LaGana

Lagana Burger Review – Worth the Hype! They say Lagana Burger has the best burger in 2025, so we had to go try it — and honestly, it lived up to the buzz! The restaurant itself is nice and cozy inside, with a beautiful outdoor seating area that’s perfect when the weather is good. The customer service was friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in. Their menu is small, with just a few burger options and two types of fries, but that actually made it easy to choose. We ordered the burger with both styles of fries to try them out, and everything came out fresh and flavorful. The price is fair for the quality you get. The dining area feels intimate and fits the vibe of the place really well. The restroom was also super clean — and I loved the candle they had in there; it smelled amazing! (I’ll post pictures of it because it’s worth mentioning.) We enjoyed watching the cook prepare the burgers — you can tell he’s very professional and cooks with passion. I even asked his name but unfortunately forgot it. The burger itself was delicious, juicy, and well-made. If you’re really hungry, one burger might not be enough, but if you’re in the mood for a chill night out with a good burger and a glass of wine, this is the perfect spot. Parking is mostly street parking, and there are a few spots nearby. Just a heads-up — if it’s raining, you’ll probably have to walk a bit in the water. Overall, I’d definitely go back again for the same thing — the burger, the wine, and the cozy atmosphere.

What a fabulous fun and chill cozy vibe tonight !! The menu (altho small) is the best ever and absolutely exceeds expectations !! The Burgers what they are known for top-top on every level … salad perfect, tots, wine great and the chocolate cake best ever. Everything home made from scratch, Executive Chef Luis Zouain ~ surely has this wonderful place going in the correct direction !! See y’all again soon !!

Everything we got here was A.MA.ZING!!! We got the Tarheel Tostones and Mr. Thick to share and both were incredible. The burgers came out perfect and the tots were delish and crispy. The desserts looked amazing, but we got them to-go because we were so stuffed. Everyone there was super friendly and attentive and our food came out quickly. 10/10 recommend!

The BEST! Food was delicious. We got the zucchini salad, two traditional burgers, tots, and strawberry shortcake — everything was a hit! You have to save room for dessert… it’s made fresh in-house by the father of the father/son owner duo. The atmosphere inside is great, and there is some lovely outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. Staff is friendly and very attentive! I’ve been recommending LaGana to everyone since we tried it.

🍔🔥 My FAVORITE burger spot in Raleigh — hands down! 🔥🍔 The flavors here are absolutely exquisite 🤤 — like nothing else you'll find in the city! 🌆✨ Every visit brings something new with their rotating menu 🔄 featuring mouthwatering burgers 🍔, unique creations 🧠💥, and fun surprises 🎉. 👨‍🍳 Chef Luis is a culinary genius and the servers? Super friendly, always smiling 😄, and hilariously funny 😂💯. From the food 🍽️, to the sides 🍟, desserts 🍰, and drinks 🍹— everything is on point ✅💯 Can’t recommend it enough! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was the best experience in trying somewhere new. The menu is small but high quality ingredients and memorable flavors. The service was also amazing. Carlos Sr. the owner and pastry chef came to our table and chatted with us and took such good care of us. We will be back

A great experience with great tasting food and service. I got the bulgogi beef burger it had a great sear with seasoning that added to the flavor. The cucumbers added great texture. The yuka fries were perfectly fried great crunch but fluffy on the inside. The Mr. Thick a giant French trie was delicious with great crunch and toppings. The inside has a few seats with bar seating along with patio seating. Overall a great experience food was fantastic and great service. Will definitely be back when im in town.

La Gana is a vibe and its hands down the BEST burger in Raleigh. The pimento and plantains is delish. They skimped on the ketchup (and I’m a ketchup girlie) but the whole experience is so welcoming. From the moment we walked in the door to the second we left I felt like I was being hugged the whole time. Thanks La Gana team - we WILL be back. Next time we’ll try dessert too :)

Such good food and incredible service! We sat outside and it was a really nice experience overall. Definitely coming back!

Best Cheeseburgers/ smash burgers we've ever had. Fries are unique, delicious and incredibly crisp. Service is very warm, prompt and proactive. Overall, an excellent experience for burgers and related ambience. The freshly made food in a live kitchen is a huge plus.

