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Where do South Africans find the best burger in town? For the third year running Eat Out, together with Mercedes-Benz, has invited the public to help choose South Africa’s favourite everyday restaurants. The battle for the top spot in the burger category was especially intense, with the triumphant burger joints getting to take home the title of 2017 Eat Out Savanna Best Burger Eatery.

The top names in each category were determined by a two-step process. Star ratings given by reviewers on our site from 1 October 2016 to 30 August 2017 were tallied. The restaurants that received a large volume of high scores from fans were then visited by our professional critics. Final results were based on a 50-50 composite score from the public and the critics.

So, which burgers came out on top?

Gauteng

Best burger

Craft (Parkhurst)

Burgers here are not what you’d expect. There’s a burger for banters, with a grilled cauliflower rosti, a 200g beef patty and spicy pineapple coulis, and is topped with a courgette fritter. The pulled pork burger is a must-try, topped with Emmental cheese, mustard aioli and tomato compote. Other options include burgers made with chicken breasts, tuna, chickpeas or lamb.

Sliders at Craft in Parkhurst. Photo supplied.

Reviewer Takwonda had this to say: “The portion was incredibly generous, which I loved, especially considering how great the meal was, and the flavours of all the elements of the dish came together to provide an overall tantalising palate experience.”

Highly commended

Dukes Burgers (Greenside)

Dukes has a reputation for offering monster burgers made with the most sumptuous and finest-quality beef, lamb and chicken. The Thelma and Louise burger comprises a generous beef patty that sits between two buns, plus tomato relish, fig reduction, blue cheese, fresh pears and cucumber ribbons. The New Yorker comes with a triple stack of patties (600g in total) topped with barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, fresh tomato, onions, gherkins and homemade mayo. We could go on and on.

A post shared by Dukes Burgers Greenside (@dukes_burgers_greenside) on May 10, 2017 at 11:49pm PDT

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Best burger

Republik (Durban North)

This gourmet burger spot in Durban North offers up some pretty crazy combos when it comes to its buns. You might spot one topped with nachos, creamy mac ’n cheese, or even stout-soaked jalapeños.

A post shared by RepubliK Restaurants (@republikrestaurants) on Sep 3, 2017 at 9:20pm PDT

Reviewer Christy Hammond had this to say: “As much as I wanted to order everything on the menu, I had to make a decision. I ordered the burger without a bun. Beef, to be exact, crispy bacon, caramelised onions and a side of deep-fried baby marrow chips. The food arrived in about ten minutes, my tummy didn’t even have time to grumble. It was by far the juiciest and tastiest burger I have ever tasted. My stomach was full and my heart complete.”

Highly commended

S43 Home to That Brewing Co. (Morningside)

Set in trendy Station Drive, this brewery offers a relaxed, stylish backdrop for craft beer and burgers. Options include the venison burger with beer- and maple-glazed bacon, braised onions and mature cheddar; the Durban burger with spiced pineapple, bacon, mature cheddar and an Island-style dressing; or the umami burger with gorgonzola, port reduction, grilled pears and umami sprinkles.

Sliders at S43. Photo supplied.

Western Cape

Best burger

Royale Eatery (Cape City Bowl)

Long Street’s famous burger joint has been going since 2003, and the burgers are still fabulous. There are more than 50 options in every incarnation, from beef, chicken, lamb and fish to pork, ostrich and vegetarian. You could opt for a classic, like the version with white cheddar, or the Miss Piggy with bacon and guac. Feeling daring? Try the El Burro (chorizo, chillies, coriander, mozzarella and smoked jalapeños) or the Burgerac (white cheddar and chipotle chillies).

A post shared by Royale Eatery (@royale_eatery) on Sep 5, 2017 at 3:47am PDT

Reviewer Tessa Cooper describes their experience: “The burger varieties are unmatched in Cape Town – there is something great for everyone here! They are huge, held together with sosatie sticks, with sides of sweet potato fries and cream cheese.”

Highly commended

Hudsons the Burger Joint (Claremont)

Roll those sleeves up for a burger feast. All burgers here are made using free-roaming veld-fed beef, and are served perfectly pink. You could go for the popular The Player burger with streaky bacon, feta and avo, or keep it cheesy with The Fancy Cheese, topped with double cheddar cheese, truffle-cheese sauce and all the trimmings. Chicken-lovers will also be satisfied, with the The Ranch burger, which comes with its peri-peri chicken breast topped with mayo and lettuce, and is served with dusted onion rings.

A post shared by Kacey Cupido (@mademoiselle_kacey) on Oct 19, 2017 at 1:15am PDT

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Looking for more ideas for great burger joints? Check out our dedicated burger section. Want to see your favourite burger joint win next year? Write a review now.