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The Best Burgers in South Africa to Experience Heaven in a Bun
I’m more of a burger kind of gal, and I’ve been one ever since I was a kid and took my first bite of its succulent beefy goodness. While I enjoy a slice of pizza from time to time, for me, nothing beats a thick pure beef patty topped with some cheese and veggies.
Lucky for me, South Africa has some fantastic burger spots to satisfy these beef cravings. I listed some of the best here so you can try them out yourself!
1. Savior Café
Address: 203 Bulwer Rd &, Ferguson Rd, Glenwood, Durban
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaviorCafe1/
Contact number: +27766065440
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
I happened to be in the area of Durban a few weeks ago and wanted something heavy and delicious for lunch. My friends kept raving about Savior Cafe, so I decided to give this restaurant a try, and I didn’t regret that decision!
I ordered their classic cheeseburger with a side of fries and salad. The patty was thick, juicy, and peppery, and I also liked the thick melted cheese right under the top bun—a filling and yummy burger if you ask me!
| Pro Tip: While the burgers I ordered were 100% pure beef, you can also ask the wait staff for their vegan and vegetarian options. |
2. Ribs and Burgers ZA
Address: Shop 26, The Marc Cnr Maude &, Rivonia Rd, Sandown
Website: https://ribsandburgers.com/za/locations/johannesburg/the-marc/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
A friend of mine told me about Ribs and Burgers, so I got curious and decided to try this place out last month.
I ordered their best-selling Big Stack (for ZAR 129). This huge burger had two large patties covered in melted cheese and lettuce. It had just the right levels of smokey, salty, and juicy goodness!
| Pro Tip: Visit their website to learn about their limited-edition burgers (like their OG Crunch at ZAR 79). |
3. Moo Moo Brooklyn
Address: 31 Middle Street & Middle Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Website: http://www.moo-moo.co.za/
Contact number: +27823560756
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Moo Moo Brooklyn may sound like the title of a nursery rhyme for young kids, but this burger joint in Pretoria isn’t kidding around when it comes to burgers. I was driving to the area one weekend, so I decided to check them out.
I ordered their classic Moo Burger for ZAR 90. The patty is huge, thick, and tender, and the BBQ mayo complimented everything along with the fresh crispy lettuce and tomatoes.
| Pro Tip: You can order online and pick up your order from the Moo Moo branch of your choice. |
4. Burger & Lobster
Address: 105 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: http://www.burgerandlobster.co.za/
Contact number: +27214224297
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 12:00 NN to 10:30 PM
During a trip to Cape Town, I got to visit Burger & Lobster. As the name of the restaurant implies, they offer burgers and lobster dishes. I think their lobster rolls and whole lobster special are pretty awesome considering their portions and the freshness of the ingredients.
However, I came here for their burgers, and since I wanted some variety, I ordered their 3-slider offer. It came in three variants—cheeseburger, crispy chicken burger, and calamari burger—which I thoroughly enjoyed with their sticky cheese and savoury patties!
| Pro Tip: The restaurant also offers special food items and a limited-edition menu. |
5. Hudsons Burger Joint
Address: 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg
Website: https://theburgerjoint.co.za/
Contact number: +27112680713
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 12:00 NN to 11:30 PM
I visited Hudsons Burger Joint a few months back with some buddies, and we had a great time. We went for their slider menu, and I drooled as the burgers were being served!
The beef patties were topped with smoky bacon strips and melted cheddar cheese which perfectly balanced the taste. I alternated between chewing on the tender patties and chomping on the perfectly battered onion rings!
| Pro Tip: Check out their other set menus if you’re eating out as a family or a group. |
6. Royale Eatery
Address: 20 Vineyard Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
Website: http://www.royaleeatery.com/
Contact number: +27212066336
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
To be honest, I didn’t expect the Royale Eatery to look as elegant as it did with its huge leather couches and wall paintings. I liked its classy bar vibe, though, as it felt like it elevated my burger dining experience to the next level.
I ordered their classic cheeseburger with fries and was impressed with its serving size and flavour. The patty was delicious thanks to how juicy, savoury, and smokey it tasted especially with the melted cheddar cheese.
| Pro Tip: Ask the wait staff about their BYOB or build your own burger options for unique burger combinations. |
7. Sanook Cafe, East London
Address: 11 Chamberlain Rd, Berea, East London
Website: http://www.sanook.co.za/
Contact number: +27437213215
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
My family visited the East London area to meet with some relatives and decided to drop by the popular burger joint Sanook Cafe.
The kids had some pizza, but we adults ordered their beef burger topped with cheese and onion rings. The latter also came with sweet potato chips. We liked the smokey taste of the burger, and I think the addition of the crispy onion ring toppings made it better!
| Pro Tip: Check out their Instagram to learn about upcoming events and performances. |
8. The Bigmouth Sushi and Grill
Address: Shop No 13 & 14 of Nelson Mandela Square Corner Maude &, 5th St, Sandton
Website: http://www.thebigmouth.co.za/
Contact number: +27106342890
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 9:45 PM
My boss asked me to meet with a client last weekend in Sandton, and for lunch, I decided to visit this burger spot called the Bigmouth Sushi and Grill.
I ordered their classic cheeseburger with a serving of fries and was surprised to see that their cheeseburger came with tons of veggie toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers). It also had a creamy mayo spread topped with some fresh basil. All in all, the burger was smokey, hickory, and slightly creamy!
| Pro Tip: Make a reservation with this restaurant via their website or by calling or texting +27 63 293 8869. |
9. Brooklyn Brothers
Address: Shop U50, Van Der Linde Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Website: https://brooklynbrothers.co.za/brooklyn-brothers-bedford/
Contact number: +27605334286
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM
Some of my buddies raved about Brooklyn Brothers burgers, so I decided to check this place out. I sank my teeth into their bobotie-flavoured cheeseburger. The patty had a unique aged meat taste and a strong BBQ flavour that made me almost want to order a second serving!
| Pro Tip: Check out their website for any new promos or new food items. |
10. Gibson’s
Address: Shop 157, Lower Level, 19 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: http://www.gibsonsburgers.co.za/menu
Contact number: +27873573465
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 12:00 NN to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 12:00 NN to 10:30 PM
A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete if my family and I didn’t get to Gibson’s. This is one place I often come back to not just for the burgers but also for the great outdoor dining area with its amazing view of the dock.
Its Ultimate Burger is truly pure burger bliss with its thick and juicy patty, crispy and savoury chicken, and smokey (but slightly sweet) bacon!
| Pro Tip: Give the gift of a burger with a Gibson’s gift voucher. |
