The 13 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg

Founded in 2020 (I know, right?), Mafia Bite has quickly evolved from a small local secret into one of the Westrand’s most heavy-hitting burger destinations. From its humble beginnings in Maraisburg to its new location in Constantia Kloof, this fully Halaal joint has built a cult following for its bold, flavourful food. 

The restaurant leans into a high-drama, “underworld-luxury theme”, with a menu featuring names inspired by history’s most notorious figures, from the Escobar and Blanco smash burgers to the nine-hour-smoked Godfather ribs.

Known for their signature "Mafia Mayo" and indulgent, over-the-top milkshakes, Mafia Bite balances the grit of a local burger bar with the precision of slow-cooked, Texas-style BBQ.

The Frank Lucas is the crowning glory of Mafia Bite’s "smoked" range. While most of their menu focuses on their signature smash-style beef patties, the Frank Lucas is a luxury brisket burger. It’s named after the infamous Harlem kingpin, and like the man himself, it’s designed to be the top of the food chain, bold, rich, and unapologetically extra.

I don't consider myself a big eater, but when it comes to the Frank Lucas, I unashamedly order a double because the contrast between the yielding, tender brisket and the sharp, shattering crunch of the onion rings and gherkins is too good for modesty.

If they're going all-in on this burger, then you should probably pair it with a Triple Chocolate Milkshake to complete the experience. It feels like a cheat meal for the elite. In a city full of standard cheeseburgers, the Frank Lucas stands out as a gourmet statement piece, much like that infamous coat at the Ali-Frazier fight.

If you’re a simple soul, the El Chapo and Blanco will do the trick, and the flavours are every bit as indulgent. 

Address: 54 Constantia Dr, Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort

There is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Fourways, and it goes by the name of Saigon Suzy. 

From the moment you arrive, the restaurant makes a striking first impression. While the decor and atmosphere are impressive, the real star of the show is the food. The restaurant serves the best fried chicken burger.

The chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk and secret spices for 24 hours before being coated in crunchy cornflakes and deep-fried. Topped with spicy mayo and pineapple, the result is a burger that is bold, juicy, and absolutely massive. If you’re a light eater, this is definitely a meal you might want to share. At under R150, it’s also incredible value for money.

Address: Shop U3 6B, Cedar Square Shopping Centre
Cedar Road, Fourways, Sandton. 

MooMoo is fun, casual and big on flavour, with a cow theme running throughout the restaurants - far less macabre than it sounds! There are branches everywhere, but the Pineslopes one is hard to beat; it’s big, airy and often has live music too.

The Moo Burger is a go-to, featuring a 200g beef patty, Moo Smokey BBQ Mayo, crispy lettuce, tomato, marinated red onions and pickles. Want more? The Farmer Brown loads on cheddar and bacon. Their Saucy Burger lets you choose a topping - from biltong cheese to mushroom to jalapeño cheese. For something different, the Hot Honey Chicken Burger is a take on a Southern-inspired fried chicken sandwich, packed with crispy buttermilk-fried chicken, spicy honey sauce and tangy slaw.

And just in case you didn’t know, they also do a buy one get one free wine special every day from 3-5pm. If that’s not a reason to celebrate, what is?

Address: Shop No. GF21 Pineslopes Boulevard, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways, 2194

Ribs & Burgers provides a casual place to grab a burger and milkshake with friends or family. As you’d expect from the name, their menu showcases expertly grilled beef patties, free-range chicken burgers and their signature slow-cooked ribs. The original beef burger is a good choice, but if you want something truly top-notch, the Wagyu Big Cheese Burger offers a premium Wagyu beef patty with double American cheese, house-made pickles and special sauce.

Vegetarian options are available, including a veggie burger made with a chickpea and lentil patty. The warm, industrial-style decor and friendly staff make it a great spot for a relaxed meal with family or friends. While prices are moderate, the quality and portion sizes offer good value. Pro tip: their seasoned onion rings are out of this world, and their milkshakes don’t disappoint either.

Ribs & Burgers has multiple locations across Johannesburg, including Nicolway, The Marc, Linksfield, Harvest Place and Newmarket Square.

Experience the historic township of Soweto through Grub Worx, a hidden gem in Chiawelo that offers the juiciest burgers in Johannesburg. A perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture, the burger joint has a variety of selections to choose from. The burgers are made from freshly ground, perfectly seasoned patties, with crispy onions, melted cheese and, of course, a generous portion of sauced up fries.

This is most evident through their unique signature burger, Worx Deluxe, which comes with chakalaka (a spicy South African relish made from carrots, onions, peppers and spices).

Beyond the great food, during peak hours, Grub Worx is a great place to unwind and soak up the energy of Soweto. Who knows, perhaps you could earn yourself some street cred after hanging out with the locals...

Address: Shop 6, Sunrise Centre, 674 Tsianda S, Chiawelo, Soweto

If you didn’t know about BGR, you could easily drive straight past these little hole in the wall spots in Rosebank, Honeydew and Johannesburg which are reminiscent of an 80s American diner. BGR takes a simple, no-frills approach to burgers. There’s a simple, focused menu where visitors can customise their toppings to their liking with a handful of sauces and all the classics; like tomatoes, cheese, pickles, lettuce and so on.

Each burger patty is freshly ground and made to order with premium beef, fresh toppings and toasted buns. Hand-cut chips (crisp, golden and piping hot) serve as the perfect sidekick for mopping up all that extra sauce.