If you are willing to push your tastebuds outside of the box, come here! I can't alone on a Friday night and it was perfect. They had plenty of seating appropriate for one or two people. The crowd was a mix of folks who appeared to be on dates and just friends hanging out. I also felt very comfortable solo as the tables are sized for one. With that in mind, I would hesitate to come here with more than 2-3 people in a group. By 7:30 pm the place was nearly full. Food comes out fast, so I would imagine not having to wait too long. The menu is small. 3 burgers to choose from along with 2 shareable and 2-3 sides. The waiter noticed me hesitate on something to choose and had someone from the kitchen come speak to me in-depth about the options. I ended up choosing one of their "seasonal" burgers and was not disappointed! It was cooked medium automatically, so they include a symbol to warn folks. Because the beef is a premium cut, I was totally comfortable vs my usual medium well burger (I'm medium on steaks for context). The side salad was also seasonal and a base of zucchini noodles. The cashew nuts on it added some sweetness and crunch that was needed. Because it's so different from anything I've ever had, it took some getting used to, but I never questioned the flavors and just how well they made sense. The drink menu is also very small with only 1-2 cocktails and a few beers and wines to choose from. I had their version of a margarita. It was solid. Not "craft cocktail" levels, but nice with my meal. They have an omakase on the menu and I'm anxious to come back one day and try. The quality of the food, the size of the portions, the quaint atmosphere and good music just made this place the perfect spot for a solo dinner on a Friday night. I will absolutely be back!

The cooks are passionate about the work they put into the food. And you can taste it--it's amazing, recommend trying the Mr. Thick and textbook. Place is this cool hipster cave. Great music, the atmosphere is not your typical burger joint--it's better.

A great experience with great tasting food and service. I got the bulgogi beef burger it had a great sear with seasoning that added to the flavor. The cucumbers added great texture. The yuka fries were perfectly fried great crunch but fluffy on the inside. The Mr. Thick a giant French frie was delicious with great crunch and toppings. The inside has a few seats with bar seating along with patio seating. Overall a great experience food was fantastic and great service. Will definitely be back when im in town.

These smashburgers were literally smashing. We had lunch here but would love to come back to try their dinner menu. Loved the tater tots and Yuca fries with our burgers. The ambiance is modern casual but the best seats are at the bar watching the kitchen in action. Looks like a popular place for lunch. Will be back.

Great burger joint! They have a couple small tables inside, bar seating and some outdoor tables. Would not recommend for a large group. I came with 2 other folks and we split 2 burgers, the big ass fry, and the bokoboko. I do wish the menu had a bit more descriptions for items. The big ass fry is one large fried stick, and it is more like mashed potato texture than fry, but delicious. The bokoboko at the time was spiralized zucchini with a green goddess sauce and nuts. It was delicious but also had quite the spice kick to it, which would have been nice to know prior to ordering. The have 3 burgers on the menu, and the textbook was delicious. Overall, would definitely return.

What a cute little spot. Definitely small and there will be a wait, especially on a Friday, but indeed one to check out. We actually went next door for a drink to wait and about 10 minutes later seats at the bar became available! The menu is small and simple with fresh ingredients! Probably one of the best burgers I've had in Raleigh! There was plenty of parking and the atmosphere was super chill.

My friend had told me that LaGana is now the best smashburger in Raleigh. On my latest visit, it was literally my first stop from the airport. I love a smashburger and knew I had to give this one a try. WOW! It did not disappoint, their "textbook" smashburger is everything you would hope for and more. They even use agyu beef! We sat at the large bar and could wash them smashing the patties on the griddle as the orders came through. I'm already dreaming about eating another one. We were in on a Thursday at 9pm and the place was a vibe. The music was loud and there were still plenty of people in there grabbing cocktails and food. My guess is it's a more chill vibe earlier in the day. We also tried the apps which were quite good. But, that burger.... just perfection!

