sat: 08h00-23h00 | Sun: 08h00-15h00 | *In the evenings the kitchen closes at 21h30, last rounds at 21h45.
Contact: 021 424 7648

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Rick’s Café Américain

Rick’s has a lot on offer, so to avoid being overwhelmed by the menu, we suggest going in with a plan and ordering the Rick’s Cheeseburger — with a 200g organic beef patty with melted cheddar, gherkins, red onion jam, crunchy lettuce and tomatoes – you won’t be disappointed. For something gamier, sink your teeth into their Ostrich & Gorgonzola Burger; the sweet onion sauce is delectable. Be sure to check out their rooftop bar, they have an impressive drinks selection.

Get your hands on BMB Beef Burger with chilli poppers and fries
Location: 103 Kloof Street Cnr, Weltevreden Avenue, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00-02h00
Contact: 021 822 1100 | 021 424 1100

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Iron Steak & Bar

If you’re looking for a solid burger, Iron Steak takes their meat seriously. A quintessential steakhouse, their offering includes mouthwatering flame-grilled steaks that come with some incredible sides. We’re fans of the Wagyu Burger topped with Boerenkaas, truffle aïoli and pickles on a buttery brioche bun. Tuck into the Wagyu beef dripping fries to finish it all off. Their Crispy Fried Chicken burger, topped with Korean veggies and gochujang sauce, is also a banger of note.

Get your hands on The Wagyu Burger | *Visit on Wagyu Wednesdays for their special.
Location: 114 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-22h30
Contact: 021 422 1175

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Burger & Lobster

As suggested, these guys specialise in two things, awesome burgers and seafood. Their burgers are lovingly crafted by hand and are 100% pure beef tastiness. We love that they are served on housemade buns and with maple bacon, taking the burger experience to the next level. B&L serves a big burger for a big appetite, and won’t disappoint.

Get your hands on The B&L Burger
Location: 105 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-22h30
Contact: 021 422 4297

burgerandlobster.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Junior Burger

Refreshing the face of fast food, Junior offers quick and satisfying burgers with no fuss and plenty of flavour. They really don’t mess around. You can order a Regular Burger, Cheeseburger or a Cheese Double Trouble with your choice of sides, which are kept simple. You also don’t want to miss out on their Good Vegan Cheeseburger and Crispy Chicken Burger. In classic diner-style tradition, Junior also sells some pretty indulgent double-thick shakes, enough said.

Get your hands on The Double Trouble
Location: Mojo Market, 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h00-00h00 | *Service starts at 11h00
Contact: Email | Order on UberEats

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Atlantic Seaboard

Seaside burger and fries? Yes please.

Only Fools

This cosy burger joint in Sea Point is renowned for its classic smash burgers. Their concise menu reflects their focus on quality, offering a few select items they’re exceptionally good at – including a chicken burger and a vegan/vegetarian option. Complementing their juicy burgers, Only Fools serves up delicious sides like fries, cheese fries, chilli pops, and garlic knots; if you love your greens, have at their Caesar salad.

Get your hands on the Classic Burger and a side of Smoked Chilli Pop, to ‘knock your socks’
Location: 82 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–00h00 | *No under 23s
Contact: 021 492 5166 | *Walk-ins only

onlyfools.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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The Butcher Shop & Grill

The Butcher Shop & Grill is a firm favourite on the Atlantic Seaboard and offers some amazingly juicy burgers. We’re torn between the Bacon and Cheese and their Fillet Steak Burger – both are hugged by a homemade sesame roll and topped with fresh tomato and onion. A great place to grab a burger in Cape Town with a stunning view of the Atlantic.

Get your hands on the Avo and Camembert Burger
Location: 125 Beach Rd, Mouille Point
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-17h00
Contact: 021 434 0813

thebutchershop.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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The Press Bar & Grill

Located on Main Road, Seapoint, The Press boasts a cool interior and vibe, as well as seriously tasty food. The Pro-Fressa Burger comes with not one, but two 180g patties with pulled beef, crispy fried onions, chipotle mayo, garlic mayo, lettuce, sliced tomato and pickles. It’s a mouthful but so worth it!

Get your hands on The Portuguese
Location: Laughtons Building, 299 Main Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun: 09h00–22h30 | Fri: 08h15–15h00 | Sat: 19h00–00h00
Contact: 021 434 7724

thepressbar.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Vagabond Kitchens

When it comes to making burgers, Vagabond Kitchens goes above and beyond. They’re consistently good and always deliver on flavour. What we especially love about their beef burgers is that they’re cooked to perfection, perfectly pink and juicy – which not all restaurants manage to get right. Add this one to your list and thank us later!

