Cape Town burger ranked second best in the world by Time Out

Cape Town’s burger scene has earned major international recognition after Time Out ranked Zuney Wagyu Burgers as the second-best burger spot in the world for 2026.

The global ranking, compiled by Time Out editors and food writers across multiple countries, named Tokyo’s Smash Things as the overall winner, with Cape Town claiming the No. 2 spot ahead of burger destinations in Madrid, Montreal, Paris and Sydney.

The recognition places Cape Town firmly on the global food map and highlights South Africa’s growing reputation for premium burger culture.

ALSO READ: Zuney Burgers launches at Time Out Market Cape Town with Wagyu menu

Cape Town’s award-winning burger

According to Time Out, Zuney Wagyu Burgers impressed judges with its premium farm-to-table approach and high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant’s standout burger features:

• A 160g grass-fed A5 wagyu beef patty
• Brûléed Monterey Jack cheese
• Confit shallot jam
• Charred iceberg lettuce
• Umami-miso béarnaise sauce
• Toasted brioche bun

The wagyu beef is sourced directly from the restaurant’s own family farm in the Eastern Cape.

Time Out praised the burger for balancing indulgence with precision, describing it as one of the most memorable burgers tested globally in 2026.

Where to find Zuney Wagyu Burgers in Cape Town

Burger lovers can visit Zuney Wagyu Burgers at:

• Zuney Wagyu Burgers
• Time Out Market Cape Town

The Kloof Street location has become particularly popular among locals and tourists looking for gourmet burgers and wagyu beef dishes.

The world’s best burgers for 2026

According to Time Out’s global ranking, these are the top 10 burgers in the world for 2026:

1. Smash Things — Tokyo, Japan
2. Zuney Wagyu Burgers — Cape Town, South Africa
3. Nolita — Madrid, Spain
4. Hanbaagaasuuteeki — London, United Kingdom
5. Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood — Montreal, Canada
6. Spécimen Burger Saint Germain — Paris, France
7. Eat at Robs — Sydney, Australia
8. Mafia Bite — Johannesburg, South Africa
9. Kiddo — Buenos Aires, Argentina
10. Ground Burger — Lisbon, Portugal

South Africa dominates the African burger scene

South Africa performed strongly overall, with Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite also securing a place in the global top 10.

Mafia Bite earned recognition for its “Frank Lucas” burger featuring:

• Nine-hour slow-smoked brisket
• Honey BBQ sauce
• Loaded toppings
• American-style burger presentation

The strong showing from both Cape Town and Johannesburg reflects the rapid growth of South Africa’s gourmet burger market, where local chefs are increasingly blending premium ingredients with global burger trends.

Why burgers continue dominating food culture

Burgers remain one of the biggest global food trends because they combine:

• Comfort food appeal
• Premium ingredient flexibility
• Social media presentation
• Street food accessibility
• Gourmet experimentation

Restaurants around the world are increasingly elevating burgers with wagyu beef, artisan buns, smoked meats and chef-driven sauces while still maintaining their casual appeal.

Cape Town’s placement near the top of the list reinforces the city’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading food destinations.

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