Burger & Lobster by PAN Collection — Restaurant in City Centre

Visited in January 2025. South Africa. Cape Town A restaurant with the intriguing moniker "Burger or Lobster" immediately piqued our interest – the pairing itself is, after all, one of our favorite culinary combinations. The restaurant is modestly sized and maintains a rather dim ambiance, which, in my view, suffered from a lack of adequate lighting. However, on the whole, the design is undeniably stylish.

The Food:

Our meal began with a selection of dishes, starting with the fresh oysters, served with finely diced cucumber and a distinctive vinegar-based dressing. The oysters were fresh and plump, though of a slightly smaller size. For our appetizer, we opted for the brisket pieces. While the concept of the dish was, in itself, interesting, its execution fell rather short of our expectations. Some of the pieces were composed entirely of fat, while the meat itself had a texture more akin to stew than grilled fare, lacking both depth of flavor and any hint of a smoky char. The accompanying sauces only served to amplify the richness of the dish, and the overall combination felt somewhat incongruous with the meat. For our main course, we both indulged in lobster. Sadly, only smaller lobsters were available, however they were undeniably expertly prepared. The flesh was remarkably tender, almost creamy, and possessed a subtle sweetness, which, in combination with the lemon-butter sauce, made for a succulently delicious experience. The accompanying French fries were fried to a crisp, while a fresh salad provided a welcome counterpoint. We also have a particular fondness for their lobster roll with an increased portion of lobster; the soft buns, generous amount of lobster and perfectly judged sauce coalesce to make this dish a real highlight.

Service:

The service was good, though not particularly attentive. Nevertheless, we felt very comfortable. The staff were all affable, but the service seemed to lean more towards a rather perfunctory bring-and-clear approach.

Conclusion:

This is, in essence, a commendable restaurant that offers a tasty lobster experience. We have a genuine fondness for this restaurant and occasionally visit when we are in the vicinity. Given that lobster is not a particularly ubiquitous offering in Cape Town, this establishment presents a suitable option for a more casual lunch or dinner...

Burger and Lobster Cape Town: A Culinary Delight

On a recent visit to Burger and Lobster in Cape Town, I had the pleasure of indulging in their Tuesday special, which offers two burgers for R199. The Southern Fried Chicken burger and the 28-day dry-aged beef smash burger, both accompanied by a generous serving of chips. My partner chose the winter special, priced at R189, which included the B&L Cheeseburger, a Lobster Roll Slider, and fries.

The burgers were exceptional, each bite delivering a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that can only be described as sublime. The Southern Fried Chicken burger offered a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful chicken. The 28-day dry-aged beef smash burger was a testament to the art of burger making, with its rich, beefy flavor and succulent texture.

The B&L Cheeseburger, part of the winter special, was equally impressive, boasting a perfectly cooked patty and a delightful harmony of toppings. The Lobster Roll Slider was a luxurious addition, providing a taste of the ocean that complemented the hearty burger offerings.

Service at Burger and Lobster is impeccable. The staff is attentive and efficient, ensuring a seamless dining experience. The manager's presence on the floor, actively overseeing operations, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

Burger and Lobster Cape Town stands out as arguably the best burger joint in the city, not only for its outstanding food but also for its top-tier service. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a superior burger experience...

Overall, Burger and Lobster is a great dinner and cocktails option in Cape Town.

The establishment clearly put effort into the overall ambiance. The bartender uniforms with black bowties add a classy touch. And I loved the lobster wall decoration with the cutout and lobster shell being exposed brick.

The “Fried Chicken Lollipop” was great! I didn’t taste a lot of the cheese or gravy coming through, but it was moist and really crispy and delicious on the outside. It’s only flaw was such a small portion size for the price.

I tried the New England lobster roll and as a native New Englander, I would say it landed at a 7.5 out of 10 on the lobster roll scale. The flavor of the meat was perfectly on point, but they definitely skimp on the portion of lobster meat by pinching the bottom of the roll inside of the metal holder. The lobster pieces just sort of end up decorating the top so that each bite had less lobster and much more roll than I would normally expect .

The fries were perfectly crispy, not a hint of sogginess detected. I also LOVE that they include mayonnaise with the fries. I eat my fries with mayo and it’s something I always have to ask for at restaurants.

And I would definitely recommend the “Wolf Burger” which has both lobster and brie cheese. Cocktail recommendation: The Betrayer.

There is a pretty chilly draft if you’re sitting at one of the high tables towards the front of the restaurant, so definitely pack a sweater or a jacket during Cape Town’s spring season.

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