Zuney Wagyu Burgers — Restaurant in Gardens

Believe it or not, this was my first time trying a smash burger. Am I even Capetonian if I haven’t caught on? Better question, how did I go so long without one? Especially since these spots are opening faster than cannabis stores post-legalisation. It reminded me of people who went through Covid without “catching it.” Anyhoo, it was time to join the cultish smash burger fun, and what better place than Zuney. I picked up Tumi, and off we went. On the drive, he explained the smash burger theory, but I’m a learn through eating type, so it went over my head. Game plan, order everything on the menu. If you’re going to do it, do it right. After surviving a few Karens while parking in tight town bays, we spotted the iconic green ‘Zuney’ sign against the moody backdrop. Inside, urban warmth, red brick, caramel leather, industrial touches, and warm lighting. They focus on farm-to-table wagyu, hinted at in the deep greens and leather accents. It’s order-at-the-counter, “Order Here. Find a Seat. Eat Good Meat.” No fuss. We started with The Classic, The Cheese, and wagyu fries. Coke Zero for me, watching my weight. Outside in the sun, I indulged in my second-favourite activity: people-watching. Zuney is perfectly placed on bustling Kloof Street. Our food arrived in crisp white boxes with clean branding. Unwrapping was like opening a gift. The Classic’s glossy bun revealed a perfect cross-section, soft yet structured, juicy patty with crisp edges, jammy onions, tangy pickles, and THAT secret sauce, creamy, tangy, slightly smoky, with a subtle heat. Addictive. The Cheese was the Classic plus cheese, creamy, rich, flavour-gluing perfection. Then the fries, fried in wagyu fat. Golden, crisp, nostalgic of the best fast-food fries but richer, meatier, with a flavourful spice mix. Perfect alone, even better as a sauce vessel. Full but committed, we moved to The Wacon, Classic and wagyu bacon. Not strips, rich, thick, brisket-like shreds sprawled over the patty. Smoky, savoury, tender, addictive. Lastly, The Vegan, skeptical at first, but wow. Special sesame bun, vegan sauce, and a tempeh patty that took me straight back to Indonesia. Earthy, umami, and authentic. Indo meets Africa. We ended with sweet potato fries, crinkly edges, golden glow, caramel-sweet with subtle seasoning. Almost dessert like Top 3 must-orders,The Wacon, wagyu fries, The Vegan. Great for lunch, dinner, or late-night. Friendly staff, fun music, perfect for people-watching. Yes, I’ve sent in my application to join the smash burger cult. Thanks Zuney!...

Visited in December 2024. South Africa. Capetown.

This burger joint has earned a reputation as Cape Town's best, and we were eager to sample their celebrated Wagyu burger. The restaurant itself is small and intimate, with only a handful of tables. The bright interior, enhanced by large windows, creates a welcoming atmosphere.

The Food:

The menu is concise, focusing primarily on burgers, fries and sweet potato fries as sides. Essentially, it's a single burger offering, customizable with additions like cheese and brisket pieces. We ordered one cheeseburger and one wacon & cheeseburger, along with both the fries and sweet potato fries. The presentation was impeccable; each burger arrived in a sturdy, grease-resistant box, minimizing mess.

The cheeseburger was truly exceptional. The patty was incredibly juicy, possessing a rich, meaty flavor and a beautifully tender texture. It was completely devoid of gristle, a testament to the quality of the beef. The harmonious blend of sauce and cheese created a succulent, perfectly balanced flavor profile, where each element complemented the others flawlessly. The soft yet slightly crisp bun played a crucial role in the burger's overall success.

The wacon & cheeseburger, however, fell slightly short. The addition of brisket pieces introduced a textural inconsistency; some pieces were tough, disrupting the otherwise tender and juicy experience, requiring more chewing effort. The fries, cooked in beef fat, were flawlessly executed—perfectly crisp and golden-brown. The sweet potato fries were equally delicious.

Service:

The service is self-service; orders are placed and paid for directly at the counter. Note that they are cashless—card payments only. Despite the self-service nature, the staff were friendly and helpful.

Conclusion:

This is undoubtedly one of the best burgers we've ever tasted, ranking among our top picks globally. If you're searching for a truly exceptional burger, look no further; they also offer delivery. Highly...

Zuney is more than just a burger restaurant it’s an experience worth repeating. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and attentive service, the kind that makes you feel truly valued as a guest.The burger I ordered was exceptional: perfectly juicy, cooked to the ideal temperature, and full of rich, balanced flavor. The high-quality beef, fresh toppings, and soft, lightly toasted bun came together beautifully, making it one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. You can tell each detail is crafted with care and passion for good food. I also tried the sweet potato fries, which were a delightful surprise crispy on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned just right to enhance their natural sweetness. They paired perfectly with the burger, adding a gourmet touch to the meal. The atmosphere at Zuney strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and refined taste, making it ideal for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a special gathering with friends. If you’re looking for a place that combines outstanding flavor, excellent service, and a welcoming environment, Zuney deserves to be at the top of your list. I left already planning...