Cape Town’s food scene has picked up another international nod, this time for the humble burger. Two restaurants in the Mother City, Zuney Wagyu Burgers (#22) and Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room (#17), feature on Big 7 Travel’s list of the 50 best burgers in the world.
For travellers planning a trip to Cape Town, it’s a handy tip: two proven burger stops, with very different takes on the same idea.
#22 Zuney Wagyu Burgers: farm-to-table Wagyu
Zuney is no newcomer to the spotlight: Time Out ranked its Wagyu burger second best in the world in May 2026, behind only Tokyo’s Smash Things.
What sets it apart is the beef. Zuney raises its Wagyu on its own farms, so the meat comes from South African pastures rather than being flown in, which gives the burger a genuine farm-to-table story. The classic cheeseburger keeps the focus on the beef, and the bacon and cheese version suits anyone who wants even more of it.
You’ll find Zuney Wagyu Burgers on Kloof Street in Gardens and at Time Out Market Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront. The Waterfront branch is the easy option if you’re sightseeing nearby or short on time.
#17 Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room: the old-school classic
Clarke’s is a long-time Cape Town favourite for a relaxed meal and a quiet drink, and for many visitors the burger is the highlight. It keeps things simple: a thick, well-cooked patty of South African beef with minimal toppings, the old-school way.
You’ll find it at 133 Bree Street in the Cape Town City Centre, within easy reach of many central hotels, hostels and sights. That makes it a good fit after a long day of sightseeing, when you want something satisfying rather than spectacular.
How the ranking works
Big 7 Travel’s annual list looks beyond the patty. It considers the quality and cooking of the beef (or alternatives), how well the bun, cheese, toppings and sauce work together, signature creations, diner feedback, atmosphere and value for money. That makes it more useful for travellers than a simple “biggest burger” contest.
The top 10 burgers in the world
For context, here is where the top of the Big 7 Travel list stands. Cape Town’s two entries sit further down the ranking.
- Hamburger America, New York City
- Bunsen Burger, Dublin
- Black Bear Burger, London
- Smash Things, Tokyo
- Eat at ROBs, Sydney
- High Joint, Dubai
- Bleecker Burger, London
- Uniburger, Montreal
- Fergburger, Queenstown
- RoyAl’s Chicken & Burgers, Perth
The top 10 spans six continents’ worth of burger cities, from New York and London to Tokyo, Dubai and Queenstown, so the list works as a ready-made bucket list for burger-minded travellers. Zuney and Clarke’s don’t crack the top 10, but they’re in the same list as places that travellers plan whole city breaks around.
Why this matters for travellers
Cape Town is already known for wine, seafood and fine dining. A world top 50 burger adds a casual option for anyone who wants a great meal without booking a tasting menu.
With a short stay, a simple plan works: Zuney at the V&A Waterfront for lunch, Clarke’s on Bree Street for a relaxed meal. Opening hours can change at short notice, so check before you go.
And for burger lovers? South Africa just got another reason to visit.
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