LaGana

🍔🔥 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! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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.

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.

My wife and I enjoyed our time at this wonderful restaurant. Shoutout to the chef and his staff for making our first experience remarkable! LaGana is a top-tier spot for burger lovers in Raleigh, combining fresh, house-made ingredients with bold flavors. Whether you’re there for a burger, a creative side, or a decadent dessert, every dish feels intentional and well-executed. Highly recommended!

It was a cold and rainy Wednesday afternoon... I was in the mood for a burger. In came Lagana. Tucked away in Raleigh, this spot turned my gloomy day into a delicious one. The vibe inside is straight out of NYC — think small, stylish, and full of personality, with hip hop-inspired art scattered throughout. It had that cool, urban restaurant feel you don’t often find in Raleigh, which was a nice surprise. Now, onto the food. I ordered the signature Lagana burger with a side of tater tots. The burger was fantastic — juicy, flavorful, and thoughtfully built with fresh ingredients and a perfectly toasted bun. The tots were crisp and well-seasoned, definitely a step up from your average side. That said, the prices are a bit steep. I spent about $20 just for the burger and tots. It's not outrageous, especially given the quality and vibe, but definitely something to keep in mind if you're expecting a quick, cheap bite. Overall, Lagana is a great addition to the Raleigh burger scene — tasty food, cool atmosphere, and worth checking out when you're craving something elevated. Just be ready to pay a little extra for the experience.

Where do I start..This little cozy spot surpassed my expectations. Not only was this one the best burgers I ever had, the ambiance was dope and everyone was inviting. I would compare this burger to Au Cheval in Chicago. 10/10 Must try **Quick Note** Don’t get there close to closing because you might not get one..

This burger is second to none. The chef and food are incredible. We visited Puerto Rico at the end of December and these Tostones were better than any we had there. Get the chocolate cake, you won’t be disappointed. Yuca fries were delicious. I literally cannot rave enough about this place and can’t wait to go back.

Lagana is such an experience, definitely BEST burger in Raleigh!!! Tasty and the fusion of flavors is just PERFECT ! I tried the chesus with dominican fried cheese 😍

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

The food and atmosphere here is great! Very attentive service. Also loved the chocolate cake.