While in a speakeasy that's located under Crawford & Sons a couple of weeks ago, we struck up a conversation with two gents who told us about this place and said Lagana offers one of the best burgers in town. Last Friday my wife and I decided to check it out. The restaurant is located on N West Street right off Capital Boulevard. There is a parking lot and outdoor seating. The place inside is small and a bit cramped. It reminded me of an old lunch counter type of place but modern with the decor and countertop. It was busy and the staff was bustling. We were able to get a seat and subsequently moved to the counter when space became available. They had run out of beer so wine it was. Simple straight up Prosecco & Pinot, west coast and nothing fancy. There are no cocktail offerings. My wife got the Text Book burger and I got the Miss Piggy which was described as being a Wendy's Baconator on steroids but better. I've never had that but this burger was delicious and full of flavor. We opted for an order of Tostonnes instead of fries which we spilt. It came with pimento cheese and they were delicious as well. The service was quick and attentive. While there the chef put some seasoned pork belly on the griddle and gave out samplers to us. It was delicious. Lagana's burgers are great, best in town, maybe. Definitely check this place out when in Raleigh.

LaGana is such a fun little burger joint. The design of the restaurant is smart for the little space they're working with. It's a fun date night spot but not for larger parties of 5+ people. Food wise, this is probably the best burger I've eaten in Raleigh. You can tell the beef is high quality and they put a lot of effort into the details of the toppings and condiments. I got the Seoul burger and my boyfriend got the textbook. I loved the spicy cucumbers on mine. I also enjoyed the crispy yuca fries. This is definitely a "treat yourself" sort of burger and I feel like for the price of the burger it should maybe include a side of fries. Nonetheless though, I would come back undoubtedly.

I came across LaGana on an Instagram reel and it lived up to the hype. The Wagyu patty was a nice touch and the tater tots were quality. The seasoning on the tots elevated this staple side to another level. The service was friendly and I enjoyed the diner feel of the restaurant. It was also a pleasant surprise to see the bar. Overall 9.5/10!

I was so disappointed when I heard that Prospects closed so when LaGana opened in their former space I knew I had to check it out. It's a small space with a fun casual vibe. The don't have a lot of seating but one of the best things is to sit at the counter to watch the magic happen. Service was excellent and attentive since we sat at the counter. Everyone checked up on us regularly. The chef made sure that our dietary needs were met. Food - There's nothing like a great smash-burger...& even better when it's made with quality beef. The burgers that we had (the Textbook & Miss Piggy) were both excellent. They were perfectly cooked in front of us, seasoned to perfection & had the crispy edges that I love in a smash-burger. We also order yuca fries & the bokoboko (a delish zucchini noodle salad with cashews & microgreens in a umami ladened fish sauce based dressing). The only disappointment we had was that they ran out of Mr. Thick, their big ass French fry. That leaves us with not option than to make another trip to LaGana.

What an amazing and relaxed dining experience. I love the design of the restaurant, it's kind of elevated artsy chic urban diner style, if that makes sense. The artwork is gorgeous and the music was great but not too loud. I always live an open kitchen concept and sitting at the bar gave us a front row seat to all the burger making. The staff was very helpful and the chef and owner was right there cooking and taking orders and giving suggestions which was wonderful. The food was delicious. Best burger I've had in a long time and I thoroughly enjoyed the yuca fries and the tots. They were both well seasoned, fresh and cooked to perfection. The portions were perfect and I felt satisfied without feeling stuffed. I'll definitely be back.

LaGana has an extremely small lunch menu but it was damn good. It was a beer for me then a smash patty for both my husband and I and we split an order of loaded tots and a piece of chocolate cake. I can't wait to return for dinner.

LaGana is an absolute gem. During lunch, they keep it simple with just one burger option--but honestly, that's all you need. The smash burger is executed perfectly: crispy edges, juicy center, and buns that are toasted just right. You can tell they've mastered their craft. The real surprise star? The tater tots. Perfectly crunchy and seasoned in a way that makes them totally addictive. It's the kind of side that doesn't play second fiddle--it elevates the whole meal. And whatever you do, don't skip dessert. They offer in-house made cakes that are just as impressive as the rest of the menu--rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. A perfect sweet ending to an already killer lunch or dinner. The space itself is small and cozy, ideal for solo diners or couples. Most of the seating is single tables or bar-style; there's limited group seating, and it's all outside. Probably not the spot for big gatherings, but perfect for a quick, unforgettable meal. Can't wait to go back.

Amazing burgers! Even when the place was jam packed after a holiday day the food was amazing!!! Best burger in Raleigh!

