Top burger spots in Cape Town

Halaal, vegan, two for one specials, the 12th best in the world…

Last updated: Tuesday, 21 May 2024

We asked you to tell us about the best burger you’ve had in Cape Town (and where it was). The results are in. From vegan and halaal finds, to two for one specials, the 12th best burger in the world, and possibly Cape Town’s spiciest burger: These are the best burger spots according to locals.

MOST NOMINATED: IZZY BURGER 

If you’re looking for a delicious (and halaal) burger, this is it. Izzy Burger is the number one choice for many of our readers: Nix Kruger says it’s “a good, no BS burger”. There’s locations in Wynberg, Goodwood and Woodstock. If you’re lucky you might even see the Izzy Express, their pop-up truck, in your neighbourhood. 

Hours: Saturday to Thursday; 12.30pm to 9pm; Friday, 2pm to 9.30pm

 Various locations | Image: The Izzy Burger

12TH BEST IN THE WORLD 

This popular halaal burger joint from Durban recently opened in Cape Town. One of Smokin Joes’ burgers was voted the 12th best burger in the world by Big 7 Travel, and Khadeeja Adams says it has “the best burger sauce”. The burgers have cool boxing names like Nacho Libre and The Champion.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Lifestyle on Kloof Centre | 50 Kloof Street | Gardens | @smokinjoesza | Image: @cosmopolitanfoodie_

JUST THREE BURGERS (TRY THE BEEF) 

It’s laidback, uncomplicated and has a homey vibe. The menu is short and simple: There are only three burgers (beef, chicken or vegan patties, served on potato buns) with sides like chilli poppers and garlic knots. “It’s hands down the best beef burger I've ever had, I keep going back for it,” says Lara van Zyl. Find out more about Only Fools in Sea Point. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm; Sunday, 12pm to 10pm

82 Regent Road | Sea Point | @onlyfoolsct | Image: Only Fools

BURGER FOR BREAKFAST?nbsp;

A brewery that serves food from 9am? Voted for by Finn-Erik Blakstad, Aegir Project Brewery has options like a fish burger with mango chutney or a Korean fried cauliflower burger in kimchi batter. There’s unique beers too like a Red Rye (coffee, caramel and marzipan) or Milky Way Galaxy (stone fruit, passion fruit and pineapple). 

Hours: Daily, 9am to 11pm

65 Beach Road | Noordhoek | @aegirproject | Image: Aegir Project

“BLOODY AWESOME” BURGER FROM A HIDDEN BAR

This gorgeously-grunge gem, tucked away in Dunkley Square, feels like you’re stepping into a scene from Pulp Fiction. Gisela Noble says it’s a must try and that the chicken burger is “bloody awesome”. There’s also daily happy hours, classic milkshakes, an arcade machine and pool table at Roxy Late Night. 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8am to 2am; Sunday, 11am to 10pm

14 Wandel Street | Gardens | @roxylatenight | Image: Saarah Gierdien

CAPE TOWN’S SPICIEST BURGER?

“Kom Haal jou best burger at #TheHoodRocklandsMitchellsPlain,” says Christine Stone. It’s the home of the Sterkbek burger, which comes with ghost chillies, jalapeño and in-house spicy sauce. The Hood Kitchen is known for their massive burgers and ‘kaas’ fries. 

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 1pm to 8pm; Friday, 2pm to 9pm; Saturday, 1pm to 10pm

23 Boeing | Rocklands | @thehoodkitchen_mp | Image: The Hood Kitchen

R95 SPECIAL IN THE VILLAGE 

Harfield Village, that is. It’s a cosy eatery and bar with pizza, pasta and grills. Hot tip from George Gabriel: Go for their Wednesday special where all burgers are R95. You can get single or double patties, and there’s options like a Diablo with peri peri and jalapeño, or a berry coulis and bree pairing. 

Hours: Monday, 12pm to 9pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 11.30am to 10pm; Thursday - Saturday; 11.30am to 10.15pm; Sunday; 12.30pm to 8pm

27 Second Avenue | Harfield Village | Claremont | @thevillagebicycle_cpt | Image: The Village Bicycle

MANGO AND MAPLE PORK BELLY BURGER 

Dunes in Hout Bay has a range of interesting burger combos, like pork belly with a mango and maple reduction, or harissa pulled lamb. Craig Walters recommends the gorgonzola cheese and caramelised onion rings burger: “What a memorable burger that was.” And Dunes is right on the beach with a stunning ocean view. 

Hours: Monday - Friday, 11am to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday; 9am to 10pm

 1 Beach Crescent | Scott Estate | Hout Bay | Image: Dunes

“BEST CRUMBED CHICKEN BURGER” 

This beloved local brewery and taproom in Diep River has “the best crumbed chicken burger,” according to Emma Cork. Jack Black Brewery also has weekly burger specials (two for one every Wednesday), quiz nights, and a burger of the month. And beer tasting of course.  

Hours: Wednesday - Friday, 11am to 9.30pm; Saturday, 11am to 6pm; Sunday, 5pm to 9.30pm

 10 Brigid Road | Diep Rivier | Image: Jack Black's Taproom

BURGERS “BIGGER THAN YOUR FACE” 

They’re called The NOB (No Ordinary Burgers) for a reason. According to Alana Wiid the burgers at The NOB are “tasty and HUGE”; Jonathan Williams went so far as to say the burgers are “bigger than your face”. You’ll find The NOB, which is decorated in a rock ‘n roll theme, in Tygervalley. 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12pm to 9.30pm; Sunday, 12pm to 4pm

2 Niagara Road | Tygerlake Building | Tygervalley | @thenob_ct | Image: The NOB

HALF PRICE MONDAYS 

Holli Holdsworth says “Fancy Franks has wonderful big burgers, and Mondays they are half price. Highly recommend it!” There’s options like The Beast (bourbon maple glazed bacon, bacon jam and baconnaise) or Rocking the Daisies (vegan burger patty, vegan aioli, avocado and caramelised onions). The Sunset Beach branch also has daily happy hour specials and girls nights every week. 

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 11pm; Monday 1 to 11pm

Ocean Square | 4 Ocean Way | Sunset Beach | @fancy.franks | Image: Fancy Franks

BURGERS, STEAKHOUSE STYLE

If it’s called De Vleis Paleis, it has to be good. At this steakhouse on Dorp Street, all burgers come with a caramelised onion infusion, double-fried chips and beer-battered onion rings. Self-proclaimed burger snob Jade Bedford says it’s the best burger she’s ever tasted. “It was so juicy, and full of flavour. Cooked to perfection.”

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm

Dorp Street | Stellenbosch | @devleispaleis |  Image: De Vleis Paleis

By Sarah Williams 

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