Get your hands on their Parmesan fries, the burger experience isn’t complete without them.
Location: Shop G3, The Regent, 21 Regent Rd, Sea Point | 1 Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h00-20h00
Contact: 021 035 1229

vagabondkitchens.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Gibsons Gourmet Burgers and Ribs at the V&A Waterfront

If you’re a burger and shake kinda person then you need to get down to Gibsons. Located at the V&A Waterfront, Gibsons boasts a serious burger menu with 35 burger options and 207 milkshakes to suit literally every palate and belly. They have a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired burger with cheddar, jalapeño and guacamole, served with nachos, salsa and sour cream.

The Rolls Royce Governors De-Luxe burger with smoky barbecue sauce, cheddar, bacon, guacamole and sweet mustard is pretty amazing too. You can literally create the burger of your dreams with every kind of topping available, from a variety of cheeses to exactly how you like your onions. Their grain-fed beef burgers are flame-grilled and served with hand-cut fries. Their Famous Onion Blossom is a must! Visit on Mondays for their classic beef burger and beer special.

*FYI, they also have a vegan-friendly options!

Get your hands on The Governor’s De-Luxe
Location: Shop 157, Lower Level, V&A Waterfront | Bay Hotel – 69 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay (Gibson’s Pop-up Food Truck)
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00–22h00 | Sun: 12h00–22h30
Contact: 087 357 3465

gibsonsburgers.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Conscious Carnivores

Carnivores unite! If ever there was a burger spot to hit up, this would be it. This pop-up store is located on the lot of Makers Landing, and is absolutely worth the visit. Their OG Grass Fed is 200 grams of beefy satisfaction, topped with cheddar, horseradish aioli, red onion, rocket, mature cheddar, maple glazed macon and paprika tomato sauce. Customers can choose between the grass-fed or Wagyu beef (halaal-certified). We promise you this is the ultimate fix.

Get your hands on their OG Waygu
Location: G22 Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11h00–21h00 | Fri-Sat: 11h00-22h00 | Sun: 11h00-20h00
Contact:072 963 5414

consciouscarnivores.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Woodstock & Observatory

Tuck into a burger at these tasty spots in Woodstock and Obz.

Taproom Saltriver

Taproom Salt River is a hotspot for great Devil’s Peak craft beers and burgers in Cape Town. Apart from their amazing burgers, the restaurant always has cool specials, so keep an eye on their menu to see what goodies are on offer.

Get your hands on The Taproom Cheeseburger with Rosemary Fries
Location: 150 Cecil Rd, 1st Floor PALS Building, Salt River
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08h00–22h00 | Sat: 12h00-22h00 | Closed Sundays
Contact: 021 203 0123

taproomsaltriver.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Redemption Burgers

Redemption Burgers can be found conveniently placed next to the ATM at the Biscuit Mill – coincidence? We think not. You’ll want to spend your money at this epic biker-vibe spot, with so many fun burger variations and plenty of craft beer on tap – their very own Redemption Lager included.

Get your hands on The Flimsy Gypsy with a 200g free-range ostrich patty and fries.
Location: Block B, Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Salt River
Hours: Mon-Wed & Sat: 09h00–18h00 | Thurs & Fri: 09h00–20h00 | Sun: 09h00–17h00
Contact: 079 476 3648

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Southern Suburbs

Hit up these burger joints in the Southies.

Jack Black Taproom

Beers and burgers – is there anything better? The Jack Black Taproom offers a home for patrons to sample Jack Black beer and delicious food (including their famous burgers) in a laid back environment. Try their Gochujang Smash Burger, made with two 100g beef patties, Gochujang mayo, pickles, rocket and cheese. You’ll also want to visit on Wednesdays for their burger special; customers can choose between a beef, chicken or veg patty.

Get your hands on the Wow Burger.
Location: 10 Brigid Road, Diep River
Hours: Wed-Fri: 12h00–21h00 | Sat: 12h00–16h00
Contact: 021 447 4151

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Peddlars Pub & Restaurant

Peddlars is an institution in Constantia and really delivers when it comes to good ol’ pub grub. Their beef burgers are hearty and delicious and includes a prime beef patty, as well as chicken and vegan options. Expect rustic fries, different sauce options and a decent portion. We recommend finishing it off with a chocolate brownie and ice cream for dessert!

