Choose a location

Or use your current location

Select

MERTIA

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
French Japanese South African
Location Pointer 20 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
4.9
(733 reviews)
RRR
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • WiFi
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50

Book a table

Favourite

At MERTIA, our values are at the heart and soul of everything we do. We prioritise sustainability, showcase South African heritage through global flavours, build communities and connections, and celebrate culinary craftsmanship - all while continuously evolving. We invite you to join us on this journey.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Technical, flavour-driven and nostalgic.

Named in honour of owner Marais Kirsten-Uys’s late grandmother, MERTIA has become a beloved fixture in Stellenbosch’s culinary scene. Set in a beautifully reimagined former banking hall, the space reflects the restaurant’s ethos: refined yet warm, sophisticated yet unpretentious. Chef Matt van den Berg brings precision, depth, and a touch of nostalgia, while Marais’ front-of-house finesse—honed in Michelin-starred restaurants—ensures an occasion that is both seamless and soul-stirring.

In early 2024, the pair set out to create a dining experience where elevated food feels relaxed, not rigid. “It’s accessible, interesting, and satisfying—something most South Africans will enjoy—and it won’t leave you hungry,” says Matt. That mission has clearly resonated with both locals and travellers, who return for the technical finesse and comforting familiarity woven into each dish.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (733)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Michelle Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26
    Mertia was absolutely spectacular. From the moment we arrived, everything felt so special - the setting is beautiful, the service is exceptional, and every course was completely memorable. The food was creative, refined and genuinely some of the best we have had in Stellenbosch. It is clear that so much thought and care goes into every detail of the experience. A truly world-class fine-dining restaurant and one we cannot wait to return to.

  • Rowan S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 18 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 18 Jun 26:
    Dear Rowan, thank you for your wonderful review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Tammy M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 17 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 18 Jun 26:
    Dear Tammy, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Lutz S. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 16 Jun 26
    Really amazing food and service!

    MERTIA responded on Wed 17 Jun 26:
    Dear Lutz, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia, in particular your kind words regarding our food and service experience. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Lisa Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Sun 14 Jun 26:
    Dear Lisa, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Carina G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 09 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 11 Jun 26:
    Dear Carina, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Mr Spiere Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 06 Jun 26
    We have been very fortunate to experience this art and orchestral performance by the ENTIRE team. My Wife has been there 4 times, and myself 3 times… the Novelty DOES NOT wear off. It feels like the menu keeps getting better and evolving, but maybe that is because every-time it has been absolutely perfect for the season? GO. DO IT. It is an experience of note.

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Vayden, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this amazing review! We're delighted to hear that you have once again enjoyed your time with us so much. Your kind words truly mean the world to us, and we'll be sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for your fourth visit and your wife for her fifth. Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Brenda L. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 04 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Brenda, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us again. It was a delight to host you for another memorable experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Peter B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 03 Jun 26
    A magical evening from start to finish. Attentive service, exceptional food and a story of love of the land and people of Stellenbosch Wonderful experience Thank you

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Peter, thank you for your amazing review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us so much. Your kind words regarding our food, service, and story mean the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

Show More
Book Now