If you like no-nonsense, perfectly executed burgers, this is your spot. Vegetarians don’t get much love here, but they do make a mean grilled cheese sandwich. While there are a few chairs scattered around, this is the kind of satisfying takeout burger you grab for lunch or dinner one day and then think about for years afterwards.

Voted Joburg’s Best Burger by Anele and the Club on 947, The Kitchen of Oz has made a name for itself with massive, flavour-packed burgers. What started as a one-man operation with a single gas stove has grown into a local legend, drawing burger lovers from all over the city.

The winning Jou’burger is not a traditional hamburger. Instead, it’s packed with masala steak, mutton polony, smash beef patty, three cheeses and a gherkin sauce. Does it sound like overkill? Yes. Is it totally worth it? Also yes. Purists will be happy to learn there are also standard smash burgers and chicken burgers.

It’s a small, no-frills takeaway joint, but Kitchen of Oz is a must-visit for serious burger fans. And while you’re at it, make sure to grab a portion of their masala chips to round out the meal. Calories don’t count when they’re this delicious.

Address: 103 Komatie St, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195

Local Kitchen Co. is all about fresh, well-executed classics, and their burger selection keeps it simple but seriously satisfying. They come with a view of the outdoor driving range and plenty of space for kids to play, too.

If you're after something to fill you up for the day, the Double Trouble Burger is stacked with two beef patties, double cheddar cheese, crispy streaky bacon, mustard mayo, lettuce, pickles and fried onion - a proper feast.

Pulled pork fans should go for the Texas Pulled Pork Burger, which comes loaded with BBQ-smoked pulled pork and gorgonzola slaw. There’s also a vegetarian burger made with a quinoa and chickpea patty, fresh coriander, lime, green chilli, baby spinach, rocket and avocado - which means herbivores are far from an afterthought.

Beyond burgers, they also serve almost every type of mac and cheese under the sun. But let’s be real, you’re here for the burgers and a side of onion rings or crispy fries.

Address: Cnr. Witkoppen & Main Road, Magaliessig, Johannesburg

Thunder Gun in Northcliff has earned a loyal following for its no-nonsense approach to burgers, ribs, steaks and hearty portions. In fact, many people claim their burgers and ribs to be the best in Johannesburg. The setting is retro in the best way, with wood-panelled walls, a lively bar and vintage memorabilia lining the walls. It’s no wonder the old-school favourite has amassed a bit of a cult following.

If you come hungry, know that any of their burgers can be made into double burgers on request. There’s no crazy toppings here; just great patties with classics like cheese and occasionally bacon or avocado. But the sauces are - in a word - fantastic. Spicy cheese, creamy pepper, the South African classic of sticky monkey gland and a seriously hot vasquero sauce if you like your burgers with a kick.

Pair it all with a cold draught beer from the vintage taps, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth the trip.

Address: 281 Beyers Naudé Drive, Blackheath, Randburg

Proud Mary brings a touch of class to the burger experience in the foodie paradise of Rosebank, offering classic bistro dishes in a sleek, sophisticated setting with a seriously Instagram-worthy bar. Although not a restaurant focused specifically on burgers or red meat, the food here is consistently good and obviously, there’s a burger or two on the menu.

The Wagyu Cheese Burger is worth it for the crispy triple (yes, triple) fried chips that comes with it. But it also features smoked Stanford cheese, white onion, fennel and mustard jam, garlic aioli and lemon watercress. Add the fresh truffle for an extra-upscale burger to rival the world’s finest steakhouses.

Proud Mary is known for their cocktail offering, so your best bet is to pair that deliciously cheesy burger with a nice, sharp cocktail to cut through the deliciously greasy burger and fries.

Address: 6 Tyrwhitt Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

Smoke Daddy’s burgers are big, messy and unapologetically smoky. This place leans all-in on the southern smokehouse aesthetic - rustic, warm and built for good food and good company.

Their Buffalo Blue Burger is a standout, layering house-smoked bacon, caramelised onions, crumbled blue cheese and smashed avo over a thick, flame-grilled beef patty. If you’re up for a challenge, the Daddy’s Dagwood is a towering beast - 200g of grilled steak, crispy onion rings, a fried egg, cheddar, smoked bacon and salsa relish, all packed into one burger.

The interior feels like a modern American barbecue joint meets craft beer tavern, with dark wood panelling, exposed brick and industrial touches. It also has a giant (seriously, giant) play area outside with people to watch the kids, so it’s great for a big get-together.

Address: Cedar Square, Cedar Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2068

Papa Pronto combines classic Italian flavours with South African flair. The Italian Burger, topped with mozzarella, basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, is a standout.

The cosy, family-run vibe and generous portions make this a neighbourhood gem.

Address: 285 Church Street Cnr Church &, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2188

Right in the heart of Bryanston is a cute and trendy burger joint called, Stud. The Burger Shop. Expect your energy to be lifted by the super friendly (and might I say VERY energetic) staff. With the spot having a huge social media following for its indulgent, flavour-packed burgers, their signature ‘Stud Burger’ comes highly recommended; stacked with thick and juicy double patties, melted cheese, pickles, caramelised onions and a sauce you’d swear is the secret ingredient Mr Krabs (from SpongeBob SquarePants) was hiding from Plankton. They also have free merch when you purchase certain meals.

It's a perfect spot to sit in or grab an order. Stud. The Burger Shop does live up to its slogan – No bull, just beef. So, if you’re in Joburg and craving the perfect burger, look no further.

Address: Shop 1, Coachman’s Crossing Shopping Centre, Peter Place, Bryanston