When it comes to crowning the best Cape Town burger joints of 2024, the Mother City’s culinary scene is unrivalled. Lest we forget Cape Town was voted the Best City for Food in the World in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. So, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, as we go in search of the most innovative and tastiest gourmet creations out there.
Please not that we’re by no means food critics, in ranking the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024. In fact, it’s taken us nearly six months to sample each of the establishments below, at our own cost. We assure you no meals were sponsored and none of the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 even know they are part of this appraisal. Of course, our opinion is purely subjective and based only the dining experiences we had …
BEST CAPE TOWN BURGER JOINTS IN 2024
As a result, the criteria for ranking the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 is in no way scientific. By all means, the meat quality, bun freshness, topping combinations and flavours all play a role. Likewise, overall value for money, atmosphere and service must come into it. But, more than anything, we’re looking for a burger that leaves an impression and a dining experience that’s memorable. Plain and simple. So, in reverse order, the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 are …
5. JERRY’S BURGER BAR
The first port of call (sailor pun intended) for the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 has to be Jerry’s Burger Bar. We visited the original location at Heritage Square in the CBD, but there are others in Blouberg and Willowbridge now, bringing the burger love to the Northern suburbs. We were drawn to the Jack D Burger straight away with Jack Daniel’s basting and caramelised onions. The signature Jerry’s Burger is also top notch. And if you don’t know what to order you can always opt for the sliders and get three minis of your choosing. Doesn’t push the burger envelope, but reliably tasty.
4. DE VRIJE BURGER
Proudly making the cut for best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 is De Vrije Burger. The brainchild of South African chef extraordinaire Bertus Basson, the original joint is in Stellenbosch, but you can also get them at the Time Out Market at the ever-popular V&A Waterfront. The Beef Burger itself is crafted out of personal nostalgia from Bertus’ younger years. The BBQ sauce comes straight from Bertus’ own mother’s kitchen, the beef is free range and the butter buns handmade. The burgers are not only tasty but excellently priced, too, so you’ll definitely be going back for more.
3. CLARKE’S BAR & DINING ROOM
A long-standing favorite among Cape Town locals, google ‘best burgers Cape Town’ and Clarke’s comes up every time. Unfortunately, the dining experience we had one Friday evening in 2024 did not satisfy. Every ingredient of a Clarke’s burger is made fresh in the restaurant. The buns have a croissant-like consistency and are particularly lovely. Especially on their signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger, accompanied with iceberg coleslaw and miso mayo. Which clearly is a recipe perfected and refined over the years. Such a shame then that the plating and level of service (or lack thereof) did detract from our experience. But maybe you’ll get lucky …
2. BRASH BURGER
A bold new entry into the best Cape Town burger joints for 2024 is Brash Burger. Currently with only one location in Sea Point, it’s the type of smashburger joint gaining notoriety like wildfire through social media. In execution, it totally has a retro feel, just like the original McDonald’s burgers of the 1950s (before they franchised wildly). Meanwhile, the burger itself is more fast food than gourmet. But every step of the way, the experience is memorable. There are just two burgers on the menu – the Classic and Mack Daddy. Both feature double smashed beef patties cooked extra crispy, on a delectable brioche bun with American cheese, pickles and onions. Brash Burger’s popularity is nuts right now, so be prepared for a slightly chaotic experience as you queue out the door and fight for one of the quick turning tables.
1. AEGIR PROJECT
Number one amongst the best Cape Town burger joints in 2024 is Aegir Project. Based approximately 40-minutes from the CBD in Noordhoek, this once underground craft brewery and taproom has revolutionised the Cape Town burger scene. Aegir’s strength lies in offering a wide range of innovative and delicious gourmet burgers, along with a slew of standout side dishes. The Truffle Smash Burger features two grass-fed beef patties, melted cheese, honey chilli aioli, streaky bacon and crispy onions and is, quite simply, a culinary event.
Then there’s the Spicy ‘KFC’ Burger, with Korean kimchi battered free range chicken, Gochujang BBQ hot sauce, rainbow coleslaw, creamy aioli and red-onion pickle. Both are absolutely out of this world and, according to us, the best two burgers in Cape Town. Visit Aegir and, without fail, your only challenge while dining will be: “How many of these burgers can I eat before I need to be rolled out the door!?” Similarly, the restaurant atmosphere is inviting and the service efficient and consistent. Take a bow, Aegir …
But that’s just our opinion. Do you think we missed out on any other great burgers in Cape Town this year? If so, get in touch in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to include them in our 2025 evaluation.
DID WE MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT BURGERS?
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