Cape Town’s Burger Bucket List: The 10 Best Burgers In Cape Town 2024

If you’re anything like me, then you probably believe that a good burger can be life-changing. That’s why I decided to go on a mission to find the best burgers in Cape Town and share my recommendations with you!

Whether you’re a local foodie or you’re just visiting the Mother City, there are dozens of burger spots you can indulge at. But that’s just it – there might be too many.

Luckily, I’ve narrowed down the search to help you find the perfect burger to suit your palate. Or, you can use my list as a way to eat your way through the tastiest, most unbelievable burgers in the Cape.

1. Best for Variety: Jerry’s Burger Bar

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 11:00 – 22:00/22:30 (depending on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (Heritage Square, Blouberg and Durbanville)
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Yes, but a limited selection

After stopping off at Jerry’s Burger Bar while I was in Blouberg, which is around half an hour away from the City Centre, I’ve got to say that I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a must-visit for burger aficionados!

The menu has twenty burgers to choose from, and that’s not including the burger slider trios. But I will admit, I was let down with the chicken options, of which there were only three. So if you’re more of a chicken burger fan, you may want to try out some of the other burger spots in Cape Town.

Since I’m usually a fan of spicy chicken (peri-peri to be exact), I chose the best-looking chicken option – the Drunken Chicken. The tequila marinade was absolutely delicious, and the chicken was juicy. With the addition of jalapenos and avocado, it was burger heaven.

My partner picked the triple-cheese burger, the Sweet Baby Cheeses (the name alone is brilliant). Of course, I had to try a bite and I wasn’t disappointed. I was only disappointed that I hadn’t ordered it myself!

If you’re looking for a diverse menu with some simple yet mouth-watering burgers, then this is the place to be. Still, you may want to go early to find good seats unless you want to sit with the smokers. We sat near the windows for a view of the ocean, but we had to move outside since it felt a little stuffy.

2. Best for Seafood Lovers: Burger & Lobster

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 12:00 – 22:30
• Address: 105 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
• Contact: 021 422 4297
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Yes, but a small selection

Less than a 10-minute walk away from the City Centre is a not-so-hidden gem that I was dying to try. Seriously, I’d been hearing about this place since I first came to Cape Town and some of my friends clued me in on where to find great burgers with a twist.

Burger & Lobster is a restaurant that combines two of life’s greatest guilty pleasures: amazing burgers and delectable seafood. And as the name probably suggests, it specialises in fresh, perfectly prepared lobster.

Although the smell of the lobster rolls made my mouth water, I decided to stick to tasting the burgers on my first trip here. It’s all for the cause of finding the best burgers in the Mother City! I did cheat a little, though, just so I could get a taste of the lobster.

I picked the Wolf Burger – a whopping 180-gram burger patty topped with lobster meat, brie cheese, and truffle mayo. It also came on a brioche bun, which complemented how juicy and flavourful the patty was. When it comes to a mix of flavours, this was the crème de la crème.

The next time you want to try something unique and out-of-this-world, Burger & Lobster is the place to go.

3. Best for Classic Diner-Style Burgers: Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room

• Opening times: Mon:07:00 – 16:00; Tues-Fri: 07:00 – 22:00; Sat: 08:00 – 22:00; Sun: 08:00 – 15:00
• Address: 133 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
• Contact: 087 470 0165
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Only vegetarian-friendly

If you’re itching for something classic that has an elevated taste, then Clarke’s is perhaps one of the most popular spots in the city. I took my partner and a couple of friends out for dinner here a while ago, and not one of us had a bad meal. We love the cosy vibe here, too – it set the tone for the whole night.

By the time we got here, I was starving. We had planned to make a reservation for around 19:00, but I just couldn’t wait and we ended up reserving our spot for an early dinner at around 17:00. And I’m really glad we did since our waitress told us that they make their burger buns fresh every day, and once they run out, they don’t serve them anymore.

I grabbed their Greenfields grass-fed burger, and it was incredible. It was one of the freshest-tasting burgers I’ve ever had. My partner had the smaller Baby Burger, and hers was just as delicious. Oh, and if you’re vegetarian? I’ve got it on good authority from one of my dinner partners that the Zucchini & Beet Burger is to die for!

Afterwards, we walked off our full stomachs with the 5-minute stroll back to my friend’s hotel, the Gorgeous George (which I’ve included in my blog for the best hotels in Cape Town).

4. Best for Hunger-Busting Burgers: The NOB (No Ordinary Burger)

• Opening times: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 14:00 – 21:30; Tues, Fri, Sat: 12:00 – 21:30; Sun: 12:00 – 16:30
• Address: 2 Niagara Rd, Tygerlake Building, Cape Town
• Contact: 084 477 2434
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Vegetarian patties available

Have you ever been to a burger spot where the burgers are bigger than your face? No, I’m not exaggerating. I was just as surprised as you probably are when I stopped off at The NOB and I was served a burger that was almost bigger than my plate.

According to the menu, these burgers are 16 cm – and they delivered on that promise. Trust me, you won’t need to order any sides while you’re here. Your burger will be more than enough to fill you up.