Get your hands on the Famous Peddlars Beef Burger with bacon, feta and guacamole.
Location: 32 Spaanschemat River Rd & Brounger Rd, Constantia
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h30–23h00
Contact: 021 794 7747

peddlars.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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All Over Cape Town

Try these crowd-pleasing burger franchise.

Free Bird

We love fried chicken, and apparently, so does the rest of Cape Town! Free Bird adds their unique take on the classic with the Korean-inspired Kimchi Burger with mayo, miso dressing, kimchi, pineapple and lettuce served on a soft toasted bun. Their Southern BBQ Burger comes with a crispy chicken breast topped with smoky barbecue sauce, mayo, gherkins and crispy onion rings. Looking for something classic? Their Cheese Burger is equally delicious. Strictly free-range, these burgers only use the good stuff and adopt a farm-to-table, homemade approach.

Get your hands on The Free Burger, this signature burger is a banger.
Location: 4 Bree Street, Shop 7 Portside Building, Cape Town City Centre | *see site for other branches.
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10h00–21h00
Contact: 021 569 9369

freebird.co.za | Instagram

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Jerry’s Burger Bar

Found at a few select spots around the city, Jerry’s is always a fail-safe option to get a great burger in Cape Town. The vintage tattoo-style interiors and good selection of craft brews make it a great place for a relaxed after-work drink, date or hang with friends.

Get your hands on The Jack D. with a delicious Jack Daniels basting.
Locations: check on their page here.
Hours: varies with location.

jerrysburgerbar.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Hudson’s

Hudson’s has been serving up decent gourmet burgers in Cape Town for a while now. Consistently good, they offer a number of interesting, as well as classic toppings on their burgers and have a full vegan menu. Try the vegan ‘The Frontline Worker’ burger — a Cajun pea protein fillet topped with roasted garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato and homemade pickles! If you’re a meat-eater, you won’t even know the difference, and if you’re vegan, this will become your favourite burger spot.

Get your hands on The Original Royale, a free-range beef patty with streaky bacon, cheddar, battered onion rings and chilli oil.
Locations: check their page here
Hours: varies with location

theburgerjoint.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Tiger’s Milk

There are a few Tiger’s Milk branches around Cape Town and they are pretty good. The decor and ambience are always on point, as is the food. Get your hands on an Evil Twin – your choice of patty topped with a cheese slice and house-made truffle-infused mushroom sauce. We love their fries too – an absolute must at Tiger’s Milk.

Get your hands on The Evil Twin.
Locations: check their page here.
Hours: varies with location

tigersmilk.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

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Royale Eatery

You can’t call yourself a burger connoisseur if you haven’t tried burgers at Royale Eatery. They have three locations in Cape Town and for a good reason. They specialise in burgers and have loads of tasty options to choose from, and if those aren’t mouth-watering enough, you could always curate your own. Try their Classic Royale with El Burro tomato salsa for something with a kick. Their vegan patties and extra thick shakes are equally tasty.

Get your hands on Classic Royale with Cheese
Location: 20 Vineyard Rd, Claremont | The Deck on Beach, Rothesay Pl, Mouille Point | Harbour View, Shop 6160 Victoria Wharf Shop Centre, V&A Waterfront
Hours: varies
Contact: 021 206 6636 (Claremont) | 021 879 3402 (Mouille Point) | 021 879 3445 (V&A Waterfront)

royaleeatery.com | Instagram

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Izzy Burger

Izzy’s serves straight-up deliciousness and nothing less. Their burgers are unmatched and their fries are pretty amazing too. We love that they don’t skimp on the sauce and cheese — if things don’t get messy is it even a burger? We would recommend their IzzyStack, if you want something indulgent (and halaal-certified).

Get your hands on the IzzyLong, which is essentially a burger gatsby.
Locations: 111 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock | 121 Ottery Rd, Wynberg | 103 Nelson St, Vasco Estate
Hours: varies

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Burger Boss

With the rise of dark kitchens, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to a good take-out burger. One of our top choices has to be Burger Boss, arguably the best thing to come out of hard lockdown. Not just an average takeaway burger, Burger Boss definitely gives some sit-down options a run for their money  — deliciously juicy, perfectly saucy and the freshest burger bun that holds it all together. They don’t skimp on the fries either with a choice of steakhouse, skinny or sweet potato.

Get your hands on The Smokey Boss Burger with fries.
Location: Uber Eats
Hours: Varies

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Not in the mood to eat out? Craft your dream burger at home with our burger recipe round-up, and try our favourite toppings.