In our search to find the ultimate burger, Nikita Buxton heads to KZN’s sunny shores to feast on her latest favourite, served by Republik in Durban North.

The burger

The 180g patty of the Republik Burger (edition 2) is a mixture of 80% beef and, for an amazing kick of flavour, 20% bacon mince. The beef mince is made of topside, chuck and brisket meat. Cooked to medium-rare perfection, the patty is topped with a crisp golden potato rosti for a gorgeous crunch. A silky nivernaise (a hollandaise sauce with mushrooms and thyme) dresses the patty, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction ties this blissful burger together.

The Republik Burger (edition 2) at Republik. Photo courtesy of Jan Ras.

Says co-owner Tayne Draper, “The best part of the burger, in my opinion, is the bacon mince in the patty and the balsamic glaze.” With each saucy bite, we can attest to that.

The burger ideology

Republik’s mission is to encourage a healthier, happy environment by spreading goodness through nourishing and honest food. The restaurant’s motto is “for the people”, and the aim is to inspire people to eat responsibly by offering flavoursome, high-quality, natural and free-range produce. Each burger is made with beef that is 100% grass-fed, free-to-roam, and hormone- and routine-antibiotic-free.

The bar at Republik. Photo courtesy of Jan Ras.

The price

R95 gets you this glorious burger with a side of crisp shoestring fries. If you feel like bulking up your meal, add some zucchini fries with honey mustard aioli for an extra R15.

The restaurant

This neighbourhood burger joint brings gourmet casual dining to the sunny city’s foodie scene. It’s a space meant for socialising, drinking great local craft beers and eating flavoursome burgers.  The coffee deserves a special mention, with the hot brews coming from Cape Town’s trailblazing Tribe Coffee.

And…

With tons of interesting toppings and sauces to choose from, the build-your-own burger concept is a winning formula for creative eaters. If you want to forgo the bread, opt for the Hipster Burger, where your choice of patty and toppings is served on a grilled garlic portobello mushroom with fresh rocket and a side of zucchini fries.

Have you eaten at Republik? Let us know what you thought of the experience by writing a review. (Until the end of September 2015, your ratings will decide the winners of the first-ever Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries.)

The interior at Republik. Photo courtesy of Jan Ras.