While we were here, my partner and I tried the Original Captain burger which is nothing but a BBQ patty topped with the usual suspects – lettuce, onion, and tomato. While the flavour was good, it seemed a little plain.

Luckily, we had also ordered the Chicken Porra burger, which was anything but plain. The prego sauce was tasty and the garlic wasn’t too overpowering, so you can indulge in this burger without smelling like you’re actively trying to keep vampires away.

If you’re not in the mood for a heavy meal, there are other burgers on the menu known as ‘average Joe-sized burgers’. Still, part of The NOB’s charm is the size of the burger, which I’m sure are some of the biggest burgers in the Mother City.

Travel tip: If you’re travelling from the City Centre, The NOB is a 35-minute drive away without traffic. It’s not exactly a quick trip for lunch, so you’ll want to plan ahead.

5. Best for Casual Dining: The Dog’s Bollocks at YARD

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 22:00
• Address: 6 Roodehek St, Gardens, Cape Town
• Contact: 083 440 7843
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Yes! Plenty of options available

Ever heard of a first-come, first-served burger joint? Neither had I until I hear about the Dog’s Bollocks.

Hidden in a garage around 6 minutes away from the City Centre (by car), this unique restaurant only serves a limited number of burgers every day. So if you want to avoid being disappointed, I’d recommend heading here as early as you can. Otherwise, you’ll have to find something else on the menu to enjoy.

When I got there, I was told that it was a cash-only restaurant and that I had to write my name down with the number of burgers I was ordering. Although it was an unusual way to order, I enjoyed the vibe and overall atmosphere.

It was a hipster hotspot, and I was glad to be a part of it. But if you’re planning on visiting, you may want to go in prepared. There’s no cutlery and your order will be shouted from the kitchen for collection, so don’t expect too many frills or luxuries. Still, the burgers here are some of the best in Cape Town, and it’s a great experience to share with your friends.

My partner and I both tried the signature Gourmet Black Burger, which has a black bun (made with activated charcoal), topped with onion, rocket, tomato, and pickles. These huge burgers were super tasty. And paired with the Loaded Potato Skins? Absolute heaven!

6. Best for Crispy Chicken Burgers: Free Bird

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 09:00 – 22:00 (depending on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (City Centre, Rondebosch, Wynberg, Muizenberg)
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: No

Free Bird isn’t your typical burger bar – it’s a restaurant chain that has mastered the art of fried chicken. They know what they’re good at – and they’ve stuck to it!

What lured me in about this place wasn’t just that I love a good chicken burger. It’s also because they source their chicken breasts from free-range chickens (hence their name), which means you’re getting an ethically sourced and high-quality burger every time. Plus, the buttermilk flour coating means that the chicken is extra-crispy – my favourite!

I’ve had Free Bird a few times now. In fact, every time I come across one of their restaurants, I almost can’t help myself and end up grabbing something to eat. Since everything is chicken, you might assume that their menu can get pretty repetitive, but I’d say the complete opposite. Every time I order a different burger, it has a whole new range of flavours. And every one of them is fantastic!

My top choices from Free Bird include:

• The Ranch Burger (the ranch dressing has a creamy, zesty flavour that compliments the chicken perfectly)
• The Honeybird Burger with a spicy honey mustard sauce (it’s my go-to order)
• The Cheese Burger for when I want something plain and classic

Although I’ve tried every branch, I’d recommend heading over to the Muizenberg restaurant. If you’ve spent the day on the beach, it’s a great grab-and-go dinner option.

7. Best Budget-Friendly Burgers: Junior

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 11:00 – 23:00
• Address: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town (inside the Mojo Market)
• Contact: 067 310 1827
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Limited vegetarian options, no vegan options

Less than 20 minutes away from both the City Centre and the V&A Waterfront is the Mojo Market (one of the best food markets with a huge variety of different cuisines). Here, you’ll find the next burger bar on my list – Junior.

Junior is one of my top choices for fast food. But unlike the average-at-best burgers that are made in bulk at other fast food chains, Junior’s burgers are made fresh and are completely preservative-free. For someone like me who takes their health seriously, it’s a great alternative to grabbing a Big Mac on the way home – but it’s just as affordable!

This restaurant serves traditional burgers whose charm lies in their simplicity. My go-to order here is the Cheeseburger, topped with simple garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles. And although it may not sound like much, it’s just like they say – don’t judge a book by its cover. These burgers are flavourful, juicy, and more than filling enough for a quick lunch or light dinner.

The only thing better than grabbing a cheeseburger here is pairing it with their Ice Coffee, which is made with condensed milk. It’s sweet, cold, and really refreshing on a warm summer’s day – especially if you’re coming from the Sea Point promenade.

If you’re here, you may as well stay for the live music and the fun, lively atmosphere. You can also grab a dessert or a drink after your meal since the Mojo Market is filled with unique options that you can’t always get anywhere else in the Mother City.