Very good. Very expensive. No idea how my husband learned that LaGana was a place that existed and was open but I'm glad he did. We're not burger people honestly. I'm almost never craving it and rarely order it out but we were heading downtown and this was one the way. Everything was really good. I loved everything I had. The staff was very nice. I liked the ambiance. Just keep in mind it's an upscale burger place! I would go again for sure.

Run to this place!! The best smash burgers in Raleigh!! Everything is fresh and made in house!!! Don't skip the dessert, that's made in house too!

Came here on a Friday night and it was hopping. They have a counter and small seating against the wall. We were fortunate to get some counter seats right in front of the owner chef Luis. Super friendly staff on a busy night. Smash burger was on point with some crispy edges and a just right toasted bun. Tostones were excellent and the spin on the salad was fantastic. Food was very well executed and we could see that chef Luis has a tremendous amount of passion in his food. A great experience and a must on the go to repeat list.

We had the pleasure of dining at the Omakase in June. Food, drinks, service and music were all outstanding! If you get a chance to get a seat you should jump at the chance.

Best burger i can remember, and the yuca fries were very nice! I cant have dairy but my wife assures me the cake was excellent. We mis-read closing time and showed up a couple minutes before closing, and they were incredibly friendly asking us to stay and even adding in the cake for free. Really cool, pretty new family run spot

Best burger in Raleigh. High quality beef cooked perfectly with thoughtful condiments make a delicious meal. The fries were excellent and a smart variation on traditional potato. I haven't tried the cake yet. Next time! Also, I should note the hours here on Yelp are not correct. They're open for lunch.

Tried LaGana for the first time a week ago, and I have been dreaming about the burger ever since. I was catching up with an old friend and spent several hours there. There was a steady flow of patrons all evening, the staff was incredibly friendly and hustled all the night. They made sure we were well taken care of. We even had the opportunity to chat with Carlos senior and taste some of his fantastic cake! For our meals we had the Miss Piggy, Riki Taki, tots and yuca fries. I cannot wait to go back to try a new menu creation!

LaGana is a really unique city-like spot on the outskirts of Glenwood. Friendly staff, cool decor, and incredible food. Don't be afraid to sit in close quarters with others. Everyone's friendly! The rotating menu is small but mighty - there isn't a bad item you can order. Will definitely be back with friends, staff mentioned a party potentially happening in October to celebrate 1 year! Hope to see them here for many more. Can't go wrong with the Textbook Burger - it's rated Best in Raleigh for a reason!

Really good smash burgers with unique flavor and crispy beef. Got the yuca fries as we were told they are a "crowd pleaser", and they did not disappoint! The yuca itself was not super flavorful but had a nice salty crispy texture and the pimento sauce it came with was amazing. Only negative was it is a bit on the pricey side, at $16-17 a burger.

30 minute drive to be met with a paper on the window saying they are closed until July 8th due to some repairs or whatever. Not taking the time to update open/closed hours on both Google maps and Apple Maps is an unprofessional behavior that disregards customers time and money.

My wife and I were visiting Raleigh from the Florida Keys, and our friends suggested this restaurant for the best smash burgers. This restaurant deserves more than five stars. It was by far the best Smashburger hands-down no competition. The owner Luis was very generous and very awesome. The restaurant is a hole in the wall, but very stylish and welcoming. The food was so good. I can't even describe it.

My husband and I stopped in at LaGana shortly before closing, as soon as we walked in, it was like we were in a movie. The restaurant has a great bar with cushy leather stools and really cool, locally made art. The owner and the bartender were both so kind and insistent that we sit and enjoy a bite. We got classic burgers and yuca fries. The burger was perfect- juicy, fatty and meaty but not overly heavy. The yuca fries were well fried and the seasoning was incredible. They have us a free piece of cake ( chocolate) which was the most incredibly rich chocolate cake I have ever had. They also have a monthly Omakase dinner with a prix fixe menu. We will certainly be back the food, staff and owners of this place make it an absolute gem.

Really good burgers. Yuka fries Tostones Tater tots - all good Great service Tight space, busy

The best smash burger ever everything is really good, I think they need to expand the place hahahah

Had a really good meal tonight - creative offerings very well prepared. Owner introduced himself & welcomed us in and service was attentive. Highly recommend and look forward to stopping in again when in Raleigh.

