Farm-raised Wagyu, queues of hungry diners and seriously satisfying burgers arrive at Nine Yards in Rosebank
There are burgers… and then there are burgers worth travelling for. When I first discovered Zuney Wagyu during a recent trip to Cape Town, I quickly realised this was firmly the latter. In fact, I was so impressed that I went back twice during the same visit. So when word spread that Zuney had opened in Johannesburg at the ever-buzzing Nine Yards, my curiosity quickly turned into full-blown anticipation.
Zuney arrives in Joburg with serious credentials. The Cape Town original built a loyal following almost immediately and was even voted Best Burger Joint in South Africa 2024. It’s not difficult to see why. Zuney isn’t simply another gourmet burger spot. The entire concept is built around a farm-to-table philosophy that begins long before the grill is fired up.
The restaurant sources its Wagyu beef directly from its own Zuney Valley farm, where the cattle are ethically raised with a focus on quality, sustainability and full traceability. That dedication to controlling every step of the process – from pasture to plate – is what sets Zuney apart. The result is a burger that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully crafted.
Arriving at the Rosebank branch on a chilly Jozi afternoon, it was immediately clear that the city had already taken notice. A lively queue of burger fans waiting for tables spilled out the entrance – always a promising sign when trying a newly opened restaurant.
Inside, the atmosphere carried the unmistakable buzz of a place hitting its stride. Diners leaned over trays of loaded burgers, conversation bounced between tables and the scent of sizzling Wagyu drifted from the kitchen.
We were welcomed and looked after by Ncasa, whose relaxed confidence and easy charm immediately set the tone for the afternoon. His enthusiasm for the menu made ordering feel less like a decision and more like a guided introduction to the Zuney experience.
For our first visit we decided to start with two of Zuney’s signature staples: the Classic and the Cheese burger. Both arrive built around the same philosophy – exceptional Wagyu beef allowed to shine without unnecessary fuss. Each burger features a juicy Wagyu patty layered with pickles, Wagyu-infused onions and Zuney’s house sauce, all tucked into a light brioche bun that holds everything together beautifully.
The result is exactly what a great burger should be: rich, juicy and deeply satisfying. There’s a distinctive depth to Wagyu that elevates the entire experience. The patties are tender without feeling heavy and the balance of acidity from the pickles and sweetness from the onions keeps every bite lively.
To accompany the burgers we ordered both Wagyu Fries and Sweet Potato Fries because choosing just one felt unnecessarily restrictive. The Wagyu fries, finished with beef fat, delivered that golden, crispy indulgence burger lovers dream about. The sweet potato fries provided a slightly lighter contrast, their natural sweetness rounding out the meal perfectly.
Of course, no visit to Zuney would be complete without trying the restaurant’s legendary Wacon Burger – a cult favourite layered with Wagyu bacon and unapologetic indulgence. Unfortunately it had sold out by the time we arrived. Ncasa, sensing our disappointment, insisted with a knowing smile that we simply had to return and try it. He was absolutely right.
A second visit soon followed and this time the Wacon Burger was firmly in our sights. Rich, smoky and gloriously indulgent, it more than lived up to the hype and confirmed exactly why Zuney has developed such a loyal following.
Beyond the burgers themselves, Zuney’s arrival adds another exciting layer to Rosebank’s rapidly evolving dining scene. Nine Yards is fast becoming a magnet for Johannesburg food lovers and the steady stream of diners lining up for burgers suggests Zuney has found the perfect home there. What makes the brand especially compelling is its ability to combine serious culinary credentials with the kind of comfort food people genuinely crave.
On a chilly Johannesburg afternoon, Zuney delivered exactly what we were looking for – deeply satisfying Wagyu burgers, perfectly crisp fries and the unmistakable buzz of a restaurant already becoming a Jozi favourite. If the queues are anything to go by, Johannesburg’s burger lovers have already made up their minds.
And honestly, after that Wacon Burger… it’s easy to understand why.