8. Best for Atmosphere: Tiger’s Milk

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 09:00/11:00 – 00:00 (depending on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (Durbanville, Century City, Blouberg, Long Street, Kloof Street, Claremont, Camps Bay, Muizenberg, Green Point)
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Yes, but a small selection

Take your ideas of fine dining and throw them out the window, because at Tiger’s Milk, you can get high-quality food with an atmosphere that is totally unmatched.

Before I talk about the food, it’s worth mentioning that the decor here is stylish and unique. There are vintage movie signs, pendant lights made from crystal decanters, and a shared counter space where you can socialise with your group of friends – or make new friends if you’d like!

It’s worth mentioning that Tiger’s Milk draws in a younger crowd with loud music and an atmosphere that is full of life and, of course, good food. However, it may not be the most relaxing dining experience if you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back lunch.

My partner and I stumbled across the Tiger’s Milk branch in Camps Bay after a day on the beach, and we’re happy to say that we love it here. They have a huge menu, with something for everyone. But we were in the mood for burgers, and that’s exactly what we got.

We chose the Triple Threat Tiger Sliders, which is a trio of some of their most popular burgers: the Rockstar, the Evil Twin, and the Smash That Chicken. No, I’m not making the names up – that’s really what they’re called. Between the two of us, we singled out the Evil Twin as our favourite of the bunch.

This simple cheeseburger was fine on its own, but it was the sauce that stole the show. It’s topped with a homemade truffle mushroom sauce that was so good I wish I could have bottled it and taken some home to use on my home-cooked meals.

So, if you’re looking for a busy atmosphere, fast and friendly service, and some of the best burgers in the Cape, then Tiger’s Milk is the place to be!

9. Best for Foodies: Hudson’s The Burger Joint

• Opening times: Mon-Sun: 12:00 – 23:30 (depending on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (Claremont, Gardens, Green Point, Muizenberg, Stellenbosch)
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Yes, with half-priced vegan Mondays!

Ask anyone in Cape Town where you can get the best burgers, and they’ll probably say Hudsons. And they’d be right. After some of my friends started nagging me to try this restaurant out, I finally caved and headed over to their Stellenbosch location, expecting an over-rated restaurant with average food.

I hate admitting when I’m wrong, but this is one of the few times when I’ll say it loud and proud because oh my gosh, was I wrong. This burger spot deserves all of the praise it gets, and it’s far from over-hyped. The food here is unparalleled!

I was craving something spicy, so my eyes were instantly drawn to The Angry Chef burger. It’s topped with cabbage (which is an unusual choice but really tasty), pickled red onion, chilli oil, and Gochujang mayo. I have to warn you, though. As mouth-watering as this juicy burger was, it was hot! I had to order a second Coke just to make it through my meal.

Since my first experience, I’ve gone to other Hudsons locations just to get my hands on these fantastic burgers. My second time around, I tried The Ranch (I am a sucker for peri-peri chicken, after all). All I can say is wow. In fact, I enjoyed my second visit to Hudsons even more than my first.

If you’re looking for something tasty, unique, and all-around tantalising, then I’d recommend making your reservations!

10. Best for Groups and Families: Boer & Butcher

• Opening times: Mon-Sat: 08:00 – 22:00; Sun: 08:00 – 14:00 (depending on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (Durbanville, Paarl, Haasendal, Stellenbosch)
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Limited vegetarian options, no vegan options

The Boer & Butcher is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated burger spots in Cape Town. There are a few branches scattered around, but my personal favourite is the one in Stellenbosch. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and perfect for families or bigger groups.

Now, when I first heard about this place, I was told to try out the Peaky Blinder burger. But I didn’t listen. Instead, I picked one of the options from their ‘gourmet burgers’ section – the Asian Pork Neck Steak Burger.

Topped with Asian slaw and pineapple, it was an unusual mix of flavours – and not one that I’d usually enjoy. However, mixed in with the smoky, juicy beef flavours that were all packed into the patty, it was an absolute treat! It’s one of the few times I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new.

I added a BarOne Milkshake to my order just to complete my meal, since I can rarely resist chocolate. And it was the ultimate lazy Sunday meal. I’d highly recommend ordering it with whatever burger tickles your fancy.

When I went, I ate at the Saloon, which is apparently just one part of the restaurant. There’s also a butchery and a Burger Bar, which I’m sad I missed. But it’s on my to-do list, though!

FAQs

Do any burger joints in Cape Town offer deals or specials?

Almost every burger spot in and around Cape Town offers deals and specials. They’re always changing and deals might only be available at certain locations, so it’s important to keep your ear to the ground or ask your waiter for any specials you could take advantage of.

Are there vegetarian or vegan burger options in Cape Town?

Besides the burger spots I listed as vegan and vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of other restaurants that serve veggie burgers in Cape Town. There are even some restaurants that are dedicated to only serving vegan and vegetarian options. For example, Nourish’d on Kloof Street has some of the best vegan burgers I’ve ever tried.

Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on the best burgers in Cape Town. From simple cheeseburgers to gourmet creations that will leave you wanting more, I’ve taste-tested some of the most delectable burgers in and around the city. And now you can, too! Grab some spare napkins and make sure you head over to these joints hungry because you’re going to want seconds.