9 Best Burgers in Cape Town: Honest Reviews of Local Favourites

Best Burgers in Cape Town: Cape Town has no shortage of burger spots, but not all burgers are created equal. Some places nail the meat, some shine with sauces, and others get the balance just right. Over time, we’ve eaten our way through the city in search of burgers that are actually worth your money, your appetite, and your expectations.

This list is based purely on our own visits and honest opinions. No hype, no trends we don’t believe in, just really good burgers across Cape Town. We’ve got video reviews for each of these, just click on the hyperlinks below to watch!

Best Burger Restaurants in Cape Town

1. Conscious Carnivores

If you’re talking about consistently excellent burgers in Cape Town, Conscious Carnivores has to be near the top. Every burger here feels intentional, from the quality of the meat to the balance of flavours.

Our favourites include the OG Wagyu Burger, the Pepper Crusted Fillet Burger, and the Buffalo Chicken Burger. The wagyu is rich and indulgent, the pepper crusted fillet brings something completely different with its toum and spice, and the buffalo chicken hits that perfect fried chicken and coleslaw combo.

Bonus points for their half onion rings, half chips option and their Spanish latte, which might just be one of our favourite cold coffees in the city.

2. Joe & Co Smash

Joe & Co Smash does exactly what they promise: premium smash burgers that let the meat shine. The patties are juicy, flavourful, and cooked with care, which you notice from the first bite.

We tried the Founder and the Showstopper, and while both are excellent, the Showstopper lives up to its name. Even though we don’t usually lean towards double patty burgers, Joe & Co’s version completely won us over.

Their lemon and strawberry mojitos are refreshing and affordable, making this a great all-round meal experience.

3. LA Farms

LA Farms is for people who appreciate a burger where the meat is the star. They don’t rely heavily on sauces, which allows the flavour of their wagyu and grass-fed Angus burgers to really come through.

Both the Wagyu Classic Burger and the Grass-fed Angus Burger are solid choices, especially if you enjoy clean, well-executed flavours. A standout detail here is that their chips are fried in wagyu tallow, which adds a distinct crispness and depth.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a more refined burger experience.

4. MJ’s Burgers

MJ’s Burgers is proof that good burgers don’t have to be expensive. Located in an old garage along Campground Road, the vibe is no-nonsense, and the food follows the same philosophy.

We tried the Smash Pro Burger, Patty Melt Sandwich, Animal Style Fries, and the Chicken Tender Box. The burgers and sandwich deliver a strong barbecue flavour that works well with their soft brioche buns. The chicken tenders are crispy and comforting, reminiscent of classic fast food but with better quality.

If you’re looking for value for money without sacrificing flavour, MJ’s is a great option.

5. Smokin Joe’s

Smokin Joe’s had a redemption arc for us. Our first experience wasn’t great, but after trying their Durban branch and revisiting their Cape Town location, our opinion completely changed.

Standout items include the Smokin Joe Burger, the Royale Burger with cheese, and the Gochujang Wings. The burger buns are fresh and complement the fillings well, while the milkshakes are rich and dessert-like.

Their fries deserve a special mention. Easily some of the closest we’ve had to McDonald’s-style fries, and honestly one of the best reasons to visit.

6. Olive Café

Olive Café surprised us, especially with their lamb burger. The amount of effort that goes into preparing the lamb is evident in every bite, resulting in a juicy, flavour-packed burger that stands out from the usual beef options.

We also tried the Hawaiian burger, which was unexpectedly good, and the spicy chicken calzone, which confirmed that their pizzas are worth exploring too. Located in Claremont, this spot gets busy for a reason.

Best Chicken Burgers and Sliders in Cape Town

7. Hermanos

Hermanos is all about bold flavour, and their buffalo hot sauce might just be one of the best in Cape Town. While they’re known for chicken-focused items, their sliders and tenders earn them a solid spot on this list.

The chicken tenders with buffalo sauce and the Nashville hot chicken slider were standouts, and their chicken and waffles are pure comfort food. Their milkshakes, especially the cookies and cream option, make for the perfect sweet finish.

This is a great weekend budget-friendly option if you’re craving something indulgent.

8. Mo’s Diner

Mo’s Diner in Observatory is one of those understated gems that keeps people coming back. While they’re known for bagels, their burgers deserve attention too.

The buttermilk chicken burger is the clear standout. Crispy, juicy, and memorable. Their beef burger is also solid, and meals come with a good balance of veggies, which keeps things feeling fresh.

They’re budget-friendly, the staff are welcoming, and their caramel latte is worth ordering alongside your meal.

Burger-Adjacent Comfort Food Worth Trying

9. Shift Espresso

Shift Espresso isn’t a traditional burger joint, but it’s worth mentioning for its hearty comfort food and quality execution. Their Chicken Schnitzel and Prego Roll are filling, satisfying options if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

Their freshly made pasta menu is also a highlight, especially the Spicy Arrabbiata and Fungi Alfredo. Add to that a warm ambience, comfortable seating, and excellent service, and it becomes an easy choice for a relaxed dinner.

Cape Town’s burger scene is diverse, and that’s what makes it exciting. Whether you’re looking for smash burgers, wagyu patties, fried chicken burgers, or value-for-money comfort food, there’s something here for every craving.

This list will keep evolving as we try more spots, but for now, these are the burgers that genuinely stood out to us. If you’ve tried any of these or think we should visit another spot, let us know. You know we’re always hungry.

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