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Want to know where to find the best burger in Gauteng? It’s official: it’s to be found at The Countess in Melville. The Countess was voted by you as the Eat Out Hellmann’s Best Burger Eatery at the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. Read all about what won them the top spot.

Fast facts

Cost: R100 average main meal
Parking: Underground
Food type: Smokehouse, burgers and ribs
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 4; Ambience; 4

One of The Countess’ delectable burgers. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food

It’s quintessential American smokehouse fare: burgers, ribs, wings and Southern fried chicken. The burgers, especially, are what people keep coming back for: the chilli burger with fresh chilli, chilli aïoli, cheddar cheese and chilli fried onion rings is OTT and fantastic, but the simple BBQ burger topped with BBQ aïoli, tomato and gherkin comes out tops – sometimes simpler is better. (It has to be mentioned that their onion rings are the things that dreams are made of: enormous and perfectly crisp, they hit the spot every time.)

The sticky pork ribs, chicken wings and brisket are all slow-cooked in the smoker; the wings and ribs are tender and sticky sweet; and the 18-hour brisket is comfort food at its best.

A selection of eats at The Countess. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

For dessert, the signature pot de crème (a twist on the traditional crème brûlée) is a richer but slightly less sweet version that’s cooked sous-vide and is delicious. Great, too, is the dense chocolate brownie made with dark chocolate, nuts, cranberries and orange zest.

There are other options on the menu – pastas and salads – but they’re extraneous and don’t really fit with the rest of the offering. Shortening the menu to concentrate on what’s being done well is always the best idea.

Drinks

The wine list is easy-going and wonderfully easy on the pocket, with nothing (aside from the Veuve Clicquot) exceeding the R300 mark – in fact, the mark-ups on the wines are refreshingly small. There’s an amazing selection of craft gins and tonics, one of the biggest and best-priced in the city. There’s also a great selection of craft beers on tap. Additionally, the barista makes the most delicious coffee that’s freshly roasted, single origin and 100% Arabica.

Service

It’s friendly but laid-back. Waiters are willing to go the extra mile to ensure you have a great time and management is always around to check in on your table.

The Countess interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

The steampunk décor makes it more of a night-time venue and the enormity of space and great outside deck makes it perfect for large numbers and parties. It’s fun and frivolous, OTT and fabulous.

Best for…

After-work drinks, dinner with friends, parties and functions.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

Have you visited The Countess? Let us know in the comments below or review your experience using our free app. 

Only the best will bring out the best!

Hellmann’s is the title sponsor of the Best Burger Eatery category at the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. With its rich, creamy taste, thick dollopy texture and simple, real ingredients, Hellmann’s Original mayonnaise has always promised to bring out the best in any burger.