Food, services and ambiance is excellent. Food quality was excellent really good and staff was very accommodating and courteous.

I hate that I found my favorite restaurant a few weeks before moving! The food is consistently good and the staff is very friendly. It was my bday the third time I went and they went above and beyond for lil ole me! This will be the reason I come back to visit.

Really great burger in a small local place. It works because of both. Not cheap but this is also an experience.

I don't write reviews often, but when I do, it's for a good reason. Full disclosure, my son works here, so I had already heard it has the best everything. But true be told, he wasn't wrong! When I came in around 7:30 pm they were busy, but the staff (most who didn't know me) were welcoming and the service was fast. I had the Textbook and it was perfect. The seasoning is superb. I also had the yucca fries - also a treat. I paired it with a nice Pinot noir and finished it off with a piece of the amazing chocolate cake. My visit was great and the vibe of the place is awesome. Love the art and the chic feel to it. Overall, I could not have asked for a better meal and I got to watch my son at a job he loves. If you haven't been, you should try it! I wish I lived closer, I would be a regular.

I live in Chicago and will be traveling back for this Burger. 10/10 would recommend. Luis the owner was extremely kind and welcoming. The "Lunch Boi" burger was the best burger I've had in my life. Tots and Yuca Fries are must side addition! Also, the Hazy IPA has hit the spot.

Best burger we have had here in Raleigh. It doesn't have capacity (definitely a room not a big restaurant) so avoid going with a group larger than 2 unless you want to wait for a long time or sit outside. Definitely met hype expectations.

I don't regularly eat burgers, but when I do this is now my go-to spot. Awesome burgers combined with fresh ingredients and the perfect bun--like the kind you typically only see in commercials. Fantastic, welcoming staff and low-key hip ambiance. Check it out for a casual, chill spot to grab some lunch or dinner. And don't forget dessert... made in-house and absolutely worth it.

Fantastic! Best burger in Raleigh. Great service- great food. You can tell everyone there loves what they do. 10/10. Would recommend to anyone. No frills place with fantastic food.

Totally amazing burger joint. From the service to the food, everything was absolutely perfect! We had the Mr. Thick, the Tostones, the Yuca fries and the Textbook burger. I can't pick a favorite. And the house made ketchup was a nice touch too.

Such a sweet chef and excellent food! Stopped by and had a sample of delicious upcoming peaches and cream cake! Their Textbook burger with Textbook Cabernet is exceptional!

Just tried today. Very limited lunch menu, but the smash burger was the best I have had in the area. Not inexpensive , put fantastic, simple, and filling. Great vibe and super friendly service.

We stumbled upon this place and have now found our "go to spot". This cozy little spot packs a huge punch of flavor. The attention the whole staff pays to everyone is remarkable. Burgers were amazing, service was amazing, drinks were amazing. We can't wait to go back and try the salad. YES! salad. The chef was preparing one for a guest while we were sitting at the counter and it looked amazing.

One of the best meals I've had in ages. Good restaurants are so hard to find these days, but look no further. The appetizers in particular were delicious. I had the thick fry and the tostones, and they were heavenly. The pastry chef is so generous. He gave us lots of extra goodies on the house. The interior is cozy and unique. They play great latin music. I couldn't recommend this restaurant more.

You can't tell me there's a better burger spot than this location! This was hands down the most flavorful burger I've ever eaten on the east coast. The Tostones were so fresh. Sorry Mom, LaGana makes better Tostones and it's not even close. Freshness matters and it's 100% what you will get here. The team is so pleasant and inviting from the moment you walk through the door. I will definitely come back. Don't forget to try their cake. It's perfect to me!

The burgers here were incredible, especially the banh mi monthly special -- well-constructed and clearly a lot of thought was put into how the burgers were made.

This place is absolutely phenomenal. I'm surprised I haven't heard of it, I'm 5 months too late. This Piggy Burger for the bacon lovers was tremendous. Highly recommend. The Service was great as well!

Service as soon as walked in, was 10/10, impeccable! We sat at the bar. We were attended to immediately, was given suggestions on food. We got the textbook burgers, super yummy! The tarheel tostones was probably my favorite thing on the menu!! They had sparking red wine, oh so yummy! Didn't take pics because I ate everything hehe