America's most exclusive burger: NYC French restaurant only serves 12 per day - but what makes it worth the hype?

A trendy French eatery in New York City is serving up an off-menu cheeseburger that is earning rave reviews - for those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one.

Le Dive, a popular wine bar in Manhattan's Lower East Side, introduced its 'Dive Burger' last month.

It has been branded 'the best burger in New York City' by one food reviewer. But there is a catch: the kitchen only turns out 12 of them per day.

The ultra-exclusive item is served on an 'if you know, you know' basis. It cannot be ordered online, as it is off-menu fare.

Le Dive, a trendy French wine bar in New York City, has begun offering a secret 'Dive Burger' - but only 12 lucky diners will get to enjoy it each day

The eight-ounce patty is topped with au poivre sauce, Emmental cheese and watercress tossed in a Dijon-shallot vinaigrette. Diners have left rave reviews, including one TikToker who deemed it 'perfection'

The burger will set diners back $26, but it considerably heartier than Le Dive's other fare, which mostly includes small plates

 And unlike some other New York City eateries that serve 'secret burgers' upon request, Le Dive limits the number that the kitchen prepares each day.

The burger features an eight-ounce patty on a fluffy brioche bun, done up with fixings like au poivre sauce, Emmental cheese and watercress tossed in a Dijon-shallot vinaigrette.

It comes with a side of thin-cut French fries and will set diners back $26.

The burger has drummed up attention online, earning rave reviews from those fortunate enough to get a taste.

One food blogger, who goes by the handle @chewyorkcity, noted that she ordered 'as soon as she sat down,' fearing that it would sell out.

Another content creator filmed herself going to try 'by far the most exclusive burger in New York City' and offered advice to those wanting to do the same.

'Pro tip: they're currently not serving them at the bar, so make sure you're sitting at a table,' she said.

She claimed the Dive Burger was so good it left her 'at a loss for words'. 

The burger was announced in a promotional Instagram post on March 27, just five days before it began serving. It must be ordered in person and by special request

Le Dive is best known for its natural wine, which starts at $68 a bottle and can go up to $82

The Lower East Side eatery's heavier plates include roast chicken and steak frites

Le Dive's menu mostly consists of smaller plates, which, combined with the low supply, might explain the hefty price tag. 

Other offerings include tinned sardines, radishes and butter, and baguettes slathered in jam and fresh fruit.

However, there is some equally pricey fare including a $25 roast chicken, $34 steak frites, and $27 half-dozen raw oysters. Bottles of wine start at $68 and can cost up to $82 plus tax.

The Dive Burger was introduced in an Instagram update from March 27, five days before it was set to begin making its way to diners' tables. 

It is just the latest secret burger to crop up at restaurants across the Big Apple. 

The Brindle Room, an East Village gastropub, offers the 'Sebastian's Steakhouse Burger' to diners in the know.

While it is not offered on the dinner menu, the burger - which is topped with American cheese and caramelized onion and served on a toasted white bun - is one of the most popular items.

Secret burgers have even made an appearance at chain restaurants like Hillstone, the upscale eatery that shuttered its Midtown location last year.

The remaining Rose Hill location serves a 'Hickory Burger,' a grilled beef patty topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, a slab of Canadian bacon and the namesake hickory BBQ sauce.